IV. Meter: The Measure of the Line

Part IV of VII Essays on the tenets of poetics

At its core, poetry is an art form rooted in sound. Part III: Rhythm, provided an overview of the history of poetic lyricism—long before poems were written down, they were spoken, chanted, and sung. The rhythmic quality of a poem is what gives it a musicality that can captivate a listener, evoke emotion, and create a memorable experience. This internal pulse is known as its rhythm, and the formal, organized system of that rhythm is called meter. Understanding how to identify and analyze a poem's rhythm is a fundamental skill for any reader of poetry, as it unlocks a deeper appreciation for the poet's craft.