Poetry is a deeply felt, deeply moving language, written or spoken in special form. This kind of language says more and says it more intensely than does ordinary language. It formulates a concentrated awareness of experience in language, chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound and rhythm. Poetry is compressed language and thought that implies more than it says. Poetry is literature in verse form. The good news about children’s poetry is its plentiful supply. Current poetry addresses contemporary themes and experiences that children can appreciate.
Children see poetic language as natural unless they have had negative experiences that turn off their interest in this form.