What is prose poetry?
A hybrid genre that combines the elements of both prose and poetry.
Prose Poetry: When Boundaries Blur
Prose poetry is a unique form of expression that challenges us to think about the boundaries between the genres of prose and poetry. Unlike traditional poetry, which is often defined by its form and structure, prose poetry emphasizes the cadences and rhythms of everyday language to create meaning. At the same time, it also shares many of the conventions of prose, including the use of narrative, character, and setting to tell a story.
The origins of prose poetry can be traced back to the French Symbolists of the early 20th century, who sought new ways of blending the poetic with the prosaic. Today, the form remains a popular mode of creative expression for writers who want to explore the rich possibilities of language beyond the traditional boundaries of genre. Whether you're drawn to the lush imagery of poetry or the narrative power of prose, prose poetry offers a unique opportunity to blur these distinctions and create something truly original and compelling.
Prose poetry has been used by numerous writers throughout history to blur the lines between poetry and prose and create something truly unique. Here are two examples that demonstrate the richness and power of the form:
The Back Country, published in 1968 by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gary Snyder, is a seminal work of American prose poetry that fuses Buddhist philosophy with the rhythms and cadences of the natural world.
In Autobiography of Red, Anne Carson tells the story of a young boy named Geryon through the lens of Greek mythology, crafting a series of vibrant and evocative prose poems that explore the complexities of love, loss, and identity.