Poetry is writing that the author arranges in a manner other than sentences and paragraphs. Poets generally intend for their poetry to stir the emotions or imaginations of their readers. You can find poetry that's simple and straightforward, or you might write poetry that's complex and laden with symbolism. Poems can follow a strict rhyme or rhythm pattern, or they can be looser and freer in form. The genre of poetry covers a wide array of writings, from children's nursery rhymes to epic poetry from ancient writers to scriptures to today's hip hop songs.