How Is Poetry Different? Poets often express an idea in few words. They also arrange the text in lines. These are two ways in which poetry is different from other forms of writing. In most fiction and nonfiction, the text is arranged in sentences and paragraphs.

The lines of a poem may be short or long. Some poems have a mix of short and long lines. A poet may arrange the lines to create a certain feeling, or mood. For example, short, simple lines may create a happy mood.

Practice Together

Look at the Poem Read the first two lines of the poem “When I Grow Up.” Notice that the lines are about the same length. Look at the punctuation at the end of each line. Notice that the second line does not start with a capital letter or express a complete thought.

I want to be an artist, Grandpa—

write and paint, dance and sing.

Read and Discuss Reread the poem. Notice that the lines form three parts. The first two lines and the last two lines give one point of view. The other lines are from a different point of view. Tell who the speakers are.

Notice the space in the middle of the poem. Sometimes open space shows distance between people. Tell how it affects the meaning and the feeling, or mood, of the poem.

Try It!

Read the poem at the right. With a partner, answer these questions:

• • What is the poem about?
• • How are the lines arranged?
• • How does the poem make you feel? What words or lines create that feeling?

Then share your answers with a group.