(DC) Lesson Topic 2: Free Verse

Many people consider free verse to be a modern form of poetry. The truth is that it has been around for several centuries; only in the 20th century did it become one of the most popular forms of poetry. Its popularity stems from the belief that free verse is poetry without rules; after all, it does not rhyme, and it does not have a meter.

It is not that free verse doesn't have any rules; rather, the poet makes up the rules for each poem.

Here is a free verse poem by Walt Whitman.

I Dream'd in a Dream

by Walt Whitman

I dream'd in a dream I saw a city invincible to the attacks of the

whole of the rest of the earth,

I dream'd that was the new city of Friends,

Nothing was greater there than the quality of robust love, it led the rest,

It was seen every hour in the actions of the men of that city,

And in all their looks and words.

Here are the characteristics of free verse poetry. Does Whitman's poem portray these characteristics?

• No set line length
• No set rhythm
• No rhyming pattern
• Way of conveying ideas and feelings
• Carefully crafted word picture

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