What is the difference between poems and poetry?

Poetry is the genre - the type of literature.

Poems are individual pieces of writing.

Poems and poetry are related terms, but they have distinct meanings. To understand the difference, let's break down each term separately.

A poem is a specific piece of writing that follows a particular structure, rhythm, and rhyme scheme. It is a form of literary expression that typically consists of verses or lines arranged in stanzas. Each poem can have its own unique theme, topic, and message.

Poetry, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the entire body of work associated with the art form. It refers to the creative and artistic expression of ideas, emotions, and experiences through the skillful use of language, imagery, and other poetic devices. Poetry can include various forms such as sonnets, haikus, free verse, odes, and more.

In simple terms, poetry is the broader concept that encompasses all types of poetic writing, while a poem is a specific instance or example of that poetic expression.

To summarize, think of poetry as the larger category or genre that includes all forms and styles of creative writing using poetic techniques, and a poem as a singular piece of writing within that broader category.