What makes a poem “free verse”?

Free verse poems do not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter, allowing the poet greater flexibility in expressing their ideas and emotions. They are characterized by their lack of traditional structure, allowing for more experimentation with line breaks, imagery, and language. Free verse poems often rely on the natural cadence of everyday speech and can vary in length and form. Ultimately, free verse poems do not conform to any set rules or guidelines, giving the poet the freedom to create a unique, individualistic piece of work.