A Shape poem (also known as a Concrete Poem) is a type of poem in which the writing takes the shape of whatever theme or element is being portrayed throughout the poem. In other words, the writing forms a pattern or a specific shape to give a greater effect to the writing that is being shown to the readers and/or audience. This type of poetry can give the author or poet the freedom to write and create virtually anything. For example, if the writer was creating a poem about a ball, they could write the words into the shape of a circle.
Although the term of concrete or shape poetry is rather innovative and contemporary, we can trace the use of said poetry back centuries. In fact, the earliest traces for the use of shape poetry can be found all the way back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BCE in Greek culture. Shape poetry has also made appearances throughout war time eras as an abstract art form and form of language as well.
Poetry written in the shape or form of an object. Shape poems do not have to take the form of the object it describes. This form is different than a concrete poem, in that a concrete poem takes the shape of the object it describes.
Example
CHAMPAGNE by Dawn Drickman
CHAMPAGNE, CORKED BOTTLES OF EFFERVESCENT FUN
SWEET AND FRUITY TO THE TASTE, OR MAYBE EXTRA DRY
A TINY GLASS OF BUBBLING, POPPING, SPLASHING FUN
MAKE A CHOICE, BRUT, SPARKLING, OR SIMPLE ROSE
WHEN ON A FRUGAL BUDGET, ANDRE’S PINK
DOM PERIGNON FOR THE WEALTHY
KORBEL FOR UNDER TWENTY
PRICED JUST RIGHT
FOR YOU
"C"
"O"
"L"
"D"
"C"
"H"
"A"
"M"
"P"
"A"
"G"
"N"
"E"
IS SO
DELICIOUS
"HAVE A GLASS TONIGHT"
[n] the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance; "geometry is the mathematical science of shape"
[n] the visual appearance of something or someone; "the delicate cast of his features"
[n] any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline); "he could barely make out their shapes through the smoke"
[n] alternative names for the body of a human being; "Leonardo studied the human body"; "he has a strong physique"; "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak"
[n] a perceptual structure; "the composition presents problems for students of musical form"; "a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them"
[n] a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept; "a circle was the embodiment of his concept of life"
[n] the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of shape')
[v] give a shape or or form to; "shape the dough"
[v] shape or influence; give direction to; "experience often determines ability"; "mold public opinion"
[v] make something, usually for a specific function; "She molded the riceballs carefully"; "Form cylinders from the dough"; "shape a figure"; "Work the metal into a sword"
Synonyms
anatomy, bod, build, cast, chassis, condition, configuration, conformation, contour, determine, embodiment, figure, flesh, forge, form, form, form, form, form, form, frame, human body, influence, material body, mold, mold, mould, pattern, physical body, p