What is poetry?

I would like to see other responses to this.

Recently, I got into a bit of a quarrel with one of my fellow AP users. The subject? What poetry really is.

I have noticed that poetry is different for everyone. To every single person, poetry has a different definition.

Here's what Dictionary.com says:

po⋅et⋅ry  /ˈpoʊɪtri/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [poh-i-tree]

–noun
1. the art of rhythmical composition, written or spoken, for exciting pleasure by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thoughts.
2. literary work in metrical form; verse.
3. prose with poetic qualities.
4. poetic qualities however manifested: the poetry of simple acts and things.
5. poetic spirit or feeling: The pianist played the prelude with poetry.
6. something suggestive of or likened to poetry: the pure poetry of a beautiful view on a clear day.


Here's what this fellow AP user and I have to say on the subject---


Poetryrevolution79: poetry can be easily explained as being life itself, life described in the words of those who create life to express there view on the world they live in. whether that be your taste or simple imagination or other things you wish to to be.


AutumnsFlame (me): I'd say your statement on poetry is pretty agreeable, but in my opinion, the English language is beautiful and it should be expressed that way too. A poem without beauty is like a rainbow without color. YES, I agree that poetry is life in words, but in my opinion, it should be expressed with color, and thought. Blind scribbles are meaningless. THOUGHT is what makes for a good poem. Showing that you thought about the words on the page shows effort, and the fact that you really care about what you are writing.


What is everyone else's opinion on this? What do YOU think poetry really is?