Here are some perspectives:
On the surface:
* Words: Poems are built with words, chosen carefully for their sound, meaning, and rhythm.
* Form: They often follow specific structures like sonnets, haikus, or free verse, each with its own rules and limitations.
* Imagery: Poems paint pictures in your mind with vivid descriptions and sensory details.
* Figurative language: Similes, metaphors, personification, and other literary devices add layers of meaning and make the language more powerful.
Deeper down:
* Emotion: Poems express feelings, thoughts, and experiences. They can be joyful, sorrowful, angry, or contemplative.
* Ideas: Poems can explore themes, concepts, and philosophies. They might challenge your beliefs or offer new ways of seeing the world.
* Rhythm and sound: The arrangement of words creates a rhythm and musicality that can evoke specific moods or emotions.
* Voice: Each poem has a unique voice, reflecting the poet's personality and perspective.
Ultimately:
* Meaning: The most important thing a poem is made of is meaning. It's the message the poet wants to convey, the connection they hope to make with the reader.
So, poems are made of words, but they also contain emotions, ideas, sounds, and meaning. They're complex and multifaceted, and each reader brings their own understanding to the experience.
What do you think poems are made of? What elements do you find most compelling?