* Origins are shrouded in time: The earliest forms of human communication, like storytelling, likely predate written language. It's impossible to know if these oral traditions were more poetic or prosaic.
* Poetry and Prose are intertwined: Early written forms often blurred the lines between poetry and prose. For example, epic poems like the *Epic of Gilgamesh* blend narrative and poetic elements.
* Definitions are fluid: The distinction between poetry and prose is not always clear-cut. Some texts may be considered both.
Instead of asking "which came first," it's more accurate to say:
* Prose and poetry have co-existed for a long time. Both forms have played crucial roles in human expression throughout history.
* Early forms of communication likely contained elements of both.
Ultimately, focusing on the origin of each form isn't as important as appreciating their rich and interwoven history.