Meter

Definition: the type of pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables; each pair is a foot

Example:  This line is a iambic pentameter because it has 5 feet of unstressed stressed syllables.
                              1.............. 2.................3..............4................ 5
                        Shall.I..|..com.PARE..|..thee.TO..|..a.SUM..|..mer’s DAY?

Explanation: Meters are important to poetry because they determine what rhythm the poem can have. Also, if you know what type of meter the poem is, the poem can be easily read, according to the rhythm.

Rhyme

Definition: a repetition of similar sounds at the end of 2 or more words, usually at the end of a line

Example:  I'm thinking of you
                 With joy and pleasure,
                 Remembering times
                 I'll always treasure.

Explanation: The major reason why people add rhyming into their poetry is because it makes the poem appealing and it entertains the reader. Also, it shows the reader your skill of allocating words into a rhyming sequence. In addition, it can make your words flow when the poem is being read.

Rhythm

Definition: a series of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem

Example: iambs have a rhythm of stressed unstressed pattern
                 That time of year thou mayst in me behold

Explanation: Rhythm is important to poetry because it can make your words flow a little easier. Also, putting stressed and unstressed syllables can put an emphasis on some emotions the poet is describing.

Onomatopoeia

Definition: noises or sounds that can be written into words

Example: BOOM!

Explanation: These noises can entertain the reader by adding sound effects to their poetry. Also, you can tell  that some kind of action is occuring in the poem.

Personification

Definition: giving an inanimate object human characteristics

Example: The wind howled through the night.

Explanation: Personification makes your poetry more fun and alive. Also, the reader can relate to these human qualities that are used in the poem.

Imagery

Definition: using your senses to describe objects

Example:  From this stanza, the imagery tells you that it's dinner time.

The winter evening settles down

With smell of steaks in passageways.

Six o'clock.

Explanation: Imagery helps you visualize what the poet is describing. It gets the reader to use their senses and think deeply on what they are trying to imagine.

Simile

Definition: comparing two objects using "like" or "as"

Example: The kids in our class are bright as stars.

Explanation: Similes are important to poetry because they can create more imagery and depth into your poems.  It gets the reader visualizing the objects described in the poem. Also, it makes your poem more entertaining to the reader.