The Economy of Expression: A Poet’s Way of Communicating

Yassie
Mar 26
2 min read

Poetry earns its reputation through the economy of expression. Creatinuum EP 53 “Between the Lines and Stanzas: A Brief Discussion on Poetry” dissects the craft of poetry.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels

On the surface, poetry is known as a form of literature where the lines end in rhymes, but it is more than that. It evokes emotion through rhythm and imagery, engaging the five senses like prose would but with a heightened awareness of language and form.

What Makes Poetry Different?

Unlike writing fiction, poetry often presents the challenge of condensing depth within limited lines and structured stanzas. This challenge of limitation makes poetry stand out as an esteemed form of literature.

However, poetry can also defy its limitations. It can exist without strict structure, in forms such as free verse. Various forms of poetry thrive on the interpretation and emotion that take shape in the reader’s mind.

The Modern Economy of Expression in Poetry

As language and technology evolve, poetry adapts. The rise of commercial short-form poetry, often associated with social media, has introduced a new layer to the discussion of economy in expression. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have popularized poetry that is short, digestible, and designed for quick impact.

Some argue this shift dilutes poetry’s artistry, reducing it to simple statements lacking depth. Others see it as an expansion of poetry’s accessibility, bringing new audiences into the fold. Regardless, this modern adaptation aligns with poetry’s core principle: powerful expression within limitation.

Poetic Expression in Spoken Word

While commercial short-form poetry distills meaning through brevity, spoken word takes it to another level by adding performance. Rhythm, tone, and delivery shape the audience’s experience, proving that economy in poetry is not just about word count but also impact.

Unlike traditional written poetry, spoken word thrives on how words are spoken rather than just how they are structured on a page. The pause between phrases, the emphasis on a syllable, the speed of delivery—all become tools of expression. This form, while distinct from social media poetry, similarly modernizes poetry’s reach, bringing it into live spaces and fostering immediate audience engagement.

Borrowing Poetic Techniques for Your Writing

Poets offer a wealth of techniques that all kinds of writers can apply. Novelists like Margaret Atwood and Ocean Vuong have shown how poetic techniques can enrich storytelling, while journalists, essayists, and even business writers can use them to make their work more impactful. Experimenting with poetic structures, from haiku-inspired microfiction to rhythmic prose, can help writers refine their voice, balancing artistry with clarity.

Poetry Lives On

Poetry’s evolution continues to raise questions about the relationship between conciseness and meaning. Does the demand for quick consumption reduce poetry’s depth, or does it refine the art of saying more with less?

In truth, the core principle of economy in expression remains unchanged. Whether through a meticulously structured sonnet, a micro-poem on Instagram, or a spoken word performance, poetry continues to thrive on its ability to condense human experience into as few words as possible—proving that sometimes, less truly is more.