means A piece of writing—often in verse, with rhythm or imagery—that uses language for emotional or aesthetic effect rather than plain communication.

from From Greek 'poiema,' meaning 'a thing made' or 'a creation,' from the verb 'poiein,' 'to make.' A poet was literally 'a maker.' The word traveled through Latin 'poema' and Old French 'poeme' into English. So at its root, a poem isn't sung or felt—it's built, the way a chair or a cathedral is built, with the maker's hands all over it.