Poetni

Poetni is a term used in some contemporary poetry discussions to denote a mode of poetics that blends elements of traditional verse with prose-like cadence and mixed media. The term has appeared in online journals and forum discussions since the early 2020s, though there is no formal, widely accepted definition.

Definition and scope: In practice, poetni is described as text that uses line breaks and spacing to create musicality and rhythm similar to poetry, but may adopt sentence-level syntax and narrative fragments more commonly associated with prose. It often emphasizes sonic texture, breath and tempo, and may incorporate multimedia or performative elements when read aloud or presented digitally.

Characteristics: irregular lineation, enjambment crossing paragraph boundaries, repetition, alliteration, fragmented syntax, colloquial speech, and varied typography. It is sometimes linked to digital or flash poetry and to the broader trend of hybridity in contemporary poetics.

Reception and usage: Because poetni is a relatively new or contested term, scholars disagree on its boundaries and history. Some view it as a distinct practice; others see it as a descriptive umbrella for several overlapping techniques within experimental poetry.

See also: poetry, experimental poetry, digital poetry, found poetry, lineation.