puisi

Puisi, or poetry, is a form of literary art that uses language chosen for its sound, rhythm, imagery, and precision to express emotions, experiences, or ideas. It often relies on compressed syntax, figurative language, and carefully arranged line breaks and stanzas to create mood and meaning beyond straightforward prose.

In Indonesian usage, puisi is the general term for poetry. Traditional Indonesian forms include pantun and syair, which are compact verse structures that employ rhyme and refrain, as well as gurindam, two-line couplets that convey moral or practical maxims. Modern puisi encompasses free verse (sajak bebas) and experimental styles, reflecting diverse voices and social contexts.

Characteristics of puisi include imagery, metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration, rhythm, and repetition. Poets may use formal devices such as meter in some traditions, or favor free rhythm in contemporary work. The form is valued for its ability to evoke sensation and insight in a concise or open-ended way.

History and usage: Poetry has deep roots in many cultures and often accompanies performance, ritual, or education. In Indonesia, the modern puisi movement emerged in the early 20th century and has continued to evolve alongside national literature, addressing themes from personal longing to political and social change.

Puisi remains a dynamic art practiced in schools, literature magazines, and digital media worldwide, with translations enabling cross-cultural exchange. It is both a private encounter and a public expression, capable of inviting reflection across languages and eras.