In general, love poetry is written to convey love as it is experienced in a variety of relationships. This may include romantic love, either enduring or unrequited. Love for a parent or sibling may also be expressed in love poetry. Many poets have written love poetry to express their feelings for a cherished pet or for the great outdoors. Love poems may include a rhyme or a sonnet, often expressing great happiness or sadness.
One type of love poetry expressing love for people, places, or things, may be constructed as a sonnet. A sonnet will consist of exactly 14 lines that rhyme, and may be humorous or heartfelt. The poem will often tell a story, or express one's thoughts and emotions.
Love poetry written from a humorous standpoint may be composed as a limerick. A limerick written about love will have five lines and the poem must rhyme. The subject may describe romantic love or love of any person, place, or thing.
Many poets have written epic poems expressing love. In this narrative form of poetry, an awe-inspiring story may be told. The poet may express his love for nature, or his love for his country. Other love poems written as an epic may tell the story of an everlasting romantic love. Epic poetry is generally the most lengthy of all.
Many poets have written verses telling of broken romance and lost love. The subject of tragic love has been depicted in famous poems for many centuries. Many readers of poetry believe they can relate to tragic love poems, as they too have experienced lost love. Poets often compose their work as a means of emotional self healing.
Romantic love poems are a way many poets express their feelings to a loved one. Some writers compose their love poetry for private communication. Poetry may be a way of expressing emotions the poet might not otherwise be able to convey through verbal communication.
Animal lovers often write poems expressing love for a pet. Children who lose a beloved pet may be encouraged to write a poem as a means of honoring their lost pet. Many experts believe composing a heartfelt tribute to a pet can help a child heal.
Those who admire nature often write poetry depicting their love for the outdoors. This type of poetry may express the joy of watching a beautiful sunset, or listening to the peaceful sounds of birds singing in harmony during the early morning hours. Enjoying a scenic landscape or watching the ocean's waves may also inspire love poetry.