The beat of a poem is commonly referred to as its “meter.” Meter is the structured pattern of rhythm in a line of poetry, created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables. It establishes the flow and pace of the poem, contributing significantly to its overall feel and musicality.
For example, in English poetry, iambic pentameter is a well-known metrical form where each line consists of five pairs (or feet) of syllables, with each pair having an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (da-DUM). This rhythm provides a natural flow that can enhance the poem’s themes and emotional impact.
Understanding the meter helps readers appreciate the craft of poetry and the intended musicality behind the words. It also allows poets to manipulate rhythm for effect, using variations in meter to emphasize certain ideas or emotions.