What is Poetry, anyway?

"Poetry is the practice of creating artworks using language. Sculptors use marble, steel, cardboard, goose liver pate, whatever material they choose. Musicians use sound. Painters use paint. Furniture makers use woods and fabrics. And poets use language... Poets are interested in exploring experience through the written word. That includes any experience you can have as well as the experience through the written word. That includes any experience you can have as well as the world of your dreams and fantasies...The poet takes all these kind of experiences and the emotions and feelings they bring with them, and makes them into art through the way he uses language. And that - because you use language, too - gives you an instant link to poetry as well." Poetry for Dummies by The Poetry Center and John Timpane with Maureen Watts.