Setting the Narrative

Young students often assume that the difference between fiction and poetry is that fiction tells stories and poetry doesn't, but there is a whole sub-genre called narrative poetry that does exactly that. Moreover, a poem can often tell a story in far fewer words, allowing the reader to fill in the gaps with his or her own personal emotions. Take this narrative poem by junior Ruth Ruiz, for example:

Remarkable Memories

They sit by each other, full of delight

A subtle picnic at the lively park,

Fruit tarts and butterflies all in the sight

A memory they will surely remark,

But now, they sit several miles apart

Never to meet once again

A lovely connection through their heart

Lost and shattered with glass of pain