From Greek 'poiēma' (thing made), from 'poiein' (to create) — a poem is literally a crafted creation.
A piece of writing in which words are arranged in rhythmic lines.
From Old French 'poeme,' from Latin 'poēma,' from Greek 'poiēma' meaning 'thing made, composition,' from 'poiein' (to make, to create). A poem is literally a 'made thing' — something crafted. Key roots: poiein (Greek: "to make, create").