Speculative poetry is a genre of poetry that focuses on fantastic, science fictional and mythological themes, also known as science fiction poetry or fantastic poetry. It is distinguished from other poetic genres by being categorized by its subject matter rather than by the poem's form; poet Suzette Haden Elgin defined it as poetry about a reality that is in some way different from existing reality. The Rhysling Award, first given in 1978 by the Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association, was the first major award for an individual speculative poem.
Facts
Place of Origin Notable ExampleThe Rhysling Award, first given in 1978 by the Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association 1 Defining TraitDistinguished from other poetic genres by being categorized by its subject matter rather than by the poem's form 1 FAQs
Where is speculative poetry published and recognised?
Because its subject matter resembles that of science fiction, fantasy and horror, it is often published by the same markets as short stories and novellas in those fields, and many authors write both speculative fiction and speculative poetry. Recognition has grown since the Rhysling Award began in 1978. In 2023 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association voted to let poets join for the first time since its founding in 1965.
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Originated In
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Sources
1. Wikipedia: Speculative poetry
History section
In common with the gradual recognition of science fiction and fantasy as distinct literary genres in the 1930s, science-fictional poetry began publication as a distinct genre in the pulp magazines of the United States.
Lead section
The Rhysling Award was the first major award for an individual speculative poem, first given in 1978 with the founding of the US-based Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association.
Lead section [defining-trait] [4]
It is distinguished from other poetic genres by being categorized by its subject matter, rather than by the poetry's form.
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