A poem that analyzes, critiques, or comments upon literary, cultural, or theoretical subjects, blurring traditional boundaries between poetry and critical essay. This form became prominent in Language poetry movements and academic poetry, where poets engage directly with theoretical concepts, interrogate literary conventions, or offer meta-commentary on the act of writing itself, treating poetry as a vehicle for intellectual investigation rather than purely emotional or aesthetic expression.

Blurs line between poetry and essay. Often politically engaged or theoretically informed. Associated with Language poetry movement and academic poetry.