Pastiche in poetry refers to a deliberate stylistic imitation or amalgamation of multiple literary voices, genres, or historical periods, often without satirical intent, to celebrate, explore, or recontextualize aesthetic traditions; unlike parody, which critiques through exaggeration, pastiche honors its sources by weaving together recognizable elements—such as mimicking the diction of Romantic odes while incorporating modernist fragmentation—to create a hybrid text that comments on literary heritage, questions authorship, or constructs a dialogue across time, as seen in the work of poets like John Ashbery or Anne Carson who blend classical allusion with contemporary idiom.

Work imitating another's style without satirical intent, as homage. Distinguished from parody by respectful tone. Related to imitation. Requires style mastery. Useful for learning through mimicry before finding own voice.