One type of poem that does this is the haiku. It typically has a specific syllable count and can convey a story or a moment in just four lines. But there are other forms too, like some simple rhyming quatrains that tell a tale.
A ballad stanza is another possibility. These usually have a certain rhyme scheme and meter within the four lines and can be used to tell a story. It really depends on the style and the poet's intent.
Well, a lot of types of poems can tell a story. Like epics that are grand and sweeping tales. Then there are lyric poems that might tell a personal or emotional story in a more intimate way. It really depends on the poet's intention and style.
Narrative poems often have a clear plot. They introduce characters, like heroes or ordinary people. There's a sequence of events that unfolds, usually with a beginning, middle, and end. For example, in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, it tells the story of a mariner's journey and his encounter with supernatural elements.
A ballad might fit the description. Ballads often have a narrative structure and poetic language to convey a story with emotions and details.
A poem that tells a story often has a clear plot. Just like in a prose story, there is a beginning, middle, and end. For example, in 'The Tortoise and the Hare' fable - like poem, it starts with the hare's overconfidence, then the race in the middle, and finally the tortoise winning at the end. Another characteristic is the use of characters. There are identifiable entities in the poem that drive the story forward, like the mariner in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'.
One characteristic is a clear narrative arc. Just like in a story, there's a beginning, middle, and end. For example, in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Coleridge, it starts with the mariner setting sail, then there are the events of him shooting the albatross and the subsequent misfortunes, and finally his redemption. Another characteristic is characters. Poems that tell stories often have well - defined characters, even if they are not fully fleshed out like in a novel. Also, there's usually a setting which helps to create the mood. In 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' by Tennyson, the setting of the battlefield is vividly described.
A poem that tells a story is called a narrative poem.
Epic poems are another kind that tells a story. They are long and elaborate, often describing heroic deeds and adventures of significant characters. Examples include Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
One example could be 'The Ballad of John Henry', which tells the story of a steel-driving man's battle against a steam drill.
A poem that tells a story is usually called a narrative poem. These poems have a plot and characters, similar to a short story but in verse form.