A poem is a composition usually written in verse. Poems rely heavily on imagery, precise word choice, and metaphor; they may take the form of measures consisting of patterns of stresses (metric feet) or of patterns of different-length syllables (as in classical prosody); and they may or may not utilize rhyme. One cannot readily characterize poetry precisely.

Sanskrit lyrical poetry has not produced many works of any considerable length, but among these are included two of the most perfect creation of Kalidasa. Kalidasa's Meghaduta or \"cloud Messenger,\" is a lyrical gem. The theme is a message which an exile sends by a cloud to his wife dwelling far away, besides the expression of emotion. The descriptive element is very prominent in this fine poem. Another Kalidasa's Ritusamhara, or \"cycle of the seasons\". it is a highly poetical description of the six seasons into which classical Sanskrit poets usually divide the Indian year, with glowing descriptions of the beauties of nature, in which erotic scenes are interspersed.

A lyric poem of a very artificial character is the Ghata-Karpara or \"Potsherd\". The \"Chaura-Panchashika, or fifty stanzas of the thief', is a lyrical poem which contains many beauties. Its author is Kashmirian Bilhana.

The most important lyrical work is the Amarushataka or \"Hundred stanzas of Amarn\". The author is a master in the art of painting lovers in all their moods, bliss and dejection, and anger and devotion. He is especially skilful in depicting the various stages of estrangement and reconcialiation.

Gitagovinda or \"cowherd in song\", is written by Jayadeva the subject of the poem is the love of Krishna for the beautiful cowherdess Radha, the estrangement of the lovers, and their final reconciliation.'