What describes poems that do not conform to established patterns of meter or rhyme?

Free verse describes poems that do not conform to established patterns of meter or rhyme. This form of poetry allows for flexibility in structure, focusing instead on the rhythm of natural speech, imagery, and expression of emotions, rather than adhering to traditional formal constraints. As a result, poets who choose free verse can explore a wide range of themes and emotions more freely, enabling a distinctive personal voice.

Other forms of poetry, such as sonnets, ballads, and haikus, typically follow specific patterns regarding rhyme scheme and meter. Sonnets, for example, have a set structure of 14 lines with a specific rhyme scheme. Ballads are narrative poems often written in a fixed form, featuring regular meter and rhyme schemes. Haikus are structured in three lines with a prescribed syllable count. Therefore, free verse stands apart by allowing complete freedom in style and form, making it the correct choice for this question.