What term is used to describe the divisions within a poem, similar to paragraphs in prose?

The term used to describe the divisions within a poem, akin to how paragraphs function in prose, is "stanza." Stanzas group lines of verse together, providing structure and helping to organize ideas or themes within the poem. Just as paragraphs in prose separate different thoughts or sections of text, stanzas serve a similar purpose in poetry, marking shifts in tone, perspective, or subject matter.

In contrast, "verse" generally refers to a single line of poetry or to poetry as a whole rather than indicating divisions. "Section" is a more generic term that could apply to any part of a written work, but it is not specific to poetry. Lastly, "line" denotes a single row of text in poetry, which is smaller than a stanza. Recognizing these definitions helps clarify why "stanza" is the most appropriate choice in this context.