* Poet: This is a general term for someone who writes poetry. It encompasses all kinds of poets, from those who write sonnets to those who write free verse.
* Bard: This term carries a bit more weight and historical context. Historically, a bard was a professional poet, often associated with storytelling, music, and oral tradition. They were frequently attached to a court or a specific patron, and their poems often celebrated heroes, gods, and historical events.
So, while every bard is a poet, not every poet is a bard.
Think of it this way:
* Poet: Like a general term for someone who writes poetry.
* Bard: A more specific type of poet, often with a historical or traditional connection.
Here are some examples:
* William Shakespeare is considered a poet, but he was also a playwright and actor.
* Homer is considered a bard because he was a storyteller who composed epic poems that were passed down orally.
* Robert Frost is considered a poet, but he is not typically thought of as a "bard" in the traditional sense.