What are cautionary poems?

Cautionary poems are literary works that serve as a warning or admonition, often conveying moral or ethical lessons through vivid and cautionary narratives. These poems typically aim to instill caution and prudence in readers by presenting the consequences of certain actions, behaviors, or choices. Many cautionary poems employ elements such as personification, symbolism, allegory, or narrative structure to create memorable, thought-provoking, and didactic verses that serve as a cautionary tale for readers to learn from and avoid repeating the mistakes depicted in the poem.