No, it's not a typo. And no, it has nothing to do with Edgar Allen Poe...
A poessay has the brevity and frugalness of language (every word counts), but also expresses an opinion in a poetic form. The opinion can be expressed explicitly or implicitly, in a minimalist manner.
This is a great writing activity for middle schoolers (who are so self centered) and high schoolers (who think they already know it all).
Below are some examples of poessays I got off the internet several years ago. By now, there are probably more...
Tastes Good
What
a sight
to behold!
expensive
cars
and
their owners
either
parked
or
waiting
in line
to
receive
hamburgers
and
french fries
making
it clear
to all
the world
how
much easier
it is
to acquire
an
expensive car
than
good taste
in food
when
you left
for
the front
you were
living heroes
and now
you're on top
of the hill
where only
poppies
blow
----Jan Theuninck
None for the Road
Alcohol
is
for people
who
can't
get drunk
on
life
Penalty
soccer
players
should
be
on the
field
practicing
soccer
and
not sleeping
in
the
classroom
dreaming
their
teacher
is
going
to
give
them
a pass
----Harvey Wendell
