what is metaphysical poetry? What are its characteristics?

Metaphysical poetry usually refers to the works of several
17th century British poets.  The most commonly known is John Donne; however, there are
several others that fall into this category as well.  These poets used turns of wit,
metaphors, and conceits to look at philosophical, abstract, and intellectually fanciful
ideas.  Characteristics of these poems often included a deep and particular since of wit
expressed in odd metaphors or similes.  These poets were wildly different from the
others of their time.  They did not write about nature or mythological connections, but
rather they wrote about metaphysical concepts.  They were prompted by the new science of
the time and often fueled by religious convictions to look a how the things of this
world would translate into the eternal world.  The poem "Death be not Proud" by John
Donne illustrates some of these metaphysical ideals.