Metaphysical poetry refers to the poetry of John Donne and other 17th century poets who wrote in a similar style. It typically employs unusual verse forms, complex figures of speech applied to elaborate and surprising metaphorical conceits, and learned themes discussed according to eccentric and unexpected chains of reasoning. It echoes the words and cadences of common speech; the imagery is drawn from the actual life yet subtle, and the extended metaphors for such images are called conceits; the form is frequently that of an argument with the poet's beloved, with God or with himself.