godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
compose a poem; write a poem
Specifically for composing Japanese poetry (和歌, 俳句, etc.). The object is the poem itself or the theme used in the poem.
彼は桜を詠んだ短歌を発表した。
He published a tanka poem he composed about cherry blossoms.
この句は芭蕉が旅先で詠ん
This haiku is one that Bashō composed while traveling.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
recite a poem; chant a poem
Used for reciting or chanting poetry aloud, often in a traditional or formal setting. Less common than the composing sense.
歌会で一人ずつ和歌を詠んだ。
At the poetry gathering, each person recited a waka in turn.