I don't think so, but I know many other people think free verse poems should have rhyme and meter. Since this question says "rhyme and meter" I am clustering those together and my answer is considering whether free verse poems ALWAYS have both rhyme and meter, not just rhyme (not to mention the different types of rhyme), or meter (not to mention the types of meter too).
And the use of the words ALWAYS in the question, almost forces me to answer "no." To me, there are ALWAYS exceptions to every rule. (HA- I need to practice what I preach, eh? LOL)
No rules, and usually no rhythm or rhyme.
Many poets write poems in free verse. Sylvia Plath's "Tulips" is written in free verse, just to name one.
There isn't a requirement of rhythm for a free verse poem.
There are no specifications when writing free verse poems. Because free verse poems do not use the traditional method of writing poems. It can be any poem with or without rhyme, it may not be good or follow any poetic pattern.
Free verse has variable rhythm.
Oh, dude, you're looking for free verse poetry. It's like poetry's rebellious phase where it's all about the rhythm without the need to rhyme. So, if you're into that whole "poetry without rules" vibe, free verse is where it's at.
Free Verse Poems
Traditional poetry is Literary art in which it is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in which free verse on the other hand is like free-styling your words and making it your own. It doesn't actually have to rhyme it just mainly blending in within the subject leading from one occurrence to another.
Free Verse is the poem that has no rhyme and it follows no regular meter.Reference: Stanza Forms discussed by Ms. Lavinia Villarde of Candon National High SchoolS.Y 2011-2012 I-newtonCsvaldez
A poem does not have to have rhyme or rhythm. Free verse poetry, for example, may not have a regular rhyme scheme or meter. Poetry can still be powerful and meaningful without adhering to traditional structural elements.
Free verse!
Free verse poetry does not follow a regular pattern of rhyme and rhythm. It often focuses on the natural flow of language and the poet's individual expression, allowing for more flexibility and creativity in structure.