Which type of poem is characterized as a non-narrative and typically shorter?

The type of poem characterized as non-narrative and typically shorter is the lyric poem. Lyric poetry focuses on expressing personal emotions and thoughts rather than telling a story, which distinguishes it from narrative poetry like ballads. Lyric poems often delve into the feelings and perceptions of the speaker, allowing for a rich exploration of themes such as love, nature, or melancholy. They can vary in structure and form but are generally concise, making them powerful vehicles for expressing emotion succinctly.

While elegies and odes can also be types of lyric poetry, they often carry additional specific themes or subjects—elegies typically mourn the loss of someone while odes celebrate particular subjects, which can lead to longer compositions. The brevity and personal focus of lyric poems make them distinctively fitting for the question asked.