Which type of verse lacks regular patterns of poetic feet but has more controlled rhythm than prose in terms of pace and pauses?

The type of verse that lacks regular patterns of poetic feet but maintains a more controlled rhythm than prose is free verse. Free verse poetry does not adhere to traditional meter or rhyme schemes, allowing poets greater flexibility in expression and style. This form of poetry prioritizes the natural rhythms of speech, which means it can have varied line lengths and a more conversational tone while still employing pacing and strategic pauses to enhance meaning.

In contrast, iambic meter features a specific pattern of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables, creating a predictable rhythm that can become quite structured. Blank verse, while it also does not rhyme and is typically written in iambic pentameter, still adheres to a consistent metrical pattern. Metric verse involves a set meter and often a rhyme scheme, making it more regular than free verse. Hence, free verse stands out for its unique ability to blend the freedom of expression with a controlled rhythm, making it the correct answer.