Rules for Fools?

Tell me if you agree with any or all of the following:

• Poetry should be written in plain language that anyone can understand.
• Poetry should have meaning.
• Poetry should rhyme.
• Poetry should not rhyme.
• Poetry is written in stanzas.
• Poetry should include figurative language.
•  Poets should always use correct grammar and punctuation.
• Poets are free to break the rules of language as they see fit.

In my personal life, I like it best when I'm not being told what to do. Freedom and self-determination appeal to me a lot. But with creative works, I often feel drawn to traditional rules and modes. Not exactly old fashioned, but I'd say I'm more reluctant than some poets to get into wild experimentation with form or language.

How about you? 

I, of course, have copious thoughts on each of those points above, but I'm more interested in your thoughts. Do you think rules are made to be broken? Or do poets need them?  

So let me know at [email protected] OR [email protected]

​OR just leave a message through the form below.

Tally
Poems Written: 311
Submissions: 51
Rejections:  21 (13 tiered)  
Acceptances: 0
Poem written today: "Elm"  

If you need a hand revising and polishing: 
1) Have me do it for you! Click the "Poem Polisher" button below. I've helped lots of poets.
2) Use my 7 Secrets of Poetry pdf as a guide for revision.
​If you order a polish in May you get the 7 Secrets book free!!!

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