What makes poetry good?

[notmike]

We have an interesting discussion about what makes writing good, and also a topic attempting to define poetry. But I noticed we did not have a section that was dedicated to talking about what makes poetry good.

So here it is, have at it.

[notdan]

See, questions like this are hard to talk about, even harder to answer with any justice. The best I can do is offer an answer through a subjective lens.

One of the best poems I've ever read is the Raven by Poe. Why do I think this poem is great?

It's narrative, it tells not just a story, but also an interesting story. It's highly structured using extensive use of both end line and internal rhyming. I think the language is beautiful.

I could probably list a hundred little things about it that I find endearing. However, what works for this poem doesn't necessarily work for another. For example, Walt Whitman is my favorite poet in general, and he and Poe share very few poetic techniques. I could rant and rave for hours about why I Sing The Body Electric is one of the greatest things ever written every by anyone for all of time and forever.

The best answer I can come up with for "what makes poetry good" is:

Poetry is good when someone likes it.

[thefool]

I was lurking around Barnes & Noble today and skimmed through a copy of "Very Bad Poetry". The authors said something interesting in the introduction that I think applies nicely to this conversation.

Poetry is language intensified. And Bad Poetry (capital B mind you) takes just as much skill (if we can call it that) than Good Poetry. So the book is basically a compilation of poems with the most grating rhymes, misplaced metaphors, and soggy images.

But good poetry, beyond being empowered language, takes a lot of heart. What I mean is, in order for it to be good the poet has to completely be a part of what they are writing about. It has to come from inside them.