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A Good Poem

How will I know if I’ve written a good poem?
Is self-assessment the best measure of its worth
Shall I seek a plethora of plaudits at random?

If it’s funny, then perhaps, laughter and mirth,
If it’s serious, I should think some reflection
Is self assessment the best measure of its worth?

Some fine poets have a particular predilection
And those poems shine, others not so much,
If it’s serious, I should think some reflection.

I believe most important is how it flows, as such
Being like a strong tide carrying flotsam and jetsam
And those poems [may] shine, others not so much.

Some poets say a poem must rhyme, yet some
Without rhyme, like blank verse, are excellent,
Being like a strong tide carrying flotsam and jetsam.

Excellence comes down to absolute raw talent,
How will I know if I’ve written a good poem?
Yet, without rhyme, like blank verse, is excellent
Shall I seek a plethora of plaudits at random?

Written July 31, 2022

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2022

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Michael Tor Date: 8/4/2022 10:07:00 AM Milton, I think it starts when the writer is pleased with the Poetry they have shared. Then the reaction they receive is a verbal gauge. Then the icing on the cake is when by their standards POTD or POTW is received. I honestly think we are our worst critics. I also write for pleasure. I prefer Narratives, short stories, and a responsibility of bringing information to all those interested. Your assessment of knowing if you have written a good poem is well stated. Your level though of good, Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/4/2022 12:35:00 PM Aw, thanks so much, Michael. I do try. Thanks for your thoughts, too. Michael Tor Date: 8/4/2022 10:09:00 AM ... is on an excellent level. I think you bring this level in your own Poetry and we all strive to get there. Some of us get there more then others. You fall into that category.

Anne E Sangster - K Date: 8/1/2022 6:49:00 AM Like all forms of art, its different strokes for different folks. I write poetry because it's therapeutic for me and if others enjoy reading my poems that's fine and if they don't, that's also fine. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/1/2022 7:17:00 AM That's a very sensible and mature way of looking at it, Anne. I agree wholeheartedly. Not everything I write is for everyone. First of all, it's for me. If others like it that's wonderful; if not, perhaps the next one, eh?

Maurice Rigoler Date: 8/1/2022 5:19:00 AM I rarely pat myself on the back for writing a good poem, although some are better than others when they say exactly what I had in mind when composing them. Then, too, I know I won't please everyone. A good poem (or any work of art) should be judged by certain established criteria. The best appraisal I can give another's poem is this: I wish I had written it. Milton, you've written a good poem. / Maurice Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/1/2022 7:17:00 AM So true, Maurice I agree with your way of thinking on this one hundred percent. See my response to Anne.

Gary Radice Date: 8/1/2022 2:32:00 AM A good poem is one you have written and proud of regardless of what others might think. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/1/2022 7:18:00 AM I think that's true, Gary, in the long run. I would agree. Have a marvelous week!

Caren Krutsinger Date: 7/31/2022 10:30:00 PM Loved this from beginning to end, but especially this "Shall I seek a plethora of plaudits at random?" Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/1/2022 7:18:00 AM Thanks, Caren. I always appreciate hearing from you.

Valsa George Date: 7/31/2022 7:40:00 PM I too wonder how will we know if we have written a good poem ! It is puzzling .... Is self assessment the best way ! But some poems over which we are happy, others may not be ! So again it is greatly confusing ! However look for our own self satisfaction . You have flung some serious thoughts on a good poem, Milton !Enjoyed reading ... Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/1/2022 7:19:00 AM Thank you so much, Valsa, for your thoughts on this.

Gershon Wolf Date: 7/31/2022 6:33:00 PM I agonize over this myself. Occasional ecstasy; usually frustration. ~ gw Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/31/2022 6:39:00 PM Me, too, gw. Me, too. Rarely ecstasy, to be frank.

Tom Cunningham Date: 7/31/2022 2:09:00 PM If I write something and I'm happy with it then that's good enough for me. If folks don't like what I write then move on to something else that will float their boat. As the saying goes, each to their own. But if you're asking the question Milton, I have yet to see a bad poem from your golden pen. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/31/2022 6:26:00 PM Thanks, Tom. (chuckling) It's obvious to me that you only read the good poems! I was mostly musing to myself about the subject. I certainly have never read anything but first-rate from your pen.