Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » A Good Poem

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

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

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,

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.

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

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

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?"

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 ...

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

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

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.