What Is Good Poetry

Good poetry is like an Old Master Crafted with expert skill imbued with soul No abstracted throwaway disaster Or a bland undistinguished casserole Of poor ingredients cooked up faster And deposited in the toilet bowl No, it should stimulate the appetite And explode in the mind like dynamite Good poetry should stand the test of time Like great art it should make your spirit soar Made memorable by structure and by rhyme Utilizing simile, metaphor Allegory and precise words that chime Never should its contents the reader bore Linking thoughts and ideas that one can quote More than just a run-of-mill anecdote Good poetry conveys thoughts in a way That prose cannot - however full of wit As a good photo brilliant in its way Rarely reveals the person who took it But a crafted poem - like a Monet Should bear its creator’s mark and transmit A recognition of the poet’s style Whether it’s limited or versatile Good poetry is like a single malt Aged in a golden sherry cask of oak With which a connoisseur can find no fault Redolent of heather and peaty smoke So, any poets worthy of their salt Should let thoughts marinate, mature and soak And distil them once, twice or even thrice Before serving neat sans water or ice
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

De Beaulieu Avatar
July 31, 2017 at 5:21 PM
I love this poem and how the words all flow together. I like all the verses that was written. Ilike the whole poem.Have a ni ceday my friend.
R. V. Avatar
July 20, 2017 at 6:42 PM
Well done, Alexander. Nice presentation. I subscribe to your views though seem unable to put all into practice. But I can't help observing that your image of the 'toilet bowl' seems to militate against the spirit and sentiment of the poem. Ram
Wood Avatar
July 19, 2017 at 12:41 PM
This is an excellent piece Alexander! A FAV for me, one I will refer back to. The rhyming is wonderful and no crowbar needed to fit the meter. Excellent. I am guilty of not letting my malt age. Great job! - Dean
Turner Avatar
July 12, 2017 at 1:36 PM
I like the way you think and write, Alexander. A most entertaining read.
Borke Avatar
July 12, 2017 at 7:03 AM
Your poem is great! It meets your own criteria. My poems are none of that, but get posted nevertheless. Please read my poem, "At PoetrySoup Paupers...." -- and comment.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace