How many readers actually honestly like the poetry that they read
these days? Are some influenced by fashion? Without the “accepted” view
by the poetry establishment that free verse post modern poetry is good
would people really think it was? let’s be honest – I doubt it.
I know it’s true but rather sad;
A child can tell the good from bad,
So try that juvenile insight;
Forget what’s learned, just know what’s right
Of measures taken as a rule
To give a score to poetry,
From dullest stone to polished jewel
Perhaps the best is honesty.
Not to by line and word dissect
And by mere structure find defect,
Or judge by other’s thoughts alone
(Opinions hardly set in stone).
By fashion praise or denigrate;
By biased preconceptions rate,
But cultivate an open mind
While parrying the closed, the blind.
Let each intrinsic sense apply;
Distill the truth by mind and eye,
And find in varying degree
The honest worth of poetry.
© Dennis N. O’Brien, 2012
dnobrienpoetry 
Obvious errors, superfluous words – all fair game these may be.
But beyond the obvious, it is so subjective that it takes a truly generous spirit to see through the poet’s eyes, to walk in his shoes.
But rules there are, measures there are – is that why they say, those who can’t, teach.
Yes Eric, teach or…..judge
good comment.
Excellent Dennis and I agree with Eric 🙂
Thanks Norma.
Your poetry always has a nice rhythmic ring to it. Your poem, “Measuring”, resonates,
“And find in varying degree
The honest worth of poetry.”
I glad it resonates with you Lindy Lee – thanks.
Perfectly written, Dennis! (And I so agree with it. 🙂 )
Thanks Betty.
Surely every true poet agrees with this, Dennis. And it instantly reminded me of the quote by William Wordsworth: “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility” (The first time I ever heard this definition of poetry, I was a sophomore in high school. My teacher, Mr. Baker, was introducing a unit on poetry, and he related this quote as his personal favorite definition of poetry.)
Glad you liked it Sandra.
Again, Dennis, a really well done poem. Honesty is one element of good poetry. I personally believe there are other elements: Storytelling, metaphor, exploration leading to truths beyond the surface, emotion, etc., but I really appreciate both the craftsmanship and the message of this poem.
Thanks Thomas. Yes, I was really referring to honesty more in the sense of the readers honest appreciation of a poem free of preconceived ideas (but I can see it from your perspective as well). What I suspect is that a lot of opinions of poetry seem to be based on fashion and the need to conform.
Unfortunately, critics and most modern poets have turned against rhythm and rhyme and dismiss it without much thought. In turn, I dismiss so-called modern “poetry” which is actually prose – without much thought. 🙂 Otherwise, I read carefully like your poem suggests. Good one!