What makes a good poem? Melissa Donovan tried to answer that question, and you can read her thoughts here. But before you dash off to get someone else’s opinion, pause for a moment and think about what aspects of a poem make you say, “Now, this is a good poem!”
Is it economy of language? Not a single word in it that isn’t critical to its wholeness? Imagery? Words that paint vivid pictures? Powerful language that moves you? A sense of sound and rhythm that makes reading the poem aloud an experience far beyond just seeing the words on paper? Authenticity? The sense that this poet is sharing a powerful and private truth with you?
Got some thoughts? Good! Take them with you as you enjoy this week’s issue. (More…)
