Should Poetry Have Rules?

If you mean “rules” as in things that you HAVE to do, or CANNOT do, then no! Poetry is art. Do what you want. Have fun and be creative!

At the end of the day, what people consider poetic “rules” are just ways of talking about a poem. They are a way to describe what’s happening, to suggest edits, and to help the poem be its best self. Nothing is set in stone.

When people (like me!) say things like “use specific images” or “don’t force rhyme,” they are usually saying “I want to help you do what I think you want to do.” (Assuming they are not a mean person.)

Now under a lot of these statements are assumptions. I have my own beliefs about poetry and I’m sharing them here. Other people make different assumptions. Most poets I know feel rather strongly too! Question what people tell you, but question your own assumptions too.

I don’t get into theory on this site, but if you are curious about aesthetics or want to share your own aesthetic beliefs, let me know!

howtopoem@gmail.com