Is good poetry defined by its structure? What makes it good?

Question

I have been writing all my life and it is not until a week ago that a director asked me to be his writer. I never thought I was good. Everyone loved my writing. The thoughts the ideas the way my words blended. Except I am afraid because I don't follow rules or structures. To me what's important is to get words to match my thoughts and once that is done it just needs to sound good. I know nothing of stanzas or anything. I always thought that restricts my writing. For poetry is that needed? Will I look like a talentless hack if I don't follow grammatical rules?

Answer 1

Of course structure is important in that it helps define the meaning of the poem, but this is a good thing. What I mean is, poetry is not limited to a set structure or form, instead, the limits are endless. There are countless poets who have manipulated form, structure, and language to create a piece that touches you in every way. It sounds like you have talent, so I think you're doing fine =] good luck!

Answer 2

You will make more sense if you follow grammatical rules. I can write the sentance, "Marsha urinated purple bananas," and while it TECHNICALLY follows the basics of grammar (adjective in the write place, etc), it makes me sound like a crackhead.



Poetry can follow a structure or not, just like prose, but it's best to follow the elements of basic sentance structure if you want people to get what you're saying, and edit your writing over afterwards to make sure they make sense.



Just the same, if people think your writing is great, they probably know what they're getting, and I wouldn't worry over it too much if I were you.

Answer 3

Hmmm. I dont know. But to me good writing is in the content, not the structures. I can get pass grammatical errors if the story grips me. But if is a bad one even if is written properly I wont want to finish it.



You have a talent so let editors worry about grammar.

Answer 4

aahh, this sucks

i see your problem, and im sorry to tell you this, but youre just gonna have to trust yourself. not all poems have defined structure, and they are still highly admired. you just have to let it flow, and occasionally DO draw up barriers, but your own barriers. you just heve to try and trust u.