Poetry

Artists Among Poets 

What makes good poetry?

What one may consider good poetry is different for each individual. A poem may extract a diversity of different reactions and interpretations from various readers.  According to Joan Bransfield Graham, author of Splish Splash, the definition of a good poem is a “poem surprises your senses, shakes you awake, stirs your emotions, and startles your imagination. Each poem is an act of discovery. Poetry helps us widen our vision and our hearts.” (marilynsinger.net) Poetry is often seen as an emotional art form-- and it is, either through concrete poems, or through vague poems, the idea of poetry is to portray an idea or feeling in a way that connects with the reader. 

What makes a good work of art?

Art, much like poetry is significantly personal to the individual. One painting may attract a certain audience, whilst repulsing an other. It is all a matter of taste, and taste is a matter of opinion. Personally, a good piece of artwork forces the audience to interact with it— and while that may not always be physically, but emotionally as well. If a piece of artwork can evoke an emotional response to it, then that piece should be considered successful. The purpose of art and beauty is to be seen, but above all, it is meant to be felt, regardless of the emotion.