What is a poem.

[Robyn]

Thanks Neville. Now I'll try and apply those thoughts to my poems...
My view is that all rules are made to be broken, but the best poetry follows the 'rules' as far as possible. Then if the 'rules' are broken, the reader knows there is a reason (other than ignorance or laziness) behind the words being written as they are. Banjo, Henry et al broke the 'rules' occasionally, presumably because they felt the poem would be better if they did, for the reasons we have already discussed.
However, I'm still very much learning the craft, so try to practise as many of the 'rules' as I know... (I think there are more 'rules' that I haven't yet learnt). Bending the rules is, I think, best left to experienced poets, and ones like yourself who put a lot of thought into each line and have a good grounding in the theory. IMO it shouldn't be done lightly.
I've noticed that, as far as I can see, when Banjo, Henry et al bend the rules, they do it in such as way that it doesn't pull the reader up, so you don't have to read it twice (or more) to get the flow. I think that's important.
Robyn

[Neville Briggs]

Yes , I agree.

[Irene]

Exactly Robin!!!!!!!
They had an excellent understanding of the basics, and were then able to 'bend the rules' in such a way that the poem still flowed, and the average person did not pick up on the 'bend'!!
But the secret was in the understanding!!

Catchya
IRene