Why do some people think every poem needs to have a purpose or be "deep" to be good

Question

Well I wrote it wrong. Not purpose- every poem has to have a purpose but I meant not every needs to be any deeper than what is on the page.

Answer 1

grey i understand what you mean ...poetry doesnt have to be emotional ,it can be a variety of other techniques that interest the reader . i class some songs as poetry if it is written nice enough [and sooner or later songs will become poetry as i dont think it interests as many as it has in the past]

like books they can biographical ,using events in sequence to tell a story from the poets viewpoint....if i am to use a poem or song lyric to convey this i'd pick hazard by richard marx...the lyrics tell a story about mary and her demise.

again another style may be limericks ...does there once was a man from nantucket have a deep meaning ?nope just simple rhyme and language to make the reader giggle.

it all depends on the reader ,but emotional poetry is viewed as the best because those who read it feels a strong connection to the emotion it conveys ....we use them on greeting cards ,even at funerals,because the emotions we feel listening to them /reading them is relatable

Answer 2

Some people have no purpose, therefore, they will find fault. The only one you have to impress is you. I believe; no matter what you write, someone will like it. You are the master of your poetic future, make it a great future.

Answer 3

Without real emotions, how can anyone relate?

And besides, if it's not 'deep' or have a purpose,

most of the time it's just a bunch of cliches.

Answer 4

I think that a poem can be riotously funny and still teach even while it entertains, but it takes a special person to read all the lines as well as everything that lies between them...

Answer 5

I see what you're saying. I like poems with meaning, but sometimes you just need to read some light-hearted, happy work. I don't want to be depressed just from reading something that doesn't make any sense.

:)

Answer 6

Search me, Grey, I'm with you on this one.  I've been trying to-day to move out from critiquing poetry from those I know, to those I don't know and a very depressing experience it has been.....I suppose some poetry is driven by angst...without the desire to make us as miserable as they are feeling most wouldn't be writing poetry at all.  Which is a shame, because some do seem to have what it takes to become quite good poets.

Answer 7

Elitists exist in any field.  I often find that the simplest poems have the most to say and usually  in many ways.  I also find some poems are written like songs, with no intended meanings, just the flow of words.  Be true to yourself, first, but when you present, present in a poetic style/structure.  Let the audience take it from there.

Answer 8

They don't necessarily have to be deep, but they do need a purpose. Even if that purpose is only to entertain or invoke images and do nothing else, that purpose must still be there - else why write poetry?

Answer 9

That is one of the reasons I have never posted any of my poems over here, because I thought people might not think I was "deep" enough. Most of my poems are more like stories or have to do with the simple things of life and humor. Having said that, I am going to post a poem I wrote a few months ago, would you mind giving me your opinion on it? I feel better about my poems now that I have read your question and read some of your answers...thanks!!