different tones, styles, forms, attitudes

We have been shifting in many directions in poetry form the last few assignments. Our class as a whole has taken different directions with their work because of the flexibility in the assignments. Even with one form as a guideline we have produced very different work which proves the diversity in poetry. I am proud of our class and amazing at the work we have produced. There are some creative and talented poets in the mix. I sometimes feel inadequate. I felt like a slacker with my recent deer poem as others had very profound and beautiful poems. Although, I do like to experiment with different tones, and styles my goal for the next poem is to be serious and beautiful. (haha… that is actually funny) I may even choose to be sad.

With all of these different forms, styles, tones, and attitudes from poets it is still hard top recognize what is “good” poetry. To each his own, I guess. But, how did Nash make it into the Norton? Who is to judge poetry? Something we determined sounded as a fourth grader was published in the Norton. I have a notion that all poetry needs to be beautiful and romantic, yet I know this is not the case. I like poems that are not this way, therefore I should learn to like Nash’s poetry. It will take me a while to learn that not all poetry is romantic.