How do you know if your poems are good or not?

[billy]

I mean, I've shared a few of my poems to people. Some say they love it or really like it, and others have called it lame or laughed at it.

I just started writing, but I have no clue if my poems are any good or if they even make sense. I've always wanted to write poetry, but never knew where to begin, and I do lack a bit of confidence in writing. I do realize that a lot of it is based on personal preference and opinions. But is there really any way of knowing if you've written a good piece of work?

Thank you.

first off, your poetry isn't lame or laughable. no one's poetry is. what's laughable and lame with many poets is their self belief that they are the greatest poet on earth or the next best thing to it. after reading your poetry, my assumptions are this. you're new to poetry, as such your work will probably be the same as anyone elses whose new to poetry, (improvable) don't post in serious or mild till you get a thicker skin, i've just read an excellent poem in mild called a few nights back, by the calibre of the poem i'm hoping the poet understands the feedback i gave isn't anywhere near as harsh as it looks, someone new to poetry or unwilling to improve would probably be pissed at it. you know you've done good when your peers tell you honestly that you've done good. you'll know you've done good when you've been at it a couple of years doing edits and giving feedback, both are mainstays of good poetry. (sadly i don't get a lot of time for edits, which makes me a bad kind of poet) for now, post your poetry in the novice forum and the for fun forum and steel yourself for a not overly harsh but an honest type of feedback.

feel free to ask any questions you want here or to another member. and give feedback, it will help with your poetry.