Freedom of expression in Poetry.

[Carousal]

Not if it's a good poem -- that is, for the duration of a well-written poem, the author is absent and all that is present is the voice speaking to the reader. If we absolutely must place so much emphasis on "what the writer is thinking", we're not experiencing the poem, we're judging the poet.

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I lie all the time in poems. I am really a middle-aged lorry driver from Ilford, and my only vice is the burning need to eviscerate puppies.

That sounds like turning poetry into an academic exercise, no wonder the general public doesn’t bother with it..

You believe fiction writers and television/movie writers can do this but all those poor inept poets are dependent on personal exposition?

You are sadly confused about the place of poetry in writing.

And you’re content to remain in your little ivory tower writing stuff that 95% (I’m being generous) don’t give a toss about.

I will never prostitute my muse for mere public recognition. God, how many times have I heard that? Offer them the next Potter script to write and they would tear your arm off.