Writing Challenge

Challenge Rationale

I have written several pieces in which I offer my observations about poetry and opine on the characteristics of a compelling poem:

From my journal:

Good poetry is characterized by conjured mental images via compelling and engaging language.

Challenge

These are my published comments on poetry. I have more thoughts percolating in my head, but before I attempt to capture them here, I would like to hear from all you Medium poets (at least the ones who are among my followers) your thoughts on the subject.

So I offer this challenge: What makes for good poetry? Your analysis can be captured…

Life, Death, and Love

In memory of my friend who tried to give herself an abortion — R.I.P.

You knew, long before reliable signs were there,
The ageless mystery, normally full of promise, could not entice your joy.
The interwoven threads of morality, necessity, instinct, and survival
Disguised the gift that the universe was generously bestowing

The seed had been planted, but you couldn’t bear it. Survival only,
For with poverty and without prospect, there really was no option.
The endowment you carried would grow — a parasite, suckling possibility
Until it ran as dry as the nanny’s teat.

So poor, so precarious, you…

Sestina Foray

His favorite aspect of the morning
Was the pleasant surprise of a chorus
Sweet, joyous enchantment of birds
Which declares that today will be peaceful
Bathing every corner of nature
With compelling musical sounds

In the forest he could hear the pleasant sounds
Prospect gripped the morning
Contemplating a journey so peaceful
Reminded him that it was the chorus
That he anticipated in this nature
When every branch was alive and dancing with birds

Those wonderful creatures, the birds With no effort they produce divine sounds Because it is in their nature To arise, bedeck and bejewel the morning Coming…