Poetry Matters (5): The Acid Test

Simon Armitage (on the Poetry Book Society site) has come up with a check list for helping new poets to assess their own work. Can we think of any other yardsticks we bring to bear on our poems? You might also care to read George Szirtes article in Poetry (magazine) on Formal Wear: Notes on Rhyme, Meter, Stanza & Pattern.

Once you are happy with your poem, be sure to choose a suitable outlet for it. There are many well-run journals and competitions, but there are others that you will want to avoid. You might find this list helpful.