'sperimental Poetry

The concept that experimental poetry isn't "real" poetry crosses a dangerous line in attempting to define an extraordinarily broad form of art. Why would poetry that bends the rules of its own form be criticized as not being authentic art? For that matter, what about experimental prose? New forms of music or painting? As much as we like to make fun of less enjoyable, excessively pretentious "experimental" media, those same forms of progressive art serve the purpose of furthering the potential of the art form, whether it be prose, poetry, or something completely different. It may not always work or flow well, but poetry that manages to be successful, enjoyable, and meaningful while pushing the limits of the form further it as a result. The format of a sonnet for example exists for a reason: because it works and is very eminently easy to understand and read, making a work that bends the rules of that normally strict form while still being able to associate with it even more impressive. No one is going to be able to create something truly innovative and new by playing it safe. Experimental poetry has its own important role to play, just as the conventional form does.

-Tomas F.