Is modern poetry, poetry?

I have come across many critics and poetry elitists who would love to believe that the things I write are not true to the poetic form. That modern poetry cannot and will not ever qualify as poetry because no matter what is written on a page, it lacks syntax and poetic devices. I believe that’s poppycock, and here is why.

Our language continues to change and evolve, so why not writing styles? Why do ALL the rules need to be followed? Rules that were established eons ago when our language and societal norms were quite different. Rules confine, and where there is confinement, true art is lacking. If you hand a person canvas, paints, and a brush, wouldn’t it be more exciting to see what they create without someone shouting in their ear that what they are painting on the canvas is all “wrong”? Besides, who gets to define what is correct and incorrect when it comes to art?

Poetry is an art. People create art to express themselves. Poetry bleeds and breathes emotion and expression. In my eyes, there shouldn’t be rules controlling artistic expression. Art needs to be accessible and relatable to everyone. If you put limitations on art, the creator cannot be true to themselves.

I personally feel that the gatekeepers of poetry do not necessarily fear the art of poetry evolving, but perhaps they fear the raw emotion and the stories behind the pieces. They fear the accessibility of an art form that was at one time only accessible to the wealthy and educated.

Now my writing style is not for everyone. I do not expect what I write to speak to every soul. I welcome critiques and feedback because that makes me a better writer. However, I will not change the way I write to please someone. I write the way I write, for the same reason I feel the way I feel about the experiences I have lived. I need to be true to myself and what I produce, whether I follow the elements of poetry or not.

To write modern poetry, or not, that is the question.