Punctuation neeed in a poem - Yes or No?

[Susie]

I alway thought punctuation is needed in a poem, but some here don't use it. What do you think? Just wondered.

[Paint]

Hi Susie! I use punctuation if I want to make a point. Otherwise I ignore it, and do not use it. Sometimes it is distracting even, or overdone.

This may not be the 'proper' way that it is taught, however. I did not take classes for poetry. I have just stumbled along, learning as I go. I do have a strong background in art, and tend to think I can do what I want.
(Yeah, I get in trouble)
Good question
Paint

[scarletpeaches]

I tend to punctuate, and just to be awkward I don't always start a new line with a capital letter either!

There's no rule that can't be broken! ;)

[SmokinO]

Punctuations are like street signs. They give your reader the direction you want them to follow.,,,bUt POetRY dEfiEs ALL ruLES. So I say, you be as liberal as you want and let the reader follow their own instinks - though it wouldn't hurt to be as educated on punctuation as posible. Just my thought!

[jen.nifer]

Hi Susie,

I would only punctuate if the poem needed it. This answer probably doesn't help you - heh.

Jen.

[brokenfingers]

Yeah, I think it depends on the poem. I agree with what smokinO said - I think it helps guide the reader in the direction you want them to go. A lot of poems don't need it but I've seen a lot that kind've lost me because I didn't get the flow of the words and imagery right.

Hmmm... not much of an answer, eh? LOL! That's poetry for ya!