Punctuation neeed in a poem - Yes or No?

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

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!

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!

Hi Susie,

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

Jen.

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!