Line length in poetry

[milo]

The page blowing in the wind comes to mind as an example; this should be the longest line in the poem, stretching, "blowing" out to the margin. Long lines are fast and windy, and give the reader the Impression that the poet was swept away in a breeze of emotions, the vehicle of the muse, the oracle, if you will. A short line is slow and should a be compact poignancy that pacts a punch. Select your arsenal and arrange your weapons in accordance to their delivery.

(ahem) While not axiomatic, I believe the current general consensus is that short lines are faster and lighter while longer lines are slower and more somber.