Clarity—from the Proverbs of Tharmas Erthona

[milo]

milo said: "There should be some challenge associated with poetry."

Certainly, but not because the writer is incompetent, or that he is intentionally obfuscating. The purpose of all writing is to communicate. 

You have been treating this as axiomatic and we have let it slide but let's take a moment to test this axiom:

1.  When writing a poem, is your purpose to communicate?

For me, the answer is no.  When writing a poem my primary purpose is to create a poem.  There is no message I wish to communicate with a reader.  If I was seeking to communicate a message I would use simple prose as poetry is a terribly inefficient vehicle for communication. I focus on creating an enjoyable reading experience rather than clarity and often at the expense of clarity.

2.  When reading a poem is your purpose to receive communication?

For me, this is absolutely not the case.  i read a poem for the enjoyment of it.  Poems that overly focus on communication fail in that they do not encourage multiple readings. (Once you have received a communication it is done.)  I read poems for enjoyment.

So what is the purpose of a poem if it communicates nothing, or communicates it inaccurately? 
 

why, for enjoyment of course.