Simplicity in Poetry

[milo]

Actually, I never say write for yourself as it isn't really something I believe in. I say write to create a poem - just for the poem and not for anyone else. I write every poem as if it is the only thing I will ever write. When I am finished I am certain I will never write again. And who knows, one of these times it will probably be true.

All of the yes.  "I only write for myself" is a copout for when people suggest you change something; this is not milo.  "Write for poetry", now, that is something I see in every poet whose work I love and return to time and again.

I read every new poem by a favourite poet as if it's their last, because there's every chance (as milo says) that it will be.

fair enough, Milo, you didn't say "write for poetry" :/

i still think the principle stands. saying 'don't write for anyone else but to create a poem' or whatnot. is just silly. i expect you both to stop posting poems now, then

There are 2 problems with this logic.

First, I could potentially be posting to improve.
Second, I enjoy the social aspect of poetry- discussions and what not, separate from writing.

I really do post very little poetry here anyway so it wouldn't be much different from what I do now.

Anyway, it is much like carpentry and gardening (both of which I do)

There is a joy in creating something.