What makes a poem good?

I think that one of the things that makes poetry an art is the impossibility of making hard fast rules concerning when a metaphor is too obvious or too obscure. I still say that poetry is one form of communication. So certainly, Leanne, you want others to understand your writing - not everyone, but certainly those with some degree of understanding of writing. You (and I) certainly don't appreciate readers who remark that a poem "doesn't have to rhyme", but if you posted a poem that none of us monkeys could comprehend, that feedback should make you pause and say, "Maybe I was a bit too obscure". If you did not care, then why post?

I agree and disagree with Rene. No, I'm not running for office! I agree that it's nice to touch someone, even in an unintended way. However, if our intended meanings are picked up by no one, then I think there's a problem.

I tend to be too literal, and recognizing this, I'm gradually developing a more symbolic approach. On the other hand, some writers are indecipherable to nearly all. I think that is another extreme that should be avoided.

Alcuin