While tempting, you should avoid the temptation. It isn’t the death knell (not nail) of poetry. Don’t misunderstand me, you are essentially correct: Social media has given us a ton of bad poetry. But I think all of those books published by Andrews McMeel Universal ended up filling book shelves of bookstores and not so much the bookshelves of poetry readers. While I see a ton of those books in Barnes & Noble, I don’’t see them in many homes or being toted around or read in airports, restaurants, or planes. (I travel a lot and I visit a lot of bookstores--and I observe people).

I see a resurgence in poetry readings, especially by seriously good poets--spoken word poets like Sarah Kaye and Phil Kay. I was excited to hear rising young contemporary poets like Amanda Gorman read their poetry--and actually notice people reading her books. Or to see Poet Laureates Ada Limon and Joy Harjo being honored.

There are several very serious and accomplished poets from the old like Wendell Berry to the rising young like Amanda Gorman--they are polished, strong, and are gathering quite a following.

All is not lost. Good poetry is still recognized as good poetry.

It was the same in the 1970s. Everyone was writing free verse and thinking that all they had to do was write whatever popped in their heads and arrange it in short lines resembling verses and that when they did, it was poetry. Those poets didn’t last or they changed.

(Does anyone even remember Rod McKuen? — He was a great commercial success, but today I don’t know of anyone who can name a poem of his. He was never considered a serious poet — in my opinion, he was the Rupi Kaur of the 1970s).

Remember, commercial success doesn’t mean someone stands the test of time. I’m thinking of Dan Brown, the novelist. Great commercial success, yes. Great writing? Bleh.

Each generation has their own number of fadists and poet wannabes who refuse to experiment with discipline and form.

And for those who compare these poor attempts at poetry with Rock and Roll of the 60s and 70s--sorry. It isn’t a comparison. Those who wrote lasting songs (think Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen) were influenced by well known poets like Dylan Thomas. In other words, they actually read poetry, themselves, and allowed themselves to be influenced by good poets.

All that poets like Rupi Kaur have going for them is great marketing--not good poetry.