Dear Horace Greeley,

I try to make good line breaks in my poems because they generate tension; however, I noticed too many poets (well-known ones too) get published in prestigious journals with lousy line breaks and ending on weak words like articles, conjunctions, pronouns, etc. I am aware that rules can be broken but I have failed to see the benefit of amateurish line breaks. Can you shed some light on this?

Broken Poet

Dear Broken Poet,

There are two answers: one mediocre and one discouraging.

The mediocre answer is that poetry is subjective and depends on the interpretation of the editor. Not all editors are looking for line breaks that lead the reader inexorably to the next line. Some are looking for fluidity of language, or strength of meter. Some prefer concrete forms like quatrains or sonnets, where the requirements of meter and rhyme can lead less-skilled poets to lean on weaker words because they scan. In short, sometimes the weakness lies just as much with the editor as the writer.

The discouraging answer is that poetry, like every avenue of artistic endeavor, has its darlings. Celebrity poets (we won’t name names, but you know who they are) are widely published because their work resonates with so many people. Even so, every author’s work varies, and some of their pieces are stronger than others. The sad truth is that famous people get work published because they’re famous, and journals like the prestige of having a famous poet in their pages, even if the specific piece isn’t strong.

Stay true to who you are as a poet, and your work will be justly celebrated!

Your humble servant,
Horace Greeley