#021 - What Makes a Poem BAD?

What actually makes a poem good—and what quietly makes it bad? In this video, Poet Laureate of Malibu Nathan Hassall breaks down how to tell if a poem works, exploring word choice, rhythm, imagery, emotional resonance, and authenticity. You’ll see why some poems feel powerful and others fall flat, with clear examples and practical poetry writing tips you can apply to your own work.Whether you’re a beginner learning how to write poetry or a more experienced writer trying to judge your own poems more honestly, this guide will help you read, write, and revise with a sharper eye. Perfect for creative writing students, poetry lovers, and anyone wondering what truly separates great poetry from the rest.👉 JOIN OUR POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signupBUY OUR COURSE:https://thepoetryvessel.com/poetrychangesyourbrain/ 📚 RECOMMENDED READING:ALL Recommended Books — https://shorturl.at/SOYRPSailing to Byzantium by W.B. Yeats - https://amzn.to/3MCGryJ🎯 FOLLOW FOR MORE:👉 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall📸 Nathan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanhassallpoetry/🌀 The Poetry Vessel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoetryvessel📧 Business inquiries: thepoetryvessel@gmail.com🎥 THE FILM GEAR WE USE: https://shorturl.at/j9MTW🙏 ONLINE TIP JAR: https://www.nathanhassall.com/support-our-journey TIME STAMPS:0:00 – The Problem With Modern Poetry0:33 – What Makes a Poem Good or Bad?1:02 – Signs a Poet Isn’t Clear on Their Intent1:55 – The “Little I” Problem in Poetry3:14 – Does Poetry Need To Be Relatable?4:00 – Are You Offering a Door, Window, or Brick Wall?5:21 – Why Resonance Matters in Poetry6:03 – Neuroscience: Surprise, Pleasure & Poetic Impact6:50 – Language That Feels “Eternal” in Great Poems7:07 – Rachael’s Criteria: Imagery & the Mind’s Eye8:23 – What Dana Gioia Taught Us About Bad Poetry9:15 – Why Cringe Happens During Poetry Readings10:02 – Sincerity vs. Self-Indulgence in Poetry11:22 – The Internet’s ‘Most Hated Poets’ Problem12:10 – Instagram & TikTok Poetry: The Real Issue13:19 – Vagueness, Horoscopes & The Barnum Effect14:38 – Pop Poetry: Popular Doesn’t Mean Bad16:02 – What We Can Learn From Viral Poets17:40 – What Makes a Poem Great or Memorable?18:22 – The Lines That Stay With Us (Yates, DH Lawrence)19:29 – Why Great Poems Resist Easy Interpretation19:37 – “Communicated Before Understood” — T.S. Eliot20:08 – Final Thoughts: What Makes Poetry Good or Bad20:40 – Community Question: Your Best/Worst Poems21:01 – Creative Prompt: Write the Worst Poem Possible & Join Our Mailing List & Support the Channel—FTC DISCLAIMER:Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!PODCAST DISCLAIMER:The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. All photos and images have been included with the permission of the guest and anonymous clients. This podcast is an opinion-driven program, and all statements and discussions are made with the understanding that they are subjective and may not reflect objective facts or truths. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.#poetry #poetrywriting #creativewriting #writingtips #howtowritepoetry #poetryanalysis #literature