The Merits and Demerits of Contemporary Poetry - A Critical Exploration

 

The Merits and Demerits of Contemporary Poetry

A Critical Exploration

By Kieran Beville

In the rapidly evolving landscape of literature, contemporary poetry stands as a vibrant, often polarising force. From Instagram verses to experimental forms, contemporary poets have pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and democratised expression in profound ways. Yet, with innovation comes critique—questions about quality, depth, and cultural value persist. This article explores the merits and demerits of contemporary poetry, offering a nuanced assessment of its role in modern society.

Understanding Contemporary Poetry

Contemporary poetry refers broadly to works produced from the mid-20th century to the present. Unlike classical or even modernist poetry, which was often confined to formal structures and elite readerships, contemporary poetry embraces a wide variety of voices, forms, and themes. It is influenced by globalisation, digital media, multiculturalism, and socio-political movements.

The Merits of Contemporary Poetry

Accessibility and Inclusivity

One of the most praised aspects of contemporary poetry is its accessibility. Thanks to social media platforms, online journals, and open mics, poetry is no longer limited to academia or literary circles. Poets such as Rupi Kaur, Nayyirah Waheed, Brian Bilston and Lang Leav have brought verse to millions via Instagram and other platforms, engaging readers who might otherwise never encounter poetry.

Moreover, contemporary poetry gives voice to marginalised communities. It reflects the lived experiences of people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and others historically underrepresented in literature. This diversity enriches the poetic canon and fosters a more inclusive dialogue about identity, justice, and humanity.

Form and Innovation

Contemporary poets experiment boldly with language, structure, and presentation. Found poetry, blackout poems, digital and multimedia verse, prose poetry, and spoken word all expand the definitions of what poetry can be. This fluidity has opened up poetry to innovation akin to what jazz did for music or abstract art for painting.

The breaking of traditional forms allows for emotional rawness and spontaneity. Poets like Ocean Vuong or Claudia Rankine mix poetry with essay, memoir, and reportage to produce genre-defying works that resonate on multiple levels.

Relevance to Contemporary Issues

Contemporary poetry is deeply engaged with current events and social justice. Whether addressing climate change, racial inequality, gender politics, or mental health, poets often use their art as activism. This relevance has restored poetry’s position as a form of public conscience and protest, echoing its ancient roots in communal storytelling and resistance.

Emotional and Psychological Resonance

The minimalist style popularised by many contemporary poets prioritises emotional accessibility. Short, image-rich lines are easy to digest and often profoundly relatable. In a fast-paced, anxious world, poetry that captures complex feelings in a few words serves as a form of solace and clarity.

The Demerits of Contemporary Poetry

Perceived Lack of Craft

Critics argue that much contemporary poetry, particularly what dominates social media, lacks the technical rigour of traditional forms. The abandonment of metre, rhyme, and metaphor in favour of confessional plain-speak has led to concerns that poetry is devolving into diary entries. The boundary between poetry and motivational quotes has blurred, sometimes eroding literary merit.

Commercialisation and Virality

While accessibility is a strength, it has also led to the commodification of poetry. Algorithms favour bite-sized, emotionally charged snippets, encouraging poets to write for virality rather than artistic integrity. The emphasis on likes and shares can dilute the contemplative, layered nature of traditional poetry, replacing complexity with platitudes.

Oversaturation and Quality Control

The democratisation of publishing—via blogs, self-publishing, and social media—means that anyone can be a poet. While this is inclusive, it also creates an oversaturated landscape where distinguishing truly impactful poetry becomes difficult. Gatekeeping has been minimised, but so too has the editorial curation that ensures literary quality.

Fragmentation and Loss of Shared Canon

Contemporary poetry is highly fragmented. There is no singular movement or consensus on what defines great poetry today. While this pluralism is refreshing, it also leads to disconnection. Without a shared canon or dominant voice, poetry risks becoming niche and fragmented, with little cross-cultural or intergenerational resonance.

The Middle Ground – Balancing Art and Audience

The future of poetry may lie in synthesis—where innovation coexists with craft and accessibility does not compromise depth. Poets like Tracy K. Smith, Jericho Brown, and Ada Limón exemplify this balance, combining lyricism with contemporary themes and diverse perspectives.

Educational institutions and literary organisations also play a crucial role. By introducing students to both classical and contemporary works, they foster appreciation for the poetic continuum. Likewise, mentorship and workshops can help emerging poets refine their craft while staying true to their voice.

A Heart that still Beats

Contemporary poetry is a mirror of our times — messy, diverse, rapid, and emotionally saturated. It has opened the gates of literary expression to a wider audience than ever before, transforming the way we write, read, and relate to poetry. While it faces valid criticisms around quality and commodification, its vitality and relevance are undeniable.

In the end, poetry’s power lies not in strict definitions, but in its ability to move us—to articulate the ineffable, to challenge, to comfort and to connect. Contemporary poetry, with all its contradictions, continues to do just that.

To truly appreciate contemporary poetry, readers should explore across spectrums—read both a tweet-length poem and a 40-page long-form piece. Attend a slam performance and revisit a Shakespeare sonnet. In that dialogue between the old and the new, the heart of poetry still beats.