The Beaten Track Poem by Frank Halliwell

Degrees in English Literature do not a poet make I'm sure,
In spite of years of study that their holder may have spent.
Though free verse may have some allure, it's meaning often is obscure,
With no meter to carry it, the verse is impotent.

'Traditional', they call my path, forevermore they'll earn my wrath..
Those self-styled experts who promote invalid reasons to..
Reject the rhyme and meter lath, and walk the unobstructed path,
Where verse is free, and words will beat no meaningful tattoo..

So make decisions on your own, and pursue not the braying herd...
..Heeding those experts; self-proclaimed, that clutter verse's stage.
And read! Digest the poet's words and pay no heed to what you've heard,
..For windows to the poet's soul stand open on the page...