When writing a poem how long do you need it to be?

Answer 1

Unless you are following a set form like a Sonet (14 lines) or a Villanelle (19 lines), it can vary. It needs to be as long as necessary to be complete.

Answer 2

There is no set rule about this; so the poem can be as long or as short as you want. You can write a poem that's as long as or longer than ancient poems like "The Iliad" or "The Odessey"; or something as short as this little treasure from the late Ogden Nash:
Some primal termite knocked on wood
And found out that it tasted good.
And that is why your cousin May
Fell through the parlor floor today.

Or this gem:
Celery raw
Develops the jaw;
But celery stewed
Is more quickly chewed.

Good luck in your poetry writing.

Answer 3

There are times when a long poem is appropriate however times are different today with information overload I try to be mindful of other people's time and I focus on keeping my poems short enough that it won't take away much time out of other people's life.

Answer 4

depends on the poem. Mine is really long. It's posted in yahoo answers.

Answer 5

it depends on the type of poem u r writing

Answer 6

it can be two lines or it can be 100 pages...poems don't have a required length

Answer 7

20 to 30 seconds that's long enough. Never over that. You will bore them if you do.

Answer 8

As it has been said, there is no set limit. Only if you're working with a specific form.

Answer 9

Ronnie and Todd have the right idea depending upon what you are writing.

I would only add if you can't write, please don't! Then it's always too long!

Answer 10

Not one word less and not one word more than is required to express your sentiment.