If you want to write a book of poetry, don’t try to write a textbook. 

The goal is to get the reader to think and feel. It’s not to give the reader a multi-volume, encyclopedic, collection on a topic. 

If the reader is upset, you need to decide if they wanted a textbook and bought a book of poetry by accident (how and why?), if your poetry failed to get them to think and feel, or if your poetry made them think confusing thoughts and feel painful emotions.

If your book of poetry is intentionally challenging the reader, don’t expect positive reviews from most people.

Inspired by Michael Lopp’s really great post.