Clarity

During workshop, over and over again I heard people recommending the author to change things around to make the overall message, setting, event, or metaphor more clear. I understand the reasoning behind this, as no one wants to read a nonsense poem that to them appears to have no meaning. But much of the time when I write a poem, I enjoy being cryptic. I love creating a subtle metaphor that most people won't catch. And frankly, I don't care about those people who don't get it. That may sound conceded, but I promise you it's not. Romantic love makes a good analogy of what I'm getting at. If you had such a passion with everyone you met, your love would mean nothing to anyone. It would be taken for granted, and largely unwanted. The same goes for a somewhat cryptic metaphor, the few people that actually understand will feel accomplished and more connected to the poem, realizing how they have a special connection to that poem that many do not. Even if this weren't so, I as an author enjoy the thought of someone penetrating deep into my words, working to understand me. Perhaps that part is conceded :p