You have failed to understand that poetry doesn't pay, it costs. Writing poetry costs your heart and soul. It costs years of study, of reading, and of listening. Poetry costs going to readings not only to read your own work but to truly hear the work of others. If you expect to get paid for your work, dear poet, look elsewhere.
Poetry pays infinite intrinsic rewards and few, if any, external ones.
Sincerely, the Editor. Friends, you've got to love poetry to be a part of it. And yet, friends, I've got to tell you that after more than 30 years of writing poetry, just seeing a poem of mine in print, with my byline, is worth everything, nothing more required. Home Page .