If a poem is not memorable, there's probably something wrong.

In the realm of poetry, few things are as crucial as the memorable nature of a poem. Robert Morgan’s insight, “If a poem is not memorable, there’s probably something wrong. One of the problems of free verse is that much of the free verse poetry is not memorable,” cuts to the heart of what poetry must do: it must resonate with the reader, linger in the mind, and offer something that is both profound and lasting. Morgan’s words point to a fundamental truth about poetry—that the power of a poem lies not just in its words, but in its ability to endure. A truly great poem leaves an indelible mark on the soul, one that cannot be easily forgotten.

This notion of memorable poetry is not a new one. The ancient poets understood deeply that poetry, to have its full impact, must be unforgettable. Homer, in his Iliad and Odyssey, crafted lines that were not only meant to be recited but were designed to echo through time. The epic poems of ancient Greece were structured in such a way that they would remain engraved in the minds of the listeners, passing from one generation to the next. Lines like "Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles" are not merely words but have become part of the collective memory of humanity. These poems were not written to fade into the ether; they were designed to stick with us, to resonate, to be remembered.

Similarly, William Shakespeare, though working in a different tradition, shared the same understanding of what makes poetry memorable. Shakespeare’s sonnets and his plays have endured for centuries not simply because they speak to universal human themes but because the language itself is unforgettable. Consider the lines from Hamlet: “To be or not to be, that is the question.” These words, though not part of free verse, are etched into the collective consciousness, demonstrating that a poem—or a line of verse—must offer something more than just expression; it must offer revelation, something that will stay with the reader long after the poem is read.

The challenge that free verse poetry often faces, according to Morgan, is the risk of becoming too loose, too free of structure, and thus losing its power to stick in the memory. While free verse offers a departure from the rigid forms of classical poetry, it can sometimes lack the rhythmic discipline that helps a poem remain memorable. Walt Whitman, often considered a master of free verse, infused his poems with such intensity, passion, and vivid imagery that they could not be forgotten. His leaps between thoughts, images, and rhythms created a unique kind of flow that, though unconventional, was deeply memorable. The key to Whitman’s success lies not just in the form he chose but in how he wielded that form to create images and emotions that resonate powerfully with the reader.

Yet, as Morgan suggests, not all free verse succeeds in achieving that sense of memorability. Free verse can, at times, become an exercise in obscurity, leaving the reader with a sense of having read something, but without the lasting impact. Without the musicality of structure, the force of the words can be diluted, and the poem may fade into the background, leaving no trace. The ancient poets were acutely aware that their work needed to be heard and remembered, not simply as an expression of their thoughts, but as a medium through which the truths of the world could be passed down. Poetry is meant to be shared, and its impact is magnified when it sticks with the reader long after the page is turned.

The lesson from Robert Morgan’s observation is clear: great poetry must do more than just express; it must resonate, linger, and connect with the reader on a deeper level. Whether you choose to write in free verse or in more structured forms, the key is to create something that is unforgettable, something that moves the soul and challenges the mind. Memorability in poetry comes not from the mere accumulation of words, but from the way those words are carefully crafted to evoke emotion, imagination, and reflection. Every poet, every writer, must strive to create something that will stick—not just in the mind, but in the heart.

In your own creative work, whether you write poetry, prose, or any other form of expression, consider the impact of your words. Are they memorable? Do they linger long after they’ve been read? If your words are to have their full impact, they must echo, reverberating through the hearts and minds of those who encounter them. Like the poets of old, use structure and form to enhance the power of your message, but never forget that the most important element of poetry is its ability to endure. The words that last are the ones that speak deeply to the human experience, capturing not just the moment, but something eternal about who we are. Let your work be memorable, and in doing so, you will create something that transcends time and leaves a mark on the world.