Inspiration to write poetry comes from many sources: life experiences, observation of nature, dreams, imagination, living in the moment fully aware of one's surroundings. There must also be an almost mystical connection be- tween the poet and the poem's subject matter to write a successful poem.Often there is a repetitive image that appears in many of a poet's work. For me, it's the crow, a persistent presence where I live, galloping its way into lines of my poetry as a consistent, often comical, image.Establishing place is important to writing poetry. Giving the reader a strong sense of where the poem is taking place helps to ground the poem and its images. Rhyme is not necessary in modern poetry; especially end-rhyme, which often sounds forced and manipulated if not done well. Accidental, occasional internal half-rhymes are more convincing and natural. In my opinion, rhyming lends a whimsical tone that takes over where imagery should prevail.I guess you can call me a free verse Imagist as I believe that poetry should create images that can be visualized by the reader. I also believe that a poem should reveal to the reader a way to see the world in a new light that few people take time to observe.