Great piece! I agree with your comments on contemporary culture, and the value of poetry. That said, please indulge my stirring the pot. I have a BA in Lit with emphasis in modern poetry. Whatever the barriers to poetry today, I rarely see poetry that engages me. It makes me think poets want to write dumbed-down work, or are no longer interested in what you praise in poetry.

On the other hand, rock lyrics are where I think the real poetry of our time is found. Bob Dylan won the Nobel for a reason! And imho he has plenty of company. These lyrics are well disseminated, read, deeply enjoyed, analyzed and praised

I read a purported quote of Banksy bemoaning how all the talented creative people going into advertising instead of art, bemoaning the lack of good art. Having worked in advertising, I think he's right! In some ways, it's more gratifying than art on a spiritual or whatever level. So if poets fulfill themselves as rock composers, we need to study them, not dismiss them.