Everyone wants to become Insta-famous these days. Writing—specifically poetry—is no exception. We see poets like Rupi Kaur and Nikita Gill skyrocket in popularity because of their 100-word-or-less poems. Along with an aesthetic, their poems achieve many likes because of their direct messages.

Micropoetry is a fad—anyone who wants to be a writer feels the need to try it. It is a merely a glimpse into the world of the speaker though. It relies on the visual heavily to tell the poem. The experience is relegated to white space, a minimalist design, and a succinct message. It doesn't allow the reader to experience the gamut of emotion that is typical of good poetry.

As an aspiring poet/writer, I’m not excluded from this population on Instagram. I’ve acquiesced to popular demand; my feed is primarily attempts to share my poetry. While my best friend and some select strangers encourage me to 'keep writing,' I'm hesitant to do so on social media. I know that these Insta-poems are not emblematic of my published work.

As my poetry idol is Anne Sexton, a woman who paved the way for the confessional style, I've found that metaphorical language and concrete/abstract imagery is what makes poems good. Each successful poet that I have read for my workshops has a unique style and tone that people can't mimic. As a result, my writing includes these techniques.

Although this minimalist style can be a great gateway to learn about poetry, it is no way to make a living. Achieving likes depends on the time commitment you devote to your Instagram feed. It depends on how original it is. I could dedicate hoursto writing my best poetry. But I question if cultivating an aesthetic is more important than the messages in them.

For someone who sits in front of the computer all day writing and studying, I really don't want to spend more of my free time trying to gain followers by staring at the little touch screen on my cell phone. I want to get outside, walk my dog, read a good book, meet up with some friends. Gaining followers and likes is not something that I will grow from. I will not learn much from it.

Writing should stem from life experience, or what you wish to gain from life. I've never been one to indulge in photography, much less share my life with others. What I have been concerned about is the human condition and the insurmountable mountain of emotions you experience. I aim for inclusion through my writing because it's what my journey with mental illness has been about. The stagnant nature of micropoetry does not benefit me. It isn't something I wish to gain from life.

Writing, in general, should stimulate a reaction to the experience told. You root for characters in television and in novels to overcome their battles. In poetry, you identify to what the speaker is expressing. Micropoetry's simple message is not meant for everyone. For the majority though,people want life to be that simple. A visual is the simplest form of communication anyone can find, after all.

You either hate or love micropoetry for its simplicity and white space. Instagram users tend to love this style. It is a model that they want to achieve. As for me, I think I'll stick to traditional poetry.