Initial Capitals in Poetry - Yes or No?

[snaky_poet]

I asked a friend to do me the favour of casting a critical eye over my latest manuscript before I submit it. One thing she queried was my practice of not capitalising the initial letter of every line of my poems. Evidently she is more comfortable with the convention of initial capitals.

For the sake of others who may be interested in this question,

Comments

[avahgdu]

I write how and what I feel like writing. Sometimes, I capitalize none of the letters at all, especially if I feel my voice is quiet and small. I never learned the rules of 'real' poetry. Not sure I want to.

[snaky_poet]

I know lots of excellent poets who don't capitalise at all, and I know poets who create wonderful stuff without knowing any 'rules'. The poetry doesn't lie in the rules, though certain devices may (if used well) enhance it.

[snaky_poet]

I like fluidity and feeling! :)