For me a poem has to sing out of itself and the lilt of it carries the magic.
Most poets in their youth begin in adolescent sadness. I find it more rewarding to end in gladness.
Being identified as a poet in France or Denmark or India one is greeted with gracious respect.
Follow your own weird.
If bitterness wants to get into the act, I offer it a cookie or a gumdrop.
I often start writing in order to excite an expansive emotion.