Is all poetry written in free verse these days?

This is a great point. I especially agree with your final sentence. I'm confused by your earlier example -

I do think people can use 'artistic license' as an excuse or coverup to a mistake. I don't think that's the same as having an explanation for decision - even if that decision detracts from a piece. Am I misunderstanding the link you're making between the opinion and the example?

 

Of course having an explanation for a decision is all well and good and I'd never put a stopper on that.

However, I think a lot of people might rather find a justification for a mistake they've made rather than trying to fix it, whether consciously or not - it's basic cognitive bias, we tend to have our opinions before we find rational explanations for them (and what can seem like a conscious artistic choice can subconsciously be the result of the fear of having to go back to the piece and revise it for hours on end!). I know I'm being very cynical here and probably unfair to a whole range of writers who would wipe the floor with me, but it certainly doesn't hurt to at least be conscious that there's always an element of self-justification in any conscious decision we make. Maybe that's why you'd in 'the olden days' practice imitation for years and years before trying something new - to make sure you have a 100% grasp on form before innovation.

 

Ah, that helps. I see what you're saying! That speaks deeply to our nature.

 

The Society of Classical Poets publishes formal poetry. The closest thing to free verse is the poetry that follows fixed syllable counts rather than meter.