Is rhyme still important in Poetry?

[Yvonne N]

I am interested to know other peoples opinion on this. I actually do usually prefer poetry that rhymes, as I think it brings the poem together and helps with rhythm. With humorous verse it can also add to the humour of the poem. However I know that 'free verse' is very popular these days. I do think that sometimes poetry writers think that not to rhyme is an easy option and poems can often end up as just a few nice words thrown together and then called a poem. In my opinion, it is more difficult to write free verse, as it requires a great skill to give the poem form and rhythm and continuity. I really believe that newer writers would be better off to start with rhyming their poems and maybe moving onto free verse when they have improved their skills. I am probably going to be shot down in flames for this and to be called old fashioned.....