a none conformist who writes solely what they think and there opinions about life for no self gain. Purely because they love the art itself is self gain enough. Also being able to write multiple forms of poetry but differentiating yourself and creating your own style. This is what i think a poet is
Being a poet isn't like being a cop or a doctor or a lawyer. There's no official credentialing or certification process you have to go through. You can't get arrested for impersonating a poet or practicing poetry without a license.
On the other hand, a lot of people would say that you're probably not much of a poet if you're the only person who thinks you're a poet. Calling yourself a poet and being recognized by others as a poet are two different things. When you get invited to perform at poetry readings, when editors want to publish your poems in their magazines -- those are signs that you are more than just a poet in your own mind.
write poetry.
i personally think if you can write poems
and by poems i mean something worth reading
something that would make you want to reread it over and over again
well then i think you could be thought of as a poet.