The purpose poetry serves to those that aren't all about poetry.
Ok, I'll admit it, I don't really understant poetry. I think its cause of my underdeveloped emotions or something, but basically i can understand what people say its about, and see it in the words, but I don't feel it on the inside. It still serves a purpose though to those of us who, for one reason or another, don't get it for ourselves, and should continue to be taught in schools even if people feel it has no real life application, because it does. Its called understanding, and its one of the more invaluable skills you will come to have, poetry is a window into peoples thoughts and motivations, you will find that your interpretation of it grows with time, and by finding new meanings in it to yourself, you'll be able to see how you've grown as a person over the years. Its based on emotional context, and as a student in public school you're still very young and learning about the world. By reflecting on it now you will be able to see personal growth after you reflect on it later. In many cases it won't inspire people to write their own poetry, but it may get them to think about their feelings a bit. American society is very much shaped by our fears of what others will think of us based on what we say or do. There is no need to fear poetry, fear comes from ignorance. There's no harm in words that don't ring true, and if it does what's the harm then, shant the truth set you free?
fin