A writing lesson — from creating poetry

Just wondering today, how many writers reading this consider the value of writing poetry as a move forward in their writing career?  Oh–I don’t mean poetry to publish, necessarily, but poetry as practice for word control (see last week’s blog) for learning rhythm, and so much more.

Any thoughts?

What do YOU consider the most helpful idea you’ve received to forward your own writing career?  Maybe we should have a round robin of ideas?