Art? Or an attempt at intelligence?

Poetry is often described as art.

Art is an expression of feeling.

Some would argue that that is exactly what poetry is. But you have to wonder, if the poet really had so much emotion that he/she felt the need to put it down on paper in some shape or form, then why wouldn't they just put it down raw, in it's most powerful form? Because that is, in essence, what the poet wants. For someone to feel what they're feeling.

Unless the poet is merely looking for recognition. Which, I guarantee, there are plenty like that out there.

But then, isn't that what every poet wants? Otherwise why would they publish their works?Everyone wants to be respected and recognized for going above and beyond. And since very few completely understand (or even try to understand) the large and flowery words of poetry, a person could put together a jumble of what-not and possibly be considered a fairly in-depth person. An appealing idea.

And then there are those who only want the recognition, but actually do know what they're talking about. And talk about it very well.

So where is the line between poetry that a person writes to express themselves to the world, and the poetry that a person writes just for the name that it gives them?

I am so confused. Give me a day or two to get my thoughts together.