IS poetry held in higher regard!? I'm doubtful of that. Certainy as far as performance goes song seems to be the more popular. But now and then they can merge. here in the Black Country btwo very good artists have merged, Lozz Hipkiss renowned guitarist and top Black Country dialect Poet Billy Spakemon have combined their two talents to produce a most entertaining Folk act. You can catch them om You Tube as Billy & Lozz