My poem vs Your poem

I wasn't super thrilled with either of the poems here, but PRO's was clearly inferior.

A large portion of poetry is rhythm, flow, and word choice - not just rhyme. PRO's poem did not include any of the former three qualities, nor any deeper meaning.

CON's poem was decent. I like that there was an actual storyline described, as well as excellent flow and rhythm. At the same time, I do question the wisdom of using rap verses as a poem, but I'll accept it.

When it comes to substance and the depth of poetry, Con's had more of a storyline.
Pro's poem was slightly bland and lacking in material, with nothing interesting catching my attention. But Pro did abide by the conventional rules of conforming to a more poetic structure. I don't consider rap poetry because the rules are different and the differences are too vast which makes rap fall into a different category. However, rap does usually make efficient use of poetry, which is utilized by Con.

Pro's poem followed a more traditional structure, using a rhyme scheme such as AABBCC.
Con's poem differs from sonnets or ballads and is more like spoken word style or free verse.
There is more rhythm and flow, so it doesn't follow a commonly known poetry rhyme scheme like Iambic Pentameter or Dactylic Hexameter.

So if I was judging by poetry rules, Pro wins for being more consistent with following the logical structures of poetry, but the more significant part of poetry is having a story worth telling. Pro goes with the most basic concept and uses fluffy language to make it sound compelling, but this just doesn't work. Con's use of story-telling evokes more imagery of an anti-hero triumphing over a revelation of suffering under the hands of villains and enemies.
This means Con's "poem" technically wins.

I consider rap to be poetry, and there's so much lyricism in Con's verse that it definitely clears the bar. Some of Pro's phrasing is a bit awkward in order to meet the required rhyme scheme, but it's a fine poem. That said, Con definitely put more into his verse, and it shows. Con is able to rhyme more than two phrases at a time and write hard-hitting disses, while also describing his journey on the site. Subjectively, I guess I could enjoy either topic, but I'm giving this to Con on grounds of lyrical ability and more hard-hitting lines.

I concur with 7000's thoughts on the idea that a rap is a bit different from a poem. While rap can be considered a type of poetry, I think it's obvious this debate was started with a certain style intended, which Con did not use.

Putting that aside, I still prefer the contents of Pro's poem. I thought the poem about the cat was nice and reflective, and it shared a story of personal growth while learning from a creature normally thought of as less than us.

There is something to be had in simplicity. PRO's poem was nice and neat.
Also, I do not consider rap to be poetry.