For sure, there is a belief found in many novice writers that poetry should be abstract, a struggle to understand and maybe even somewhat confusing. I believe people have this idea because this is how they felt when they were given older poetry to read, outside of the modern vernacular, when they were at school. Of course that was going to be confusing. Anyone faced by older poetry who's not accustomed to reading it is going to find it challenging at first. But that's not because it's poetry – that's because of the antique language.
I also agree, there is a place for abstractions in poetry, especially when it's warranted by the core idea, logical process or theme. That's when it really can add.
For the reader though, you're right, it's presenting them with more of a struggle.
And your last line says it all. You can write poetry any way you want, to be honest. This session and all the others I'm presenting are about what to do if you want to make your work reader focussed.
As always, Neg, thanks for reading and following along.