Is the comma before "and" correct here?

Question

His parents had

The neglectful type

Of style, and

That is likely why.

Answer 1

Hi Ethan, the comma is in the correct place!

(If this is a sentence you are writing, I suggest using the word "which" instead of "and." "Which" is grammatically correct in this case) but good work!

Answer 2

Hmm... well I think yes. The reason I hesitate is because I am not sure of the context here.

Since you have two independent clauses (two complete sentences) separated by a conjunction (and) then a comma is necessary.

But, it looks like poetry in which case a comma can be used or not depending on what the poet wants to do here. This is the beauty of poetry. Can break the rules as long as you are aware you are doing it and do it intentionally. So if you leave the comma out for "poetic license" to keep the thought flowing, then do it.

Grammatically, it should be there.