Grammar Question: Was or were?

Question

I’m writing a poem, and I’m trying to determine if “was” or “were” should be used here in this excerpt:

Is there a bottom?

Would it be better

if there was?

Or worse?

Answer 1

"Were" is better in this case because it's a hypothetical question.

Answer 2

Poet "ee cummings" ignored all grammar rules and punctuation, in favor of poetry, even for his own name.

"Were" sort of rhymes with "worse," so it's possibly more poetic. Poetry trumps grammar, to a point.

"Were" is also the subjunctive mood for counter factuals. is this a counterfactual? probably? is a bottom possible?

it's also plural, while "was" is singular. Is the subject plural or singular? or ambiguous? is the subject "there" or "bottom"

"Were" sounds more erudite

I'd score it about 3-1 "were" over "was." But it's your poem. Do what makes you feel comfortable.

Answer 3

ee cumming ignored all grammar rules and punctuation

"were" sort of rhymes with "worse," so it's possibly more poetic. Poetry trumps grammar, to a point.

"were" is also the subjunctive mood for counter factuals. is this a counterfactual? probably? is a bottom possible?

it's also plural, while "was" is singular. is the subject plural or singular? or ambiguous? is the subject "there" or "bottom"

"were" sounds more erudite