Many established poets published themselves initially, some of them do so continually. In the literary arena that currently exists this is very acceptable and respected. But before you consider self-publishing consider the following.
Does your poetry hold universal appeal'
You can determine whether or not your poetry holds universal appeal by joining a few well-established poetry forums that offer critiquing from a variety of other poets and poetry readers. Search around first. Explore the forum for the quality of work that is being exchanged there and the quality of feedback that is being offered. Bring your hard hat and leave your sensitivity checked at the door. You want legitimate critiquing, not something to make you feel good. You want to ensure that your poetry meets and exceeds the norm. If it does not you may want to continue to write poetry for your own enjoyment, but not labor with the issue of publication.
Is your poetry extremely well received by your poetic peers'
Within the forums where you have been developing your craft you are receiving extremely good reviews. If this is the case, and the reviews are not just from the friends you have established within the forum, but due to the quality of your work (you will honestly know the difference), start to set aside the ones that have been best received. You might want to take them though even deeper critiques in more sophisticated poetry workshops, but bring them to the highest level you can. If they continue to receive good feedback you will almost certainly want to include them in your book ultimately, but you will now want to submit them to publications.
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Submit your work to reputable Literary and Poetry eZines and print publications. There are hundreds of eZines online that you can submit to. Do a little research. Look at what they are publishing and if you feel they might be receptive to your work submit to them. The same with print publications. When you receive notification that your poem(s) has been accepted this will be the first bona fide signal you get that publication of your first volume of poetry is a good idea.
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If you are not trying to reach the mass publishing marketplace, but want mostly to have a printed collection of your poetry to offer to a more limited audience, consider having a small collection of your poetry printed in Chapbook form. Chapbooks are great to sell after poetry readings because you can usually price them very reasonably, and great as gifts, introductions to you as a poet in other literary circumstances, and just overall rewarding to your ......
