Poets and singers- that curious few So proud to show off the fine work they do They suffer and labor creating their art Expressing a message that comes from the heart
They love to perform and put on a display The wonderful talent that God cast their way A lyrical message, each artist records In CD's and book for admiring hordes
The magazine editors back East and out West They send review copies and pray for the best High praise they are seeking, just love will fulfill Their need to be thrust on top of the hill
Reviewers be warned, though you laud A to Z Any negative word will be all that they see They'll pout and they'll cry and get angry and mad Their sensitive egos so troubled and sad
If once they were friends, they'll be friendly no more You've kicked them outside and you've bolted the door An honest appraisal will build but a wall 'Tis better to mention their names not at all.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Posted: Jan 2011
About this poem:
An observation of poets pitching a fit when they are criticized. Not a pretty sight.
As a writer, like you, I strive to perfect the written word that flows from my pen. Communication is key to all if we are all to get along. Should a critique come, an e-mail is best. Believe it or not, this piece was just an observation of watching a poet "explode" when a critique was offered. The poet could have accepted the critique graciously, instead of their mind melting at a mere suggestion and on a difference of opinion. It was *NOT* pretty and very immature of the poet.
I'm glad you found this work a good reminder of the pitfalls. I've always admired yours.
I agree with that. Good advice and even painful critique are what poets and writers need. This is what they should feed on and this is what criticism is all about. How then are they supposed to perfect themselves? A well-grounded critique, a piece of sound advice are helpful and even reassuring. I am not a poet in a true sense, but I have learned a few things about it already.
Macduff5Newcastle, New South Wales AustraliaJan 18, 2011
Surely they don't get criticized on here Mary? I may have made the one or two untoward comments, if so you're all welcome to email me. My general belief is keep your mouth shut and don't put your foot in it. What's the old expression? Don't argue with fools because you'll never win.
FellsmanLake District, Cumbria, England UKJan 18, 2011
Hi Mary
This is a timely write. It is a shame when a forum such as PC gets mis-used by grubby attention seekers to spout their worthless rabble-rousing rhetoric.
Well intentioned critiques should be welcomed by anybody with a yen to improve their writing, there is certainly one young aspiring poet on PC who is already putting into practice some advice that came his way last weekend, and the improvement in his writing is there for all to see.
The fact is that none of us are perfect, and we can all strive to improve our writing - anybody who thinks they are beyond criticism has a real problem.
Lucky me that I'm lack the ability of criticism. also lack the ability in writing English.. so I dont think I used to criticize anyone. ^__^ // yeahh... I want to hang on here for a long time as I still haven't read many poems!! I dont want to miss even a single one!!!!
..But since my Eng is --> so I might have said / typed something that the others might not like... And, when I have questions about writing poems I will send msg to some POETs here to ask for the answer, so my mail might have annoyed some (without notice). -_-' If so, you can either mail me or drop me a note in any of my poems!! >_<// BUT dont hate me without telling me the reason... I am not used to with COLD n HATE feelings.
I m sure I NEVER criticized any and I have NEVER been criticized by any too! (or someone did but I dont know??:-O)lol ---Well.... everybody here can mail me ANYTIME. ^_^ Not only criticize msg okie.. .compliments are also welcome... lol ^__^ my inbox has unlimited storage for mails that come from all POETS here. ^__^
Again, ROS)) This's a great poem indeed!!!^______^!!
I've never noticed an unkind critique being offered, but will admit that I'm not able to read all of the wonderful work that is being posted due to the work and what have you. I do like to leave a kind word for all as I can. :)
As writers, stretching ourselves can only open the possibilities of the work we can produce. And you all produce some amazing work- work that transports, work that we can actually feel, experience, nod in understanding and provoke thought. I am so honored, yet so humbled to be able to share what is created by all of us.
Comments (12)
As a writer, like you, I strive to perfect the written word that flows from my pen. Communication is key to all if we are all to get along. Should a critique come, an e-mail is best. Believe it or not, this piece was just an observation of watching a poet "explode" when a critique was offered. The poet could have accepted the critique graciously, instead of their mind melting at a mere suggestion and on a difference of opinion. It was *NOT* pretty and very immature of the poet.
I'm glad you found this work a good reminder of the pitfalls. I've always admired yours.
This is a timely write. It is a shame when a forum such as PC gets mis-used by grubby attention seekers to spout their worthless rabble-rousing rhetoric.
Well intentioned critiques should be welcomed by anybody with a yen to improve their writing, there is certainly one young aspiring poet on PC who is already putting into practice some advice that came his way last weekend, and the improvement in his writing is there for all to see.
The fact is that none of us are perfect, and we can all strive to improve our writing - anybody who thinks they are beyond criticism has a real problem.
Great poem, Mary.
Kind regards
Bill
Lucky me that I'm lack the ability of criticism. also lack the ability in writing English.. so I dont think I used to criticize anyone. ^__^ // yeahh... I want to hang on here for a long time as I still haven't read many poems!! I dont want to miss even a single one!!!!
..But since my Eng is --> so I might have said / typed something that the others might not like... And, when I have questions about writing poems I will send msg to some POETs here to ask for the answer, so my mail might have annoyed some (without notice). -_-' If so, you can either mail me or drop me a note in any of my poems!! >_<// BUT dont hate me without telling me the reason... I am not used to with COLD n HATE feelings.
I m sure I NEVER criticized any and I have NEVER been criticized by any too! (or someone did but I dont know??:-O)lol ---Well.... everybody here can mail me ANYTIME. ^_^ Not only criticize msg okie.. .compliments are also welcome... lol ^__^ my inbox has unlimited storage for mails that come from all POETS here. ^__^
Again, ROS)) This's a great poem indeed!!!^______^!!
XXXX
S&S
I'm with ya...
but if someone is so touchy -
I don't care that's THEIR problem
did I emphasise the 'their' enough d'ya think?
I've never noticed an unkind critique being offered, but will admit that I'm not able to read all of the wonderful work that is being posted due to the work and what have you. I do like to leave a kind word for all as I can. :)
As writers, stretching ourselves can only open the possibilities of the work we can produce. And you all produce some amazing work- work that transports, work that we can actually feel, experience, nod in understanding and provoke thought. I am so honored, yet so humbled to be able to share what is created by all of us.
All I can/will say is "Amen".
Thank you for re-posting this one.
Mady