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RM
Richard Milne
Apr 18, 2025 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)
This poem is part of the contest:

Neopoet Weekly 04/13/25 to 04/19/25

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Musing

Always understand
critics abound
some are well meaning
others lust to tear someone down

When you put your poetry out there
bear in mind
getting it done is victory
the effort well worth your time

Constructive critique should ever be welcome
none of us will likely achieve perfection
don’t be afraid to tweak or rewrite
or take your words in another direction

Someone once said a poem is never finished
it’s really only abandoned
so if you sense an improvement weeks or years later
do it, you’re not violating any commandment

Even if your words don’t prompt a helpful response
if someone doesn’t think much of what they’ve read
understand it may not be perceived as you intend it
or sing for others as it does in your head

Matters not if it won't fit in a box
if another rejects it as stylistically or politically incorrect
if they write off your poetry as self flagellation
a soul-bearing emotion as sentimental dreck

Hard as it is to be undaunted by what critics say
even if they say it stinks
remember that DaVinci never sold a painting
so who gives a rip what any naysayer thinks

About This Poem

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Whidbey Island, Washington, USA

More from this author

Comments

R

Richard Milne

2 months 1 week ago

FYI

Not directed at anyone in particular, this poem came out of a conversation with a friend. Reality is that even harsh criticism, if it resonates, can be helpful. In trying to find my own voice, I consider whatever suggestions are offered, balanced with also trusting my gut, my muse, or whatever it is that produces the flow.

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

2 months 1 week ago

hello Richard,

Your words are well taken... I agree with you completely. Also, if you get a less than desirable critique, at least your poetry is being read! my favorite lines are:

Even if your words don’t prompt a helpful response
if someone doesn’t think much of what they’ve read
understand it may not be perceived as you intend it
or sing for others as it does in your head

thank you for posting this. It has helped me immensely.

always, Cat

Geezer

Geezer

2 months 1 week ago

I always...

try to look at a poem at least a couple of times, in order to see what the author was aiming for. Sometimes, it is very clear and then others... You have touched upon a never-ending problem, don't think of a critique as being a bad thing. Many times, a critique can help fix a piece that has just missed with the audience. Unfortunately, a lot of poems don't get "fixed" and are left to languish in a sort of limbo. Words are never changed/fixed, the meter is left rambling and out of tune, and for one reason or another, the poem sits on the shelf, not working to help the poet to learn and grow. Say lavee, ~ Geez.
.

R

Richard Milne

2 months 1 week ago

As my comment above suggests

I agree with "fixing" a poem days, weeks or more after first written if the "fix" remains consistent with voice and intent, and that criticism of almost any kind can help the poet learn and potentially progress. Thanks for responding.