The notion of ‘bad poetry’ has been on my mind since I listened to some last night.

Insert “sigh” here.

It is always difficult to critique poetry

and

it’s even harder for someone to take you seriously if you’re not a good poet yourself.

Two things: unless a poet asks for your opinion (and means the request)

don’t say anything except how you could understand

their feelings.

The other is that someone who appreciates poetry but doesn’t write it

is equally capable of offering constructive criticism as

a poet is.

In my case, having studied poetry in university,

and tried my hand at it several times,

I have a solid grounding in the elements and foundations necessary to

contribute a valid opinion about

good poetry.

However, it makes my spine itch and my teeth ache

when a new poet is not interested in honest feedback because

he or she feels the work is of top quality all ready. At the same time,

I still shudder

if a poet realizes they need advice but

are only interested in sharing their work.

Yes,

it takes a long time (and never for some closet poets)

to become comfortable with their work and the sound of their own voice

before they are able to accept criticism without feeling that it is

an attack

on their work or themselves.

I am forever patient with my students because I know they are still

learning.

But someone not interested in bettering their

craft, or who is stuck in limbo with their writing just drives me up the wall,

but I still hold my

tongue.

–

What about you?

Categories: Notables, Poetry

Tags: advice, bad poetr, criticism, critique, feedback, feelings, poetry