Why I Should Never Review Poetry
public review/hidden dialogue21 total reviews
Comment from Dawn Munro
Dang! I am TRYING to hold onto my sixes, but writes like this DEMAND an exceptional rating - that's not to say I agree with content especially, but sheesh, you could write about anything and make it singularly scorching.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Dang! I am TRYING to hold onto my sixes, but writes like this DEMAND an exceptional rating - that's not to say I agree with content especially, but sheesh, you could write about anything and make it singularly scorching.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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The problem in this particular prompt is that I don't know who are the poets and whom I offended today. The truth is that I'd likely never review any of these poems. I also think the writer would be grateful that I didn't.
Thanks for the stars.
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Oh no, you mean you selected those poems on this site?
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No, Michael Cahill chose them. Perhaps they are some famous poet or maybe they're his. I don't know.
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Hmmm, I always try not to be too critical, and not because I'm soft and want to please or spare feelings, but because I honestly believe like art (paintings, etc.) poetry is so highly personal, 'the beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. I would hate to think I discouraged someone who, while they might not write what I like, was a gifted poet, maybe just starting out - and before you say it, (if you were going to)let me remind you that 'the heart of a poet' is often tender...I've heard some very harsh words to the effect that if a writer can't shrug it off they're not meant to write. To that I say 'horse-manure.'
Anyway, here's hoping those whose poems were picked do't read some of what you wrote, or if they do, they realize it's one person's evaluation who clearly states she doesn't consider herself an expert.
Personally, I strongly agree with your yardstick - I want poetry to move me.
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You do prove my point. Few people want real feedback. I gave suggestions to 2/3 of the poems. But no doubt, the poet will only remember the sarcasm.
In this case, there was no way to check the portfolios to get a feel for whether the poet is starting out or an old-timer.
It's actually all irrelevant because I don't review much for the reason you say, some people are just baring their souls and need someone to listen to them. There are plenty of them on the site who will do that.
If the poems were selected from FS, no one could use a writer's work without permission. Yes, they would see it.
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Oh? I don't think I prove your point in all, Ingrid - what I am saying is this - I can't stand Picasso - does that mean his art isn't good? Obviously not, at least according to many. But my tastes run to art like Rueben's, or Paul Peel. I have said over and over on this site that poetry 'forms' are created by poets - what does that say about those who believe the 'form' is what it's all about? No - poetry is not and should not be judged too harshly, IMO because it IS subjective (provided of course certain things are not corrupted, like spelling, etc.) Even too much metaphor turns me off - what's the point if only the author knows what he/she means, is my opinion - but a LOT of folks don't agree with me. :) The standard reply is, "You're supposed to take away whatever pleases you - whatever meaning you believe is meant." HAhahaha - that sure makes writing a poem easy, IMO.
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To me, a god poem not only moves me but doesn't seem to be striving to impress me. The beauty is in the musicality of it, it's emotive qualities and difficulty made to look simple, perhaps.
Comment from Autumn Splendour
"In all forms of writing, the depth and measure of the words and my emotional reaction, is the yardstick by which I respond to poetry."
Yes, this is how one should appreciate poetry and I agree with you that there are many 'poets' out there who have this notion that poetry should be so abstract that it's almost beyond deciphering and worse, so ridiculously absurd. LOL.
I enjoyed your essay and admire your gutsy review of these badly written poems. Keep writing.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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"In all forms of writing, the depth and measure of the words and my emotional reaction, is the yardstick by which I respond to poetry."
Yes, this is how one should appreciate poetry and I agree with you that there are many 'poets' out there who have this notion that poetry should be so abstract that it's almost beyond deciphering and worse, so ridiculously absurd. LOL.
I enjoyed your essay and admire your gutsy review of these badly written poems. Keep writing.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Thanks. Even the public reviews aren't that honest in that I probably would skip the posts, but in as much as this is a contest,and I do not know the poets, therefore I laid it out as politely as I could while being honest.
Comment from closetpoetjester
I love the way you call 'em like you see 'em. I understand why you find poetic drivel exactly that unless it's relevant and entertaining. There is SUCH a pretentious wank associated with POETRY and sometimes I'm ashamed to say I'm even a damn poet because of many who precede me. I'm TODAY'S poet, telling like it is, okay, waffling on a little longer than required but that's nothing a clever editor can't fix. So what's the problem with reviewing poetry? Exactly what you said. Pretentious garbage where the poet becomes world philosopher all high and mighty and the poor subject (the reader) needs a uni degree to cut through the bullshit and try and find some meaning to it all.
Poetry shouldn't be hard. It should be friendly, inviting and approachable and most of all fucking relevant. I LOVE metered poetry but the minute I sound forced I'd wanna know. Just because you have 12 rhyming words, doesn't mean you need to create a monorhyme JUST to use them all. There's so many words out there to choose. Find ones that engage, emote and inspire your reader. Dandelions, fluffy kittens and true love have been flogged well into the grave. On sites such as FS you need a unique voice and style to stand out. You have that in droves. I'm also aware I couldn't hide here with a blind post if I tried. Someone would sniff me out.
It's time poetry got out of the dinosaur age, shook off the pretentious coat, put on a g-string and made William darling roll in his grave. I plan on doing that.
WATCH THIS SPACE
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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I love the way you call 'em like you see 'em. I understand why you find poetic drivel exactly that unless it's relevant and entertaining. There is SUCH a pretentious wank associated with POETRY and sometimes I'm ashamed to say I'm even a damn poet because of many who precede me. I'm TODAY'S poet, telling like it is, okay, waffling on a little longer than required but that's nothing a clever editor can't fix. So what's the problem with reviewing poetry? Exactly what you said. Pretentious garbage where the poet becomes world philosopher all high and mighty and the poor subject (the reader) needs a uni degree to cut through the bullshit and try and find some meaning to it all.
Poetry shouldn't be hard. It should be friendly, inviting and approachable and most of all fucking relevant. I LOVE metered poetry but the minute I sound forced I'd wanna know. Just because you have 12 rhyming words, doesn't mean you need to create a monorhyme JUST to use them all. There's so many words out there to choose. Find ones that engage, emote and inspire your reader. Dandelions, fluffy kittens and true love have been flogged well into the grave. On sites such as FS you need a unique voice and style to stand out. You have that in droves. I'm also aware I couldn't hide here with a blind post if I tried. Someone would sniff me out.
It's time poetry got out of the dinosaur age, shook off the pretentious coat, put on a g-string and made William darling roll in his grave. I plan on doing that.
WATCH THIS SPACE
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Thrilled to hear that! And of course you'd be sniffed out, you are a unique voice. Maybe you should enter this contest and repeat the above. If you suffered through the example poems, I'm convinced you have an opinion.
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Oh I've fuckin suffered with the pretentious SHIT.
Probably DON'T have time to enter though, I'm supposed to be working.
God I wish I could just write poetry for a living...
It would make things SO much fucking easier.
I love your mindset.
I also love the fact you review four fifths of fuck all poetry...and funnily I'm in that tiny one fifth that gets the expert attention.
I MUST be good. LMAO
xx
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There are handful I read, and by far you are the best. Toy have spirit irreverence, and just like me, you're a from'-the-hip shooter.
You just haven't been discovered yet
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Don't I fuckin' know it.
LOL
Like I said
WATCH THIS SPACE
I AIN'T giving up...my husband just rolls his eyes...I say, "When the book deal lands, they won't just be rolling, they'll be Kachinging back and forth with these $$$$$
My motto in life
Dream
Believe
Create
Succeed
I've complete the first three steps in regards to poetry.
I'm working on number 4 now.
BTW one of my thousands of punny book titles
Was "Shoot from the Hip"
Comment from mountainwriter49
Hello Prose Writer,
I enjoyed your tongue-in-cheek reviews of Mikey's three poems. Your italicized thoughts offer your real review vs your written review. If there was such a thing as senyru prose, your review would surely as a basis for it with its interwoven sarcasm and humor. I think the only thing missing is your providing a rating for each of the poems.
Good luck to you in the contest.
-Ray
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Hello Prose Writer,
I enjoyed your tongue-in-cheek reviews of Mikey's three poems. Your italicized thoughts offer your real review vs your written review. If there was such a thing as senyru prose, your review would surely as a basis for it with its interwoven sarcasm and humor. I think the only thing missing is your providing a rating for each of the poems.
Good luck to you in the contest.
-Ray
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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I really don't
know who penned the poetry. Yes, I thought about rating each poem, but that would lead me to assigning a number to Morning Glory, a poem I absolutely hated, but may have been a perfect example of a sonnet--as far as meter. During FS reviews, I would just skip the item and not respond at all.
Yes, I tried to stay off-the-wall, hoping that I wasn't offending any of the writers who wrote the examples. Thanks.
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Hi. Miley, the contest sponsor, authored each of the poems. I think he made deliberate alterations to provide for obvious critique comments. Again, I enjoyed reading your review. -ray
Comment from adewpearl
good explanation of your areas of expertise
how sad that so many who write formal poetry give it a bad name so that some people think they don't like metered, rhymed poetry when really they just don't like poorly written metered, rhymed poetry
love your commentary on how unrealistic it is for wintry snow to have left tree branches bent rather than snapped in two LOL
fun review of the "pretentious load of crap" morning glory poem - you are good at doing "snarky"
I can just picture some poor poet finding a length of rope and hanging himself after reading your impassioned reactions to his work LOL :-) Brooke
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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good explanation of your areas of expertise
how sad that so many who write formal poetry give it a bad name so that some people think they don't like metered, rhymed poetry when really they just don't like poorly written metered, rhymed poetry
love your commentary on how unrealistic it is for wintry snow to have left tree branches bent rather than snapped in two LOL
fun review of the "pretentious load of crap" morning glory poem - you are good at doing "snarky"
I can just picture some poor poet finding a length of rope and hanging himself after reading your impassioned reactions to his work LOL :-) Brooke
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Sometimes--for real--if I've read something that I think reeks, I'll cleanse my brain by finding your latest post, knowing completely that you set a standard.
I do try to skip posts that fertilize my sarcasm, but this was a contest. I can only hope I didn't insult a FS poet.
Now, tell me the truth...were any of these examples decent in your opinion?
Comment from Dom G Robles
Now, Ingrid, I understand why you don't feel like writing poetry, and also seldom engaging in the review of poetry. The examples you analyzed, to me, are deep and somewhat, behind my grasp. What I really know as poetry are those I learned in High School like those written by Edgar Allan Poe's notable poems like, "The Raven, Annabel Lee.," And such other poets like William Wordsworth's "I wondered Lonely as a cloud," etc. But these poems like what you sampled are very hard for me to decipher. Having said this, I feel like giving up, if what these modern poems are really the way they are supposed to be. If it were music, to me those cited are classical like Beethoven's composition. I prefer more of the kind of music like "I cried the tears, you make it dry...by Anne Murray. These are sorts that I consider poetry to me. To compose like one of those you cited are, I am sure, is beyond the grasp of me and of the beginning poet and even some seasoned writers. But, I admire your wit, your kind of analysis, though I know, you can be a poet if you want to, but you just don't feel like being one. And I respect you for that. But going back to your essay, I think, you made your point and I see it clearly, as clear as the mid-day sun and beautiful as the shining. Silver moon above. Again my sincere congratulations for a well written essay. Dom
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Now, Ingrid, I understand why you don't feel like writing poetry, and also seldom engaging in the review of poetry. The examples you analyzed, to me, are deep and somewhat, behind my grasp. What I really know as poetry are those I learned in High School like those written by Edgar Allan Poe's notable poems like, "The Raven, Annabel Lee.," And such other poets like William Wordsworth's "I wondered Lonely as a cloud," etc. But these poems like what you sampled are very hard for me to decipher. Having said this, I feel like giving up, if what these modern poems are really the way they are supposed to be. If it were music, to me those cited are classical like Beethoven's composition. I prefer more of the kind of music like "I cried the tears, you make it dry...by Anne Murray. These are sorts that I consider poetry to me. To compose like one of those you cited are, I am sure, is beyond the grasp of me and of the beginning poet and even some seasoned writers. But, I admire your wit, your kind of analysis, though I know, you can be a poet if you want to, but you just don't feel like being one. And I respect you for that. But going back to your essay, I think, you made your point and I see it clearly, as clear as the mid-day sun and beautiful as the shining. Silver moon above. Again my sincere congratulations for a well written essay. Dom
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Dom, that's the trouble with so much poetry. People think if they don't understand it, there must be something wrong with them. Not so. Truthfully, 2/3 of the samples in my estimation are bad, but I know not from whence they came or who wrote them.
I rarely write poetry because I find it feels like being cages, stuck inside a limited space. To say it is an art form is true, but much of what is written on FS is just fun, not serious stuff.
Thanks for all the stars.
Comment from gypsycaravan
Ingrid. You are my idol. I'd already decided you were the metaphor queen, but you have the guts I wish I had on top of your magnificent writing skills. I've been sticking to reviewing prose most of the time because most of the poetry sounds like a screwed up dictionary to me. There are poems I can understand, with a message, and/ or enjoyable from time to time and I'll review those. But if they make no sense to me, I just skip. Their member dollars don't mean that much to me, especially since I'm not posting anymore.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Ingrid. You are my idol. I'd already decided you were the metaphor queen, but you have the guts I wish I had on top of your magnificent writing skills. I've been sticking to reviewing prose most of the time because most of the poetry sounds like a screwed up dictionary to me. There are poems I can understand, with a message, and/ or enjoyable from time to time and I'll review those. But if they make no sense to me, I just skip. Their member dollars don't mean that much to me, especially since I'm not posting anymore.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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It seems to me, and I could be wrong--as usual--there is a very low threshold of competence in reviewing poetry on FS. If a reviewer can't comprehend, there's so much backlash...'Well you just don't get it.' Poetry does not seem to have any rules. Hot damn. I can be blasted for a missing comma, but the drivel I've seen is so often beyond any comments, yet gets glowing reviews.
Such lovely praise. The metaphor queen, huh? Thanks for all the stars.
Comment from Lylise
Well, yes, I am a poet and couldn't agree with you more.
Sometimes when reviewing a really bad piece I try to be kind as I fantasize that the writer is cowering in a dark corner hating themselves and if I'm kind, well, I'll feel better about lying.
It was hard to read your examples. They were truly bad.
I am always thrilled when you review my poetry because I know you hate it. I also know you have exceptions. I am honored to be one.
This also made me laugh my butt off. Ha!
Well done, sweetie! Lynda
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Well, yes, I am a poet and couldn't agree with you more.
Sometimes when reviewing a really bad piece I try to be kind as I fantasize that the writer is cowering in a dark corner hating themselves and if I'm kind, well, I'll feel better about lying.
It was hard to read your examples. They were truly bad.
I am always thrilled when you review my poetry because I know you hate it. I also know you have exceptions. I am honored to be one.
This also made me laugh my butt off. Ha!
Well done, sweetie! Lynda
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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The poetry was supplied by the sponsor host. Did you laugh about the laxative? It's true, you know. That full of shit problem can be flushed away with Morning Glories. Thanks.
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LMAO!!! I can't breathe!!!! Morning glories, too funny!
Comment from Sasha
Your ability to convey with such humor your reasons for not reviewing poetry got me laughing out loud. I do like poetry but only the ones that emotionally stir something inside me. I love the humorous ones too, but never expect me to critique on style, I don't understand most (if not all) of them any way. This is s terrific entry for this contest and should be a top contender too. I wish you all the best.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Your ability to convey with such humor your reasons for not reviewing poetry got me laughing out loud. I do like poetry but only the ones that emotionally stir something inside me. I love the humorous ones too, but never expect me to critique on style, I don't understand most (if not all) of them any way. This is s terrific entry for this contest and should be a top contender too. I wish you all the best.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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Not if the actual poet who wrote the poems has a say in the decision. LOL. Thanks.
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Mike probably wrote them all...LOL
Comment from Jay Squires
OMG, Ingrid, you can review my poetry any day! Your reviews of these samples are direct, honest and cut through all the poetic crap ... that I've been known to gush over.
I don't post many poems, but when I do ... please be there to weigh in.
A couple of points:
In all forms of writing, the depth and measure of the words and the emotional reaction of the reader is the yardstick by which I respond to poetry. [I may be off the wall on this sentence, but Instead of "and the emotional reaction of the reader", why not say "and my emotional reaction", or "the way I react to it"? >> I know you don't read the reviews before you give your "two dollars' worth (your increased value!) but that's what your sentence implies to me. Phew! Long-winded!]
in this frentic world, we rarely stop to smell the roses, [did you mean "frenetic" or "frantic"? Or should I go look up "frentic"?]
Really, really enjoyable.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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OMG, Ingrid, you can review my poetry any day! Your reviews of these samples are direct, honest and cut through all the poetic crap ... that I've been known to gush over.
I don't post many poems, but when I do ... please be there to weigh in.
A couple of points:
In all forms of writing, the depth and measure of the words and the emotional reaction of the reader is the yardstick by which I respond to poetry. [I may be off the wall on this sentence, but Instead of "and the emotional reaction of the reader", why not say "and my emotional reaction", or "the way I react to it"? >> I know you don't read the reviews before you give your "two dollars' worth (your increased value!) but that's what your sentence implies to me. Phew! Long-winded!]
in this frentic world, we rarely stop to smell the roses, [did you mean "frenetic" or "frantic"? Or should I go look up "frentic"?]
Really, really enjoyable.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2015
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I truly believe that my Spellcheck program has invisible demons all conspiring to eat my frentic words. Love ya, Jay. Corrections made.
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You are welcome.