I Know Not What To Do With Praise

Lately I have gotten too much praise for my poems. Please say nasty things. Do you want me to become a bubble? a balloon? or what --

b’’h

2/19/13

I know not what to do with praise --

Except I cannot keep

It; lest I let it change my ways --

And think that I can leap

Beyond the border of my skill --

Then -- do however please --

Accepting not I’ve gotten ill:

My pride become disease.

Reviews

[Relic]

What a bunch of crap, I hate it! Pure garbage really. There, are you satisfied? Okay so what are my real feelings? Well here it is...I've been playing drums for over 40 years. Each time I play I get a compliment from someone or worse yet, someone wants me to join their band. UG!

You would think that after all these years of accolades I would get a big ego and my pride would be out of control, but that's not the case. I am smart enough to know there are others out there that are better than I am and nothing is guaranteed in life. I do it out of pure enjoyment for myself, and as a result, others are moved by what I have to say musically.

As a result, I keep myself humbled, putting all the praise I receive in my back pocket knowing how lucky I am to be able to do what I love.

So what does that have to do with this poem? I'll say it this way-- This is a great poem. Now put that in your back pocket and remember--writing is never finished, it's abandoned.

[Firestone Feinberg]

THIS IS THE WORST REVIEW I'VE EVER GOTTEN. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! And then comes your drumming anectdote which you tell so glibly. And then comes the Truth, by way of example; you tell me a secret and I say hmmmm... And then comes the finale: full of the wisest counsel. And then, at last, the crown -- the brilliant coda, 'writing is never finished, it's abandoned.' All of this tempered with the -- yes -- sublime -- and off-the-rack -- simple symbol: the back pocket. Then I'll try to stuff your kindness and wisdom into my yet-empty back pocket. Thanks. -- David

[Relic]

:) You're welcome my friend.

[char]

Yeah. Compliments and incessant praise leave no room for improvement. It feeds egos, then egos ruin friendships. And now I can read this poem to remind me of that! Thank you, sir!

[Firestone Feinberg]

Dear Anna, I won't give you any praise for your comment. We will keep our mutual understanding as if a secret. I would offer to refrain from praising your poetry, but I am sure I couldn't stick to such a routine. Okay I better stop writing before I compliment you! But can I thank you for saying such nice things about my poem and I will be honored if you use it! Shalom, David

[Denham Cole]

Well,.. you could consider trying on some various forms. Rhyming couplets and tid-bit poetry - all neat and nice and served dainty-polite just gets boring after the 2nd or third morsel...

[Firestone Feinberg]

Well -- now THERE'S an idea. Rhyming couplets, eh? Tidbit poetry? I'm not quite sure what that is. Regardless, at your recommendation, I aspire to it. Gotta go get started on a coupla couplets That 'tidbit' enuff for ya? (Well, now I've lost him... come back Denham! I'll edit!) And. Thank you. --David

[Frieda P]

Usually a simple 'thank you' will suffice. It's what we do with it afterwards that makes or breaks us...being humbled is usually better than slamming head first into pride. Which, truthfully I don't know why it's a sin if taken with a grain of salt and doled out just as cautiously.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Your words are wonderful. They glitter with reality -- with solid truth. I so much appreciate your kind and warm and friendly advice. A simple 'thank you' is just not enough here. A big 'thank you' Is called for. THANK YOU! --David

[quinfinn]

well, you have relic to thank for the attention this piece received from me. he has done you a gross injustice and then turned it around to give the true praise that this write deserves. although, in all honesty, i must say that i enjoyed relic's review almost as much as i did the poem...maybe the two of you should do a collaboration piece? awesome....

[Firestone Feinberg]

Thanks, quin, for reading relic's altogether remarkable review -- and also my poem! There's no doubt that the review is the star of this pair. I am grateful to relics for his care-full and thought-full words. Such wisdom comes to us rarely. Thanks for your interest and your support. A collaboration? Who knows...

[quinfinn]

you're a remarkable writer, david...always enjoy your stuff

[Firestone Feinberg]

You are a blessing. To thank you is not enough... but it's all I've got: THANK YOU!

[sithlordjp]

Fine, I won't say anything about your words, I'll just say good job on that painting, it looks fantastic !!! The subject, the colors, the mood of it evoke so much to me. The weapon is darker than the silhouette, it is not something he is proud to carry, it comes with a heavy cost... When's your gallery exhibit !!

[Firestone Feinberg]

Glad you like the painting. The man was a model in a catalog. I cut him out, traced him, added the gun, and then washed the whole with watercolor. I think Istill have it, not sure. Thanks for not saying anything about the damned poem! --David

[Holly Mason]

they have shots for that*)
when I look forward to reading something from a specific writer my praise is not given without merit....keep that as a cure for your illness
thank you for sharing

[Firestone Feinberg]

Holly! You were supposed to say 'I HATE that lousy poem!' -- okay, I understand that you are too kind to say that -- so where can I buy that pill? Thanks, dear. --David

[Holly Mason]

and just to let you know yes I am nice...so if i don't like something I say nothing at all!*)and I don't hate it I think it is adorable running from fame

[Firestone Feinberg]

oh

[Holly Mason]

bonehead ,hope I didn't come off mean with the oh response

[Firestone Feinberg]

not at all -- 'oh' is just a silly thing i say -- mostly to my wife -- you ARE a dear!