I Don't Know How To Write

I show my poor attempts

To those with more expert opinions

and they all say the same thing

As if from an instruction manual

That dictates how to destroy

One young writers soul

This is a great start

You'll get better

Here try this instead

Why am I never good enough?

I used to agree with them you know.

Trying to see things from their perspective

Told myself that they were better than me

So they must know what they're talking about

Right?

But I've heard those same lines

Every time I open my soul up

To be looked at, examined

Bare my brain, my body, my being

Hoping for some encouragement

Just someone to say

Hey this is good

and keep it at that.

Maybe I don't need a professional opinion

All I need is for someone to look at me,

My poetry, who I am

and tell me I'm good enough

and I don't need to change

Anything.

Reviews

[MJ Durston]

Hey this is good,
You are good enough,
and you don't need to change.

I'm a bit fearfulto review this piece, and by saying that, I mean I hope I'm not written about for what I say to you. I do like this piece, I think it shows not only great composure for some of the terrible things us writers have to suffer through and listen to, in fact I have a rejection letter posted on my fridge as a reminder, that it's only an opinion. We all have them.

These opinions by experts or professionals does not mean in anyway that they are better, or that they are more experienced - it's more or less a matter of taste. Whether or not they like it, they enjoy it, it suits their magazine or journal. It doesn't seem to be about the writing anymore does it?

I found the poem slightly ironic, in it you point out that they complain about certain aspects, such as grammar. This poem could use some periods, commas and other punctuation to better allow it some flow. I'd like to give you just a single reminder, if only you in fact believe what you've written here - my advice would be, They are just trying to help - don't forget that.

every writer knows not to take a rejection personally.

Best of luck in future writing,
Melissa