Compare me not to the gifted scribes

For the new folk starting out on this site

Compare me not to the gifted scribes
that across the page souls bleed,
for that which leaves this simple pen
is for like minded folk to heed.
Folk that harbour deep down within
a yearning to be read,
but fear comparison with their peers
so each word is writ with dread.
For acceptance is the goal we seek
not false platitudes and praise,
as the lowly bar which we set ourselves
will remain so, never raised.
So please critique with honesty
do not tell instead advise,
and with your help, encouragement
perhaps the poet in us will rise.

Author's Note

Even though I have been here for five years I often feel as though my words are to simple for the more gifted folk to read, enjoy, accept, so I would imagine there must be plenty of others in the same boat.

Reviews

[.]

I think it is the bane of the poet/writer, Gee.....we would all like to be accepted and our writing read and enjoyed by others, and quite often what we write seems inadequate to ourselves on its completion. I suppose it's up to others to judge our worth and the merits of what we convey on the page.

Your writes may read simple on first glance but the depth of emotion you portray, the lyrical quality they are written in and the heart that lies within your message and meaning are always there in abundance. You were one of the first that entertained my writes with your thoughts when i first joined here four years ago, and that has never been forgotten by this reader. So keep on scribbling and let the worth of your words be admired by others.

I enjoyed the sentiments written here and the words of advice that the newcomers could do well to heed. Another fine win for the Reds this morning, Gee, so we are flying higher than ever.

[Gee]

Hi Doodley, long may the mighty LFC continue to fly high :))
Thank you for your extremely kind words, your visits are always very much appreciated
Hope all is well with you and the fires are no where near.
Take care

[John the Baptist]

Really liked the semi-Elizabethan language of this one. The philosophy is solid, too. If you keep comparing your work to Shakespeare's sonnets, you're going to have an ongoing inferiority complex. The same is true concerning the better poets on this site. Just do the best you can and post fearlessly.

[Gee]

Hi John, thank you kindly

[Fran Marie]

O h.. Gee your poetry is
always a pleasure to read
your words make the reader feel each line of.your poetic verse ..there is no bar to be set as far I'm concerned ..everyone is unique with their own style ..no comparison need be done
We're different yet all the same..its all good..

[Gee]

Hi Fran Marie, you'll have me blushing :))
Guess because I " failed" at school I have a bucket list of inner doubt regarding most of which I post.
Thank you for your kind words

[Fran Marie]

Awhh gee whiz..
Mr.Gee..you are so welcome..wishing you the best in 2020..

[barleygirl]

I'd say about half the best writers are too filled with ego for me to really enjoy them. I love a simple writer offering honesty without ego & that's why you are beloved here at the cafe. I love how you address this to the newer writers, who may be intimated by those who act all hoity-toity & accomplished. The real measure of good writing: are you reaching people? Being real, being honest, these are the main ingredients for reaching people & screw the show-offy aficionados! Your writing reaches people, by the way! (in case you couldn't read between my lines!) Fondly, Margie

[Gee]

Thank you Margie, your kind words, comments, always put a smile on my face :)))

[Robert Trakofler]

Bunny says “Yeah screw those stuck up loser word snobs and all there silly symbolism and Hoity toity nonsense! hey wait a minute I’m on the good side...right Margie?” LOL

[Lorry]

Well, as an older writer that isn't starting anything anytime soon, may i say, DON'T BELIEVE HIM KIDS... HOW CAN ANYTHING SO WONDERFULLY PENNED, WITH SUCH EMOTION, BE DEEMED NOT TO BE FROM THE SOUL?
AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHY HAVE I NOT TURNED THE CAPS LOCK OFF YET?
Phew, was exhausting having to shout that.
What else? Oh yeah... The good folks here have been encouraging me for years, but don't let that put you off, you probably won't all turn out like me.
Wibble, kershpling, plop!

Ps... A wonderful introduction Gee. Ah, to be a newbie.... Sigh.

[Gee]

Achh, you'll have my face redder than a smacked arse :))
Thank you kindly Lorry

[Lorry]

You just reminded me of my Dad with that one Gee, it was one of his sayings, along with such parental gems as "straighten that face, you look like a melted wellie" and "yer face will stay like that if the wind changes." It never did though 😀

[Gee]

And " if wit was shut you'd be constipated" this my dear departed (Scouse)mums favourite saying

[Robert Trakofler]

first off my friend no expression is ever less than another's... the mechanics very as does the methods of conveyance. One technique is never better than another:) the more that I read here the more I have learned that to be true and the more I have learned to appreciate many styles of write:) If I could go down the list of the many wonderful influences I have experienced in these interactions over the past year or two it would be ten pages long:) I should also like to add that "simple" thing you just said a feeling or emotion of a thing is never simple it is "authentic" and to be able to express the crux of a thing in the simplest terms and convey it, is, my good friend... the definition of poetry:) many of your words have been marked upon me in indelible ink over the years... Mr Gee
I think you may suffer from the same thing that I do at times, I question my own writing far more cruelly than anyone has ever critiqued my work here or any other place I rarely after I am finished feel satisfied with a write:(

[Gee]

Hi Robert, I cannot believe you question your undoubted ability, me, yes, you, never :))
I might pop over to try and decipher a piece later :)
Hope all in the world is well with you and the tie is healed.
Cheers

[Chris Shaw]

You Gee, so underestimate your own ability. I have read many, many poets and your work when you write about loss, has touched me to the core. You have also made me roar with laughter at your cheekiness at times. You have your own unique voice as all poets do. I do not look for comparisons, I am looking for how poets convey their voice. You mention the word simple in your notes. There is nothing simple about your work. Clarity of expression is a gift in my opinion, if that is what you mean. You do not post enough, I wish you posted more, but you had a hell of a lot on your plate last year with your dear mum's passing. Maybe we will see a few more visits coming up. I sincerely hope so my friend. Hope all is good in Bucks.


Chris

[Gee]

Hi Christine, many thank yous. Don't know what else to say, which is unusual for gobby me.
Enjoy the remainder of Sunday and thank you again :)

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha. I gave rendered a bloke speechless. It won't be the first time :)))

[emmajoy]

What a message, what a poem to leave for all to read - new or otherwise, Gee!

You do yourself an injustice because your poetry inevitably flies skywards, whatever its mood, whatever its content: sad, happy. grounded or off the loop! The above is surely THE gently given lesson for January, first month of a never been before year!!!

Your family tie/commitment have influenced your ways of reviewing people too. You might speak your mind at times but there's nowt wrong with being honest. Another time, your words show such a gentle man. Your dear mum showed you what to be and - that you are. Your words shine, matey mine. All the best for your words and the world you share with your darlings through 2020 . Now, go heel-toe then, find a cuppa!

[Gee]

Happy Sunday EmmaJ, hope you are in rude health and misbehaving :))
I think the warm welcome, kindness and pointers given by your good self and several others help very much the new folk when they land. I very much appreciate the support and friendship that you have afforded me during the time I have been here. You're a proppa good 'un ma'am, proppa :))
Thank you( many times) kindly

[emmajoy]

Laughing, grinning.. proppa is such a great word, says so much.. in fact it's right wotsit! As for welcoming peeps, it all stems from the welcomes we received if not immediately but pretty quickly when we pushed open the portals! Thank YOU for nudging a host of thoughts and smiles, Gee. Hope the week ahead i proppa proppa! :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Gee, your words always move me...there are many different styles and content with poetry. And we are all individual voices. I hate comparing poets...eventually each finds his or her voice and audience.
Some like simple better, like rhyme better...like perfect form followed, others go for free verse, haiku, whatever it is....but what is great about the genre are the variables that come with each poet.
no comparing, just appreciating each individual voice.
and yours speaks easily to so many.
j.

[Gee]

Good morning Jacob, you have been nothing but supportive and helpful and one of the ports to admire and aspire to. And for that I thank you :))

[Gee]

Poets not ports...DUHHHHHHH

[AYVID N]

I really love the spirit of this poem. I have read your poetry and am really awed sometimes at the simplicity yet elegance with which you convey your feelings, especially those of loss.

We are all the same basically...people who like to communicate with words and which brings us spiritual fulfilment and that’s what keeps us here and bonded.

Appreciated very much Gee.

[Gee]

Thank you Divya, you are always so kind :))