the REVIEW (our craft)

Quatrains in Iambic Pentameter

the REVIEW

Reviewing is an art few master well …
the ones who do, pass on our art intact,
inspiring 'long the way whom they might tell,
because they realize the cards are stacked.

For every poet reached in a review,
so many more are left upon the page,
complaining how their work was torn into;
such is the fodder of indignant rage.

So many verses I’ve critiqued when read,
on many more there’s never left a word.
Thus, passed on by, left as they were, instead,
for reasons some may think are quite absurd.

Shhh! Listen well, you might just understand:
I may say nothing if there’s too much wrong,
or if a poet feels they’re highly grand;
and, never when a writer is not strong.

When sensitivity controls the mind,
it cannot grasp a lesson that’s been shared;
nor, can it know reviews are not unkind;
critique was left because someone had cared.

Most share for praise and pats upon the back,
while fewer really wish for honesty.
They tout for help, not that their poems lack;
if told they do, give thanks with brevity.

See? That which makes reviewing so worthwhile,
are those rare few who never will abscond;
instead, take everything to heart and smile,
correct mistakes, then graciously respond.

Through issues all corrected they transcend,
form bonds with other poets 'long the way …
thus, learning well from those who comprehend;
these best will pass along our craft one day.

So, be prepared when those who light the path
hold high their lanterns bright that you might see;
inside your poets’ hearts resist all wrath …
one day your skills will know high mastery.


Richard W. Jenkins
© 2015

Author's Note

During my earnest and sincere efforts to help my fellow-poets correct issues in their poetry and better their skills, seems my praise and encouraging comments somehow got missed or disregarded, and in result I've inadvertently raised the ire of a fine poet; thus, I thought it best to make my take on reviewing known, and to make it clear what my motives generally are when giving a review.

Constructive critique for my poetry is always welcome and preferred. ; )

Reviews

[emipoemi]

Un - be - lie - vable! This is exactly what I stand for! So many divas have blocked me because they didn't want to be told their work needs fixing up.....and I, too "say nothing if there's too much wrong." My friend, you are a poet in the flesh. You can definitely use some tweaking on some rather banal grammatical aspects, as well as when and where beats should land (one line in this one has "someone" landing on the wrong sylLAble....but that also might simply be dialectal). This is otherwise fantastic! True to form and message! Well freaking done! (also love the Mickey Holmes image).

[Richard🖌]

Thank you for reading this piece … I really enjoyed the content and depth of your own poem, "Critique" addressing this same issue.
Seems we are on the same wavelength when it comes to reviewing and learning from those who have been there before us, lighting the way, teaching others how to lay their own foundation to build their endlessly various and creative poetic edifices upon.
The word "someone" in its static state is actually spondaic (dead) in stress, allowing it to be used either trochaic or iambic, depending on its intended inference, as in this piece "SOMEone" (ANyONE/SOME uNIQUE one, etc).
"Banal"?
Definition: trite, hackneyed, clichéd, platitudinous, vapid, commonplace, ordinary, common, stock, conventional, stereotyped, overused, overdone, overworked, stale, worn out, timeworn, tired, threadbare, hoary, hack, unimaginative, humdrum, ho-hum, unoriginal, uninteresting, dull, uninvolving, trivial; informal old hat, corny, cornball, played out; dated dime-store; rare truistic, bromidic.
Ha-HAH! I think I'm beginning to understand how you might have gotten blocked by some few of the more sensitive … LOL!
The spirit of this piece is not to be "original", but to deliver a message in lawman's terms, to convey a definite idea to everyone who reads it. As you say, not all is about technicality, SOMEthings must be understood by feeling, eh?
The Mickey Mouse image: See what I mean by a picture or illustration helping set the mood? I was looking for something appropriate to represent the idea of what I was going to say, to help set a lighter mood/ambience, and accidentally came across it when I typed images for investigating into my Google search bar … saw it and knew it was just right.
Glad you found good favor in this one, and I always appreciate your candid commentary, too … I have learned as much (if not more) by teaching and listening, as I have by studying. In fact, most all I've learned in life came from SOMEone or SOMEthing outside myself.

I think you have the potential to be a truly accomplished, master poet … just my considerably educated opinion, after reading over twenty of your pieces … thanks, guy! ⁓ Richard ; )

[Lavi]

Though this is true I rather not be the cause of indirect insecurity. Many people post on here to hear other people's feedback on what they think of their writing and if it really touches my heart, resonates to my soul, it's clear in my lengthy reminiscing reviews. Yet, even when other poems or stories don't touch me so deeply to my heart I know how easily saying nothing can be taken for nothing good, so I say thank you for sharing, it was very expressive, keep writing, etc etc because we only improve if we believe its worth a shot. To be silent creates self-doubt and often leaving a review just sends the message that "you have been heard" - but this is of my own experience and belief.
Also, it might have been mentioned below but you have one grammar mistake where reviews looks like review's when it shouldn't. Probably just a typing too fast error - I do them all the time, unfortunately.
Although, receiving the ire of poets - now that's something to be annoyed about. I think it's good to watch your wording though because on the internet, messages can often by taken with a different attitude the way they were received rather than it was meant to be delivered, know what I mean? If that doesn't work, get sassy or sarcastic right back. I've only had to do that a couple times.
Thanks for sharing, it gives perspective and insight to some of the minds of reviewers on here, so it's appreciated.
Take care,
- Lavi

[Richard🖌]

LOL!
Hi, Dear Lavi,
According to the stats, this poem has received 1588 reads and 32 reviews, and not a one of them, until You and Lyn below (including me), ever noticed that rogue apostrophe. Thanks for cluing me in. : )

I really enjoyed your take on this one, and your own shared deeper, introspective thoughts. One thing I'd like to highlight is that, if I find sufficient reason (after reading a poet's or writer's work) not to leave them a review, they never know I've been there; therefore, they never have reason for feeling that, "saying nothing can be taken for nothing good" nor does it "create self-doubt".
I never want to leave anyone with disturbed feelings; this is the reason I wrote this poem, so all who read this will understand my (and most other reviewers') motives in whatever is said in review.
If a work is so poor I cannot leave and honest, open, and helpful review without causing hurt or anger, what would be the point of a review, except to cause harm? And, as a teacher of poetry, I do not leave fluff reviews.
How very-very true your words, Lavi, and I definitely know what you mean when you say, "I think it's good to watch your wording though because on the internet, messages can often by taken with a different attitude the way they were received rather than it was meant to be delivered, know what I mean?" Wise words to heed, indeed.
Thank you for ever-so appreciatively for sharing them, and for your own interesting and insightful thoughts we all should read, learn from, and follow.

You are truly a master reviewer, Lavi … warmest blessings! ⁓ Richard : )

[Lyn Anderson]

Hey! I cannot believe I didn't notice review's should not have an apostrophe in it, lol. But seriously, I have recently run across this. I find it hard to leave any comment when there are a lot of errors. But also, if you legitimately misunderstand or see something differently, some people just take offense.

[Richard🖌]

LOL!
According to the stats, this poem has received 1588 reads and 32 reviews, and not a one of them until You (including me) ever noticed that rogue apostrophe. Thanks for watching my back. : )
How true your words are, Dear Lyn, but aren't they always? ; )

Thanks for another bite of this one, M'Lady ⁓ Richard

[Lyn Anderson]

I usually always catch rogue apostrophes, even some that are intentionally so, and as such, tend to offend.

[EcstaticEuphoria]

This is so great! Such an ode to so many things in life that some ask for help or assistance and then are aghast and offended when someone cares enough to speak in truth.

I think there are a couple things amiss with this, two that stand to mind.

First that our world is not accustomed to honesty and forthrightness, because it's usually easier and less effort to rush by something and wave an acknowledgment then it is to really take the time to think through the words and the thoughts and absorb someone else's world for a while before pausing and digesting a response worth writing.

The second is sensitivity around sharing ourselves. I understand this because I have lived it. At one time I kept all my writings to myself locked up, safely hidden, as if someone who saw them would somehow see the inherent nakedness of my own soul, something that even i myself was not comfortable with. I stopped writing for many years and after a personal crisis i brought it all back out and started critiquing my own work which lead to fully rewriting 90 percent of it several times, which lead to new works and new ideas. Now I'm able to share and feel honored by true reviews and sharing in a community that values one another.

Thanks for adding to that and thanks for letting me share my take on yours as well. Rosalee🌹

[Richard🖌]

How truly insightful, Rosalee …
For, this poem does apply to much in life, through attitude in how we reject or embrace all the world has to offer that would help us realize so many of our goals, desires, and dreams … if only we could learn how to open our minds and hearts to receptiveness; especially, in the world of poetry.
To me, if I could not share my writings, my reviews, my teachings, it would be like smothering that which I so passionately love and am compelled to do.

Your presence and your conscious, awakening words of acceptance and understanding honor and bless me, Rosalee … hugs to thee! ⁓ Richard : )

[EcstaticEuphoria]

It's so true. Holding others away from us really only harms us in the long run, but we are each on our path of self discovery in different levels and phases so it makes more sense to view everyone under the lense of compassion and regard.

Thanks for sharing your words and your caring insight! Keep it up!

[Cherrie Palmer]

Now that was a mouthful we should all chew on.

[Richard🖌]

LOL!
You said it!!!
Thanks for the read, Cherrie ⁓ Richard : )

[Cherrie Palmer]

I think we miss the point of the review so many times. With all the depth of our craft we still prefer that soft notion.

[Richard🖌]

You may be surprised at how many of the really accomplished poets relish a critically detailed review … I know I do (not that I consider myself all that accomplished, LOL) ; )

[Cherrie Palmer]

yes, i enjoy the added perspective someone else can bring. we cannot grow without it.

[Richard🖌]

Smart lady, and a beautiful writer, I sincerely add! : )

[CD Campbell]

I can see how this could come across as arrogant to the average poet. We all want to believe at some level that we are above the masses when a new creation is birthed from our efforts. A candid review can be devastating to anyone regardless of experience level. But to that, I know what harsh is and it mostly comes from behind an editors desk. People serious about the art should keep that in mind.

As far as rhythm and meter is concerned, I have yet to read anything that is completely strict and be enjoyable. It's a forest for the trees kind of thing. But I think that we can agree that a person attempting such an endeavor should do his or her absolute best to follow what the masters have laid down and work within the framework. God knows I have produced some terrible R&M where the beats have been all over the map, but I was aware and half of the time things just haven't worked to my regret. Lessons learned. It's better to move on. Reading Ezra Pound over the years has helped me to be aware of the framework to be able to break the framework. We are not and never will be Milton.

As for you, Richard, I know that you mean well. In fact I know in the past you could have savaged me and didn't. Thanks for that. I know we all are not perfect. It's good that we all can try to explore, keep our whining to a minimum, and be thankful that we can write knowing there will be a reader at the other end. CD

[Richard🖌]

Boy-howdy, how right you are!
I've be rather vilified and skint alive from an editor's blue pencil … LOL! Publishing poetry with a legitimate publisher is NOT for sissies.
I would think the average poet would take this piece to heart, realizing there is naught meant but humility and goodwill from my words, a laurel leaf of sorts, if you will … still, knowing the sensitive nature of us poets.
First line, paragraph two: I am quite genuinely surprised you said this.
__________________________________

Of Ezra Pound:
What a controversial figure; most considered him a traitor to his country and thought him insane … I know him as but as the brilliant poet.

"AN IMMORTALITY"

Sing we for love and idleness,
Naught else is worth the having.
Though, I have been in many a land,
There is naught else in living.

And, I would rather have my sweet,
Though rose-leaves die of grieving,
Than do high deeds in Hungary
To pass all men's believing.

Ezra Pound
__________________________________

CD, I'd like to have your candid take on a couple of pieces, if you've the mind:
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1805226/
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1550785/

Smile!
CD, considering my own countless flaws, I would be the last person to savage You for anything, My Friend.

Thanks a million for sharing the value of your thoughts with me, I am both humbled and overjoyed! ⁓ Richard : )

[CD Campbell]

I wouldn't say he is my favorite poet if anyone were to have one. I'm partial these days to Auden and Wendell Berry. I would love to look at those poems you mentioned. Give me a bit though, have soccer duties with the kids tonight so it might be tomorrow before I get a chance. Talk to you then.

[Richard🖌]

Thumbs-up!

[lightsong]

It's not about the review itself, but more about the way of reviewing, it's a craft, I agree with You, when I review I try to give it all my heart and mind, even if it's not so good in my eyes, I respect that a heart/mind has/have written it at sometime, there is a message through, a dream, a need, a... a... a... this where my reviews come from, and it's more harder for me than others to do go reading and reviewing for reasons You know, at times it takes me like half an hour to read a poem and write a review for it.

I've friends who help me with my errors, sometimes REALLY stupid errors, and I'm most grateful for them, for their caring read and heart, what I don't like are those who come to read JUST to pick up the mistakes, or tell You how to write etc... those kind of people whom are full with ego, thinking they are the best, the offering to help is also a craft, and also when someone askes You to help, I'm sure You never let them down, I know You are a "strict" teacher when it comes to poerty and its forms, and You must be, still You are also generous and kind. each have their own circumstances and positions, there are fine poets whom I don't think its my place to give them a note unless its a good one, being You, a fine one, normally it's Your duty to help others with their works.

If we poets, the sensitive creatures can't accept each others, respect each others with kindness... then what we left to the people out there?! 

[Richard🖌]

Well, GH,
If there is anyone who needs the lessons this poem teaches, if definitely is not You … for, you are one of the most wonderfully encouraging and helpful reviewers I know of, and one of the deepest understanding and receptive of constructive critique there is, but your attitude is amazingly suitable for poetry sharing and learning, too.
I've always highly respected and admired your thoughts, feelings, and outlooks about poetry in general, and reviews in particular.

Many grateful thanks to you, M'Dear Lady-Poet … hugs, too! ⁓ Richard : )

[lightsong]

The same here Syr, respect and admiration what I feel for You and Your pen.

[GreenShoes]

First, let me say, I love the way you presented this poem. The picture of Mickey Mouse, and the way you wrote the title with "the" in lowercase, and "REVIEW" in all caps, is perfect. But the small, yellow print on a black background is a little hard to read.

This is a poem that I enjoyed reading. Most of us who publish our work on writing sites have an opinion on reviews. I've noticed a difference between reviews on Wattpad and reviews here. On Wattpad, most of the reviews (there, they are called "comments") are encouraging and supportive, but without much backbone. It's almost like the reader didn't carefully read the poem, and is only commenting on the overall gist of it. Some comments are based on reciprocity, they want the same treatment when you review them. Here, I've noticed there are more reviewers who are inclined to offer constructive criticism. Quite frankly, I think there is more talent here than on Wattpad. The critiques are meant to give you food for thought, not to insult your work.

Time and effort is put into giving someone a review, and we should all be thankful for that. I did receive a rather harsh review once here on WC, which I didn't take very well, but ultimately, it made me think about that poem, and I ended up unpublishing it.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly and sincerely, Karen.
Accolades of my humble efforts, gifted from a poetess of your caliber, does more than merely gratify me, they enthrall the hopeful dream of being appreciated and understood by one of true note.
Ya know, Karen(?), I have seen similar differences in review methods from every site I've ever served on. It may be due to one is more social oriented, where writers are pleased by pats on the head, spurious, undeserved compliments, etc; most are, while others are what I term learning and teaching sites, where candid and open critique is not only invited, but is preferred and expected, and the fewer sites are more like the Café, where there is a broad mix of all.
In my instance, I make it a point to try and never take offense at anything a reader says in an untoward way, though, I will admit I do not suffer fools well, either, despite that I do my utmost to be nice to everyone who will allow it.
I do, however, understand your own sensitivities when your work is set upon by undeserved harshness, but must share with you that I can think of nothing anyone could say that would make me take down any of my pieces; yet, I readily admit that some of my earlier works were hot and sensual, and after complaint by a deeply religious woman, they were removed by the administrator of one site I was on, whom I let know what they could to with their site, or any site that censored my right to free speech and artistic expression … LOL! About fifty of their members quit and followed me to the new site I joined, and that was before there were very many free sites, including the site I quit that charged $15 a year.
Anyway, I wish you'd put your poem back, correct or edit it, if needed, and give us all a chance to enjoy another of your excellent pieces.

Thank you for sharing You, Karen … it is a special thrill to know you're here … hugs! ⁓ Richard ; )

[Richard🖌]

Oh, I've made the font bolder, Karen, and it seems more legible now … let me know what you think, please.

[GreenShoes]

Ah, yes, it is better now. I can see that you matched Mickey's Sherlock outfit perfectly with that color. If you weren't a poet/teacher, you could have easily been a designer; I think you have the knack for it.

[Richard🖌]

You've made me very happy. ; )

[Lyn Anderson]

Nicely done and presented. However, while a person like yourself reviews with help in mind, others review to pick apart the person's viewpoint, or just to gain reviews for themselves. Often I review just because I like it, helping if I see small grammar errors etc. I don't tend to syllable count or figure out if the form is exactly correct. I believe any review is worth listening to if it doesn't involve disliking for the sake of disliking. If I were to say, for example, I hate this poem because I hate this form. That is a pointless review. I think it is a clear message properly delivered.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you so very much, Dear KL! : )
As I have so many times, I certainly admire the uniquely deep and abiding manner in which your mind works … your instinctive feelings and captivating expressions of emotion, as-well.
in all you've said, we (you and I) think so much alike we might well be able to write the same book; except, if the poem you were reading/reviewing were an English Sonnet, I contend that you would immediately catch any stumble in flow, etc; and be compelled to ascertain why, whether it might be count, exact correctness, or otherwise, because I think you'd want to give its author an honest helping hand … just sharing my thought. : )
On those who review with meanness, I can very much relate, as I once got off the site for awhile from being hurt by someone I thought very highly of, for doing this exact same thing to me.
How wonderful you clearly understood the message of this all-important piece, KL, but I never for a moment doubted you would … most grateful hugs to you, Dear Friend! ⁓ Richard