I cannot tell you

I cannot tell you
how much
I abhor the amateur words
of would be poets

Sacrifice grammar for rhyme
the cliches abound as if they
poured from your mind
original and new

You are the howling neighbor's dog
to my quiet evening.

Author's Note

This was my response to reading several bad poems in a row. I'm sure it's heinous, which makes it delightfully ironic. At least, that's the intent.

Reviews

[Pushkar Prabhat]

okay!
i am so glad i came across this little gem!
very funny and yes, indeed harsh!
But they need to be taught a lesson..........
poetry is divine.
how dare they malign it's sanctity.
admiring poetry is one thing, but trying to write and calling oneself a poet.....well that is not as simple as it seems, right?
i loved it!
:)

[icomeanon_13]

Poetry is very difficult to write (well), which is why I only write it when I'm particularly vexed/inspired.

Thanks for the review. You're right that it's harsh. In some ways, it may be as often directed at myself as anyone else. It's a reminder that not everything I (or anyone) put to paper deserves to be called poetry.

[Pushkar Prabhat]

well said.
if a bunch of words could be an outlet for someone's pain and emotions........no matter how screwed up they be, grammatically..........it will be a poem, atleast for me. we are not forced to appreciate anyone and also, we must never provide a forged opinion. but the least we could do is not make fun of them! i might suck at poetry but writing makes me feel great and nobody has the right to take that away from me. Nobody has the right to take that away from anyone.
i hope i didn't offend you.
have a great day!!
:)

[icomeanon_13]

Oh, no offense taken. I didn't disagree with anything you wrote in the least. Thanks for commenting- all of my other work is fictional short stories/ chapters. If you have an interest, feel free to read and review.

[Pushkar Prabhat]

great!! yes, i will definitely read them!! :) :)

[Samuel Dickens]

Bravo! This site is literally overrun with folks who really, really, need to find another creative outlet. They can't spell, don't know proper English, have no talent, yet there they are--trying to be a poet. "Howling neighbor's dog" made me laugh. Having skimmed a bit of the story you have posted, I'd say you're mainly a story-writer, and a pretty good one.

[icomeanon_13]

You're dead on. I write poetry when I'm inspired, which is rarely. Fiction is my primary focus with science fiction and fantasy being the genres I'm most comfortable with. I'm glad people have liked the poem, though.

If you find the time to read my fiction, know that I am very happy to receive any and all reviews, critical and educated being my most favorite.

[Samuel Dickens]

I write a few poems, but mainly write short stories.

[icomeanon_13]

I'll be sure to check your work out very soon!

[Bare Trees]

You won't be disappointed. Sam is the best story writer here In my humble opinion.

[HungryGhost]

Hahaha this is funny, although it made me uneasy as I am what one would call an "amateur poet", although I don't think I am the howling neighbour's dog to your quiet evening :) Would you care to give me feedback on my poetry?

[icomeanon_13]

Hi, HungryGhost.
I will certainly provide some feedback on your poetry.

Poetry is the most common form of writing on this site and I think most people believe poetry is the easiest to write, but in reality, it's the most difficult. Poetry is short (for the most part) and has to deliver the most meaning in the least amount of words of any literary form.

[HungryGhost]

oh okay, thanks for that piece of useful information :). Thanks!

[Sami Khalil]

A very interesting write. Whimsical...:).....................

[livetowrite]

Loved the humour in this poem
You are super-tantlented

[W.k.kortas]

I suspect, given the social standing of much of Shakespeare's audience and the times, he may have actually penned "Shall I compare thee to a farting dog?" This piece is sufficiently tongue in cheek, and is much more clever than angry. Bad dogs, no biscuits.