The truth can Hurt

narrative verse

 

 

The truth can hurt

 

Some writers write infrequently

 and others write prolifically.

What matters is the quality

much more so than the quantity.

 

Good writers by their words display

 their thoughts in a coherent way

Describing things they have observed

and garner praise that’s well deserved.

 

But some think anything will do

 and they pay no attention to

 the rules successful writers use

they will not learn: point blank refuse

 

 to accept well meant critique.

They much prefer dishonest praise

 from so called friends afraid

 to speak the simple truth lest they dismay

 

their friend by speaking honestly.

So naturally they take offence

when other people criticise

 that which seems perfect in their eyes.

 

True writers take this in their stride

they know their work is not perfect.

 But what they know is they have tried

and that is all you can expect.

 

New writers lack experience

 but everyone must start some where.

The wise ones do not take offence

when other people show they care

 

 enough to offer some advice.

Because they can remember when

 they too were just a new novice

to painting pictures with their pen.

27 feb 08

 

 

Reviews

[E. M. Murren]

You are blessed to offer both quality and quanitity, so you have it over the rest of us. We do our best with the tools we have. I know my work is mediocre at best, but it is what comes to me, so I share it the only way I know how. When you are gracious enough to share your knowledge with us as well... then we become blessed. Thank you.

[Nicholas Hallows]

I am always interested to read poetry about poetry. I especially agree with the quality versus quantity remark. I often see people posting poems on sites like this almost on a daily basis and I don't believe, if they are writing so prolifically, the writing can be their best quality. I like to take time over my writing - sculpting it (trying not to sound pretentious). I would much rather have a collection of poems all worthy of reading rather than a few good ones and a collection of fillers. Too many people are afraid to give honest criticism, fearing that if they do their own poems will not receive such high praise. But what is the value of knowing you are only receiving good praise because someone is returning a favour? I also agree that it is important to understand the 'rules' of writing, but not necessarily always follow them, as some great writers challenge the preconceived notions of what is correct and what is not. As long as this is done with awareness and intelligence; not just for the sake of it. As writers we never stop learning and improving our skills no matter how long we may have been writing. This is something that we should embrace rather than find offence in.
NH