Please Critique What I Wrote

By Elton Camp Many times I’ve gotten this request To politely refuse, I’ve learned is best “Your honest opinion is what I ask” Actual desire for praise does mask Dare to say anything but “It’s great” And your very guts they will hate Any criticism will drive them wild Almost as if you slapped their child It has more faults than a dog has fleas Yet lavish praise is all that will please You can know that the writer will say, “What makes you a critic anyway!” “You are as presumptuous as can be To say such insulting things to me.” He’s forgotten he made the request Now it is you who’s put to the test If, to critique a work, you dare try Expect broken bones and black eye