L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
Rhyme | + Fav Poem | Comment | Email | Print |

Commenting On Poems

What’s the flurry about getting comments?
I’m not sure they mean very much at all,
Especially when any meaningful criticisms
Will cause an “offended” writer to bawl.
Learning to not make helpful suggestions,
I mostly keep my humble opinions to myself,
Writing in the most complimentary of terms
My thoughts on your poem bring me no pelf.
By looking at the numbers I can easily see
Whether my poem has been read by a few
I will never know what they thought of it,
But no comments certainly created no stew.
If you are writing poetry for pats on the back
Read them to a mate before hitting the sack.

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger Date: 10/18/2021 1:27:00 PM This made me laugh "specially when any meaningful criticisms Will cause an “offended” writer to bawl." Well done! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/18/2021 1:31:00 PM Thanks, Caren. I thought so myself....TeeHeeHee. I'm smirking!

Christopher Flaherty Date: 10/18/2021 12:16:00 PM Indeed Sir Wise words I fear I myself honestly need to heed and take more on board Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/18/2021 1:21:00 PM Thank you, Christopher, for your wise and thoughtful words!

Jan Allison Date: 10/17/2021 2:49:00 PM well said Milton you certainly hit the spot, When I have the time I comment on poems that move me or amuse me or speak to me in one way or another, sometimes I just read but I'd not make derogatory comments on a poem would simply skip it. hugs Jan xx Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/17/2021 7:29:00 PM Exactly how I go about it, Jan. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.

Mike Gentile Date: 10/17/2021 11:31:00 AM Comments are nice and hopefully genuine. I for one would welcome constructive criticism as I would like to become a better writer. It's just not possible for folks to comment on every poem that they read so I don't get offended and besides that are so many who are much more talented than me and probably more deserving of someone's time, I do appreciate them though!!! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/17/2021 1:13:00 PM Mike, I would like to find a site where open, constructive criticism is taken for what it is (hopefully helpful to the poet). I have found that not to be case on Poetry Soup, so I go with the flow. I read nearly every poem on the new list each morning, but I don't have time to stop and comment on every poem. If I comment on a poem, it means that I felt especially moved to write something nice about it. In your case, that is almost always the case. Those "poets" who write poorly or gibberish never hear from me, period. In fact, I wish they would go away, for it would save me time for reading more of the good stuff and making better comments. Tom Cunningham Date: 10/17/2021 12:03:00 PM Thank you Mike

Tom Cunningham Date: 10/17/2021 2:26:00 AM I'm all for supporting fellow poets as that's what this site is all about but don't lose sleep if folks don't comment, it's peoples choice if they want to leave a comment or not. If you write a poem that you're pleased with that's enough in my book. Been in bed most of the week, thought I was on the mend then took a nosedive went for covid check and it was clear, doc checked me over and put me on antibiotics, im slowly getting there. Hope you're well. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/17/2021 7:29:00 PM This is such good news about your mum, Jan. Jan Allison Date: 10/17/2021 2:42:00 PM sorry to hear you have been unwell Tom, so many chest infections about, mine totally floored me, am still suffering with tiredness, but mum is doing really well:-) hugs Jan xx Mike Gentile Date: 10/17/2021 11:27:00 AM Feel better soon Tom!! L Milton Hankins Date: 10/17/2021 10:11:00 AM I agree with you 100 percent, Tom. That was the primary reason for the poem. I'm so hoping you'll get well soon. Glad you don't have covid!!!! Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. So far, so good for me!