Everybody's a Critic

No matter what you’re trying to say,
be it in your poetry or song.
There’s still going to be an expert,
who’ll tell you that you’re doing it wrong.

I think maybe there is something skewed,
going on in their philosophy.
I wonder what makes them the expert,
on what my poetry means to me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Fisher Avatar
August 26, 2023 at 5:42 PM
Nice poem describing the issue of those know-it-alls. Interesting to see the comments of an expert that can match your ability to tell a story with great rhyme and rhythm. I don't think they can do it.
Brotherton Avatar
August 26, 2023 at 5:52 PM
Thank you so much my friend for your more than kind words. That's what I say, an expert is usually the one that never puts his work out there.
M  Avatar
August 26, 2023 at 4:45 PM
A wise man you are Mr Brotherton haha! Love it! Debx
Brotherton Avatar
August 26, 2023 at 5:42 PM
Ah shucks Deb, you're making me blush.
Rose  Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 6:54 PM
There are no experts when it comes to poetry there are many interpretations, all of them right, each one unique according the the viewer, :)
Brotherton Avatar
August 26, 2023 at 5:40 PM
I agree, if we all thought the same way, there would be no need for poets.
Rolland Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 6:14 PM
well said, we may have some interrogations sometimes about poems, nicely done, have a great week end
Brotherton Avatar
August 26, 2023 at 5:38 PM
Thanks you. Hope you have a good weekend also.
Wolf Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 3:28 PM
Bravo, Jerry! Bravo! Well-said and Amen! ~ Gershon
Brotherton Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 5:48 PM
Thank you. I think we all know that one person who seems to always push the wrong buttons. I appreciate you dropping by my friend.
Bauer Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 2:53 PM
goodness, jerry - i sure hope you're not listening to anyone out there who has the nerve to criticize you! the way i see it, we should read other people's poems and comment favorably on those we like (if we have to time to do so) and not make any comment at all on the ones we don't like. unless you're asking for a critique, you should not have anyone offering suggestions on how to improve your poems. the only exception to that is when someone points out a typo, for which i'm always grateful...
Brotherton Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 5:47 PM
I was telling Jim in another comment. Constructive criticism from people who put their words on the line is what makes us better writers. But there is always someone who knows more about poetry than everyone else though they have never written a word. It usually doesn't bother me but every now and then, you'll see me venting. Thanks for listening and putting up with me my friend.
Lawless Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 2:03 PM
OH,excuse me I thought the title wa "Everybody's a CRICKET"...sorry....
Brotherton Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 5:40 PM
Hee Hee. Perhaps I hear another poem being churned in my head. Something like Cricket Knows Best. Thanks for dropping by my friend. have a good one.
Slaughter Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 10:47 AM
Bravo! Jerry. One of the most difficult things to learn, I think, is to know the difference between "read" and "review"...and "critique" and "criticize". And all too often fellow writers/poets seem to have the most difficulty with making that distinction.
Brotherton Avatar
August 25, 2023 at 5:35 PM
Agreed, I am always looking for constructive criticism. That is what makes us better as writers. Of course, I've noticed that those who claim expertise the most are those who don't write at all. That's why I stay within the confines of poetry groups. At least I can trust that they have been there and are passing on experience. Thanks for listening to my rantings my friend.
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