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Hurtful Critic

Indubitably, you're a writer like me But your world is drenched in apathy You're plodding through with lethargy To write words so unclear. Introvert, you're unrehearsed Yet so well versed In lines that hurt And tear apart the things that I hold dear. My love for you It still holds true You're begging me to notice you But I sense that you're a person of regret. In stanzas and soliloquy The daggers you choose carefully Are aimed to say "I'll criticize you yet".

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Peter Rees

Date: 8/18/2017 5:05:00 AM

I suspect your words are too kind, Gayle. I have just realised myself that there are some truly vile people on PS, whose words can crush and seriously de-motivate. You've held back with your words, rightly so, as it would do no good to reduce yourself to their malignant level. Well said.

Gayle Rodd
Date: 8/18/2017 5:52:00 AM

Well I have found (thank goodness) that the majority of people here are pretty kind and generous with their encouragement. I wish for you the more you write and contribute, that you will find them :)

Ronald A. Williams

Date: 8/16/2017 6:49:00 PM

You tell your feelings well.

Gayle Rodd
Date: 8/16/2017 6:58:00 PM

thank you Ronald. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself I guess ;)

Kim Merryman

Date: 3/8/2017 3:57:00 PM

There is no excuse for a hurtful critique! Your poem is clear and to the point, a well-written response to mean comments. I like it! Blessings, Kim

Gayle Rodd
Date: 3/8/2017 4:07:00 PM

Thank you, Kim

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 3/8/2017 1:37:00 PM

You have flipped a lovely eloquent bird with this verse. I applaud you! ;) xomo!

Gayle Rodd
Date: 3/8/2017 2:03:00 PM

Poetic and very well put ;)

Lisa Ricci

Date: 3/8/2017 12:49:00 PM

Words hurt and harm. I always felt if there was an entry that I didn't understand or liked I passed and moved to another. I don't believe in tearing down thoughts of another especially when the thoughts come from the heart and soul. I've had my share of bad reviews that I had to explain my words style and thought. The bad critic is the one who sets out harm the good critic honestly advises the author of a point of view that can help the author grow. Remain true to your work and style.

Gayle Rodd
Date: 3/8/2017 1:06:00 PM

Thx Lisa. I think there's a difference between constructive criticism and just plain brutal bashing! Meh, I figure those that spew the worst have the hardest time expressing themselves in writing anyway so... ;p

Jan Allison

Date: 3/8/2017 10:59:00 AM

Powerfully penned Gayle. I have known people leave soup because their poems have received such harsh critique. When i first started writing and posting here I was so badly criticised by one poet for my 'simple' style I almost stopped writing... but in 3 years I have learned so much and I am so glad I stayed:-) hugs Jan xx

Gayle Rodd
Date: 3/8/2017 11:17:00 AM

I think we've all felt that at one point, and being poets I feel we're probably more sensitive to that. I for one, embrace my sensitivity!! lol Thank you for the comments.

Chris Green

Date: 3/8/2017 10:56:00 AM

Words can be the most dangerous weapons one can wield, especially in a scenario like this. Why so many just set out to hurt and destroy is beyond me. This poem speak that message well, it reads smoothly and has a melodic cadence to it. Nicely done Gayle.

Gayle Rodd
Date: 3/8/2017 11:19:00 AM

Hi Chris. I think I wrote this after some not-so-constructive criticism regarding my punctuation. I know I'm horrible at punctuation but I'm learning! I guess you could say this is my 'reply' to her!

Susan Palli

Date: 3/8/2017 10:49:00 AM

Hurtful indeed!

Gayle Rodd
Date: 3/8/2017 12:47:00 PM

Maybe I don't have thick enough skin to write!