Literary Circle

I feel a sense of déjà vu as I listen
to the cacophony of voices:
dilettantes discussing poetry 
under baroque chandeliers. Masquerading 
as avant-garde writers or bona fide critics 
(black turtlenecks; color is an anomaly and suspicious), 
they claim carte blanche to spew 
pompous platitudes,
pronounce entire oeuvres as lacking elan
while all they create is endless ennui.

1/22/2018
For contest: Contest: Ten Words Ten Lines 2
Sponsor: Silent One
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Bangalee Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 2:45 AM
excellent poem penned///
Theraven Avatar
January 28, 2020 at 10:53 PM
Agnes, Oh those chandeliers and turtleneck sweaters. -Richard
Gauthier Avatar
May 5, 2018 at 6:01 PM
Belated congrats on your awesome poem. It's a gem and a FAVE for me! Superbly penned. Smooth as silk, Agnes.
Barry-Nishanian Avatar
February 18, 2018 at 5:01 PM
Excellent...congrats. So thankful P.S. poets are nice critics and help us grow. bbn
Krampe Avatar
March 27, 2018 at 4:43 PM
Thanks for your visit, Barbara. Yes, PS is a welcoming place.
Gauthier Avatar
February 12, 2018 at 1:54 PM
Love your poem, Agnes. Congrats!
May Avatar
February 1, 2018 at 5:03 AM
Well said Agnes...Congrats on your win
Pandit Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 6:19 AM
Congrats Agnes..you hit the points well..your poems always shine!
Ashley Avatar
January 30, 2018 at 7:42 PM
Returning with congratulations Agnes for a wonderful win with your excellent poem. Warmest wishes ~Susan
Wigley Avatar
January 30, 2018 at 1:08 AM
...and back to say congrats, Agnes, well done! Viv x
Duet Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 9:18 PM
I loved your free verse poem in this contest, Agnes. One of the best IMO. Congrats on your placement too.
One Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 2:09 PM
Great use of the ten words Agnes, you have a valid point in regards to critics.. Always makes me laugh when those who do not have a clue criticise.. Great poem.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest
Krampe Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:08 PM
Thank you for my placement and for your kind comment, Silent One.
Manassian Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 6:51 AM
This is superb, Agnes. I really like how you used those words in this piece. It is so descriptive of how people try to lord it over others fueled by an elitist attitude. Great job. Thanks for your visit to my work.
Krampe Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:09 PM
Thank you for your visit and your kind comment, Eileen.
Chan Avatar
January 27, 2018 at 9:44 PM
Yes! Black turtlenecks are standard equipment for the creative/cultured set everywhere. Very well-written piece, and I love how the last 2 lines sum up the whole scene. Excellent!
Krampe Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:09 PM
Thank you, Bernard. What is it with these turtlenecks?
Wigley Avatar
January 25, 2018 at 1:49 AM
Amen, Agnes, I once got invited to a poetry circle and found it tiresome and shallow. Not my bag at all. You summed it up well. Good luck in the contest! Viv x
Krampe Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:10 PM
Thank you, Viv. I've never done a poetry circle; I wish there was one nearby for me to try.
Dietrich Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 3:42 PM
EXCELLENT usage of the words, Agnes. You pulled this off superbly!
Krampe Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:10 PM
Thanks, Andrea.
Cozart Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 12:28 PM
And suddenly his college years came flooding back! So true and clever.
Krampe Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:10 PM
LOL - were you a literature major?
Vaso Avatar
January 23, 2018 at 12:53 AM
There are quite a few like that here too, writing for an audience is far more important than writing for a critic. Loved how you expressed this. THOSE people need a mirror to look into!!!
Krampe Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:11 PM
I think writing for oneself is even better than writing *for* the audience, arthur. If people like what I have to say, great, but I'd hate to have to write to please readers.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
January 22, 2018 at 10:36 PM
Wow. I bow to thee, this is the winner for me. Wow wow wow ;)
Krampe Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:11 PM
aww, thanks, Maureen :)
Ashley Avatar
January 22, 2018 at 8:18 PM
Such an excellent poem Agnes, employing the required words masterfully as you 'call out' the wannabes in such an elegant way. Beautifully expressed. Best wishes for a win.. ~Susan
Krampe Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:12 PM
Thank you for your encouraging words, Susan.
Allison Avatar
January 22, 2018 at 4:39 PM
BRAVO! Agnes I couldn't agree more about the literary critics who claim to know so much. I've had my poetry criticised here and don't give a fig If people don't like my style or me writing poop poems then they don't have to read them. i would much prefer to write simple poems that folks understand and make them smile than highbrow stuff that only the writer understands what the heck the poem is about. Am adding this to my faves:-) Maybe the title should be vicious circle lol:-) hugs jan xx
Krampe Avatar
January 22, 2018 at 5:14 PM
Thanks, Jan. When I read the required words, this was the image that popped into my mind immediately, and then i couldn't let go :)
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