L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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Novices and Fledglings

Everyone thinks they can write a poem
Like almost everyone has a story to tell,
And many think writing is a way to fame
To them, I say with sarcasm, “Oh, well!”

Talented writers are like match to flame
Words and phrases flow like a stream,
And even after, require thorough editing
Separating the gasp from the scream.

Far be it from me to go about discrediting
Sincere efforts of novices and fledglings,
But reading new “poems” can be daunting
With aspiring poets trying out their wings.

My advice is practice, practice, practice
Then show your work to family and a friend
If you are met with smiles and approval,
Pay attention to what they’ll recommend.

Poetry Soup is an excellent place to begin
For “soupers” are friendly and helpful,
They will be gentle and kind, I have found,
Helping you get your feet on the ground.

Written August 18, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 8/20/2022 12:27:00 AM For “soupers” are friendly and helpful," - I am glad that when I initially wondered if I could write poetry" that I am tremendously glad that I found SOUP first. Most of my first attempts were narratives, and they were kind enough to pretend they were poems. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/20/2022 9:25:00 AM I've found the members of PS to be friendly, as a general rule. We have a few rascals, but I say my piece to them and then forget all about it.

Terry Miller Date: 8/19/2022 7:26:00 AM Very interesting, Milton. As a new writer, I expected more constructive criticism when I joined soup, but I enjoy reading all the poems on here and learning from them; the contests helped me a lot by employing new forms. But it is true Soupers are friendly. I've found Login to Reply

Jenna Logan Date: 8/18/2022 3:58:00 PM Great thoughts and advice, Milt. Unfortunately, not everyone is receptive to suggestions. More is the pity for not being open-minded. Terry has it right...No suggestions seem to be wanted by some who want to leave things just the way they are, and no using the word 'hue.' There's too much criticism of the destructive kind! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/19/2022 7:59:00 AM I certainly feel that you make a good point here, Jenna. I would love constructive criticism...not the picky kind, but honest suggestions about how a poem can be made better. Unfortunately, that won't fly here at Poetry Soup. That's okay. I've enough constructive criticism from editors to last a lifetime! (chuckling) There is way too much criticism of the destructive kind, particularly in the blogs.

Tom Cunningham Date: 8/18/2022 1:09:00 PM That sounds like excellent advice Milton, only over time will they perfect their writing skills. I start with an idea and build up from there, then spend a couple of days 'polishing' it up. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/18/2022 5:13:00 PM You got that right, Terry. If one offers a constructive suggestion around here it is greeted with shouts of "Off with his/her head!" (chuckling) Terry Flood Date: 8/18/2022 2:57:00 PM Suggestions? SUGGESTIONS! Be off with you man. We’ll be having none of those new fangled suggestions around here. From now on all poems must begin, “Shall I compare thee to a mammoth’s tusk”. Ha ha! L Milton Hankins Date: 8/18/2022 1:18:00 PM Thanks, Tom. It's essentially the advice I gave creative writing students who were serious about writing sans the Poetry Soup portion. I would've suggested they become a part of Poetry Soup had I known it existed at the time (and it probably didn't). I thoroughly enjoy reading new poets here. I only wish we were freer to make suggestions, but that's a dangerous area to tread in.