Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » When a Poem Is Lousy

When a Poem Is Lousy

Despite contrary opinions to that effect Poetry is not entirely subjective, at all! Over time, some poems will gain respect Because of their excellent quality overall. Whenever I see a poem with a lack of skills Poor grammar, phrasing, and punctuation It’s poor; or if it's trite, time gracefully kills, Rarely does a poem rise above its station. It’s not “subjective” to say a poem is lousy It’s a fact; and I could give many a sample, If it makes no sense and technique is drowsy Millions can read it and like it, for example. But readership doesn't make it a better poem Writing fine poetry is about outstanding skills. A vast majority of poems today are ho-hum, Including mine, containing a plethora of ills. Still, I hope I’ll score with one in a hundred To have one remembered fondly in a century Then I will leave here having duly thundered, Proud I’ve scored, maybe, one poetic victory! Written August 15, 2022

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Sam Kauffman

Date: 8/19/2022 10:50:00 AM

Thank you Milt. Writing poetry, good poetry, is a process of writing, editing and editing again as well as immersing oneself in excellent poetry, putting out one's work for review - developing a sense of the elements of strong poetry. It takes work! Not every poem lives into the future. We are truly blessed if we have but one that lasts. Of all of the songs I've written one was adopted as the international theme song of a prison ministry - a blessing to know this song is sung worldwide.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/19/2022 12:12:00 PM

So true, Sam. I wrote the lyrics to a song used by our Baptist Convention and then signed the copyright over to them. It is a joy knowing the song is being used over and over in that setting. It was my first attempt at songwriting, so I was pleased they liked it.

Aurore Severo

Date: 8/17/2022 12:33:00 AM

and yet many a poem in their time, not regarded well at all, never mind good or bad poetry is true, yet it is still subjective, and yes reads matter, because many a poem in their time would have failed your test. By the way poems do not sell themselves, and as for checking spelling and grammar, matters not a bit, I could go on and on but Jane Austin comes to mind.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/17/2022 7:58:00 AM

Thank you for your opinion and your comment, Aurore, but it's clear you and I must agree to disagree on this one. I don't recall any really famous poems that are filled with grammatical errors and make little or no sense!

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/16/2022 11:51:00 PM

"Still, I hope I’ll score with one in a hundred" - I like these lists myself, my friend!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/17/2022 8:10:00 AM

Well, I do believe that we all need affirmation of one kind or another. It's always wonderful to hear that something I have written is being read and rewarded with nice comments. I try to do that for others.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 8/16/2022 6:50:00 AM

If a poem is excellent then it will sell itself, I don't call myself a poet I let others decide. There's plenty of aids to help a writer, grammar and spell checks etc a shame many don't take advantage of them. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/16/2022 8:22:00 AM

So true, Tom. You certainly have the proper, admirable attitude toward this whole business! And, as to your being a poet, Tom, you are a first-rate, first-class poet of considerable skill. If only I could write half as well as you!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/15/2022 6:58:00 PM

When a poem is lousy -- it's in need of lice checks in the future. An ounce of prevention...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/15/2022 7:08:00 PM

You are sooooo right, gw. Couldn't have said it better.

Jenna Logan

Date: 8/15/2022 6:03:00 PM

I really enjoy reading comments made by others, and I agree with every one of them made here. Michael recognizes your talent as a poet, and you know I do, too. I never ever write praising comments on a poem that I don't feel deserves it. I may not be qualified to judge, but I DO have an opinion, and I won't fluff kudos when I don't feel they are deserved. Your victories don't only come in poetic form, Milt. You offer the site so much more.

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/15/2022 9:34:00 PM

I accept. You've been my cheerleader many times.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/15/2022 7:10:00 PM

Aw, thanks so much, Jenna. Are you wearing your cheerleader outfit? You are too kind, but, let's face it, I do need a cheerleader now and then. You're hired!

I Am Anaya

Date: 8/15/2022 5:05:00 PM

Really love this, Milton. Your point of view is extremely well taken. I know I'll be practicing for years to come, trying to hone my ability. What depresses me are poems reduced to angry partisan vitriol!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/15/2022 6:00:00 PM

I do understand. I try to be more optimistic in my poems, but I confess that occasionally I can go on a rant if it is something that touches me deep down in my heart and soul. I try always to be positive, thoughtful, and encouraging in my comments. I sense that in you, too, Anaya.

Michael Tor

Date: 8/15/2022 2:07:00 PM

Milton I value your "Opinion" Why? You have more experience in writing, probably then most of us can ever achieve. Your wife Deborah I believe was an English teacher, her input also helped you achieve that high status of Poetry intellect. You have been a judge on this site also. If anyone knows what they are talking about when it comes to this subject, it is you. I wrote a Prose or Narrative on Opinions if you get a chance please read it. I live by what I wrote. That is everyone has an opinion. The opinions I value most are opnions that are from ...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/15/2022 4:13:00 PM

Aw, Michael, thanks so much. I really appreciate your thoughts and your comment, but I really don't feel all that! What you say is true, and I've loads of experience judging forensics in addition to publishing poems, but I'm still plodding along trying to write better everyday. You do me much more honor and credit than I really deserve, but I do thank you for your kindness to me.

Michael Tor
Date: 8/15/2022 2:13:00 PM

people we trust. Also people with lets say a PHD like a Doctor, or if car problems a good Mechanic. Proffesionals that specialize in their fields, with a lifetime of experience, most of the time their opinion is much more accurate than mine. I value your opinion. Plus all your experience, and effort in English, and your years of writing, I certainly agree with what you say in this Poem. Unless they can walk in your shoes and commit themselves to a lifetime of writing, and teaching, honestly they should humble themselves and take your meaningful advice...

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 8/15/2022 1:54:00 PM

Depends on the intent of the poem and some people are just starting out. It helps to take some classes and to practice different forms as well as use a dictionary, thesaurus and rhyming dictionary. A poem can be cathartic, even one that might not be classed as good. Still it makes it more fun to gain skills. Soldier on, Milton!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/15/2022 1:57:00 PM

Thanks so much, Kim. You are, indeed, a ray of sunshine. I certainly agree. The better poems grow out of years of writing, study, and improving techniques. And I certainly agree, the more one writes, as a general rule, the better one gets at it.