When you post a poem here…?

Question

Are you looking for approval, or constructive criticism?

I know that when I post some of my pieces of the past, I am looking for the honest opinions and criticisms of those of today.
I do this knowing this.
I hope that most new poets of today, know that not every piece they write will touch everyone who is out there. I know this. Do you?

Sam,
I loved your message. If you would be kind enough to email me with some of those sites I would be greatful.
Peace & Love,
Sam

to okcsuzq:
Beautifly put!

Answer 1

Hello Sam,

In most cases I post here to get feedback (whether that is praise, someone hating it, or hopefully constructive criticism). You have tunnel vision when your writing, and sometimes you don't know if your poem is going to work with readers or not. I don't expect everyone to like every poem, but luckily for me I've got a group of writers, poets, and good critics on this site that have taken an interest in some of my work--I may not agree with all of their critiques, but it is all helpful.

Mostly, I use this site to stay creative and write consistantly (I may not post a new poem every day). I mean I like it when people like my work, but I am mainly posting so that I can share what I've written and to improve what I've written. I'm still probably at least ten years away from where I need to be (and in ten years I'll still feel ten years away lol).

Answer 2

I agree Sam there are a lot of people looking for praise. When I post anywhere, I'm not even looking for critiques...I'm usually trying to answer the question asked in the best manner I am able. Whether I am a published poet or not, I am an emotional one. I go with my gut unless the person that is responding to it is someone that I know and trust to be honest with me, not someone who may have their own agenda. There are a lot of places that need writers and poets. I belong to one. I don't believe in harsh critiquing, that can cause new poets to walk away from something that could give them a great deal of pleasure and hopefully it will give those that read it some also.

Poet's Desire

Oh, with what fortitude
doth the poet’s heart thrive
To spin their soul’s desire
is the blood of their life

With the placement of words
Their pictures are painted
While telling their stories
Until they are sated

The scenes are their glory
As the stories are told
Bringing forth emotions
From the hearts they now hold

Seeking the words needed
To deftly speak their mind
Then exposing their souls
With the words that they find

A poet’s desire
Is beautiful to read
With someone to listen
It’s everything they need

Susan Palmer-Davis
11/13/2004
All Rights Reserved

Answer 3

I do it because it seems kind of pointless to write something that you think is beautiful and then hide it away.

I like people to read what I write because not only do I want to share what I think is pretty, but also because I want to know when something works or doesn't work.

Sometimes, though, when I post a poem here I'm just looking to make someone laugh.

Once in a while I post something that's sort of a secret message to someone else *wink*

I do know that not everything I write will touch another person and I know that not everything I write is even good (in fact, I think most of it is shite) and that's why it irritates me to no end when people just say "I hate it" but don't say why or what I could do to make it better.

Answer 4

.

Constructive criticism is an oxymoron..
to construct is to build up
to criticize is to tear down

I want approval if it is warranted but I am also looking for tips and suggestions . Ways I can improve my work.. I want the thing torn apart if it needs it. No one needs to be treated rudely and have their attempts abused.

Poetry is an acquired taste. Many people do not like it or understand it. There is poetry I can not relate to before I reject it.

I am way too old for worrying about getting my feelings hurt. But there are some young ones who post their work looking to improve their technique or their form of expression who can be totally wiped out emotionally. Poetry is self expression and nothing is too silly or inane to abuse or ridicule..

Answer 5

I recently answered a similar question on YA, and this was my answer, which at the time was off the top of my head. The question was what motivates me to write poetry. While my poetry is driven by a lot of things, certainly the little ditty below discusses one of them.

If I didn't have poetry
I would stoop,
I would slide,
I would trip
and nobody would see me.

If I didn't have poetry
I would stutter,
I would slur
I would comingle my words
such that you could not hear me.

If I didn't have poetry
I would be the same invisible me
I've always been.

I want to be seen.

Answer 6

I don't post my poetry here because it's horrible. But I try to give constructive criticism. If I really like something, I tell them. If I don't, I just say: "Good job" and leave it at that...

Answer 7

I don't post poetry. I don't write poetry. And I honestly think that most people who come on here with their poetry are looking for praise, praise, praise. (Then again, most of them are tweens or emokids, tee hee!)

I'm glad you don't do that. However, there are better websites for people who write poetry than here, with other poets who actually know how to critique it. Try one of those--I have a feeling you'll get more satifactory feedback!

Good luck! :-)

Answer 8

This is more a safe literary zone than a teaching zone. Like first, people want approval.

Answer 9

I just love escaping in my poetry.

I even like Haiku, not very typical of a Redneck beer drinkin guy like me. But I got six kids to take care...wife left, so I find solace in that.