Compare me not to the gifted scribes

For the new folk starting out on this site

Compare me not to the gifted scribes
that across the page souls bleed,
for that which leaves this simple pen
is for like minded folk to heed.
Folk that harbour deep down within
a yearning to be read,
but fear comparison with their peers
so each word is writ with dread.
For acceptance is the goal we seek
not false platitudes and praise,
as the lowly bar which we set ourselves
will remain so, never raised.
So please critique with honesty
do not tell instead advise,
and with your help, encouragement
perhaps the poet in us will rise.

Author's Note

Even though I have been here for five years I often feel as though my words are to simple for the more gifted folk to read, enjoy, accept, so I would imagine there must be plenty of others in the same boat.

Reviews

[Brad Dehler]

Thank you for this honest request. No platitudes, at least no empty ones, right friend? Well I think there is a challenging delineation between critic and audience. Some things are perfectly imperfect, some are composed one certain way (like stacked stones, could replace any stone with another outside the pile) and then sometimes the writing has room to improve. Sometimes a poem just IS. There can be no change or the poem is no longer itself. As writers, this can be very difficult to discern at times. In this case, I find it a good solid request. I wouldnt change this poem. But since you asked, earnestly- your first line on Author's note has "to" instead it should be "too". I look forward to reading more of yours. Cheeers

[Gee]

Cheers Brad, appreciate you stopping in

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my dear friend.
"So please critique with honesty
do not tell instead advise,
and with your help, encouragement
perhaps the poet in us will rise."
I try to be polite always and I send a message on major mistakes. All of us are learning. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Gee]

Thank you Coyote

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my dear friend.

[Scott Kris]

I knew the write would be interesting when seeing the title.
Do we write for acceptance?
Sometimes and sometimes people.
I think each write is written with its own recipe of reasons. Sometimes to be heard. Sometimes to justify our emotions. Sometimes to ground or survive.
Yet I find most often it is to be seen and to somehow matter enough to elicited an emotion or thought from another human soul.
I find few desire hinder critique however. Ha. But I could be wrong again. It has happened before. 🤪😉
Mostly I liked this write because it is vulnerable to ask for grace and understanding.
Thank you for sharing your poetry. I enjoyed reading and the thoughts you provoked.

Scott

[Gee]

Thank you for dropping in to read and comment, appreciated

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Hi I read again
A true honest write
Hope you well xx

[Gee]

Hi Julie, all good thanks, hope you are well.
Thanks for dropping in

[undisclosed]

I love this, it really speaks to me. It's like the words understand me.

[Gee]

Thank you..

[Harmony Lee]

I relate to this, and I am glad to know you express awareness of the reality that many additional writers likewise relate with us. Simplicity is no less beautiful than that of more complex or clever writings. I encourage you to consider to what extent this fear of comparison is perceived versus real -- not to say I don't believe there are harsh critics or that I don't believe you, so much as to uplift you beyond becoming a harsh critic of your own. May you experience liberation and realize your own greatness.

[Gee]

Thank You..

[JamesTleBourn]

I've been here for only 3 months, it's funny to know that feeling never changes.

I really like the concept and Idea of this, Gee. These feelings of desiring acceptance and feeling adequate are so, so true. All writers feel it. I like what you did with this.

James

[Gee]

Thanks James. I still very much feel like a fish out of water as I only play at this writing most pieces v quickly.
Stay safe

[Norman 223]

Excellent advice, Gee!
The thing to remember is that "intellectual" writing can often only be interpreted by "intellectuals". Whether these are valid in the everyday existence of most of us is a moot point. Should our writing communicate or create it's own smokescreen? Simplicity is unequivocal,as are your words here and therefore not to be feared.
N.

[Gee]

Hi Norman, so good to see you back. Hope all is well with you and if you are not fully mended I hope you are a long way down the " mended" path.
Thank you kindly for taking the time to read and comment :))

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Yes me I’ve been here three and often feel very insignificant comparing myself to others more gifted and wordy
Look we are all individuals all different and I think that’s what makes this site so great loved your poem

[Gee]

Hi Julie, thank you kindly. I guess I'll always be in awe of the talent that quite a few on here possess. Guess we can keep on trying to improve :))
Hope you are well and are not being impacted by the terrible fires.
Take care

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Thanks I’m ok thanks the fires are not too near me hope you are well x

[Einstein Noodle]

we take great risk posting ... satisfaction in honest expression is reward enough says i .. but what use is it if no one else reads .. and lets us know how a poem affects our minds, bodies and spirits .. i love your poem Gee .. its straight forward .. had a natural rhythm to the lines .. theme is clearly presented and who can not relate??? and on other levels .. in our lives .. we risk rejection, failure and disappointments .. but what a terrible alternative ... and i especially like the appeal to give honest critique in return for the read .. and the reminder of how much we can effect growth ... well done says i ... five years!!! wow! goes by in a moment doesn't it?!
E.

[Gee]

Hi E, yep, time does certainly scoot on by. Glad you enjoyed. If one newbie read this and can take anything from it then job done.
Hope you are well, thank you

[Einstein Noodle]

job well done indeed :)