The Proficient Critic Options

[Guest_Maxim_*]

The Proficient Critic

I'm quite well known, in certain parts,
for work with the poetic arts.
My skills are honed I'm most proficient
at pointing out all that's deficient.
Myself? I rarely write a line,
but use my talents to divine
the failings in the works I've read;
thus my corrective creed is spread.

And yet it seldom does behoove
to indicate how to improve.
Time was when I'd permit discourse
but writers would object, perforce,
for most could not appreciate
the subtleties of my debate.
So now I'll indicate what's wrong
and then I'll smartly move along.

Accomplishments? How best convey
that my opinions have held sway?
I well recall a would-be bard
whose work, though adequate, was marred.
Once I'd exposed his every flaw,
he subsequently wrote no more.
Ergo the wisdoms I dispense
can clearly have great influence.

What qualifies me, you may ask,
that I should undertake this task
to keep poetic standards high?
A weighty charge, I'll not deny.
Well I have studied ancient Greeks
and I can quote obscure techniques,
but mostly, with innate insight,
I always seem to know what's right.

So now I seek a worthy test;
to change the precepts of what's best,
by using all the skills I know
on such as Shelley, Keats and Poe.
Let others claim their works sublime,
I know that I'll find fault, in time,
and thus will show no verse, as yet,
can meet the standards that I set.

By MaXiM

ORIGINAL LINES:

the subtle nuance of my debate.

Accomplishments? How best to say,
how my opinions have held sway?

can clearly have some influence.

So now I seek a greater test;

Let others claim these works sublime,

[Cybele]

Good morning Martin,

Love it! Love it! Love it!  :lol:

Such sardonic wit  :jester:   Very cleverly composed and presented that I read it through without a bump.

What a happy start to a Monday morning.  Great read  :read:

Love

(from A Proficient Critic  (not)  :laugh:  )


Grace

[Psyche]

Hi there Maxim !
Just browsing around and found this gem ! Indeed, I shall be in fear and trembling when I post my next stuff.... Not only are you a proficient critic and poet, but your toungue is sharp as a knife. What's more, I agree with you, tho' I don't know about Shelley, Keats and Poe..... going a tad too far?!  :alien:
You know, I keep reading it over and each time I think it's better. Maybe I shall "subsequently write no more", call it a day...  :upside:  :oops:
Good for you !!
Best,
Psyche  :dance:  :speechless:

[Cleo_Serapis]

Hello MaXim!

An interesting title caught my eye and you drew me in to this captivating piece!

I'll be back with a critique when we've returned from our vacation away.

Have a good week!
~Cleo  :StarWars1:

[Guest_Tao_*]

Hello Maxim,

Your Proficient Critic is much more than proficient. Great rhymes and pace that won't let go. I read until there's no more. Sharp tongue indeed! I shall not enter into debate with this critic for I can foretell the outcome.

Well I have studied ancient Greeks
and I can quote obscure techniques,
but mostly, with innate insight,
I always seem to know what's right.

With these qualifications, who can argue?

I’m most impressed with your flair for verse. Great subject too! And I’m with Psyche that if I ever encounter this scholar, I too may “subsequently wrote no more.”

David :)

[jgdittier]

Dear MaXiM,
Brilliantly fabricated mix of irony and hyperbole resulting in smiles galore.
Typos: quite, not quiet,
           nuance, not nuaunce
Some great rhymes too!
Cheers,    jgd

[Guest__*]

Dear Martin,

They used to say

If you can't do, teach.

You have a whole new twist !

Lovely irony.

Love
Alan

[Guest_Maxim_*]

I have just realised that since returning I have not responded to a number of comments posted here before I 'disappeared' last year - so apologies for the delay and many thanks to:

Grace, Pysche, Cleo, David, jgdittier and Alan.

This character is purely fictional! The idea came from a heated and complex debate on another forum over the complex critiquing of a poem - it was way over my head but one of the protaganists was eloquently condemning in his views of the type of critic I have tried to portray.

I really appreaciate all your kind comments. Thanks.


Maxim

[jgdittier]

Dear MaXiM,
My comments earlier olny were meant to convet my appreciation of the style of "The Proficient Critic".
I'm adding this to say that the reader who takes seriously the underlying message will be a better critiquer.
Shouldn't part of critiquing focus on encouragement too!
Cheers,    jgdittier

[Guest_Maxim_*]

Dear MaXiM,
My comments earlier olny were meant to convet my appreciation of the style of "The Proficient Critic".
I'm adding this to say that the reader who takes seriously the underlying message will be a better critiquer.
Shouldn't part of critiquing focus on encouragement too!
Cheers,    jgdittier

Hi Ron

Thanks for adding to your earlier comments. Fortunately I have found that this is a bit of a redundant message here on Mosaic Musings as there appears to be a good understanding of this by members and the comments posted all seem to be in appreciation or encouragement, but it's good to know that it's coming across.  

Regards

MaXiM

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Maxim

I really enjoyed this poem with its wonderfullly exaggerated irony.  It is very telling that your critter never pens a poem himself, avoiding exposing himself to similar treatment that he metes to others.

I think one could also take this further and relate it to those who are very quick to criticise and judge others but never actually roll their sleeves up and do any work themselves.

Thank goodness no one on MM is like this person.

Thanks for the read.

Nina

[Guest_circumsolar_*]

naturally, i have to echo everyone else's sentiments here - fab job, man, made me laugh, nod my head and say "go maxim, go maxim! yay!" that's the way to do it  :wizard: