being a hater online is the easiest thing in the world. writing and sharing poetry? that takes skill and heart and guts. also….you can do your thing without them. they can’t do theirs without you.
As I prepare to make a chapbook of some crazy poems I wrote, I start to worry about how it will be perceived and who in the real physical world, people I know, would I trust to see it? It is a really weird question to ponder and yet I am proud of this work, even as I know it can be so easily misunderstood. Poetry is a very vulnerable thing! That vulnerability might be the hardest part of it.
I completely get that. The fear of being misunderstood held me back for a long time. I think it's inevitable, especially in poetry where metaphor and figurative language play such a large role. The fact that YOU are proud of this work is what matters. I'd love to read your chapbook someday. I promise to hold it tenderly!
Just read the poem. The cry of a mother’s heart knowing there will be a day, a time when the world will try to crush his spirit. One critical word by a music teacher and my child never sang again.
I’m so proud of you!! Your poem made it onto “read a little poem”! That’s huge. Everything that becomes widely read inevitably faces negative feedback.
You are such a talent. The haters will hate but I know you’ll keep doing beautiful things! 💐
From one poet mom to another, the poem is beautiful and I hope your kid is feeling better.
I think internet users, and maybe specifically social media users should unlearn the impulse to always critique or have an opinion or a "take" on things. I would like to replace the desire to critique with the desire to experience.
Just remember how hard it is to build something and how very easy it is to tear it apart. You did the hard work while they sat around disparaging what they could never do.
Allison, I am so sorry to hear about your ER visits and poetry criticism! I am sure I would take it all just as personally, but please, don’t believe it! Your writing is incredibly meaningful and inspiring.❤️
I think perhaps getting torn apart on Reddit is a prerequisite to success and so in that case, congrats — you’ve made it!! Keep on doing your thing 💗💗 and that’s such good advice from fellow poets!
Thank you for sharing this and also the words of wisdom from other writers. Your poems are wonderful and meaningful and for every person who doesn't see it, there are even more who do.
The internet can be so harsh. As a fellow mom of a small boy, when I read that poem of yours it made me tear up a bit. It is a thing of beauty coming directly from a mother’s heart.
All the hugs. Congrats on reaching so many readers! And I think you landed on the right space. I like the saying, "You aren't tacos. You can't please everyone."
Keep writing your lovely words!! Those who need them will find you. (Ignore the rest!)
being a hater online is the easiest thing in the world. writing and sharing poetry? that takes skill and heart and guts. also….you can do your thing without them. they can’t do theirs without you.
Oooh, I think I need to get out another post-it note b/c this is GOOD. Thank you!
lovely words for unfortunate circumstances. Thank you for sharing❤️
⚡️👏🏼⚡️♥️
As I prepare to make a chapbook of some crazy poems I wrote, I start to worry about how it will be perceived and who in the real physical world, people I know, would I trust to see it? It is a really weird question to ponder and yet I am proud of this work, even as I know it can be so easily misunderstood. Poetry is a very vulnerable thing! That vulnerability might be the hardest part of it.
I completely get that. The fear of being misunderstood held me back for a long time. I think it's inevitable, especially in poetry where metaphor and figurative language play such a large role. The fact that YOU are proud of this work is what matters. I'd love to read your chapbook someday. I promise to hold it tenderly!
I'm so sorry that's a rough experience! Going viral seems like such a double edged sword. I hope your son gets better soon ❤️
Thank you, Jessica
Just read the poem. The cry of a mother’s heart knowing there will be a day, a time when the world will try to crush his spirit. One critical word by a music teacher and my child never sang again.
Oof, my heart. Thank you for reading.
It still hurts and maybe it will never stop hurting, but how brave and beautiful you still choose to bring your truth into the light
Thank you, Julie
I’m so proud of you!! Your poem made it onto “read a little poem”! That’s huge. Everything that becomes widely read inevitably faces negative feedback.
You are such a talent. The haters will hate but I know you’ll keep doing beautiful things! 💐
Thank you, Alex!
From one poet mom to another, the poem is beautiful and I hope your kid is feeling better.
I think internet users, and maybe specifically social media users should unlearn the impulse to always critique or have an opinion or a "take" on things. I would like to replace the desire to critique with the desire to experience.
Ohh I love that. The desire to experience. Beautiful. And thank you.
Just remember how hard it is to build something and how very easy it is to tear it apart. You did the hard work while they sat around disparaging what they could never do.
Another one for the post-it note. Thank you.
Allison, I am so sorry to hear about your ER visits and poetry criticism! I am sure I would take it all just as personally, but please, don’t believe it! Your writing is incredibly meaningful and inspiring.❤️
Thank you for these sweet words, Ashley!
I think perhaps getting torn apart on Reddit is a prerequisite to success and so in that case, congrats — you’ve made it!! Keep on doing your thing 💗💗 and that’s such good advice from fellow poets!
😅 Thanks, Sonja!
Thank you for sharing this and also the words of wisdom from other writers. Your poems are wonderful and meaningful and for every person who doesn't see it, there are even more who do.
Thank you, Kait. I admire your work so much, so this means a lotttt coming from you.
"Haters gonna hate hate hate." Love the wisdom alter you setup!
The internet can be so harsh. As a fellow mom of a small boy, when I read that poem of yours it made me tear up a bit. It is a thing of beauty coming directly from a mother’s heart.
Thank you, Amelia!
All the hugs. Congrats on reaching so many readers! And I think you landed on the right space. I like the saying, "You aren't tacos. You can't please everyone."
Keep writing your lovely words!! Those who need them will find you. (Ignore the rest!)
Thank you, Ashley!
Thanks for this one - I always figure not everyone is going to be your audience, spend time on the ones who are.
Thank you, Christian!
Do you need anymore beta-readers? I can help with this part. 💕