A family member has taken to writing poetry...?

Say something like, "I wouldn't know good poetry if it hit me int he face", or something like that to make it sound like your opinion shouldn't matter because you know nothing about the intricacies of writing poetry. Make it look like you're the "dummy", to spare his feelings.

Of course, the possibility does exist that he's intentionally giving aweful stuff to see how long it takes for someone to finally tell him it stinks. Like a gag joke.

It feels awful when we have to be honest about something we think is... awful. There are ways to be evasive about what you REALLY think and still be honest.

For example, point out that you are not a poet, nor an editor, so you really feel that your critique can't be too helpful. Encourage him to get in touch with other poets, send his work to poetry.com, or to read poetry books.

Maybe ask him questions about what he is writing. "Which of your poems is your favorite, and why?" You could ask how he feels before, after, and while he's writing; what are his motives for writing? If he's doing it just to vent, this is an outlet for him just like a journal for others. Put his gift on your shelf, show appreciation for the thought, and respond to him with love.

How about something like, "Unfortunately, I am not the biggest fan of poetry in general." Or "I find poetry difficult to understand." You can "blame" all poetry, not just this persons. Or, you could say, "I don't think I fully appreciated it. Would you explain X poem to me?" That way, you can read ONE poem and get some insight from the author; it will seem like you read more than one and by letting the writer explain or answer questions, you will be spending some time on the subject which will please them. By the time they are done explaining one, you can say "thank you, I will have to read it again with that in mind." Then you can gracefully bow out of the person's company (to talk to someone else) or bring up an entirely new subject which interests YOU.

well, i think you do a great job of thanking him ....

and i know what you mean...it is uncomfortable lying even when it's for the "greater good'...

how about:

"i haven't had a chance to read it yet"

"i have different taste in writing, but i can tell you put a lot of thought into it"

"i'm no expert on literature, but i can really tell it's heartfelt"

and for any follow up questions:

"i just like to enjoy poetry, i don't really like analyzing it"

I would read through the poems and find one that you can stomach. Then comment specifically on that one piece and point out something decent (you had some GREAT imagery in "Satan's Hell"; the use of alliteration really helped drive your point home) about it. This way, he thinks you read everything and you can talk to him without actually lying. Don't say the poem itself was great, just comment on his images and poetic language instead.

I write a sprint bit poetry myself, you positioned your heart and soul into it, i will verify why you're harm, some human beings do exactly no longer understand all people distinctive. My sister Maddie laughed at them each and every of the time. comparable explanation why i do no longer understand why she collects tiny fish.

You might want to say something like--I appreciate you wanting to share your poery with me, but it's really not my kind of poetry, I prefer more (your adjetive here like: concrete, abstract, natural, ect.).

Or maybe you just don't like poetry much, and you can tell him that.

But really, it's okay to tell somone you don't enjoy their writing... witters need thick skin and if he's putting his work out there, he better be ready for some rejection.

You can find something about it that you like. Even if you don't like the word choice or the rhythm, or whatever, you can perhaps find a turn of phrase, or even a sentiment that you like. Just give a compliment to something specific, and don't lie.

You could say, "I didn't really get it." But then you might have to sit through an explanation...a long one.

Or you could look for the one you thought was best, and tell the person that it was your favorite, and then change the subject.

I'm not really into poetry, so I can't be a good judge!