What percentage of your poems are worth reading?

I'm not much of a fan of poems about writing poems or poems about being a Poet, but this was one of the better I've read on the subject. Well-metered, nice rhyme, original phrases, and a great tongue-in-cheek recognition of failing to achieve sublimity -- a score to which most people who have ever scribbled words can nod their heads.

Then you copped out at the end with an in-joke.

I'd like to see this poem written with a view towards a broader audience. The last lines could convey a meaning deeper than you allowed yourself.

I'd call a balk.

EDIT: I'm thinking that you started this poem as a quick in-joke, then your natural talent compelled you to write diamond lines before you got to the original coal.

And, yes, you meant "who" not "whom."

And I have dismantled the altar to Cheezus Crisp based on your commands, and put up the poster of Our Fearless Leader. Then I wondered -- about your flock.

Not a bad poem.

The question's fair---and, I suspect, the answer telegraphs how useful the poet might be in the critic's role!

I reckon roughly that one in eight of my poems is worth a second reading, and of that lot maybe one in four is worth a third.

One day I might write a poem worth a fourth reading, but if I don't, that's okay.

I MIGHT be able to nudge those numbers up a bit, if I were willing to spend more time in revision than I do. But I am not so willing; I got only 168 hours in the week, and I got purposes for 200 hours in the week. Somethin's gonna get starved for my time.

In your particular case, I get this strong feeling that you somehow hold yourself back from improving! It's like you are scared to weigh your wings...the fear of falling being too great. You keep going round and round in the same rut. Use of slang words will NEVER help you. It can amuse a few fellows here but that's what makes your work kind of 'use and throw'...

Sorry to sound unkind, but I have seen you start off very well, then falter near the finish line...as if deliberately! Not doubting your talent in any case!!!

PS: I concur with Neonman and Adeline's observations!

BTW, use of 'whom' here seems inappropriate. But then, it could be allowed in American English...I don't know!

About

Fitty pa cent....

Effum' if they can't take a joke-

C'monna ' my house,

take a huge toke.

Got prehistoric turds

churning in my rock

tumbler

as we speak-

should I make you

a pendant

to wear

in

the

creek?

About 1 in 4 seems to be the average for most, including the "Masters." As to Dave, why do we need your comment? Childish and immature. Obviously you don't like them, so what? Move on and post poetry not petty comments.

Not as high as some esteemed members here,

and a lot higher than, lets say the Parthenon...

I enjoyed this and the question until the final line, sorry

You coulda said things like

I was only trying to stir up your "Gird"

I only meant to skim the curd.

Oops I forgot. 50% might even be a stretch but I might get a "E" for effort?

TY to whomever for the TD, not the first and won't be the last.

I enjoyed the poem very much, it's clever. Far be it for me to say you should switch the position of "words" and "t*rds" for a better flow(cough!). ------OOPS I might have just said it(am I grounded?)-----------------------william

P.S. percentages of readable poems is a tough thing to figure, although I personally try for 90% leaving 10% for the TD'ers.

I read Neonman's last sentence in his comments as' post poetry not potty comments'

http://eicolab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/l...