Constructive Critique Poem by michael spangenberg

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness, said Oscar Wilde, the exception's perhaps power and competition which are peculiar things that they find no flattery in imitation.

When it comes to poetic commentary, not imitation's the greatest flattery, but the prospect that one's constructive critique will be factored into new creative work, whilst dynamically building on the work of peers.

This concept has been traced to the 12th century, attributed to Bernard of Chartres. Its most familiar expression in English is by Isaac Newton in 1676: 'If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

More than 440 years later the poet Spangle said: 'When I find myself standing on the shoulders of giants, it is, more often than not, because they, in their infinite kindness, lifted me up and placed me there.

I also find that it is helpful to sit down, or better yet, kneel in gratitude, rather than fall off because I stood too proudly.'