Critics, Teachers And Mentors Poem by Debra Kay Robinson

Critics, unlike teachers and mentors
Use their words like sticks of dynamite, creating carnage.
Boisterous tornados,
Mindlessly ripping through trailer parks
Where nonconforming poets reside—
While attempting to hone their craft, despite their souls being buried
In the rubble of your irreverence.

The critic's singular mission, hell-bent on denying creativity,
As if the act no worse
Than removing the decorative stones and features from abandoned structures—
Repurposed
Urbanized
Contemporized
Attempting to subjugate the heart of the poet
Exacting their will, through the power of their words.

Camouflaged egos in mansions of self-importance,
THE EXPERT—
Among experts
Attempting to build their reputations,
On the backs of those who labored and toiled
Failing to recognize their own vices.
Concealing rocket propelled grenades
Awaiting the opportunity to launch
Cowardly acts of literary terrorism.

Indifferent to the attempts of sabotage,
The spirit of the poet endeavors
Laying their words to paper, a deed of conveyance
To the teachers and mentors, those who encouraged and inspired

The poet's voice.

© June 18,2014