Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CENSOR, by MAUDE HICKS HICKMAN First Line: Who is it, I should like to know Last Line: Then, surely, they are good. Subject(s): Publishing; Writing & Writers; Publishers | ||||||||
Who is it, I should like to know, (It does no harm to ask it) Who says what's good enough to print, And what goes in the basket? Of course I know there's lots of folk, Just plugs, no doubt, like me, Who try to chauffeur pen and ink And meet catastrophe. But after all what makes good stuff, Some highfalootin' phrase, Or is it diction, clever style That editors all praise? Or is it food for master minds That sets a thing apart, Or just plain, human sympathy, That grips the humble heart? Who feels the need of comfort most, The scholar in his den, Or scores and scores of common folk -- The lowliest of men? Is it for praise of cultured minds We think and plan and write, Or is it for some downcast soul, To make his burden light? We all enjoy fine rhetoric, Smooth rhythm, too, that sings, But I like best the happy thought, Which to a sad heart brings Sweet peace and comfort -- words of cheer By plain folk understood. If they can brighten just one life, Then, surely, they are good. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AS YOU LIKE IT by ALICE NOTLEY THE ASSOCIATE by LOUIS SIMPSON SUN THE BLOND OUT by ANNE WALDMAN THE DOUBLE STANDARD by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS SONNET by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN ON CREECH THE BOOKSELLER by ROBERT BURNS A PUBLISHER TO HIS CLIENT by GEORGE GORDON BYRON TO MR. MURRAY (2) by GEORGE GORDON BYRON TO THE PUBLISHER OF 'THE MONTHLY REVIEW' by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON EXPERIENCE by MAUDE HICKS HICKMAN PENT by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON ARS VICTRIX (IMITATED FROM THEOPHILE GAUTIER) by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON |
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