Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CENSOR, by MAUDE HICKS HICKMAN


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CENSOR, by                    
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.





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