Read The Text! Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

How much more can a writer do
than ask that his readers read
the text as composed and printed
before rushing to judgment
as to writer's intent?

Poetry is subtle in its effects
so that readers who render
hasty judgments may miss
the things that may arise
to consciousness later!

Read the great poets long dead
before you award the laurels
to those still working for acclaim
in a tradition they attack
and slander -

Wake up, poets!
These are not your friends!