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This Poem was Submitted By: Kenneth R. Patton On Date: 2005-09-09 06:53:20 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Ah, The Blame Game

There’s plenty of blame to go around if you’re so inclined The millions sent to upgrade levees first comes to my mind And then the Red Cross, Salvation Army just waiting to go in But told they had to sit and watch That sure was a sin So complain and blame if that’s your wont You’ll do what you will do But just remember when you point your finger there’s three pointing back at you

This Poem was Critiqued By: arnie s WACHMAN On Date: 2005-10-07 12:35:20
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.70833
Not if your thumb holds down the three!! Yeah, you're right...however people in those postions of FEMA and especially your President ought to have performance reviews every month. Thank goodness GWB is out next year!

This Poem was Critiqued By: Jillian K Sorenson On Date: 2005-10-02 16:29:41
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.56250
I like this. It's an easy read, to the point and explains your position (which in this case, I happen to agree with) nicely. I like the rhythm and rhyme utilized and the well-structured stanzas. Only thing I would change is "wont" - it kind of seems like a hokey word and not in keeping with the rest of the poem....but that's up to you. Excellent job.

This Poem was Critiqued By: Tony P Spicuglia On Date: 2005-09-30 16:37:02
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Kenneth, I would normally read this piece a few times, for its poetic value, and the feelings you wish to exchange, and then move on. However, in this case, the simple message is almost prophetic for our time. One can actually take this piece, and deliver a message to all opponents and proponents, all political leanings, all races and religions, and specifically the loudest mouths in America, and say, read me please, it is important. This is a fine poem, that all should understand. I manage a lot of people, projects and a lot of value passes by my desk. Your poem is akin to my philosophy, let's fix it so it is better the next time. If you want to accuse, you lose, and can find a job somewhere else. Show me a solution, not accusation. I am glad I read this. It brought me perspective. Thank You.

This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2005-09-10 22:23:38
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Kenneth, Good structuring and flow of words. Your poem puts things into prospective as they are, your words painting the picture clearly. I especially like the way you closed, I hadn't heard that saying in a long time and it truly is a good one to remember. Thank you so much for writing this, I'm sure it reflects sentiments that many of us have and have not voiced, bravo. Kudos! Lora

This Poem was Critiqued By: Paul R Lindenmeyer On Date: 2005-09-09 21:25:48
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.66667
Kenneth, a good read on the need to feed the needs. The rhyme scheme is good, generally unforced, and the message is clear. Indeed there is enough blame to take up multiple committes time, millions spent on inquiries, headlines requesting beheadigs, firings and poor management studies will cost millions more, and when all is said and done, we will once again realize that Mother Nature will have her way with us when she wants, where she wants and for as long as she wants. When the blame starts to fly, you know elections are around the corner. These monsterous situations always remind me of the mayoral election when Jane Byrne beat Michael Blandic in Chicago in the 70's. Chicago got a Noreaster off Lake Michigan, and 3 feet fell in an evening, then two more feet fell the next day, then another few inches on top of that. Byrne accused Blandic of not "being prepared" and letting the city down in it's time of need. No one could argue the point that the city could not clear 5plus feet of snow in a weekend. No one could argue that nature had it's way with the Windy City. Jane won, and her ally, the snow, beat her up a few years later. So much for using nature a political ally. Well, Katrina has had her way with the Big Easy, so let the blame blasting start, but nobody can fight Mo Nature, still I don't hear much blame going in her direction..Oh well, thats politics..Nice post, timely, on the money. Peace, Paul

This Poem was Critiqued By: Latorial D. Faison On Date: 2005-09-09 13:31:40
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Very, very true Kenneth (smile). I like your poem, and it's really not about blame "now." It's a collective that shares the blame, in my opinion, at various levels of government. I just want this wrong to be righted. We cannot take the hurricane away, but we can reach out to victims with all of our hearts, all of our might and all of our money because they are family, they are citizens, they are Americans. Red, yellow, black or white, in poverty or in wealth, they are Americans. The response time was unacceptable, and I think the world knows that now. Even Jesus rose on the third day . . . for God's sake, what took them so long. That's all everyone wants to know, and when we get the answer to that question, then we'll know who to blame (smlie). Thanks for sharing. I think that we live to write about and provide poetic commentary on our times. This gift of poetry is endless. Great job. Latorial www.latorialfaison.com

This Poem was Critiqued By: Gerard A Geiger On Date: 2005-09-09 10:24:50
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dear Kenneth: I like the poem. I agree with you 100%. The Katrina disaster was unlike any other disaster we have experienced. It actually changed the state of the landscape from solid to liquid....for an extensive period of time... we do not have amphibious vehicles to deal with that type of disaster... I like your rhyme scheme at the end of each three line stanza. I also like the last line as a simple moral for those who like to blame. Thanks for this unique perspective.. Your friend, Gerard

This Poem was Critiqued By: Turner Lee Williams On Date: 2005-09-09 09:25:43
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.83333
Kenneth--At TPL one can always tell the current events by the themes posted, and whether good, bad or indifferent--I love that TPLers write their hearts, minds and feelings. Granted, there's always going to be some offerings praising the reponse of "John Q" public, but more critizing "Big Brother." As political activists, we must also jump on any hint of impropriety by the opposing party. Your write has taken the high road by cautioning against "throwing stones;" "But just remember when you point your finger there’s three pointing back at you" IMO, the title serves this theme/tone quite well: nuetral-not admonishing. This neatly rhymed poem of address aptly list most of the areas which are taking hits for their response tactics (or lack there of), specifically to New Orleans. Thanks for the sage advice. TLW

This Poem was Critiqued By: Jennifer j Hill On Date: 2005-09-09 07:40:06
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
Hi Ken, Do you hear the clapping? Well, at least from this reader you should! Love the name of this poem and the idea behind it. It seems everyone is always quick to blame. In this recent tragedy, seems like people could be trying to help instead of pointing fingers. But of course, there they are pointing. You say plenty inside these six short tercets. For me there's much to like. First, the title, then the end rhymes---inclined/mind, in/sin, do/ you they add a rhythm to the piece that works well. Kind of almost chant-like. The content is plain spoken and to the point. I don't even have to do much reflecting to get your point, though it causes much thought. The end is best. It's like a one two punch. I don't see anything to change or have any suggestion other then to send this on to everyone you know, but I had to comment anyway and give you my support. Kudos to Ken! Blessings, Jennifer

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