Criticizing Critics

If I want a laugh, I watch TV and those who talk of art
Describing things that someone did to show that they were smart
They tell us how they strove so hard, producing works for history
Claiming that some end results dwell in the realms of mystery
They lecture too, as things progressed throughout the numerous ages
That things portrayed about this life, defined arts different stages
Signifying man’s great steps in freedom from suppression
Presuming that we all can learn some wisdom from expression
Whilst that statement may be true, it must be pointed out
That art was first the slave to those who told what life’s about
Following the ancients, who dealt in superstitions
The usefulness of art, produced religions visions
The artists sold their talent, for money and for fame
Just as in the current times, that’s how they make their name
Of course the pressures there, to swap your work for money
But when it has no merit, things get kind of funny
The ‘emperors’ clothes’ are brought to mind, when used to verify
An esoteric vision, offensive to the eye
But still the critics take the stance that genius is seen
Within presumed endeavors of what artists really mean
They tell you what you’re looking at, as though you cannot see
And tell you what you’re missing, as though they hold the key
Describing some abilities that may not need a frame
Presented now as talent, their ego plays a game
‘Oh, he was so clever, in the way he used his paint
His gift will live forever; he must have been a saint!’
But this can cause distraction, from a genuine work of art
That serves the valid cause – to touch another’s heart
But making gold from lead, is the way that critics play
As they don’t make great art themselves, they make their ‘stories’ pay
They say, ‘There was a ‘movement’ or a ‘brand-new way to say,
What no one else could think of, on any previous day’
And now the world of art is encumbered by the flaw
That dictates made by critics, drives what 'it' sells for
Ok it may be said, ‘it’s down to personal choice’
But then it could be argued, ‘it can give a fool a voice’
‘A urinal is a work of art, or an empty bed with tissues’
Some might say, ‘forget your art, you may have mental issues’
‘Manzoni’s bowels’ also count, you must research my meaning
You might decide from what you find, his sanity was leaning
On and on the list could go, but that’s not why I’m here
I just want to make it clear that tricksters do appear
The point I make of how it works gives fodder for the critics
Who take such joy in confrontation with the honest cynics
By that I mean the way they say that – ‘art should make its statement
No matter it’s not pleasing, there should be no abatement’
If you have to ask a writer what meanings they have penned
Why not just read their book and judge it at the end?
Apply this rule to art works too, when wondering what they say
If you find there is no meaning there, then look the other way
To put an end to foolery, would steal the critic’s pleasure
In making people think that garbage can be treasure

© Steve Bentley