What Lie?

In jest do I rest
But even with the best
Intentions

I suffer the calamitous
Misinterpretous
Truss?

Ugh,
What a strange sense of humor.

Criticality Continued

“I find it interesting that you have not discussed the [subject] of the critique. You argue that criticality is a tool; however, the tool is useless if that which it endeavors to act upon will not render itself to improvements. If not willing or desirous of improvement, pointing out flaws has the potential to harm rather than help.”
- Alex

You have anticipated the essential, sequential argument that I too had planned to address, although you summarized it more eloquently than I had been able to on my own. Truly you are correct in asserting the uselessness of a tool that is used without effect. Consider the basic example of a penknife being used to cut down a tree. Although the blade pierces the bark, it is hardly effective, and will break before it has had any noticeable effect.

One must then consider whether or not a critique may be grouped into categories based on intent. Surely there are those who engage in constructive criticism such as teachers, artists, and the like – these take advantage of criticism, applying it in order to be useful or creative. In contrast there are those who seek to tear down or destroy with their critique. These individuals are usually baser in intellect, and frequently do not possess the abilities that they so often find themselves criticizing. Still, our discussion of intent addresses only half of the issue.

As you have pointed out, we must paint into this picture the other half of the mask, that faceless void of reception. Understand that I feel that this is a murky place, lacking absolutes and ultimately lying in the realm of the indefinable. Nevertheless, the way one’s criticism is received is more important than the critique itself, at least in the context of so-called ‘usefulness.’ If the chisel cannot chip away at the rock, then the sculptor labors in vain.

What then are we to do? May we engage in criticism without bothering to test the waters first? Should we wholeheartedly jump in, or refrain entirely? Perhaps a well-intentioned preface or a warm smile may cause our subject to become more pliable - perhaps not. We can only control our actions; thus, we face a dilemma of epic proportions, one which must be determined according to context, one which lacks absolute definition, one that it is critical that we address lest we stub our toes in the dark.

If one is to be truly effective, knowledge of the subject and context is key. Blind painters are rare, as are deaf musicians – we can only know what we sense. If we do not open ourselves to learning, we may never teach others, and we will never know if our canvas is ready for paint to be applied. Therefore, train yourself to feel what others feel, to think what others think, to resonate with every human being you meet. If you do this thing with love and passion no-one will be able to ignore your impact.

Kawaii!

When features
So tightly composed
Compress cuteness

I can’t hear the din
Over the copious volume
Of serotonin.

And one’s eyes
Large and round
Swollen with plastic tears
Only draw attention to
The physical lie.

So I squeal
Kawaii!

Criticality Analyzed

Caiphus: Is criticality inherently negative?

Moralam: Criticality is a tool. Consider the case of the artist; is not her critical eye a vehicle through which beauty is reached?

Caiphus: You are arguing then that the ends justify the means?

Moralam: Naturally not. Let us pursue this matter further. First, what is your definition of criticality?

Caiphus: To be critical is to notice what flaws make themselves apparent in a given context, is it not?

Moralam: Would you say that one must actively seek out those flaws before one may be considered "critical?"

Caiphus: No. All people notice those things which are incongruent to some extent. In this way, all people are critical; however, might I posit that the degree to which they seek out these discrepancies should have an effect on the way we perceive their analysis?

Moralam: Do not confuse criticality and analysis. Although the two words are functionally identical, it is criticality that we discuss, primarily for its negative connotations.

Caiphus: Nevertheless, is the search for flaws relevant, or merely incidental to the greater picture?

Moralam: If we postulate that searching for flaws in certain contexts is immoral or unwise, then we must assume not only that it is possible to deaden oneself to flaws, but that it is admirable to do so. I find this thought apalling on multiple levels.

Caiphus: Is it not admirable to examine oneself for flaws, but to ignore the flaws of others? Should we not seek to remove the plank from our own eye before removing the speck in our brother's?

Moralam: You have moved from the realm of the internal to the realm of the external far too hastily. What actions we take based on our critique should be the topic of another discussion.

Caiphus: Very well, we must then turn to intent - is motive relevant, or is it too simply an adjective tacked onto the greater subject?

Moralam: Intentions are the status of the heart quantified. A man scarcely has control of his actions if he does not reign over his intentions as he should. It is intentions that drive men to both evil and good, and it is immoral intentions that beget immoral behavior - the tools by which they accomplish this are incidental.

Caiphus: Critiques then should be reserved for the intellectual or the loving.

Moralam: If truly done for the sake of love, no action can be truly evil.

Depressed by synonyms,
Writing suffers.

Who can write without repeating
Who can speak without insinuating
Words?
Thoughts?
Ideas?

Foolishness.

Inspiration Is No More

My apologies for my leave uncouth
For my intent is not to forsake
But, in veritas and truth
I needed a creative break.

Because art flows in and art flows out
Of the heart, does its part
But like fire requires
A spark,
So desire,
Incentive, will start.

Even though glossy eyes
Read tangible prayers
That even the Lord finds ungrammatical
I will press on
'Till the sun brings the dawn
And thus, I end my sabbatical.