Hi Sybil,
Welcome to TPG.
I hope your ready for some crits and you won't be discouraged by it. Remember, mine is just one opinion based on my interpretation. Well here it goes.
I've read your poem a few times and it leaves me somewhat confused.
I don't realy get the message you try to send. Here's why:
We are all scholars of text.
Twisted interpretations
and the execution
of their ideals.
Who's is "their" ? If it's the scholars's, should it read "our ideals"?
If it not the scholars's, how can interpretations have ideals?.
Next: why is there a linebreak after "contradicts" and why does Itself start with a capital while there is no full stop after contradicts?
next: same for the next two lines. Ask and Questions.
The next two sentences are nice. No problems there except the assumption that the scholars (we) think of those left behind, is a bit presumptious.
Next:
Who do you say that I Am?
Well, it may be that English is my second language but I want to read either "Who do you say I am" or even better whom do you say I am.
The word "that" seems out of place here. But others will likely disagree based on the "common speech" argument rather than school english i've learned.
next: "those among us" whom do you refer to. The "us" from the first line is all I have to go on.
Next: our awnsers have been
asunder torn
Why this archaic construction. Why not just say,
Our awnsers have been torn asunder..
Lastly:
For what crow can fly
without stealing
a bit of corn
Though lovely in itself, why the line break after "stealing"?
And most importantly, what does this message have to do with anything that went before.
My interpretation is that you condone the lending or stealing of words or ideas or at best inspiration between poets?
As I said, I'm confused about your message.
Does any of this feedback make any sense or did I completely mis the mark?
If it does, and if others agree, don't be discouraged. You're here to learn and grow as a poet. The more mistakes, the more valuable the lessons.
I'm curious to find out what others think and I'd love to see an evolution of this poem because I do think there is potential.
Kindest,
Richard.