With all due respect, Rory, I don't find Siham's comment in any way 'insulting'. You make many good points in your response, but Siham's comment from a different perspective is likewise rather perceptive. It's not an either/or issue here--and if we are to take you at your word, the role of a critic can and must also be subjected to the same sort of review as the work of the poet, both positively and negatively observed. There have been many fine writer's throughout history who have been far more scathing about that critical role than Siham has in her gently worded and fascinating characterization of it.
Nemo
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