Cleric and Critic

 

Cleric and critic

Could easily be one,

I will try to make this point

And then I’ll be gone.

 

A cleric is a clergyman

Churchman, churchwoman,

A man of the cloth

Yes, a reverend.

 

A critic analyses

And criticizes

And, as in the assizes,

He also theorizes.

 

Not much difference

Between cleric and critic;

Given their daily pastime,

Arguing is their habit.

 

They both criticize

And they analyze

And the cleric is a critic

Though in disguise.

 

The cleric is bound

By his denomination

While the critic sets store

By argumentation.

 

Each in his corner

Usually fairly small:

The critic because he must speak,

The cleric apparently called.

 

The cleric is a critic

Though still a cleric

And they both enjoy opposing;

A natural habit.

 

 

 

I will end as I began

Well, almost any way,

Concerning the cleric and the critic

Here’s what I’d say…

 

The cleric and the critic

Could easily be one,

Thus, having made the point

I must be gone.

 

Stewart Russell © January 23, 2024