A Terribly Easy Going Dude

Summary

The poem "A Terribly Easy Going Dude" by P.G. Barnett humorously portrays the author as an exceedingly tolerant and non-confrontational writer who refrains from criticizing others in the writing community, even when faced with questionable writing practices.

Abstract

In "A Terribly Easy Going Dude," P.G. Barnett presents a satirical self-portrait of a writer who is unflappable and permissive. The author claims to be unaffected by the braggadocio of fellow writers who assert they have discovered the secret to successful writing. Barnett humorously describes his passive approach to writers who plagiarize or produce clichéd content, stating he would never confront or criticize them. Instead, he positions himself as a gentle, non-judgmental observer who accepts all writing styles, regardless of their quality or originality. The poem culminates with a tongue-in-cheek offer to sell the Eiffel Tower, which serves as a metaphor for the author's satirical tone throughout the piece, suggesting that his portrayal of extreme passivity should not be taken at face value.

Opinions

The author, P.G. Barnett, satirically claims to be indifferent to the arrogance and unoriginality of some writers.
He humorously suggests that he is so easy-going that he would not challenge writers who believe they have found the definitive path to wealth through writing.
Barnett implies that he tolerates writers who copy and paste others' work, presenting it with style and grace.
He contrasts his own non-confrontational nature with those who might publicly criticize or "call out" less skilled or ethical writers.
The author playfully exaggerates his mild-mannered disposition, hinting that his true feelings might be more complex.
By offering the Eiffel Tower for sale, Barnett signals to the reader that his overly accommodating persona is not to be taken seriously.

A Terribly Easy Going Dude

There’s certainly no ruffling my feathers

I’m a really easy going dude, And nothing bothers me, I love to write, And I’m all right, When newbies say, That’s it’s okay, To listicle with attitude.

I’m certainly not going to take offense, When they write all their hits, I really will read all their stuff, Because I just can’t get enough, I’ll let their offense just past by, Say nothing on their latest try, And I’ll not ask recompense.

My feathers won't get ruffled when, A writer struts their stuff, By telling us they’ve found the way, They know how to do it they say, If we all learn to write just so, We’ll all be raking in the dough, Then we’ll be rich like them.

I’m such an easy-going fellow, I never call BS, It’s not my place to rein them in, They all should know how to begin, These writers who’d rather copy-paste, They do it with such style and grace, So I’ll just sit here mellow.

I never do get pissed and rant, That’s not old P.G.’s style, Leave level setting to someone else, There’s always someone who will pelt, These writers who repeat an adage, The same old same old stinking cabbage, A foot in their rear they’ll implant.

But not this guy, I humbly admit, I’m really tame and demure, I’d never blast a writer so, And every one of us we know, It’s not like me to go on a tear, And carry on a blistering affair, A raging ranting fit.

I’m humble, I’m soft and oh so kind, This body of writers know, If writers offend I’ll simply smile, I’ll give that inch when they take that mile, They’re free to write that which they choose, Regardless of the readers they lose, I’ll remain quiet although resigned.

It’s not like me to rant and spew, When writers cross the line, I’ll never comment nor cry foul, With my words I will not howl, I’m told that all new writers learn, It’s not my place for them to burn, It’s just because they’re new.

I’m really just a teddy bear, I certainly won’t bite, Write what you want write what you wish, Serve up the most disgusting dish, I’ll sit here minding P and Q, I won’t complain or chastise you, I’ll not a disparaging word declare.

If you believe a word of this, That this describes P.G., Then take a look at this my friend, The Eiffel tower is for sale again, I’m only asking a million pounds, I’d say that asking price is sound, A deal you simply can’t dismiss.

SATIRE|Poem|Poetry

A Terribly Easy Going Dude

Thank you so much for reading. You didn’t have to, but I’m certainly glad you did.