to be a critic when you are a poet

People generally do not like to be criticized, and I dare to say that the poets do not make an exception. This is somehow understandable from the very human viewpoint. What makes the difference is whether or not someone being criticized takes the critique (upon his/her work) personal. When you are just a literary critic, I mean when you write critique only, things are easier, as you do not compete for the poetry crown of laurels with anyone of those you criticize. When you are a poet and make also critique the situation changes. They will take your critique as a sign of envy. I have experienced that... That’s why I think it’s an act of courage to make critique on other poets’ work when you yourself are a poet. If a poet wants to improve his work and to learn, then he/she must face the critique. Without critique the literary life would be dead. Without critique we even would not be able to make the difference between a poem and a simple personal note in a diary.