Creative Poetry - CRITIQUING GUIDELINES

INITIAL GUIDELINES - AND ONE RULE - FOR GIVING FEEDBACK ON POETRY
The first thing is, this forum is meant to be supportive, friendly and constructive. So, keep your critiquing on a respectful level. This doesn’t mean you say everything is wonderful, unless you truly believe it. There is no benefit to anyone if poetry which needs work is claimed to be perfect. What is perfect anyway? Poetry is one of, if not ‘the’ most subjective writing forms. So, where one reader might truly love a poem, another reader might truly loathe it. Either interpretation is fine. It’s the way you express it that matters. We (admin) would much rather give good karma than bad!
The Only Rule: Always critique other member’s work respectfully - as you would want your own work critiqued. (If this rule is not adhered to, your post will be removed.)
Now, finally, here’s a relatively short and very generalised list of guidelines:
1. Read the poem through several times, preferably aloud.
2. Feel the poem. Explore your response to the poem. It’s okay not to like it, or even to hate it. When/if you tell the poet, though, you need to say why – if possible.
3. Do the words and tone suit what the poem is saying? Are harsh words being used to describe something soft? Be careful here though, the poet might be making an ironic statement. This is where you might need to ‘read’ deeper. But, it will be obvious if a word or two is used which does not match the tone or other words.
4. Is the poem consistent or does it jump around in point of view or meaning?
5. Does the title match the content?
6. Are the metaphors, similes, imagery or allusions understandable? If not, does it matter? After all, they might work in keeping with the tone and mood of the poem, and might be appealing on another level. You can like a poem without understanding it. But look for the elements that make it work or not work (for you) when you give your feedback.
7. Is there a universal theme to the poem? Does it appeal to ‘humanity’ regardless of how the theme is portrayed? A poem about Modernity might still aptly apply to the interior life of someone from the past.
8. Do you think words, lines or stanzas might work better in a different order? Why? Perhaps the story, chronology, flow or dramatic impact will be stronger.
9. Do you think the poem would work with a different point of view, with or without personification, or with a different tense?
10. Does the punctuation, or lack thereof, alter the way you read, interpret or feel about the poem?
11. Are any of the words the wrong word or spelling?
12. Are there too many small words or conjunctions interrupting the flow and/or weakening the tone of the poem?
13. Any other comments you have are also welcome. Remember, this is only a guide.
14. Don’t forget to say what you DO like as well as what you don’t like! Every writer needs and should get encouragement.

And remember, as well as Respect (rule 1), always think in terms of critiquing, not criticizing.

Respect extends beyond commenting on other's work and includes Race, Religion and Creed on any posts or boards.

Thank you, The Too-Write! Team