| Author | Message | ||
| LJ Cohen
Moderator Username: ljc Post Number: 8771 Registered: 07-2002 |
One of the common themes I see here on Wild is poets who express fear of offering critique. Something that might help is to have a format or a list of guiding questions for critique. You should not feel bound or limited by the format, but structure can take some of the fear out of the blank page.  It may be useful to break comments down into the following subsections: (Some examples of the kind of language I use in a critique follows each heading in italics) Overview The poem moved me. It reminded me of my own experiences when . . . Structure I think the couplet form works well here to pace the read. -or- I think the pace would be improved with some additional white space. Have you considered couplets? Imagery Unusual use of colors throughout really engaged me. -or- The description of the _____ felt generic to me. Can you find a stronger comparison? Language Very strong use of internal rhyme in stanza 1. -or- The unusual verbs really work to move the poem forward. -or- The description of the _____ is very adjective heavy. Rhythm The line breaks on words like 'it', 'the', and 'you' feel week. -or- This stanza break really stood out--I wasn't expecting the turn the poem took here. Voice The language in the poem really reflects the narrator. -or- The contrast between the serious theme and the upbeat rhymes feels jarring. Overall, it is important to balance out positive from more critical comments. Generally, it is easier to hear 'negative' comments when they are sandwiched between positive ones. Sometimes it can be difficult to comment on a poem as a whole. In that case, it can be helpful to the poet to receive comments on specifics. This is something I've adapted from a lesson plan for a poetry anthology that I found on the web. When reading a poem, notice is there: # a word, phrase or line you like or admire? (you don't have to know why) # a word, phrase, or line you find difficult to understand? # a word, phrase or line that disturbs or angers you? # a word, phrase or line that simply stays in your thoughts? A useful crit can be one in which you make a specific comment in any of these 4 areas. Best, ljc Once in a Blue Muse Blog LJCohen | ||
| Fred Longworth
Senior Member Username: sandiegopoet Post Number: 3172 Registered: 05-2006 |
THANKS FOR THIS, LISA. * * * * * (Message edited by sandiegopoet on January 26, 2008) Unofficial Forum Pariah recent victim of alien abduction | ||
| ~M~
Board Administrator Username: mjm Post Number: 28293 Registered: 11-1998 |
Thanks for providing this, Lisa. You're a peach. I'm sure it will help many people. I hope they print it out and tack it to their bulletin boards. Love, M | ||
| GA Sunshine
Advanced Member Username: ga_sunshine Post Number: 1216 Registered: 06-2006 |
I'll make a copy and keep it beside my computer. Thanks! *Hugs* Susan | ||
| Mariah Wilson
Intermediate Member Username: mariahwilson43 Post Number: 579 Registered: 11-2007 |
Lisa, thanks for this. It sure will come in handy for those poem I read that I just don't know what to say. Sometimes I like them and I still don't know what to say besides, good work, I liked it, Or this part was great. Thank you for taking the time to provide this list for us wilders. I think there is something on there for everyone, no matter how long you've been giving crits to fellow poets, there is always room to learn. Those people that say anything is possible obviously have not tried to slam a revolving door. | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 22044 Registered: 07-2001 |
Lisa, well done, belongs in the reference library. Smiles. Gary | ||
| Kathy Paupore
Moderator Username: kathy Post Number: 7396 Registered: 12-2003 |
Lisa, thanks. This is exactly how I learned to crit here at WILD, through trial and error, and what I like to hear people say about my poems. Bravo! KYou're invited to: Wild Flowers How do I explain these poems? Not at all. -Anne Sexton | ||
| Barbara Ruth
Member Username: barbara Post Number: 90 Registered: 01-2008 |
Lisa, this is a great reminder. Thanks for posting it. Barbara |
