Writers are an especially sensitive breed, and poets even more so. This is necessary to express themselves with the candor and poignancy that their craft demands. When writers share their poems, they often reveal deeply personal feelings, and don't want those feelings deconstructed or critiqued. When they do ask for feedback, however, keep a few points in mind when administering their request.
Belittling or trivializing the poet's subject matter is pointless and mean-spirited. No topic or theme is inappropriate for poetry, and although "there is nothing new under the sun," there are always fresh ways to express old ideas. Instead of saying, "You shouldn't write about Spring; it's so trite," or "A poem about sunshine lacks all originality," focus on how the writer expresses him or herself. Poets write what they feel, not necessarily what is trendy.
Don't let your own preferences get in the way. You may find that rhyming poetry is juvenile and outdated, but this is a harsh generalization. Insofar as the particular poem that you're critiquing is concerned, does the rhyme scheme work? Maybe the poem sounds forced, or the lines truncated. Both are valid points. But don't attack the construction of a poem because you aren't partial to its form.
Keeping in mind the first two points, be honest when offering feedback. "That was very nice," or "I liked it," don't really give the poet any clear direction. Was the poem flawless? Highly unlikely, but if you feel that this is the case, be prepared to explain why. As vain and temperamental as a lot of poets are, they recognize idle flattery when they hear it. To poets, hearing a generic compliment about their writing signals that the reader didn't care enough to give the poem serious consideration.
If you have the opportunity, read the poem aloud, and more than once, even if the poet has read it for you. Poems need to be digested in order to be effectively analyzed. Ask to see a copy. You can easily miss something -even the entire point of the poem- from just a single reading or recitation.
Poets need to understand that a poem means what the reader interprets it to mean. This is frequently very different than the writer's intention. This is true for literature in general. A good example is the Beatles' song "Let it Be," which is supposed to be about Paul McCartney's mother, Mary. The majority of listeners throughout the years have decided that McCartney is singing about the Virgin Mary. So arguably, he is.
Finally, make sure that the poet wants to hear your feedback. Some will reluctantly share what they wrote, either because they are seeking catharsis, or feel like they can trust you. They don't want their poem to be dissected. Respect this.
© April 7, 2013 by Allan M. Heller
New Criticism
http://public.wsu.edu/~delahoyd/new.crit.html
Let it Be, by the Beatles
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=182
Mary the Blessed Virgin
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4967
Photo: A Stipula fountain pen lying on a written piece of paper.
By Antonio Litterio.
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stipula_fountain_pen.jpg
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