Poetry Genius Newsletter
Poetry and the Art of Critique
Hi friends
Have you ever had your poems properly critiqued or reviewed? No, thought not!
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned poet, it is essential to have this done if your aim is to improve your writing. I have been providing poetry critique for many years, and thought it might be interesting to those of you who have never experienced this, to see the process in action.
Having your poems examined and remarked on by someone else can be a revelation, and often annoying when you have poured your heart into your masterpiece. However it is a well proven method to improve in the field of competent poetry writing.
This week I want to look at how I would critique a poem submitted to me in my online poetry forum. This critique would vary, depending on the level that the writer had requested, some only want comments, others (feeling a little precious), only want a light critique, and the final group are those who truly want to improve and are tough enough to hear the truth.
For the sake of this Newsletter, I’ve kept the critiques fairly short, but in a real-life scenario I would go into much more depth with concrete suggestions on the specific changes required.
This example is simply to show what a critique would look like
So, here is a short poem submitted to me, and for demonstration purposes I will show some different levels of critique
You and Me
How free is my language when lived in cages of quotes
to manage emotions among shepherds and wolves.
I can not thus fathom the phantom or ghost
that haunts this imbalance,
my palace is roast.
Speech taunt all of my talents
and vanish to most.
The seal is now branded
as candid response.
Each sip from the chalice of wit
is malice dismissed.
So why do I care if you think I exist?
Level 1 — Simple Commentary:
Your poem explores themes of constraint, self-expression, and the desire for authentic connection. The speaker seems to feel trapped by language and social expectations, unable to fully communicate their true thoughts and feelings, and there is a sense of imbalance and internal conflict, with references to “cages of quotes,” “shepherds and wolves,” and a “palace [that] is roast.”
The imagery is evocative, with the “phantom or ghost / that haunts this imbalance” and the “seal [that] is now branded.” Overall, the poem has a reflective, introspective tone, grappling with the challenges of finding one’s voice and being understood.
Level 2 — Light Critique:
The poem’s structure, with its short, choppy lines and abrupt transitions, effectively conveys the speaker’s sense of fragmentation and constriction. The use of metaphors, such as the “cages of quotes” and the “chalice of wit,” adds depth and complexity to the work.
However, there are moments where the language feels a bit forced or obscure, such as the reference to the “palace [that] is roast.” Additionally, the poem could benefit from more consistent imagery and a clearer narrative arc to guide the reader through the speaker’s internal journey.
Level 3 — In-Depth Critique:
The core strength of this poem lies in its exploration of the tension between self-expression and social constraints. The speaker’s struggle to “fathom the phantom or ghost / that haunts this imbalance” is a compelling and relatable theme, capturing the universal human desire to be understood and the challenges of navigating complex emotional events.
The use of metaphor is particularly effective, with the “cages of quotes” and the “chalice of wit” serving as vivid representations of the speaker’s inner turmoil, and also, the imagery is evocative, though at times it could be sharpened or clarified to enhance the poem’s overall impact.
One area for potential improvement is the structure and pacing of the poem. While the short, fragmented lines contribute to the sense of constraint and fragmentation, the transitions between ideas could be smoother, and the overall theme more clearly defined. Careful editing and revision to refine the flow and cohesion of the piece could help strengthen the poem’s impact.
Additionally, the speaker’s voice and perspective could be explored in greater depth. While the poem touches on universal themes, a more developed and distinct authorial voice could lend the work greater authenticity and resonance.
Overall, “You and Me” is a thought-provoking and insightful poem that grapples with the complexities of self-expression and human connection.
With some refinement and development, it has the potential to be a powerful and impactful work of poetry.
The above example will give you the feel of what a poetry critique is like.
The thing to remember is that the intention of a critique is to help you improve in your writing, and sometimes it takes a little time before you realise that this is not a personal attack on your ability, it is simply a constructive and professional response with hints and advice on how and what you can improve, both in the poem submitted, and for your future writing.
