First of all, I love Vasiliki's suggestion that we preface our poems with a short intro that explains where we are in the process (first/"wet paint" draft, etc.) and also what kind of feedback we'd like. I was remembering that in my first writing group (which I adored), we had the options of asking for: no feedback at all, only positive feedback, or positive followed by critique (the positive always came first). I love this - and wanted to share it particularly so that we all know it's an option to simply share work and not ask for a response. Sometimes sending work into the world and knowing that it's witnessed and read and seen is enough.
For those times we *do* want feedback, here are the suggested questions from our email exchange. Please feel free to add to this list! And to pick and choose from it. Or not to use it at all.
What is working well in the poem/what are its strengths?
How does the poem move? Where does it start, and where does it go?
What is at stake in the poem?
Are there craft techniques you think are especially strong?
Are there parts of the poem that you found unclear/confusing?
If you were to give the poet one suggestion about how to make the poem more fully itself, what would that be?
I also really love these questions! I found them so helpful.
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