Poison pens

They say everyone's a critic... and we each certainly have strong opinions, especially about poetry. 

There are many ways to analyse, critique and appreciate poetry. On Invisible Poets and other groups I administer, I have observed two main ways people regularly use. 

The first has the potential to be quite superficial. It's where the reader makes remarks about the content or topic of the poem. They tend to ignore the artistry or form of the poetry and comment directly about the topic. 'I don't believe in this kind of thing!' or 'I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this..' The flaw is that the reader may assume the poet is writing about their personal experience or problems - which may well be the case - but may just as easily be fiction. I remember once writing a poem about the tragic loss of a loved one, and receiving several condolence messages. 

The poem was pure fiction. 

I was attempting to place myself, the poet, into the emotional shoes of someone who was grieving. Now, it was kind of those who offered consolation, because it showed they were empathetic. But by being taken up by the content, each had missed the mark, ignoring the artistry of my rhyme scheme and rhythmic cadence, which I had toiled with for some time, so it was very frustrating for me!

Another flaw with the content analysis approach can be found in the attitude of the reader/commenter. If they are antagonistic to the message they may even try to counteract it with an opinion of their own.  They will have been triggered, and they may then respond harshly and critically. You've all seen people do this! It can cause hurt, offence and discouragement, but as many would tell you... such remarks tell you more about the person making the comments than they do about the poet. Publicly, it makes them look ignorant or deliberately antagonistic. 

Clearly, remarking on content can be unhelpful, especially if the comment is an attack on the poet's beliefs or values. The commenter ends up either missing the point or attacking the person instead of objectively evaluating their poem. 

The alternative, (and for me, more constructive) method of response is to remark on the form of the poem rather than focus solely on its content or theme. Does the poem flow with a good tempo? Does the poet use metaphors, similes or other literary devices to enhance the poem? Has a specific rhyme scheme or poetic form such as a sonnet or villanelle been employed? Does the poem inspire or challenge the reader by the way they write? These and other questions are much deeper and more meaningful than simply commenting on, or criticising the theme or topic of the poem. 

Ultimately, both ways - form and content analysis - can be valid if written with kindness. Go ahead and comment on the poetry of others, either about its content or form, but do make sure it's constructive, relevant, meaningful and avoids rudeness and your own biased opinions. Think before you write a comment and then think again before you post it. 

Don't be triggered by content. Throw away the poisoned pen and comment with kindness. Move beyond your own biases and enjoy poetry for its form and beauty.

Steve Wheeler 

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