read the poems in files below and reply to each one with thoughtful feedback.
Your response should include both positive feedback and constructive feedback.
Begin with Strengths
Identify at least one or two specific things that are working well in the poem. Avoid vague comments such as “I liked it” or “This was good.” Instead, point to a particular choice and explain its effect.
You might comment on:
- a striking image, metaphor, or other figure of speech
- especially effective diction or word choice
- a line or phrase that carries emotional weight
- strong use of rhythm, repetition, rhyme, alliteration, or other sound devices
- an effective line break, stanza break, or structural choice
- a compelling speaker or voice
- a moment that surprised, moved, amused, unsettled, or otherwise affected you
- the poem’s overall theme or emotional impact
For example: “The image of _____ really stood out to me because it made the speaker’s grief feel concrete rather than simply telling us that they were sad.”
Then Offer Constructive Feedback
Give the writer one or two useful suggestions or questions that might help them revise. Your goal is not to tell the writer what the poem “should” be, but to help them see how the poem is working for a reader.
You might ask:
- Is there a place where the language could be more specific or vivid?
- Is there an abstract statement that might work better as an image?
- Are there words or lines that seem unnecessary?
- Is there a line break that feels accidental rather than purposeful?
- Would a different stanza break improve the poem’s movement?
- Does the rhythm become awkward anywhere when the poem is read aloud?
- Could repetition or another sound device strengthen an important moment?
- Is there a section that you wanted the poet to expand?
- Was there a moment you found confusing?
- Does the ending feel earned and effective, or might it need another turn?
Whenever possible, frame criticism as a reader response or question rather than a command: “I wondered whether…”, “I wanted to know more about…”, “I stumbled a little over…”, or “You might experiment with…”
Remember
Workshop is meant to help the writer see the poem through another reader’s eyes. Be generous, specific, and constructive. Praise what genuinely works, identify places where the poem could become stronger, and focus on the craft choices we have been discussing in class: language, imagery, flow, rhythm, sound, structure, and emotional or thematic impact.