Andrey's questions about poems (split from the intro thread)

[Lizzie]

OK, but what about poetry readers who just read poetry and do not observe the construction of a poem - can they learn anything about poetry? And if they can, what do they learn about it? Or does the reader have to be something of a poet him-/herself?

You can observe them under construction as you follow people's posts, the subsequent crit, and then the revisions. Yes, it does help to be a poetry writer, but it's not necessary I don't think. I'm a much better reader than writer.

If you're concerned about doing your crits "wrong," you can't really go wrong unless you just say, "sounds great, don't change anything!" (which isn't really constructive) or if you critique the poet instead of the poem (like, I can't believe how lazy you were with this poem!). You're always welcome to crit my work to get your three out of the way -- I promise I won't get offended about anything. I always welcome responses of all levels, as long as they're true to how the person sees things.

A critical step to discovering what you DO like in poetry is deciding what you DON'T like. And, it's always ok to say that you don't like a poem, as long as you tell the person why in a constructive manner.

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Well, I was never told to think of poetry-reading experience as something that isn't for sharing (for some reason). Is that what you are saying? That every poetry-appreciating reader can build a personal relationship with a poem and is not supposed to share it? 

Ok, well you've correctly identified the fact that sometimes I have trouble with precision in my metaphors! See, you're critiquing already

It's not that it's inappropriate to tell someone else your experience, we do it all the time in crits. My point was that each experience is unique, and I can't give you mine. And I can't take you to the place to find your own, you have to find it yourself. That's all.

But, you've said several times that you intend to do more reading and studying, so I guess it's a moot point in the end. I'd suggest letting this discussion alone for a while, as soon as it winds down. Just focus on getting your crits in, read poetry like it's an addiction and read all types. But, you said that you were going to, so I trust that you will.

I guess I just feel like we're being asked to read your mind and spontaneously produce the ultimate poem for you here right on the spot that will blow you away in just the right way to justify our whole poetic enterprise. Feels unfair and impossible.

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Of course it's a myth.  You should, however, read a lot of serious poetry while you're here critiquing other poetry, and in fact read some pretty damn serious poetry here as well.  Every poem in our spotlight section, for example, is comparable to the best works being written right now around the world.  I can make that statement, because I'm also concurrently reading the best works being written right now around the world.

Duly noted.

Yes, the Spotlighting the Hogs is one of the most enjoyable sections around here, and we couldn't be prouder of our talented friends here

The Spotlighting the Hogs, Critic Edition is great too if you're curious about what they're really looking for in terms of great crit. I love reading through both sections.