~ The Poet's Place Cafe~

This is a prime example of how a thorough explication of a poem should be done. The reviewer needs some knowledge but just following this form the reviewer will gain knowledge. A critique like this takes time, 45 minutes or better depending on the piece being critiqued but it is so worth it to the reviewer and hopefully, the reviewed.

I review because it helps me see things in poetry that will improve my own writing and I review because it inspires me to write. When I look at another's writing I am examining the craft of writing not what the poet is trying to say but how the poet is saying it.

I'm always saddened by seeing a "review" that really says nothing other than "nice poem" in 250 plus words. Kind of useless to both the reviewer and the reviewed. We all love to get comments, especially positive ones, and I always appreciate some taking the time to read my work. But a short complimentary commentary isn't a review.

The Poet's Place is currently #2 in group reviewing. The only group ahead is the WDC Reviewing Group, their sole purpose is to review. Whenever any poets from our forum are reviewing, we should be sure and indicate that we are affiliated with the Poet's Place. I have a goal of 2 reviews a day for at least this month. After reading your essay on reviewing, I will attempt at least 3 thorough explications following your outline each week. Too time-consuming otherwise and some poems I run across simply don't have enough content to devote that much time and effort.

This is great advice Dave, and I'm excited to dig in and expand my knowledge.
Here is today's attempt Review of "Canine Memories"

~~Tink