  Poetry
This week: Poetry Reviews From A Non-Poet Edited by: Diane  
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Welcome to this week's edition of the Poetry Newsletter. Poems posted on Writing.Com are as diverse as the members who pen them. Whether you understand and appreciate poetic forms and devices, or simply enjoy the messages penned with a rhythm of poetic verse, there is something for everyone to read and enjoy.
~Diane~
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| ASIN: B083RZ2C5F |
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Browsing through Writing.Com for items to review, I stumbled upon "We the Readers" [E] by Tab . I normally prefer to review stories or novels as prose is more in my comfort zone. I write poetry occasionally, but it is typically in response to a contest prompt or a challenge posed by a friend rather than pure inspiration. I would never classify myself as a poet, but rather an occasional dabbler in poetry.
As such, I find it difficult to give a thorough review of poems posted on the site. Still, I feel it is disrespectful to read something posted on Writing.Com without giving some level of feedback to the author. After all, they posted their poem in hopes of finding an audience and getting a response from other members. I do enjoy reading poetry for pleasure and when I do I focus more on the message and flow. When I read poems on the site, I try not to stray too far into discussions of adherence to form or poetic devices. My reviews of poetry items may not be helpful in matters of form or function, but I feel that offering an impression of the message in the poem and any emotion elicited is also beneficial to the writer.
The questions posed by Tab at the bottom of the poem linked above were a helpful reminder of the things that any reviewer could offer. One in particular struck me as a thought provoking question, "Is it interesting?" After all, not every poem will appeal to every reviewer. If you read a poem and don't find it interesting, then tell the writer what wasn't appealing and why. Perhaps the flow was off in places or the message didn't come across clearly. Of course, it should go without saying that this should be conveyed in a positive and respectful manner. On the other hand, if the poem was interesting to you then let the author know. After all, what writer doesn't want to hear why a reader liked the message or language used in their poem? Or more specifically, which lines spoke to them and left an image in their mind after they finished reading?
My guidelines for reviewing poetry are below. This may not be the way you choose to review, but it might spark something that helps you to increase your comfort reviewing as the questions provided by Tab did for me.
 Overall Impression/Emotional Impact: This is where I concentrate the bulk of my review. The question of interest or attractiveness of the message would fall into this section.
Form, Format, Rhyme and Meter: (I only use this with very simple forms since I am not an expert!)
Artistic Voice and Imagery: I like to point out any passages that were especially striking or unique in their imagery in this section.
Grammar, Spelling and Mechanics: This area is generally focused on any spelling or obvious grammar errors. Punctuation in poetry is tricky and I only point out things that would help me with the flow of the poem.
Reviewing is a great way to let a member know that they are being seen and how the message from their poem has been received. All writers want to know that they left an impression and those on Writing.Com are no exception.
Until next time,
Diane
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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| ASIN: 0997970618 |
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As a guest editor, I have no feedback for the newsletter to share with you, but the editors work hard to make sure the newsletters are informative and enjoyable and appreciate your responses.
In lieu of feedback, I'll share a few poetry contests I spotted in my search for items to highlight in this issue of the Poetry Newsletter:
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#1971713 by Not Available. |
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| ASIN: B083RZ2C5F |
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Poetry: January 14, 2015 Issue [#6767]
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