Workshopping poetry can be particularly sensitive due to the inherently emotional nature of poetry. Because it doesn’t necessarily fit into the rules or norms of many types of literature, it can also expose its author to unnaturally critical responses. The critique rules outlined two blogs ago should definitely be followed. But I warn you poets to be prepared to have your work dissected, to emotionally detach from the words you wrote despite that being nearly impossible and to trust that your partner has the best interest of your piece in mind.
And while providing feedback to your partner, be careful to dissect the WAY they say things rather than what they’re saying. Be careful to respect their boundaries and emotions. And if you give a critique that makes them emotional, leave it alone.
