The most helpful critiques I have received have been those which several people speaking their own minds independently told me approximately the same thing about a certain passage or word choice or the like. The second or third might have remained silent because the first had already pointed it out, but I would not have had the same benefit.
The least helpful I have received came when someone jumped in to straighten someone else out or to answer a question directed to me. In the first instance, the critter may have miscued because he just plain misread, but it could have been the fault of my poem and I needed to know it. In the other, I'm perfectly capable of speaking for myself.
I find it especially valuable when people tell me what images my poem gives them. If it's too contrary to my intentions, I need to check for some misdirection in the poem.
I say screw your courage to the sticking place. Tell the poet directly and honestly what you think. The more of it you do, the better you will become at it. If it's any help, Lo, I have always found your remarks intelligent, considered and articulate. If they hadn't been, I would have said so.
Bill
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