Welcome to the PoCoChapMo ‘24 Feedback Corner!
This thread is dedicated to gaining constructive feedback and workshopping your poems. Whether you're looking for a fresh perspective, suggestions for improvement, or simply want to share your work, this is the place for you.
How to Use the Feedback Corner
Sharing Your Work:
Post Your Poem: Share the poem you’d like feedback on. Be sure to include any specific areas where you’re seeking advice (e.g., structure, imagery, tone).
Context: If helpful, provide a brief context or background for your poem. This can include the prompt you used or your inspiration.
Be Respectful: Remember that sharing poetry can be a vulnerable experience. Offer support and encouragement alongside your critique.
Giving Feedback:
Be Constructive: Focus on providing helpful and specific feedback. Highlight what works well in the poem and suggest areas for improvement.
Be Respectful: Always approach feedback with kindness and respect. Remember, the goal is to help each other grow as poets.
Be Specific: Offer detailed observations and suggestions. For example, instead of saying “I didn’t like this part,” try “I think the imagery here could be stronger by adding more sensory details.”
Workshop Guidelines
Workshopping Poems:
Detailed Reviews: If you’d like a more in-depth critique, mention this when you post your poem. Fellow poets can then take the time to provide a thorough review.
Revisions: Feel free to post revised versions of your poems based on the feedback you receive. This can help track your progress and show how your work evolves.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask specific questions about your poem or the feedback you receive. Clarifying questions can lead to more insightful critiques.
Example Post
Poem: Whispers of the Night
In the stillness, shadows dance,
Whispers weave a silent trance.
Moonlight casts a silver hue,
Dreams awaken, pure and true.
Context: This poem was inspired by a word prompt about “night.” I’m particularly looking for feedback on the imagery and flow.
Feedback Given:
Positive: “I love the imagery in the first line; it sets a mysterious tone.”
Constructive: “The second line feels a bit vague. Maybe adding a more specific detail about the shadows could enhance the image.”
Engage and Support
This Feedback Corner is not just about receiving feedback but also about giving it. Take the time to read and respond to others’ poems. Your insights can be incredibly valuable and help foster a sense of community.
We’re here to grow together as poets. Let’s make the most of this space by supporting each other with thoughtful and constructive feedback. Happy writing and sharing!
Prompt: Solitary Tree 🌳
Context: (Adam) Did you by chance listen in on a conversation I had with Brooke? 🤭
A few weeks ago I mentioned to her I had written a short story about a tree - this was done quite a few years ago. I submitted it to a writer for critique - I happened to be working with him on a film he was developing and his script was great.
Well, he tore my short story apart and told me to stick to what I was doing… which was producing. - I was devastated. My short story went into my box of “dreams to forget about”. Until today. I pulled out the story… and carved out the following: (it needs more work but I figured you all would help me get it done) 😊
Tree
By Katherine Dickson
Tree, solitary in the open field,
Who listens to the secrets you conceal?
Your branches sway with a whispered verse,
In a language only the winds rehearse.
Who hears the songs your leaves compose,
As seasons pass and your spirit grows?
The sky, perhaps, with its endless view,
Or the earth below that cradles you?
Maybe the birds who find their rest
Among your limbs, a welcome nest.
Or the stars that blink in the velvet night,
Reading your poems in pale moonlight.
Tree, alone where the wide world bends,
Your poems are heard in the hearts of friends.
In the gentle breeze, the morning dew,
The soul that pauses to listen to you.