I'm not sure where the document on critique and feedback ended up, but here are two excerpts from it that might be worth adding to this thread:
and
Meaning is very important to poetry -- even if it's not just one single meaning -- and there's no point making technical suggestions that will alter the meaning beyond what the writer is comfortable with. To that end, if you really don't get it: ask.
(And then people like me will tell you that they don't explain poems...)
Quote:The speaker/voice of the writing is not always that of the author, even if it uses an I. Don’t assume that anything written in the first person is always autobiographical (this can cause offence). Avoid giving “life advice” in a critique, unless it’s part of your interpretation of the poem.
and
Quote:Examine all aspects: technical merit, possible meanings, aesthetics (how beautiful it is) and effectiveness. A piece that is technically brilliant may fall short in aesthetics or originality; if it’s aesthetically pleasing it may not really make an impact. Try to work out why. If you are not sure of the technique used, it is often a good idea to find out before you write your review. This not only provides the most help to the author, it also increases your own knowledge.
Meaning is very important to poetry -- even if it's not just one single meaning -- and there's no point making technical suggestions that will alter the meaning beyond what the writer is comfortable with. To that end, if you really don't get it: ask.
(And then people like me will tell you that they don't explain poems...)
It could be worse