Interpretation...is it valid critique?

[Leanne]

Interpretation is as valid as a man is stupid.

Well sure, but that's just your opinion

I'm good with any kind of critique that helps me to understand how a poem has been read, because as a writer we sometimes find it very difficult to separate what we know from what we've written. I won't countenance personal comments when the critique is supposed to be about the poem, not the poet -- neither positive NOR negative comments are appropriate in that case. Guesses as to the poet's state of mind or motivation should really be kept out of it as well. Critique is about what's presented on the page, or in the thread in this case.

Once it's about ONLY THE POEM, then anything at all that shows me the commenter has read it thoroughly and made an attempt to help by either pointing out technical issues or offering possible interpretations is perfectly fine as a critique. Knowing how a poem's being read can be invaluable when it comes time to edit.