Be Specific
When complimenting a poem, be specific. Don’t just say, “Nice poem,” or “That’s really good.” That can be interpreted as simply being polite and not taking the poem seriously. Mention the technical elements of the poem that you appreciate, such as the use of unique imagery, the range of emotions and ideas expressed in the poem, and the innovative structure. Show the author that you actively engaged with the poem, not just that you took it in passively.
Complimenting a poem does not always have to be about praising how technically proficient a poem is. It is just as important to talk about the emotions, thoughts, and insights that the poem evoked. Mention how the poem made you feel and the ideas it provoked. This demonstrates that you care about the author’s work and appreciate their creative process.
Be Constructive
When complimenting a poem give some constructive feedback too. It is important to note any mistakes or areas that could have been improved without necessarily making it seem as though the poem is bad.
Focus on the positive and make sure the poet has the confidence to develop their work further. Complimenting the poem in such a way encourages the poet to keep working on their craft.
This type of constructive complimenting also benefits readers of poetry who might want to express their appreciation in an appropriate way. Even if a poem is quite far from perfect, sincere compliments can help the reader feel closer to the writer and identify with their work.
Use Sensitivity
When complimenting a poem, use sensitivity. Overly direct or explicit compliments might make the author feel uncomfortable, especially if the poem has strong themes.
If a poem has sensitive subject matter, tie compliments to the poem’s broader themes. Additionally, do not simply comment on the poem’s content. Mention the deeper meaning and the significance that the poem has. This helps to show that the compliment is directly linked to the poem.
Appreciate the Effort
Never forget to appreciate the effort that the author has put in to creating the poem. Mention the work and creative energy that they have dedicated to the poem. Express your admiration for their craft. This conveys respect and reverence towards the poem.
Choosing to write in this format is an additional detail to elaborate on. You can make a point of mentioning the poem’s originality and its creativeness. This is the perfect way to show the author how much you value their uniqueness and their written expression.
Make a Purposeful Comment
When complimenting a poem, take the time to make a thoughtful comment that has a purpose. A meaningful and passionate comment shows that you have thought hard about the poem, leaving the author with a positive lasting impression.
Be careful not to make comments that are untrue, such as “This is the best poem I have ever read”. These can often come across as insincere. Make sure your compliments come from the heart and reflect your honest opinion.
Be Aware of Context
Be aware of the context of the poem when complimenting it. Tying the poet’s work to current political or environmental issues can help the author to make sense of their poem and feel confident about their views.
Additionally, referencing to other works or literary devices can be a great way to demonstrate the author’s skill with language and draw attention to specific aspects of the poem.
Appreciate Different Styles
Poetry has different styles and formats and different readers will have different preferences. Acknowledge the diversity of creative writing styles and make sure to appreciate each one individually. Embrace the unique qualities of each genre appreciation.
Make sure to engage with the poem and look carefully at it. Don’t jump to hasty conclusions. Take the time to review different aspects of the poem and articulate why you appreciate the poem.
Understand Subtlety
Appreciate the subtle elements in a poem. Look for the small details and appreciate how the author has used poetic devices to add an extra layer of complexity.
Complimenting a poem doesn’t always have to be about large-scale things like meter or rhyme schemes. Even the small details can make the poem special, such as the way in which the author has chosen to portray a particular character or attitude.
When complimenting a poem, consider sharing some of your own work too. A poet can gain a lot by being able to learn from someone else’s work, as well as getting creative validation. This can be especially beneficial when someone is first starting to work on their craft.
A great way to accomplish this is by offering to do a swap critique. This is when two poets look at each other’s work and provide constructive feedback. It can be a very rewarding experience for both involved.
Touch on Cultural Influences
Last but not least, touch on the cultural influences that the poet has. Compliment their research and the way they have integrated methods and ideas from another culture into their work.
Reading poems from different parts of the world can be very interesting, presenting a different cultural perspective on certain issues. It is always meaningful when poets take the time to learn about and use a different culture to inspire their work.
