• Begin with a sentence or two about what you think the poem is trying to do – reflect back to the writer what it is you’re getting from the poem. If you can’t tell, or if the poem seems to be going in a number of directions at once, say so. And say specifically what they are. 

• Identify in the poem those places that really work to get across to you what you see the poem doing (or those places where you see the poem going in different directions). Be specific. Point out: 

• well-chosen words, images, metaphors;

• effective uses of syntax, rhythm;

• effective use of the form,

and connect them to the central intellectual and emotional thrust or movement of the poem.

• Identify those places where more needs to be done -- places where the language seems stale or cliche'd, the rhythms monotonous or inexpressive, the word choice careless or inexact.