On Critiquing Poetry

To critique a poem is a difficult endeavor. As every poet is unique Every word you must dismember- From Dante to De Sade Each must be taken Within it’s intended graces- A poem, is a eulogy of the poets’ mind Whether it be about bugs Or the Great Divine Each taken separately, On it’s own terms- Some are so surreal A true picture never forms. Do you love Whitman, But despise Bukowski? Whatever your pleasure- Look at a piece for what it is Individual and from inside Take care when spitting out prejudices Take each in stride and realize The person from whom the words extend Are of his own nature and his own transcend. A. Green