When workshopping another person’s poem, sometimes you have to tell them what to cut out. What language is unnecessary? What is redundant? Like “hard rocks.” We know rocks are hard. Or “sweet honey.” Again, too much. Use an economy of language—the best words only, in the best order. Is there an unneeded line or a confusing one? Cut it. Cut all but the most interesting languages and you can expand later. This is also detailed in Writing Poetry.
When you respond to a classmate’s piece this week, find what language they need to remove. Help them rewrite it, or tell them your favorite parts. This can be a handful of words from the entire segment. Challenge yourself to take a single line from their piece and expand it into something different. Share it with them.
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