Originality- Does it Exist???

Hi, Colleen! I think it's great that even though you are just getting kind of started into this writing thing, you're thinking about a lot of different questions and opportunities to learn more. To be honest, this is the best site I've found so far but I am also a member at the Bulldog Poetry workshop where you tend to get a few more reviews. It's a much smaller community. I find just talking with other writters about their work and asking questions of myself about my own can be really eye opening. Sometimes (well, all the time) I read my own stuff like Joe Blow might and try to see it through their eyes. Then I ask myself a bunch of questions, like, why did you use that metaphor instead of? Or did you intentionally format the poem to give it a sense of quickening pace because it feels hurried. Be your own critic. And don't be afraid to be extremely critical of other people's work. Doesn't mean you have to tell them. But it gives you a keener more observant eye. Best of poetry to you!...C