Update:

I've gone to the new writers' (non-poetry) critique group three times now and find the input really valuable, so I intend to continue. Because members come from a variety of writing backgrounds, their perspective is refreshing.

I'll meet with the poetry group again after my kamikaze work schedule is through. The woman in the group has told me that she already bought me a Hanukkah present, so I guess I'm being bribed.