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09/24 Bon Fire 🏆 Winner

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Bon Fire

Moon high; middle of the night.
Drums thumping; bumping in hypnotic flight.
Cloaked hoods fall to the ground,
scattered chants mix with the eerie sound.

Candle wax burns at the fingertips;
Hecate's breath embraces swaying hips.
Shadows dance amongst the flames,
linking spirits to our world without shame.

'Tis our season, witches take hold,
The magic runs hot and bold.
Our veil is thinning, hear the roar of the thunder,
when the living and the dead are no longer asunder.

About This Poem

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: Edgar Allan Poe, Jim Morrison

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

9 months 1 week ago

Neopoet AI (premium) - 5-29-23 version

The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:

This poem, "Bon Fire," effectively uses vivid imagery and rhythm to create a mystical, nocturnal atmosphere. The use of semi-colons to separate ideas within each line contributes to a rhythmic flow that mirrors the drumbeats mentioned in the second line.

One area for improvement could be the clarity of the narrative or message. While the poem successfully conveys a sense of mystery and magic, it could benefit from more concrete details or a clearer progression of events to anchor the reader's understanding. For example, the line "Hecate's breath embraces swaying hips" is evocative but could be more explicit in its meaning or relevance to the overall narrative.

The poem also makes use of some traditional poetic devices such as rhyme and meter. However, the rhyme scheme is not consistent throughout the poem. If a consistent rhyme scheme is intended, revisiting the lines that do not conform to the pattern could strengthen the overall structure and flow of the poem.

Lastly, the use of archaic language such as "'Tis" can be effective for creating a certain tone or atmosphere, but it should be used sparingly and consistently to avoid sounding forced or inauthentic. The poem might benefit from a review of these language choices to ensure they contribute to the overall tone and theme.

Please send feedback about Neo (our computer generated critique system) to https://www.neopoet.com/contact

Geezer

Geezer

9 months 1 week ago

It took a minute...

to gain the sense of rhythm in this.
I think I finally got it, but your next to last line is
ass backwards. In order to make the rhyme,
and meter, you have to rewrite the line to say:

[The veil is thinning, hear the roar of thunder.]

I like that the theme, is of Halloween and the rites of magic.
Good stuff! ~ Geez.
.

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

9 months 1 week ago

You're right

It was getting late when I was finishing this up...more spookier stuff to come....I will make that change.

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

9 months 1 week ago

Ignore AI

I much enjoyed this holiday poem. Especially the line about my favorite and patron Goddess! (she also represents the three-fold aspect and the crossroads). a wonderful contribution to the season! I am always wanting more from your pen...looking forward to it!

* Happy holidays! Cat & eddy styx

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

9 months 1 week ago

Hecate

Is a favorite of mine as well! There is more to come...

Leslie

Leslie

9 months 1 week ago

Bon fire!

A great writing full off wonderful language. Great for this time of year. I have always loved your poetry!

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

9 months 1 week ago

Thank you

Your kind words and review mean a lot. I have always been a fan of your writing as well.

Lavender

Lavender

9 months 1 week ago

Bon Fire

Hello, Carrie,
I can feel the anticipation in the rhythm of this as I dance around the bonfire. I know this is one of your favorite times of year! I enjoyed this!
Happy Bewitching Season!
L

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

9 months 1 week ago

Thanks L

It certainly is my favorite time of year. The kids are already preparing for Halloween and we have some adventures planned before then. Happy Fall!

Clentin

Clentin

9 months 1 week ago

Great poem Rose, this is

Great poem Rose, this is definitely your time of year. The time of year of whiches, scary things.!
Loved it!

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

9 months 1 week ago

Thank you

It definitely is my favorite time of year! Thank you for the read and comment.

Rula

Rula

9 months ago

I envey

your talent dear Carrie.
I feel goosebumps along my spine.
Great stuff!

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

9 months ago

Hi Rula

Thank you for the high praise and comment! So glad you enjoyed.

Unca Fez

Unca Fez

9 months ago

Mists of Avalon Comes Alive

The poem brings to mind the Avalon Series by Marion Zimmer Bradley and Diana L. Paxson. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalon_Series) Your fascinating poem immediately brought it to mind. I believe there was also a movie made of it, "The Mists of Avalon". It feels more true than the other Arthurian tales.

Of course, living 42+ years with a Wiccan helps to bring to life the images within your poem, which I consider to be a perfect introduction to All Hallows Eve, 2024.

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

9 months ago

Thank you

I have heard of Mists of Avalon but will need to check it out. Thank you for your high praise and comment. This is the best time of year. Glad you liked it.

Frederick Kesner

Frederick Kesner

2 months 2 weeks ago

For me that was a stellar

For me that was a stellar last line, which is solid and serves as a final capping off. Most if not all “experts” of poetry are advocates of a strong finish and that is what can be seen here. Many find this hard to pull off and just end by dissipating or trailing off… :-)

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

2 months 2 weeks ago

Hello

Thank you for your positive feedback. I am glad you enjoyed the poem and the last line. I try to stay within poetry perimeters but tend to go outside the box.

Frederick Kesner

Frederick Kesner

2 months 2 weeks ago

Outside the box is quite

Outside the box is quite where it's at for some of us... "outliers" of artistic domain... not the easiest path when people tend to herd together. But that's the way of it all. I'd say the skill/art of reining it in is quite commendable.