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This poem is part of the contest:

Neopoet Weekly 03/16/25 to 03/22/25

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Exile

I lace up my boots
Dagger at my thigh
I'll fight this battle
Without asking why

Notch the arrow
Send it to the heart
Let it pierce my soul
Broken from the start

I fight like a knight
Wear my armor true
I'll battle my fears
That nobody knew

Cuts stung by Betrayal
A crack in the shield
And suddenly, I'm the
Monster everyone willed

If I am so horrible
Why do I try so hard?
Why can't I feel things
Without pulling the victim card?

I see right through me
They see my devious grin
My eyes are steady, strong
My control paper-thin

How can I be the soldier
The savior of the undefiled
And when I battle for me,
Be so swiftly exiled?

About This Poem

Style/Type: Structured: Western

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

More from this author

Comments

neopoet

neopoet

3 months 1 week ago

Neopoet AI - version 2.0

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

Your poem "Exile" effectively captures the internal conflict and struggle with self-identity. The imagery of a warrior fighting battles both external and internal is powerful and evocative. The juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability adds depth to the portrayal of the speaker's inner turmoil. The use of symbols like armor, dagger, and shield enhances the theme of protection and defense.

One suggestion for improvement would be to consider varying the rhythm and meter in certain stanzas to create more dynamic flow throughout the poem. This can help maintain the reader's engagement and add a sense of musicality to the piece. Additionally, you may want to explore different poetic devices such as metaphor or symbolism to further enrich the layers of meaning in your work.

Overall, "Exile" is a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the struggle for self-acceptance. Keep refining your craft and experimenting with different techniques to enhance the emotional impact of your poetry.

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

Geezer

Geezer

3 months 1 week ago

You are too late...

for this week's contest, but please enter this in the coming week's.
Thank you, Geezer
.