Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.
His Coveted Map Of Scars
Her body was a map of pink puckering scars
as if someone had employed burning brands,
making labored note to trace the stars
a statement and declaration of art with his hands.
He shouted, "from this moment 'til forever on,
this exquisite body belongs to me... It is mine!"
She is a piece of celestial music, playing 'til dawn
in ballet steps she floats, toeing every line...
His covetous touch, burning red hot,
fingertip bruises forever on skin.
This wasn’t love, but control cloaked in delusional rot.
That betrayal bites deeper than mortal sin.
About This Poem
Last Few Words: edited
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?
Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft
Comments
neopoet
3 months 1 week ago
Neopoet AI (Premium) - version 3.0
The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:
The poem addresses a sensitive and complex theme with vivid imagery and strong emotional undertones. However, there are several areas where further refinement could enhance the poem's overall impact.
First, the imagery of scars as a "map" and "burning brands" is powerful and evocative. Consider clarifying or expanding the metaphorical connection between scars and celestial imagery ("trace the stars") to strengthen thematic coherence. Currently, the celestial references ("celestial music," "stars") appear somewhat disconnected from the more visceral descriptions ("pink puckering scars," "burning brands"). Clarifying or deepening this connection could unify the poem's imagery more effectively.
Second, the shift in tone between stanzas two and three is abrupt. The second stanza includes lyrical, romanticized language ("celestial music," "ballet steps"), while the third stanza sharply transitions into explicit condemnation ("control cloaked in rot," "betrayal bites deeper"). Consider smoothing this transition by foreshadowing the darker undertones earlier, or by gradually building tension rather than abruptly shifting tone.
Third, the dialogue ("from this moment 'til forever on, this exquisite body belongs to me... It is mine!") is somewhat melodramatic and may detract from the poem's subtlety and emotional impact. Consider revising or removing direct speech, allowing the imagery and descriptive language to convey possessiveness and control without explicitly stating it.
Finally, the rhyme scheme is consistent, but at times feels forced or predictable ("skin"/"sin," "on"/"dawn"). Experimenting with less obvious rhymes or employing slant rhyme or free verse might better suit the poem's serious subject matter, allowing more flexibility and nuance in expression.
Overall, the poem has potential, but would benefit from clearer thematic coherence, smoother tonal transitions, subtler dialogue, and more nuanced rhyme choices.
Please send feedback about Neo (our computer generated critique system) to https://www.neopoet.com/contact
Candlewitch
3 months 2 weeks ago
Hey A I!!!
It has been long past 6 hours...so when are you gonna get back to me???
(the) Cat
Words.unwritten
3 months 2 weeks ago
I love this ... deep and dark
I love this ... deep and dark and quite relatable
Candlewitch
3 months 2 weeks ago
Dear Words,
Thank you for taking the time to read this poem and leave a comment. It is greatly appreciated.
friendly hugs, Cat
Geezer
3 months 2 weeks ago
Whoa...
I could see the burn marks, and hear his voice as he screams, "this exquisite body belongs to me... It is mine!"
"Holy **** Catwoman!" Love it! ~ Geez.
.
Candlewitch
3 months 2 weeks ago
Dearest Geez,
Thanks for your comment...I love it!
with much fondness, (the) cat
Rula
3 months 2 weeks ago
Wow dear Candle.!
How good is this one. So dark and bittersweet!
You're gifted and as always excel in this one as you did in many other before.
I can't choose a favorite line(s) as it all expressed tightly and coherently.
Great job dear!
Thank you for sharing!
Candlewitch
3 months 2 weeks ago
Dear Rula,
Thank you incredibly much for reading my poem and leaving me a sweet comment... I do appreciate you so much. I love to hear your thoughts!
much love, your Candle
Ruby Lord
3 months 2 weeks ago
Hi Cat, I can sense the dark
Hi Cat, I can sense the dark words but I'm uncertain if the language exposes the reality you are aiming for?
I think this is the point were I wanted to hear the reasoning and resolution;
His touch ever so sultry and fiery hot
left mark of finger's tips on her skin
could this act of loving sired from the pot
result in destruction, deep as mortal sin?
I think the confusion lies with the sultry touch? Would the person with control feel sultry?
Just my thoughts, please ignore if I've got it wrong. Ruby xx
Candlewitch
3 months 2 weeks ago
No, You Are Right....
I shall work on that, thank you!
xxx Cat
Ruby Lord
3 months 2 weeks ago
Thank you Cat. I sometimes
Thank you Cat. I sometimes worry if speaking my mind will offend? I should know better. It's important we support each other the best way we can. Ruby xxx :)
Candlewitch
3 months 2 weeks ago
You...
are very welcome. I think I have fixed it could you take a look. thanks for always being straight with me! xxx Cat
Ruby Lord
3 months 2 weeks ago
Hi Cat, it does work better
Hi Cat, it does work better and you've expanded the meanings behind your words.
I've had a go at tightening it where I thought it was pushing and pulling and the thoughts were confusing me. I hope this is of use but if not please ignore it. This is only my suggestion and I can't be in your head only mine :)
His covetous touch, burning red hot,
fingertip bruises forever on skin.
This wasn’t love, but control cloaked in rot.
That betrayal bites deeper than mortal sin.
Ruby xx :)
Candlewitch
3 months 1 week ago
thank you...
for your suggestions, appreciated much.
xxx Cat
Punkyfrewster
3 months 2 weeks ago
Dear Cat,
Very dark and tightly written. Thank you for your words!
Candlewitch
3 months 1 week ago
hello Punky,
thank you for reading and taking the time to comment, I appreciate it!
*hugs, Cat