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This poem is part of the contest:

Neopoet Weekly 04/13/25 to 04/19/25

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LOVE ON THE ROCKS

A few uncommitted minutes
The chance to take a walk around,
A moment I'll not soon forget
In a small park just south of town.

One was on an old park bench
Another a stone's throw away,
As I took a closer look around
Many more on full display.

Small brightly colored stones
Neatly written on each one,
Words of hope and kindness
Some written just for fun.

Who placed these small stone gems?
Were they meant for only me?
Perhaps just placed at random
For everyone to find and see.

A flower and suggested "peace"
Another with a heart and "love",
Two together wishing "friendship"
One with a carefully painted dove.

Someone's simple act of kindness
Brought joy and hope this day,
Thanks go to that special person
For each word that shows the way.

About This Poem

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 appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Country/Region: ID

Favorite Poets: My favorite poets are: , Kahill Gibran , Rod McKuen

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

2 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 clearly expresses a gentle, reflective moment and captures a sense of surprise and appreciation for small acts of kindness. However, several areas could be strengthened to deepen the poem's impact and resonance.

Firstly, the poem relies heavily on straightforward, explanatory language, which can limit emotional depth and reader engagement. Consider incorporating more vivid imagery or sensory details to create a stronger emotional connection. For example, instead of simply describing the stones as "brightly colored," you might elaborate on specific colors, textures, or how they interact with the environment.

Secondly, the poem's rhyme scheme and rhythm are consistent but somewhat predictable. Experimenting with varied line lengths, internal rhyme, or subtle shifts in rhythm could add interest and complexity, enhancing the reader's experience.

Additionally, the final stanza explicitly states the moral or emotional takeaway ("Someone's simple act of kindness / Brought joy and hope this day"). Consider allowing the imagery and details of the poem to communicate this message implicitly, trusting readers to interpret the meaning themselves. This approach often creates a more powerful and lasting impression.

Finally, the poem poses rhetorical questions ("Who placed these small stone gems? / Were they meant for only me?") that are engaging but remain unanswered. You might explore these questions further, either by suggesting possible answers or by deepening the mystery and wonder surrounding the stones, thus enriching the poem's emotional complexity.

Overall, the poem has a clear, positive intention and a relatable theme. Strengthening imagery, varying rhythm, trusting the reader more, and exploring the questions raised could significantly enhance its poetic effectiveness.

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

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

2 months 1 week ago

Hello Will,

It is good to see you posting poems again! How have you been? Well, I hope? I like the theme and title of today's offering :) These are my favorite lines:

Someone's simple act of kindness
Brought joy and hope this day,
Thanks goes to that special person
For each word that shows the way.

always, Cat

William Lynn

William Lynn

2 months 1 week ago

Thanks

Hi Cat. Thank you for your kind words.
I have been struggling a bit but all things considered doing pretty good. I hope that you and Steven are doing well and that life is treating you kindly.

All my best wishes, Will

Rula

Rula

2 months 1 week ago

William

This has an impressive way to reflect our gratitude for such simple things that make a huge difference in our tired souls. And I thought the title is matching so well.
I like every and each verse here.
Thank you for sharing.

P.S. I wonder if the line
"Were they meant for only me?" best reads as
Were they meant [only] for me?
Also the line Thanks go[es]

William Lynn

William Lynn

2 months 1 week ago

Thanks

Hi Rula. Thank you for your comments and suggestions. I'll take a look and edit accordingly.

All my best, Will

Clentin

Clentin

2 months 1 week ago

I'm really liked the poem,

I'm really liked the poem, especially this verse:
Who placed these small stone gems?
Were they meant for only me?
Perhaps just placed at random
For everyone to find and see.

Makes one think!

William Lynn

William Lynn

2 months 1 week ago

Hello

Hello Clentin.

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I 'm glad you liked the poem. It is amazing how a random act of kindness can effect others in so many small ways.

Be well. - Will