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Disconnected

Knock, knock —
Is there anyone home?
Answer the damn door!
You need to hear this...

Turn off the computer,
Plugged into your brain.
What you are getting
Is no connection.

You are powerless?
Can somebody turn
On that mind
That’s been trying
To connect?

You gave out hope,
When all you had
Was malware.
Enable your firewall —
Before you need
To wipe out your favorites.

Tell fear to go do
A crossword —
Maybe it could
Spell out “Disappear.”

Show the world
The survivor
That keeps fighting,
Even when
The cookies are deleted.

I might just be a keyboard —
Still, I think your brain
Has spam files
That need removing.

So type another verse,
'Cause the ticking bomb,
In thirty seconds,
Will go kaboom!

Maybe the blast
Will evacuate
The thoughts
That kidnapped
Your quick wits.

About This Poem

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: New York, USA

Favorite Poets: Cavafi, Sylvia Plath and Neopoet as a whole.

This user supports Neopoet so it can be free to all

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

2 months 3 weeks ago

Neopoet AI (Premium) - version 3.0

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

The poem uses metaphorical language and imagery to explore themes of anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional struggle. The central metaphor of the "ticking time bomb" effectively conveys a sense of urgency and inner turmoil. However, there are several areas that could benefit from revision and clarification.

First, the poem contains multiple metaphors and images—such as the radio static, gas nozzle, empty shelves, Waldo, and traffic lights—that shift rapidly from stanza to stanza. While each metaphor individually has potential, the rapid shifts create a fragmented feeling, making it difficult for the reader to fully engage with or appreciate the emotional depth. Consider selecting fewer metaphors and developing them more thoroughly to enhance coherence and emotional resonance.

Second, the tone fluctuates between conversational ("Answer the damn door," "running on empty") and more abstract or symbolic language ("shelves of your soul," "kidnapped your smile"). This inconsistency can distract from the poem's overall impact. Clarifying the intended tone and maintaining consistency throughout the poem would strengthen its emotional authenticity.

Third, the use of personification ("Flirty fear," "fear to go find Waldo") is intriguing but somewhat unclear in its purpose. The idea of fear as flirty or playful seems to conflict with the poem's otherwise serious and urgent tone. Clarifying or reconsidering the portrayal of fear could help unify the poem's emotional message.

Finally, the concluding stanza introduces the notebook metaphor ("I might just be a notebook") rather abruptly. While this image has potential, it feels disconnected from the rest of the poem. Consider introducing this metaphor earlier or providing clearer context to integrate it more effectively into the poem's overall narrative.

In summary, the poem would benefit from greater clarity, consistency of tone, and more deliberate development of its central metaphors. Addressing these elements could significantly enhance the poem's emotional impact and coherence.

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

Rula

Rula

2 months 3 weeks ago

Hello Paul

I really am not sure if I would call this a venting poem, or a rant ? What I am sure about is that it shows a lot of stress and anxiety through out and between the lines. I'll wait to see what other have to say, but no suggestions right now to make any improvement.
Hope all is going well.

Rula

Rula

2 months 3 weeks ago

Hello again Paul

I really like the edits. The (tech) metaphor is much clearer as well as the message you wanted to deliver. We need a real connection to rule out our lives. We need to be away from our computers and cell phones.
However, in my opinion you can do more trimming in some places to tighten up the message
like this stanza

You gave out hope
When all you had
Was disappointment
Do you see that
Or is it out of stock
On that online store

Do you see my point?
I believe this has a potential though as is if you have no intentions for more edits.
Will be looking forward to seeing any new edits.

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

2 months 3 weeks ago

Hello Paul,

I see your punctuation is sporadic. In these lines:

Knock , knock is
There anyone home
Answer the damn door
You need to hear this

would read better as:

Knock , knock is
There anyone home(?)
Answer the damn door
You need to hear this(!) or (...)

(this is an example)
In these lines there is no punctuation

So type another verse (,)
Cause the ticking bomb
In thirty seconds(...)
Will go kaboom (!)

my thoughts are, either use punctuation, or don"t

I rally liked these lines:

Maybe the blast
Will evacuate
The thoughts
That kidnapped
your quick wits

I hope I have been of some help to you.
very fondly, Cat

Rula

Rula

2 months 3 weeks ago

Much better

After all the edits and the punctuation. Clear and with powerful message.
Well done!