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This poem is part of the contest:

Neopoet Weekly 05/11/25 to 05/17/25

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Blood stained bones

In the depths of burning embers,
Smouldering ashes, reek of fear.
Solemn in such recollection,
A historical earthly smear.

Each chagrin piece tells a story,
Of addict's victim, to war and greed.
In a swamp where smouldered souls,
Stunned to silence, then left to bleed

With no sorrow at their passing,
From hearts as cold as steal.
One wonders at the motives,
That sadly makes this real.

Can you see the vultures' glee?
At power's oppressive zones.
Yet may hell be ever waiting,
For those who gorge on blood stained bones.

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 want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Coventry, England, GBR

Favorite Poets: Michael Rosen , Rudyard Kipling , Pam Ayres , Benjamin Zephaniah

This user supports Neopoet so it can be free to all

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

1 month ago

Neopoet AI (Premium) - version 3.0

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

The poem addresses weighty themes of violence, greed, and historical suffering, and attempts to evoke strong emotional imagery. However, there are several areas where it could be strengthened:

1. **Clarity and Word Choice:**
The phrase "chargrine remain" is unclear. "Chargrine" does not appear to be a standard English word. Possibly intended as "charred remains" or "chagrin remains," this ambiguity disrupts the poem's coherence. Clarifying or correcting this term would significantly improve readability and meaning.

2. **Imagery and Metaphor Consistency:**
The poem employs vivid imagery ("burning embers," "smouldered souls," "blood stained bones"), but sometimes the metaphors shift abruptly without clear transitions. For example, the transition from "smouldered souls" to "vultures glee" feels somewhat sudden. Consider providing smoother transitions or clearer connections between images to enhance thematic coherence.

3. **Grammar and Syntax:**
The line "Can you see the vultures glee," should likely be "vultures' glee," indicating possession. Attention to grammatical detail will help maintain the poem's seriousness and credibility.

4. **Rhythm and Flow:**
The poem's rhythm is somewhat uneven. For instance, the line "The addict's victim, to war and greed" reads awkwardly. Consider rephrasing to establish a more consistent rhythm and enhance readability.

5. **Theme Development:**
The poem introduces broad themes (war, greed, addiction, historical violence) but does not fully explore or develop them. Providing more specific context or imagery could deepen the reader's emotional engagement and understanding.

Addressing these points would help the poem achieve greater clarity, coherence, and emotional impact.

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

Lavender

Lavender

1 month ago

Blood Stained Bones

Hello, Tigger,
Very strong message. I'm wondering if another stanza between the last two might enhance the havoc and danger the vultures cause, leading to that bold imagery of glee.
Thank you!
L

Tigger Kaz

Tigger Kaz

1 month ago

Not sure...

Have I fixed it?
Found it hard to think of another stanza to fill the gap.
Too much noise in my house at the moment, and my brain struggles to get it right.

Tell me what you think.

Lavender

Lavender

1 month ago

Hello, Tigger,

I think that is a very strong stanza, and adds so much! It seems like such a natural piece to the poem, it's hard to imagine you struggled to write it. Very nice!
L

Tigger Kaz

Tigger Kaz

1 month ago

Sadly

I have been struggling with my chronic illness lately. Massive fibro flare up. Medication is making me feel like a zombie.
My poetry has slowed right down.
Noise seems to really bother me, and there's never anywhere quiet to go.
Sorry for the rant.

Lavender

Lavender

1 month ago

Hello, Tigger,

I'm sorry to hear that. It's not reflected in your poetry - I'd never know.
Hope you feel relief soon.
Lx