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This poem is part of the contest:

Neopoet Weekly 08/24/25 to 08/30/25

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HUNTING JAWS

Captain Reel peeled back
the darkness splashing a
white light out onto the
black bitterly glass like
surface.

Cagily all readied, the crew
came equipped, their eyes
jacked open scouting the
sweeping current, while death
gripping their harpoons and
spear guns holding onto their
breath inside their saline
salted lungs.

Bobbing and shuddering
onboard the creaking
Codfather, hearts thumping
trying to keep it together.
While deep deep under
the stygian abyss, is a
twenty foot conical nosed
deadly killer.

A man- munching scarred
mammoth and a calculating
stalker. Built like a torpedo ready
to turbo through the water.
The out sized head surrounded
by flesh tipped prongs.

Waiting patiently from years
of mastery and proficiency.
Generating thunderous thrusts
side to side abiding her time
ready to once again cut to the
surface and strike.

The local fishermen had
had enough so the crew
came out armed ready,
loaded to take
down the mountainous
force of nature.
It was time to put a stop
to the blood shed massacre.

So they all could enjoy the
the rest of the summer.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws!

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

Editing Stage: Editing - draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Uk, GBR

More from this author

Comments

neopoet

neopoet

1 month ago

Neopoet AI [2025-04]

The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet’s AI:

This poem effectively captures the tense atmosphere of a shark hunt, using vivid imagery and sensory details to immerse the reader in the scene. The opening lines set a stark contrast between darkness and the "white light," immediately establishing a mood of suspense. The use of phrases like "black bitterly glass like surface" and "saline salted lungs" evokes a tactile and almost visceral experience.

The personification of the shark as a "man munching scarred mammoth" and "a calculating stalker" adds depth to the creature, portraying it as both ancient and intelligent. The metaphor of the shark as a "torpedo" is apt, emphasizing its speed and power. The description of the shark’s "out sized head surrounded by flesh and tipped prongs" is intriguing but could benefit from clarification—are the "tipped prongs" teeth or something else? A more precise image here might strengthen the impact.

The poem’s pacing mirrors the tension of the hunt, with short, clipped lines that mimic the crew’s anxious breaths and the creaking boat. However, some lines feel slightly awkward or could be tightened for rhythm and clarity. For example, "death gripping their harpoons and spear guns holding onto their breath inside their saline salted lungs" is somewhat cumbersome; breaking it into shorter lines or rephrasing could enhance readability.

The transition from the shark’s perspective back to the fishermen introduces a moral dimension, hinting at the conflict between humans and nature. The phrase "blood shed massacre" effectively conveys the violence and stakes involved. The closing lines, "So they all could enjoy the / the rest of the summer," bring a human desire for peace and normalcy but might be more impactful with a stronger or more evocative ending.

Consider revisiting line breaks and punctuation to improve flow and emphasize key moments. Also, watch for minor repetitions ("the the") and ensure consistent tense and tone throughout. Overall, the poem has strong descriptive elements and thematic potential that could be enhanced with tighter structure and clearer imagery.

Please send feedback about Neo (our AI critique system) to neopoet.com/contact

Lavender

Lavender

1 month ago

Hunting Jaws

Hello, Joker!

Very creative!  50 years? Wow!  I felt the eerieness here, the silence in the dark water and the creating of the boat.  I wonder if a hyphen in man munching might be appreciated?  My first read led me to envision a man munching scarred mammoth, maybe just me.  

Man-munching (?)

Happy Jawsiversary!

Thank you!

L

Jokerface82

Jokerface82

1 month ago

Crazy huh?

Yup fifty years! Yes a Hythen should be thrown in there. Thank you for reading and commenting.