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This poem is part of the challenge:

10/24 The Cruel Joke

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Behind The Painted Grin

He never knew the joker's task,
Yet hid behind the jolly mask.
Joker is the well-known name,
While killing is his favored game.

He grew behind the amusing deck,
To entertain? Oh, what the heck.
He never spat a single joke,
Not a one that I could evoke.

He blamed the world for the awful deeds.
Yet justified his, oh yes indeed!
"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger,"
A quote he used to put things in order.

Though "Joker" is his famed name,
Killing remains his cruelest game.

About This Poem

Style/Type: Structured: Western

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: Jordan, JOR

Favorite Poets: I favor the ones who are closer to humanity and , Poets are humanity when the world lose it.

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

9 months 2 weeks ago

Neopoet AI (premium) - 5-29-23 version

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

The poem "Behind The Painted Grin" is a narrative piece that uses the character of a joker as a metaphor. The structure of the poem is consistent, with four-line stanzas and a regular rhyme scheme, which aids in the readability and flow of the piece.

However, the poem could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the joker's character. The repeated lines "Joker is his well-known name, / While killing is the favored game" do not provide new information or insight into the character upon their second iteration. Instead, consider using these lines to delve deeper into the joker's motivations or internal struggles.

The line "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," is a well-known quote that may feel clichéd to some readers. If the intention is to use a familiar phrase to create a sense of irony or to highlight the joker's twisted logic, it might be beneficial to make this intention clearer through additional context or commentary.

The poem's language is generally clear and straightforward, but there are moments where the choice of words could be improved for greater impact. For instance, "He never spat a single joke, / Not even one to hang or soak" is a bit unclear. The verbs "hang" and "soak" are not typically associated with jokes, which might confuse readers. Consider revising this line with more conventional language about telling or making jokes.

Lastly, the poem could benefit from the use of more vivid and specific imagery. While the metaphor of the joker is intriguing, the poem doesn't offer a lot of sensory details that would help readers to visualize the character or his actions. Adding more descriptive language could help to create a more immersive and engaging reading experience.

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

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

9 months 2 weeks ago

Dear Rula,

a fantastic take on this contest! It flows without a hitch! You slam-dunked-it ! I really enjoyed these lines:

He blamed the world for the awful deeds
yet justified his, oh yes indeed.
What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger,
A quote he used to put things in order

*much love, Cat

p.s. eddy styx gives you two thumbs-up!

Rula

Rula

9 months 2 weeks ago

Dearest Cat

Thank you for the kind visit and the wonderful comment.
Also, please send eddy my greetings.
You both simply made my day
Thank you so much.

Rula

Rula

9 months 2 weeks ago

.

.

Geezer

Geezer

9 months 2 weeks ago

A cruel joke indeed...

Your rhyme is spot on, and the rhythm is very good. I wouldn't have thought that this was your poem if you hadn't, put your name on it. Not the ordinary for you. Well, done. ~ Geez.
.

Rula

Rula

9 months 2 weeks ago

Sir Gee

Thank you for your kind visit and the feedback.
The Joker is indeed a fascinating character that comes to mind as I read the contest's title. Googling more about him and his quotes and jokes helped gathering more information about him. As for thinking it's not my poem, well, I am not sure if I should take this as a complement or not. I agree it's not my preferable or usual theme , but I like to try my hand in every subject (when time and inspiration help) and write sth out of the comfort zone.
Again, I appreciate your kind visit.
Thank you

Geezer

Geezer

9 months 2 weeks ago

As was said...

I merely meant what you said, that it is not your usual forte.
I am impressed. ~ Geez.

Rula

Rula

9 months 2 weeks ago

Thank you sir

I can't agree more !
Also many thanks for Neopoet's contest program for stimulating our best

Lavender

Lavender

9 months 2 weeks ago

Behind The Painted Grin

Hello, Rula,
The Joker is a sly character, for certain! I like the title, and the reference to "amusing deck." I'm assuming a deck of cards. Creepy poetry!
Thank you!
Lx

Rula

Rula

9 months 2 weeks ago

Hello dear Lavender

You're totally right.
The first version of this poem the "card's deck" was there.
Do you think I need to add it back?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Lavender

Lavender

9 months ago

Hello, Rula,

Nope! I really like "amusing deck." He is the Joker, after all!
Thank you!
Lx