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Sep 08, 2025
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A Dead End
In the heart of life
we grow—
sometimes friends,
sometimes foes.
We build,
we construct
and sometimes,
we destruct.
But we all end,
wretched,
worthless,
six feet under,
under a gravestone
About This Poem
Style/Type: Free verse
Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing Stage: Not actively editing
Comments
neopoet
2 weeks 4 days ago
Neopoet AI (premium) [2025-04]
The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet’s AI:
The poem adopts a minimalist and direct style, using short lines and simple diction to convey a bleak perspective on life and mortality. The structure, with its line breaks and spacing—especially in the “six / feet / under” section—visually reinforces the poem’s theme of burial and finality.
Thematically, the poem explores the cyclical nature of human relationships (“sometimes friends / sometimes foes”) and the duality of creation and destruction. The pivot to existential despair is abrupt: “we all end / wretched and / worthless.” This stark assertion leaves little room for ambiguity or hope, which may be an intentional choice to provoke discomfort or reflection in the reader.
The closing lines, “six / feet / under // under a grave stone,” use repetition and visual descent to echo the act of burial, effectively mirroring the poem’s content in its form. However, the poem’s reliance on familiar imagery and phrases (“six feet under,” “under a grave stone”) risks cliché, and the lack of concrete imagery or sensory detail may limit emotional resonance. The poem’s generalizations (“we all end / wretched and / worthless”) could be more impactful if grounded in specific experiences or observations.
Consider experimenting with more original language or imagery to distinguish the poem’s voice. Additionally, exploring nuance or complexity in the poem’s outlook—perhaps by complicating the notion of “worthless” or interrogating what it means to “construct” and “destruct”—could deepen the reader’s engagement. The poem’s brevity is effective, but further development or specificity might enhance its emotional and philosophical weight.
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Ray Miller
2 weeks 4 days ago
A Dead End
Well, this will make everyone's day a little brighter. You could add a few rhymes to make it more user friendly -
to build and construct
and sometimes to destruct
but
we all end up
wretched and alone
six
feet
under
a grave stone
Rula
2 weeks 4 days ago
Hello Ray Miller
Many thanks for the kind visit and the comment.
It happens that I occasionally rhyme and I do agree it's more appealing to the reader as he reads poetry, this one however from my point of view works well with few internal ones.
I hope you can get the effect in such a somber writing
Appreciate your visit.
Sen99
2 weeks 4 days ago
Grim reading
hello Rula
it is a sobering thought, life is meant to be finite, we will all be six feet under one day.
I hope you are well
Sen
Rula
2 weeks 4 days ago
Hello Sen
Yes, I'm sorry it's grim, but as you said this is life.
I'm happy you got it . It's good sometimes to be reminded of what's this life is all about.
Much appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you so much.
Lavender
2 weeks 4 days ago
A Dead End
Hello, Rula,
Grim is right! I think it's the "wretched and worthless" that stings the most. :) I wonder about using "under" twice so closely. I agree ending with just "a grave stone." Much to think about here!
Thank you!
Lx
Rula
2 weeks 4 days ago
Dearest lady Lavender
I understand what you and the others mean about repeating "under",
I won't either recommend repeating it if not for a clear purpose .
I wanted to give the burial a heavier effect by doubling down its effect plus I think it works well as an echo that lingers better in the reader's memory.
Hope that makes sense.
If not please let me know 🙏🏻
Always appreciate your priceless thoughts dear.
Lavender
2 weeks 3 days ago
An echo...
Yes! I get that!
Lx
Clentin
1 week 1 day ago
I liked the poem, the ending…
I liked the poem, the ending says it all!
I am not sure how to react to the stanza
"But we all end,
wretched,
worthless,"
Just thinking!
Rula
1 week 1 day ago
Hello Clentin
Thank you. Don't we as dead end wretched and worthless?
Any suggestions?
Thank you for your time!