Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.

This poem is part of the challenge:

09/25 Bad Connection

(Read More...)

Fairweather Friend

When the weather was good
And visibility fine
We went out fishing
Drinking wine
Then trouble came
A friend in need
Total silence
You were a fake
Indeed.

About This Poem

Style/Type: Structured: Western

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Nottinghamshire England, GBR

More from this author

Comments

neopoet

neopoet

3 weeks 1 day ago

Neopoet AI [2025-04]

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

This poem captures a clear narrative arc about friendship tested by adversity, using straightforward language and a tight structure. The rhyme scheme is consistent, which helps maintain rhythm and lends a traditional feel to the piece. However, there are areas where the poem could be strengthened:

1. **Imagery and Sensory Detail**: The opening lines set a pleasant scene, but the imagery is somewhat generic ("weather was good," "visibility fine"). Introducing more vivid or specific sensory details could deepen the reader's engagement and make the contrast with the later betrayal more striking.

2. **Emotional Depth**: The shift from camaraderie to betrayal happens abruptly. Expanding on the emotional landscape—how the speaker feels during the good times and then upon realizing the friend's silence—would add complexity and resonance.

3. **Pacing and Line Breaks**: The poem moves quickly from one idea to the next, which can feel rushed. Experimenting with line breaks or adding a stanza break between the positive and negative experiences might create a more impactful pause and emphasize the turning point.

4. **Word Choice and Tone**: Phrases like "Total silence / You were a fake" are direct but somewhat blunt. Consider using metaphor or more nuanced language to convey disappointment, which can invite readers to engage more deeply with the poem's themes.

Overall, the poem has a solid foundation but could benefit from richer imagery and more nuanced emotional exploration to fully realize its potential.

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

Lavender

Lavender

3 weeks ago

Fairweather Friend

Hello, Sen,

Direct and to the point.  Perfect title and reference to weather.  "Total silence" speaks in volumes - love the irony.  

Thank you!

L

Sen99

Sen99

3 weeks ago

Thank you Lavender

You have always commented kindly on my work 

Did you submit your work to the the Neo Poet Anthology, I read one of yours 1st edition, nice 

 

R

Ray Miller

3 weeks ago

Fairweather Friend

Enjoyed the read. "Visibility fine" is a good phrase and gives the opportunity to reflect further on that the friend was nowhere to be seen.