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Goodbye

A weight I must lift
A goodbye that must be said
As I cling tighter to her wrist
Because who am I without her
Yet I know as well as she does
That as I continue to carry her through life I may never know
The great woman the trees and winds Keep whooshing about

A goodbye that must be said
It cannot be undone
When I let go of this hand her presence I might never feel again
But I have to be brave to be bare at last
Only then will I know the woman she had been protecting me to become

About This Poem

Last Few Words: I hope you enjoy. I was simply saying goodbye to the old me.

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: How does this theme appeal to you?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Country/Region: ZAF

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

3 months ago

Neopoet AI (premium) [2025-04]

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

The poem explores the emotional complexity of letting go, likely in the context of a close relationship such as a mother and child. The central metaphor of holding and releasing a wrist is effective in conveying both intimacy and the pain of separation. The repetition of “A goodbye that must be said” provides structural cohesion and emphasizes the inevitability of the moment.

The poem’s syntax is at times ambiguous, particularly in lines like “the great woman the trees and winds Keep whooshing about.” It is unclear whether “the great woman” refers to the speaker’s mother, the speaker’s future self, or a more abstract ideal. Clarifying this reference could strengthen the poem’s emotional impact. Additionally, the line “Because who am I without her” could be integrated more smoothly; as it stands, it interrupts the flow and could benefit from rephrasing or repositioning.

The poem’s emotional progression—from clinging, to letting go, to self-realization—is clear, but the imagery could be developed further. For example, the mention of trees and winds introduces a natural element that is not fully explored elsewhere in the poem. Expanding on this motif might provide additional depth and resonance.

The closing lines effectively tie the act of letting go to personal growth, but the phrase “to be bare at last” is somewhat vague. More concrete language here could help ground the poem’s conclusion.

Overall, the poem presents a relatable emotional journey, but would benefit from clarifying ambiguous references, refining syntax for smoother flow, and developing its imagery more fully.

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

Geezer

Geezer

3 months ago

I understand...

the premise of this piece; but I feel that with some punctuation and a better last line, this could be a stunner. I think too, there are a couple of lines that could be tweaked/replaced for better clarity.

1]  I would use a word that exemplifies the whole person, with a different feel. "As I cling tighter to her [wrist] feels like a physical restraint. I would write instead: "As I cling tighter to her [heart].

2] That as I continue to carry her through life I may never know, could be: 
"If I continue to carry her through life, I may never know

3] I may never feel her presence again if I let go of this hand.

4] Get rid of the capital [K] in the line, keep whooshing about.

5] Only then; will I become the woman she protected me to be.

Nice sentiments about your mother or grandmother. ~ Geezer.

.

 

Candice

Candice

2 months 3 weeks ago

Appreciate the feedback

Thank you for the feedback.

I look forward to growing as a poet and I appreciate such feedback because it helps me do exactly that. 

R

Rita

3 months ago

Goodbye

Enjoyed the poem, felt it could have more depth about the relationship is all

Candice

Candice

2 months 3 weeks ago

I'm glad

I am glad you enjoyed the poem. 

It warms my heart. And I understand the need for depth about the relationship.the next time I write a piece I will remember this.

For context the her I speak of in this poem is me the version of me that I must let go of to bloom because the world I created with the intention of protecting myself has become the very world that stops me from growing , taking up space and opportunity.

Candice

Candice

2 months 3 weeks ago

I'm glad

I am glad you enjoyed the poem. 

It warms my heart. And I understand the need for depth about the relationship.the next time I write a piece I will remember this.

For context the her I speak of in this poem is me the version of me that I must let go of to bloom because the world I created with the intention of protecting myself has become the very world that stops me from growing , taking up space and opportunity.