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Jul 24, 2025
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murmur of whispers
"Murmur of Whiskers”
In pre–dawn hush
you pad across linoleum—
soft paws tracing the map
of my half–dreams.
Your quiet breath
becomes a tethered prayer,
stitching ragged edges
of my nightly fears.
No need for words:
your calm is the benediction
that steadies my pulse
before the world awakes.
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About This Poem
Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Editing Stage: Editing - draft
Comments
neopoet
2 months ago
Neopoet AI [2025-04]
The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet’s AI:
This poem effectively captures a quiet, intimate moment between the speaker and a cat, using sensory details and gentle imagery to evoke a sense of comfort and calm. The title "Murmur of Whiskers" sets an intriguing tone, though the poem itself uses "Murmur of Whispers" as the header—clarifying the title would help avoid confusion.
The poem’s strength lies in its vivid, tactile language: "soft paws tracing the map / of my half–dreams" is a compelling metaphor that connects the cat’s movement to the speaker’s subconscious state. The phrase "tethered prayer" is also evocative, suggesting a spiritual or emotional bond that is both delicate and anchoring.
The structure, with its short lines and strategic indentation, visually mimics the quiet, tentative movements described, enhancing the mood. However, the formatting is somewhat inconsistent—extra line breaks and spacing could be refined to improve flow and readability.
One area for potential development is the emotional arc. The poem begins with a serene image but could deepen the exploration of the speaker’s "nightly fears" and how the cat’s presence transforms or alleviates them. This would add emotional complexity and resonance.
Overall, the poem succeeds in creating a peaceful, intimate atmosphere through careful word choice and imagery. Attention to formatting and further emotional layering could elevate it further.
Please send feedback about Neo (our AI critique system) to neopoet.com/contact
Frederick Kesner
2 months ago
wish we could format the…
wish we could format the poem is such a way as physical solid shapes could be captured...
Geezer
2 months ago
Wouldn't...
that be awesome! I felt the link between the half-awake you and your cat. I don't believe that the A.I understands the tenuous link between the world of dreams and the one of reality. We experience a host of sounds and changes in our environment, even though we are asleep; things that we are often not aware of while awake. I got the inference of hearing such a slight sound as paws on the linoleum, and maybe the soft purr of the cat. That would be enough to reassure one of the presence of their guardian. "Rest easy my friend, I am here to protect you from the night." I do agree that you should head the poem as "The Murmur of Whiskers". Well done Sir ~ Geez.
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Frederick Kesner
2 months ago
Thank you, Geez, for such a…
Thank you, Geez, for such a heartfelt reading. You’ve perfectly captured what I hoped to convey: the cat’s whispered vigil that tethers us to comfort even as we drift between dream and dawn. And your perspective on AI reminds me why we write: to share the unquantifiable beauty of lived experience. I also agree about heading the poem ‘The Murmur of Whiskers.’
Candlewitch
2 months ago
I loved this piece and...
I completely agree with Geezer!
hugs, Cat xxx
Frederick Kesner
2 months ago
Thank you so much dear…
Thank you so much dear Cat🙏🏻🙏🏻🕊️
Candlewitch
2 months ago
I really connect
to this poem because Steve and I are owned by two such cats at the moment!
fondly, Cat xxx