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NOTHING LASTS

My boots exit the soft leafy duff
and clomp on a tar and gravel road.
The stars are out, I've had enough
of carrying my lonely load.

I unsling rifle from my shoulder
then place it in its well worn case
exhale a breath that's turning colder.
Of mid day warmth there is no trace.

I stiffly get into my truck
no need to punish achy knees
already stiff from slippery muck
which a while ago began to freeze.

The old truck cranks without a hitch
So I turn the lights and heater on
then scratch at a half healed scar's itch
reverse my course and then I'm gone.

No passenger now shares this ride.
No one to tell the day's tales to.
They've all gone to the other side.
The time for sharing with them through.

The silence weighs, the tires hum
so I fill the cab with the radio
telling of a boy who has a drum
while down the road I go.

As the miles and time pile up on me
and forest turns to well kept fences
the memories of those who used to be
push tears past my weak defenses.

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: South Carolina, United States, USA

Favorite Poets: Frost, Burns, Longfellow, Poe, and Johnson. I guess you've noticed these are all past masters. Other than folks on site I don't read any contemporary poets .

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

11 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:

This poem effectively uses vivid imagery and a consistent rhyme scheme to convey a sense of loneliness and nostalgia. The use of the first-person perspective helps to immerse the reader in the speaker's experience.

However, there are a few areas where the poem could be improved. Firstly, the rhythm of the poem is somewhat inconsistent, which can disrupt the flow when reading. For instance, the line "of carrying my lonely road" is noticeably shorter than the other lines in the first stanza. Try to maintain a consistent rhythm throughout the poem to enhance its musicality.

Secondly, the poem could benefit from a more varied vocabulary. The word 'road' is used twice in the first stanza, which can feel repetitive. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing to avoid repetition and keep the reader engaged.

Lastly, the poem's narrative could be clearer. The speaker's actions and emotions are well-described, but it's not entirely clear why they are alone or who they are missing. Providing more context could help the reader to better understand and empathize with the speaker's feelings.

Overall, this poem effectively communicates a sense of solitude and longing, but could be improved by refining the rhythm, vocabulary, and narrative clarity.

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

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

11 months 2 weeks ago

Dear Stan,

I got an ominous feeling while reading your poem... are you all right?

my favorite lines are:

The old truck cranks without a hitch
So I turn the lights and heater on
then scratch at a half healed scar's itch
reverse my course and then I'm gone.

*love and hugs, Cat

S

scribbler

11 months 2 weeks ago

I Am fine

This is actually a poem I started a few years ago and finally came up with a finish that I though would work. Besides I'm too ornery to get sick any time soon lol

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

11 months 2 weeks ago

Dearest Scribbler,

Well, now you know how effective this poem is...It Scared Me!!! well written! *many hugs, Cat

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

11 months 2 weeks ago

Reflection

Your poems are often so deep and reflective of what I am guessing is your past life. I enjoy reading your memories and how you bring them to life through your words. Well done.

Ruby Lord

Ruby Lord

11 months 2 weeks ago

This was so good I had to

This was so good I had to read it again and again and again. I loved the way you told me your story and your final stanza, needs no explanation other than deeply heartfelt.

As the miles and time pile up on me
and forest turns to well kept fences
the memories of those who used to be
push tears past my weak defenses.

The only thing I picked up on was in the first stanza where you used the word road twice in line 2 & 4? I think line 4 should be load?

Your talent is to be admired. I really enjoyed this poem. Ruby :) xx

Words Ablaze

Words Ablaze

11 months 1 week ago

Well its also nice to come

Well its also nice to come across perfectly aged poetry, like fine wine, with all the flavor a long life of love and loss could brew in one man.