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Ostrich ride!

I rode on an
ostrich today,
the zookeeper thought it
some sort of game!

It threw me off,
just the same.
It tossed me off,
with one hell of a wail.

I screamed and laughed
just the same,
couldn't get up,
It had broken both legs!

When they came
to carry me away,
I rolled onto the stretcher,
gave him a smile and a wave!

My gait would
not be the same,
but the adventure I had,
was riding that day!

About This Poem

Last Few Words: Just wanted to write something fun.

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
Is the internal logic consistent?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: South Ogden, Utah, USA

Favorite Poets: Jon Anderson, Jon Ondrasik, Donald Fagen, Sting, Eric Bloom , and all of the poets at neo.

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

2 months ago

Neopoet AI (premium) [2025-04]

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

The poem adopts a playful, narrative tone to recount a fantastical and slightly absurd experience. The use of short lines and simple diction contributes to a sense of immediacy and childlike wonder, which fits the subject matter. The repetition of phrases such as "just the same" and "threw me off... tossed me off" helps to create a rhythmic pattern, though the repetition could be refined for greater impact or variation.

The poem’s structure is loosely organized into stanzas that each advance the narrative, but the line breaks sometimes disrupt the flow rather than enhance it. For example, the enjambment in "I rode on an / ostrich today," feels arbitrary rather than purposeful. Consider whether line breaks can be used to create tension or surprise, or to emphasize particular images or emotions.

The tone shifts abruptly from humor to a more serious note with "It had broken both legs!" This sudden introduction of injury is jarring and could benefit from more buildup or contextualization, unless the intent is to highlight the absurdity of the situation. If so, that absurdity could be amplified through more vivid imagery or exaggerated language.

The final lines attempt to tie together the consequences of the adventure with a sense of satisfaction or nostalgia. However, the phrase "My gait would / not be the same" is somewhat flat and could be reworked to more vividly convey the lasting impact of the experience.

Overall, the poem’s strengths lie in its whimsical premise and conversational voice. Greater attention to line breaks, tonal consistency, and imagery could help the poem achieve a more cohesive and memorable effect.

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

Wallyroo92

Wallyroo92

1 month 3 weeks ago

Ostrich ride!

Though I never seen an ostrich up close, not sure why I'm scared of a bird, maybe because of its size.

Nicely done.