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The Uninvited: Part Two

She didn’t knock this time.
She unlocked the door
With her old key
And stepped onto
My “Welcome Back” mat.

I’ve learned to recognize her silhouette
Without flinching

She’s not dripping rainwater,
But she brought with her
That same familiar chill
Blowing the curtains
Reaching down to my bones.

She hasn’t touched the furniture yet.
She’s just standing there,
Eyes on me,
As if she’s waiting to see
If I recognize her.

I do.
I always do.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: This poem is a continuation of "The Uninvited" That I wrote last September. I would recommend reading (Or re-reading) that one for context first. "She's back again. Not in the same way as before, but with the same presence. I know things are about to be rearranged again, and the room won't feel familiar anymore. But for now, she's made her presence known. All I can do now is say 'welcome back' and close the door behind her."

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: GA, U.S.

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

3 months 3 weeks ago

Neopoet AI [2025-04]

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

This poem effectively conveys a haunting presence through its imagery and tone. The use of the "old key" and "Welcome Back mat" immediately establishes a sense of familiarity mixed with intrusion, which sets a compelling emotional backdrop. The progression from physical details—the silhouette, the chill, the curtains—to the psychological tension in the final standoff between the speaker and the visitor is well paced.

Consider expanding on the identity or symbolism of "she" to deepen the reader's understanding. Is she a memory, a past trauma, or a metaphorical visitor? Providing subtle clues could enrich the poem’s layers without sacrificing its mysterious atmosphere. Additionally, the phrase "That same familiar chill" is evocative but might gain impact if paired with more sensory details—perhaps sounds, smells, or tactile sensations—to heighten the immersive quality.

The closing lines are strong, but the final "I do. / I always do." could be more powerful if varied in rhythm or structure to emphasize the speaker’s recognition and emotional response. Experimenting with line breaks or punctuation here might enhance the tension and resonance.

Overall, the poem’s concise language and controlled pacing create a compelling mood, and with slight elaboration on the visitor’s significance and sensory detail, it could achieve even greater emotional depth.

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

John Leslie O'Kelley

John Leslie O'Kelley

2 months 2 weeks ago

The uninvited part two

I can only say that I wish this would happen to me, I would concede quickly and fulfill her desire. The chance may never return to be free and wild! What a great write!

BlueSkies

BlueSkies

2 months 2 weeks ago

John,

Could you expand on what you mean? This is a continuance of a poem I wrote last September titled "The Uninvited" which personifies grief. Given the context of the original poem, I'm not quite following what you mean... I don't know about you, but fulfilling grief's desires look less like "wild and free" and more like "captive and shackled".