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Jul 22, 2025
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VICTORY IN DEFEAT
It felt like your deepest devotion
When you dug your claws in me
You promised to use your fangs
I promised I wouldn't dream to flee..
I recall how it felt like deathly pangs,
How I braced myself and let it all be
For I relished the state of defeat
That your lips left me in
About This Poem
Style/Type: Free verse
Review Request Direction:
How was my language use?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft
Comments
neopoet
2 months 1 week ago
Neopoet AI [2025-04]
The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet’s AI:
This poem explores the paradoxical theme of finding a kind of victory within defeat, particularly in the context of an intense, possibly painful relationship. The imagery of claws and fangs evokes a predatory, almost violent dynamic, which is juxtaposed with the speaker’s willingness to remain and even find pleasure in surrender.
Strengths: - The poem effectively uses visceral imagery ("claws," "fangs," "deathly pangs") to convey emotional intensity. - The paradox of "victory in defeat" is compelling and thought-provoking. - The rhyme scheme is consistent, lending a rhythmic quality that supports the poem’s tone.
Areas for improvement: 1. Clarity and Emotional Depth: While the imagery is vivid, the emotional complexity behind the speaker’s acceptance of defeat could be deepened. What motivates the speaker to "relish" this state? Adding more introspection or subtle hints about the nature of this relationship could enhance reader engagement.
2. Originality of Metaphors: The use of claws and fangs is effective but somewhat conventional in depicting a predatory relationship. Consider introducing more unique or unexpected metaphors to distinguish the poem and enrich its imagery.
3. Line Breaks and Pacing: Some lines feel compressed, such as "I promised I wouldn't dream to flee.." The double period is unconventional and may disrupt flow. Experimenting with line breaks or punctuation could improve the poem’s rhythm and readability.
4. Consistency in Tone: The poem balances between pain and pleasure, but the transition could be smoother. For example, "I braced myself and let it all be" suggests resignation, while "I relished the state of defeat" suggests enjoyment. Clarifying this emotional shift would strengthen the poem’s impact.
Overall, the poem presents a strong thematic premise and vivid imagery but would benefit from deeper emotional exploration and refined stylistic choices.
Please send feedback about Neo (our AI critique system) to neopoet.com/contact
Candlewitch
2 months 1 week ago
Hey Words,
I love your take on this exercise.
A bit of sado-masochism (sp?) to start the day with. Great with a cuppa!
thanks much ;) Cat
p.s.
you have been missed!
Words Ablaze
2 months ago
Mm the prodigal child never…
Mm the prodigal child never stays away for long, haha. You noticed the sado stuff now did ya...it's quite a stretch of the theme witchy love but hey ..I had to make an entrance ryt?haha. And as far as um concerned you can never go wrong with a cuppa😁
Geezer
2 months 1 week ago
It's been a while...
Glad to see you writing again, I like this one, and the lines: "For I relished the taste of defeat, that your lips left me in."
Good stuff. ~ Geezer.
.
Words Ablaze
2 months ago
It's sure good to be back....
Yea um back at it again, writing my truth. Those are favorite lines too, I just thought I should close the poem with a flare...