A witch...Bewitched

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

The poem explores the enduring nature of love through the lens of enchantment and memory. The structure consists of three quatrains with an ABXB rhyme scheme, creating a loose but discernible musicality. The use of imagery—particularly "eyes so wide and deep," "wood-smoke eyes," and "kissed beneath the skies"—evokes a sense of intimacy and nostalgia. The metaphor of diving into eyes as "pools" effectively conveys emotional vulnerability.

There is a noticeable shift from the initial infatuation ("a game for fools") to the persistence of feeling across decades ("some forty years later"), which adds depth and a sense of time’s passage. The phrase "much patched heart" is evocative, suggesting both resilience and past hurt, though the syntax could be clarified for smoother reading. The line "I barely breathed your name / whilst letting go past offenses" succinctly captures the process of forgiveness and renewal in long-term relationships.

The poem’s tone is consistent, blending wistfulness with warmth. However, the rhyme in the first stanza ("deep" / "fools") is slant, which may disrupt the musical expectation set by the subsequent stanzas. The phrase "wood-smoke eyes" is striking but could benefit from further sensory detail or context to enhance its emotional resonance.

Overall, the poem’s strengths lie in its emotional clarity and use of romantic imagery. Greater attention to syntactic clarity and consistent rhyme could strengthen the piece further.

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Forty-four years ago, both of us had determined that the remainder of our lives would be alone.  Of course, the universe despises such certainty, so, at an afterwork baseball game, complete with beer keg, our paths crossed and have been entangled ever since. Her eyes aren't woodsmoke, but I get lost, none the less.

felt much the same way, when we met. It was supposed to be a one-date thing, as I wasn't going to be here that long. Here we are some forty years later! Funny, how the fates seem to take great delight in making fools of us, huh? Nice story, and I have never heard the term before, but I love the description of [woodsmoke-eyes]. I know that exact color, having watched many a campfire. Nice.  ~ Geez.

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Loved your poem. I am interested in " wood smoked eyes". 
Why this particular title?

Have a happy life 40+! After my  57 I hope hope love will remain alive!
 

Hey Cat, this last line, "within your wood-smoke eyes..." Oh how great that sounds in my head and I wish I had wrote that line. It's one of those lines I won't forget. It gave me the feeling of being held. Very tactile and fitting for a couple who are clearly much in love, although I think your Steven has been in love with you for longer? 44 years to be exact. That made me laugh. Ruby, well done xxx

The poem conveys a great story! It is amazing how we met our now mates. 

I went to a dance, was introduced to my now wife 57  years ago! 

What is  meant to be will be!

Liked your poem very much!