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Bulls Versus a China Figure

The figurine stands,
pristine and fragile,
until the bulls come
and decimate her.
The figure pulls herself
together and stands
with her cracks.

The bulls rampage,
and the figure is
toppled.
The bulls laugh
harming it further.
She stands on her
own with chips.

After the repeated
onslaughts, she is left
crushed, no longer
knowing her form,
Unable to stand or
reassemble herself,
she is left as dust.

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?
Editing stage: 
Contest: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content
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Comments

The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:

The poem effectively uses the metaphor of a china figure and bulls to illustrate the concept of resilience in the face of adversity. The imagery is vivid and the narrative is clear. However, the poem could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the emotions and experiences of the china figure.

The phrase "The bulls point and laugh" is somewhat incongruous. Bulls, being animals, do not have the capability to perform these human actions. This anthropomorphism might distract some readers from the intended message. A more fitting description of the bulls' actions might enhance the overall impact of the poem.

The poem's ending is quite bleak, with the china figure reduced to dust. If this is the intended message, it is conveyed effectively. However, if the intention was to highlight resilience and recovery, the ending could be revised to reflect a sense of hope or determination, even in the face of complete destruction.

The use of the pronoun "she" to refer to the china figure introduces a personal element to the poem. If this was intentional, it might be worth exploring this aspect further to give the poem additional depth and emotional resonance.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with short lines and stanzas. This works well to convey the sense of the china figure being repeatedly broken and reassembled. However, the rhythm of the poem could be improved with more careful attention to syllable count and stress patterns.

In terms of language, the poem is straightforward and accessible. However, the use of more varied vocabulary and poetic devices such as similes, metaphors, or alliteration could enhance the poem's aesthetic appeal.

Overall, the poem effectively communicates a narrative of resilience and destruction. With some revisions to enhance the emotional depth, clarify the metaphor, and improve the rhythm and language, it could be even more impactful.

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Hello, PF,
Very relevant metaphor to use for the contest. It is raw and discomforting, as it should be. I wonder if the first stanza might be changed to also use feminine pronouns like the rest of the poem, instead of "it." Seems the poem may flow a bit smoother and the figurine would be personified right away, connecting the reader to more emotion and feeling. Just a thought. A sad and powerful final line.
Thank you!
L

I agree and made a few edits.

author comment

wonderful metaphor!
Thank you!
L

this poem puts me in mind of many battered women I have known. these lines resonated with me:

After the repeated
onslaughts, she is left
crushed, no longer
knowing her form,
Unable to stand or
reassemble herself,
she is left as dust.

good work and best of luck on the contest!

*hugs, Cat

*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.

An evocative piece with the powerful of resilience and eventual destruction.
A pity to live In such a world, but it is unfortunately the real world.
Well penned.
Best wishes.

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Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words ........Robert Frost☺

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Through reading this well crafted poem I was thinking of names like Bully the bull and Chyna the china figurine, which is a testimony to how invested I was in reading about animal and a thing. I totally was captured by the action, emotion, torment and story you provided. Thank you for sharing.

thank you for your comment!

author comment
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