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Chasing Bouquets Catching Snakes

The bride’s mother, cloaked in irony, jolts table and posey of flowers.
“Careful Mum I’ll need that tonight, in the dark, deceitful, hours.”
When the cleric makes a statement, offers guests voice for impediment,
Mum tries to explain, groom’s roaming eye, people rigid, set in cement.

“This man is not worthy, he’s a crook, a lech, and a cheat,”
Raised finger she points to the groom and the girl he had, indiscreet.
‘Your fiancé and best friend would lay down on an unmade bed,
If you marry him now, his lust will sow venom, a tainted love,’ she said.

“He’s just like your father, he did this to me, your fiancé is doing you wrong.
Plucked like a fiddle, untuned, strung out, singing his lies in a song.
When he’s had his fun, chasing women, to satisfy his depraved desire,
If you marry in haste, can you love this man, he’s an unrepentant liar?’

Fresh petals line her slippers, the bride steps away from the guests.
“Don’t worry Mum, he isn’t ideal, but I believe I know him best.
He’s a dog hounding sheep, but I’ll keep him, until I am done.”
Pink flowers hide the future, revenge roars, “I’m certain he’ll be gone.”

“He’s going to pay and soon; my plan is inspired by truth,
As he’ll never comply, I’ll take every penny, now I have the proof.
Tonight, he’ll sip my wrath, with fitting ingredient,
On my thigh sits a poison vial, a tincture to make him obedient.”

The bride smiles, a reptile; the groom shifty as sin, inhales heavy to pledge,
She swears from dark heart, his ruthless lust, pushes her over the edge.
When they left the church, her mother irate, and daughter recently wed,
For all her complaints, they spin out of sight, not long now ‘til he is dead.

Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Last few words: 
It would be good to get some other eyes on my poem, I've been working on it for days and would like opinions on it please. Is it over the top? How is my language? Too much? Too little? Ruby :)
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content
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Comments

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

This poem effectively uses narrative and vivid imagery to tell a story, creating a strong sense of drama and tension throughout. However, there are areas that could be improved to enhance clarity and impact.

Firstly, the poem's rhythm and meter could be more consistent. The lines vary significantly in length, which can disrupt the flow of the poem and make it more difficult to read. Consider revising the poem to create a more consistent rhythm, which can enhance the musicality and overall impact of the piece.

Secondly, the poem's language can be quite dense and complex, which may make it difficult for some readers to understand. The use of less common words and phrases, such as "lothario" and "tincture to make him obedient", can add depth and richness to the poem, but they can also create barriers for readers. Consider simplifying some of the language to make the poem more accessible.

Finally, the poem's narrative can be a bit confusing at times. It's not always clear who is speaking or what is happening, which can make it difficult for readers to follow the story. Consider adding more narrative cues to help guide readers through the poem.

In conclusion, this poem has a strong narrative and vivid imagery, but could benefit from a more consistent rhythm, simpler language, and clearer narrative cues.

Please send feedback about Neo (our computer generated critique system) to https://www.neopoet.com/contact

I really like the premise of this poem, as in the past; I have met many a snake. I love your simple language usage which describes the situation. your landscaping is good and supports the base. I do think, overall this is a bit rough and could use some thought and rework.but on the whole, it is a captivating piece. it provokes thoughts and questions. it stands on its own.

*hugs & love, Cat

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

Thank you Cat, I've expanded the metaphors and similes but I'm still uncertain of it in parts. I will carry on working on it as I can't break the writing pattern I use the most.
I'd be grateful for any advice where you see it needs more work, I keep looking at it but as you know, it's impossible to see our own errors.
Much appreciate your comments and read, Ruby :) xx

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

author comment

after another read through... I think it is damned near perfect! also beyond my capabilities as how to improve.

*love & hugs, Cat and eddy

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

No problem, Cat. Thank you for letting me know, take care, Ruby :) xx

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

author comment

it could be used as a vignette, a part of a larger story, that would describe how a woman winds up in prison. However, it is far too detailed, [according to the examples and descriptions I have read.] Personally, I like the whole thing, as it contains the plot
before its implementation. If you really would like to create a vignette, I suggest that you remove a lot of the dialog between the mother and daughter; include just the bare bones of it. This is the first time that I have vigorously explored the term vignette, although I claim to have written one. [Where's The Beef?]. I'm more inclined to think that it is a small play now. Anyway, I would explore the idea more fully, if I were you. Nice stuff, but I have no idea how to improve it other than using less dialog. ~ Geez.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

Thanks Geezer, I cut two verses before I posted, why use one word when whole a paragraph will do?
I'm experimenting with my poetry as I enjoy writing them as stories. It’s like delivering a vision but instead of the camera I use my words.
Although I enjoyed working on this one, I'm still unsure about it but I don’t know why or what is making me feel like it’s not finished? It was fun putting words into other people's mouths.
I'll have a look at the form of a vignette while I’m still toying with revising it again, maybe I'll sleep on it and take a fresh look tomorrow?
Ruby :)

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

author comment

And there was I about to propose to ya !
well,,,, not now missus !!!!!! bugger that.

Loved it, Ruby. Riveting from start to finish.

Obi.

Thank you so much Obi. I'll pack me bags, and meet you at the train station. Ruby ha ha :)

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

author comment

Hello, Ruby,
Though nothing like it in nature or theme, this poem reminds me of Casabianca (The Boy Stood On The Burning Deck) by Felicia Hemans. There is a narrative story here, along with dialogue from the actual subject of the poem. As I said, not similar in nature or theme at all, but there is a very dramatic feel to it. I like the tension that builds from both bride and mother, and the dark, mysterious plot at the end. The meter may be tightened up a bit by removing an unnecessary word here and there, but the rhyme is great and keeps the reader captivated. Overall, I like the theme and language, and the dark feel of this poem.
Thank you!
L

Hi Lavender, thank you, I'm glad you liked it and thank you for your comments. I haven't read the poem you mentioned although as I child I knew a different verse, a very rude one. I'll take a look and see what minor words I can remove to aid the meter. Great suggestion, I definitley like to read what you think. Ruby :)

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

author comment

... rich in detail, metaphor, story telling, potential disaster for all. It made me laugh. I agree with most of the comments here. When I read it, I was still left with questions: is it a finished poem, could it be trimmed a little more, how do the words fit in the line, the dialogue is maybe too extensive but very funny,

Too many changes, and would it lose it's glorious, wicked story telling ability?

For me, it's almost a short story, an internal dialogue before a larger manuscript.

The wedding from hell: good work!

You are fantastic.

Jenifer Jaspa James

Hi Jenifer, if you're still asking questions I think it's finished apart from a little tidy up around a few unnecessary words? If I can leave the reader asking questions and my poem does that, it's a bonus.
I've been working hard on my metaphors, and I spent a long time on this poem, longer than I usually do. Thank you for your comments I really appreciate your opinion. Ruby :)

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

author comment

Wonderful work, Ruby - I can see your work and craft!
Love it when we (poets) spend time on a poem, coaxing (and sometimes bribing) the thing into a gorgeous form. you have done that.

Jenifer Jaspa James

I love the entire story behind the poem! I like how the mother tries to save her daughter but her daughter has had it under control the whole time. The dark undertones and language are really good. Lots of imagery as I can see the mother pointing her finger at the future son in law and I can hear her words as if I was really there. Great job!

~RoseBlack~

Thank you RoseBlack, it was great to hear you were actually there, it means I got it right if you could see the action? Much appreciated, thank you for dropping by, Ruby :)

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

author comment
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