Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.

A conversation with…

In the dark, hear a voice, I know of what it speaks.
It tells a truth I abhor, the ending that it seeks.
For sanity has left me cold, so far beyond my reach,
to quell a logic I once held, within a chilling screech.
Please be quiet, I demand, listen to my scream.
The protest in my brain, a commonly held theme.
As liquid robes the ruined sheets, loss floods the mind,
Mother nature destroys life, not because she’s blind.
Light that never brightens, and stench of rotting room,
It holds me here soaking wet, foetus leaves the womb.
All is gone, never born, still… a painful recollection,
Life itself in woman’s cramp, in natural selection.

Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction): 
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
Last few words: 
For many women miscarriage & still birth is a very difficult subject. This is how I describe it because it is the loss of what could have been, knowing at the same time, what could have been. It's very complicated. It's great to be back, Ruby :)
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content
Opt-in: Neopoet AI will critique your poem.

Comments

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

The poem, titled "A conversation with…", presents a vivid and intense exploration of loss, grief, and the harsh realities of life. The use of metaphor and imagery is effective in conveying the emotional depth of the subject matter. However, there are areas where the poem could benefit from further refinement.

The first two lines set up an intriguing premise of a conversation with an unseen entity. However, the nature of this entity remains unclear throughout the poem. Is it an internal voice, a divine entity, or something else? Providing more context could enhance the reader's understanding and engagement.

The poem's language is rich and evocative, but at times, it can be overly complex, potentially obscuring the intended meaning. For example, the phrase "liquid robes the ruined sheets" is quite abstract. If the intention was to depict tears soaking the sheets, a more straightforward description might be more effective.

The poem's rhythm and meter could also be improved for better flow. The lines vary significantly in length and syllable count, which can disrupt the rhythm. Striving for more consistency could enhance the poem's musicality.

The ending of the poem is poignant and impactful, encapsulating the theme of loss and natural selection. However, the transition from the preceding lines to the final lines could be smoother. Currently, the shift in focus from personal grief to a broader perspective on life and death is quite abrupt.

Overall, the poem has a compelling theme and uses powerful language and imagery. With some refinement in clarity, rhythm, and transitions, it could be even more impactful.

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

This tells of the pains both physical and emotional a woman might face with birthing a baby. It is written so the reader might feel the truth of it ! to sum it up into one word, I would say (Gripping) a sensitive write on the subject of born dead/still born. this delivers a huge punch!

*hugs, Cat

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

Hi Cat, how are you?
Thank you for your comments, no doubt I will catch up with your work once I've managed to navigate the new site. 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

I am doing okay...seeing my Dr. soon for a few reasons. good thing is we got a wheelchair van for me to get out and to appointments. thanks for asking! hoping that you are fine, too.

*hugs, Cat

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

Hey Cat, I'm fine thank you. Great to hear from you. Sorry to hear about your decreased mobility. Modern engineering is a blessing.

I had a few problems with my computer yesterday it seems ok today but I know soon I won't be able to switch it on as it keeps doing weird things.
Anyway, as my poem was the first I've written in six months, I'll have to put a few hours into making another and combing the site for other people's poems.
Take care, catch up soon, 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

In the writing of the first line, you set the meter, but do not follow it thereafter.
The simple addition of a syllable or two in the lines that are lacking, can set things right,
and do not require much in the way of correction. For instance:

"It tells a truth that I abhor, the end[ing], that it seeks."
"For reason has left my soul; now far beyond [my] reach."
"As liquid robes the ruined sheets, loss floods my muddled mind." The longest line can make the imperative statement"
I would use the word [hold] rather than fold.

As always, use whatever you like, or throw it all away; it's yours to do with as you will. ~ 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.

Hi Geezer,
Thank you for reading my poem and for your comments. I've used your suggestions and got my wonky computer to read it to me which is what I should have done in the first place but my routines need reworking and my memory needs constant reminders.
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

how about instead of [robes] you use stains? It seems to play into the idea that it is something bad, instead of something hidden as the word [robe] might suggest. ~ 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.

Thank you Geezer, I know what you mean. I also like the alliteration of that sentence but it does need looking at again. Very grateful for your suggestion. 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

Hello, Ruby,
So great to see your poetry again! This is a topic very close to my heart, as I lost my second child in stillbirth many years ago. Much of your language describes my experience then, and memories now. Yes, the loss of what was, as well as what could have been.
Thank you, Ruby, and it's wonderful to see your work, again!
L

Hi Lavender, great to be back. Hope you are well? I see you have been writing lots of poems which I will take a look at today. Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem. I was aware this would be personal for a number of women, and I appreciate your comments and sharing your memories with me.
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

You break my heart, Ruby.

Thank you,
Mary Beth

Because your words have touched my heart,
I stopped to share a little part.
Be nice, supportive, kind to all
As we walk through this Poetry Hall.

Hi Mary Beth, thank you for reading and commenting. Much appreciated 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
(c) Neopoet.com. No copyright is claimed by Neopoet to original member content.