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Gaslight (2)

Boots outside the door; shuffling, scuffling; cringing as the knob turns and clicks; twisting; tumbling; what will it be today? What didn't she do that he will say she did just so he can make her flinch? Watching, waiting as he drops his keys on the table. His voice rumbles like thunder. 

Don’t be so sensitive; it’s all your fault. You’ve admitted your wrongs; but it will never be enough. Don’t you know you ruined my life long before we met? And the worst isn’t over yet. I’m done with you, no I’m not. Look here, you’ve left last night’s dinner to rot! I know I cooked but you can clean the mess and what are you doing, wearing a dress!

How do you tell an angel from an asshole? When charmed words speak through forked tongues. Cheshire grin and eyes that dance, be damned! The faux mask of humanity hides the scales on your skin. How do you blame someone who is far less than perfect but gave you their best? Even when it meant giving their last? The great pretender’s biggest performance, isn’t it grand? It must be glorious to never have sinned

Every time I threaten to leave, know I’ll be back! You’re the joke I keep telling, unconditional love is for the faint hearted.  Every gasp and every cry, it’s my face you’ll see. Haunting your dreams; taking over your life. I don’t want you, I hate you but don’t try to leave. You’re mine! I’ll never let you be!

Cast your stones, my flesh is thick. It’s been so many years, I hardly give a shit. Death is better than living like this. The cycle spins out of control. You don’t even know who you are.

Hush little baby, shut your mouth! Daddy’s going to choke you if you dare call me out. Don’t be afraid, baby. I love you so much. Do as you’re told and I won’t be so cold. What you allow is what you get. I’m your favorite hell, the demon that just won’t quit.

Blood dripping, her sanity ebbed and flowed like the tide, a sadness so deep she could no longer hide. Tripping over her lifeless body; silently, he cried: 

It’s all your fault. You deserved what you got. My past is your past. And it is all your fault! 

 

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Last few words: 
I worked Gaslight into this attempt at prose. I felt like there was more of the story to tell.
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:

The poem "Gaslight (2)" is a powerful exploration of the psychological manipulation and abuse often seen in toxic relationships. The use of alternating voices and perspectives provides a stark contrast between the abuser and the victim, effectively highlighting the emotional turmoil and manipulation involved in such situations.

The use of strong, evocative language and imagery contributes to the overall impact of the poem. Phrases such as "Boots outside the door; shuffling, scuffling", "His voice rumbles like thunder", and "Blood dripping, her sanity ebbed and flowed like the tide" paint vivid pictures that engage the reader's senses and emotions.

The poem could benefit from a more consistent use of poetic devices such as rhyme, rhythm, and meter to enhance its musicality and flow. The current structure, while effective in conveying the raw emotion and intensity of the subject matter, can be somewhat disjointed and abrupt, which may disrupt the reader's engagement.

The use of clichés such as "How do you tell an angel from an asshole?" and "Cheshire grin" could be replaced with more original and unique expressions to avoid detracting from the poem's overall impact and to maintain the reader's interest.

Lastly, the poem's ending could be more impactful. While the current ending effectively conveys the tragic outcome of the situation, it could be further developed to provide a more profound commentary on the cycle of abuse and its devastating consequences. This could be achieved through the use of more powerful imagery, metaphor, or symbolism.

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

~ 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.

Waiting...

~RoseBlack~

author comment

it reminds me of the vignettes we did in a workshop one time.
Were you in that one?
Anyway, nice job of keeping my interest, this could be an interesting little play
for an amateur group. I could tell the differences of personality in the characters.
I feel this is far too close to home here. I hope the writing of this helps at least a little.

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.

This was very close to home...based on things that have actually happened. I don't think I was in that workshop. It would be an interesting play with some polishing up. Thank you for the read and comment.

~RoseBlack~

author comment

once again, it feels like you have opened a portal into my life of long ago! I was spellbound, like a deer caught in the headlights, as I read this masterpiece of a"study in terror"! you have captured the essence of a situation that is experienced by many. sadly, these victims are usually distanced from their families and cut of from their friends. this is your best work so far!

*love, Cat

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

This was a very emotional write as it is unfortunately based on true events in my life. Some events were recent and I felt like I had to put the feelings somewhere. The flashbacks as I wrote this were powerful. Thank you for your read and comment.

~RoseBlack~

author comment

I can taste every toxic word written here. It's revealing that both characters are at odds with each other and we are able to understand the issues and problems they face on either side of the argument. It would make a great opening scene for a script, I can think of a few that use this form. Well done Ruby :)

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

This was a emotional..difficult write and there is more to tell but I thought this was enough. I didn't know if I could really continue on. It was by far the worst heart break I ever felt and I know the reasons for the behaviors but it didn't make it any better.

~RoseBlack~

author comment
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