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Grandmothers of Generations Past

Grandmothers were ageless and wise
Who taught us about wars and lies

They were from a time before
When our nation was at war

There was a bit of formality about their ways
That caused them to receive great praise

They filled the air with joy and gladness
Guiding us through life’s sadness

Their eyes sparkled with the knowing light
Their love shown from morning to night

We kissed their hands and each cheek
And quietly listened and did not speak

Their hearts were filled with love and hope
Teaching us ways we are able to cope

They were a source of inspiration
And also a source of motivation

Always in our hearts and minds each day
Grandmothers taught us how to pray

Although they are no longer here
Their photos often keep them near

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

The poem "Grandmothers of Generations Past" is a heartfelt tribute to grandmothers, their wisdom, and their influence. The poem uses simple and direct language, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. However, the poem could benefit from more vivid and specific imagery. Instead of general statements like "They filled the air with joy and gladness," the poem could provide concrete examples of how the grandmothers brought joy and gladness into the speaker's life.

The poem's structure is consistent, with each couplet containing two lines that rhyme. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that is pleasing to the ear. However, the poem could benefit from a more varied rhyme scheme or the use of other poetic devices, such as alliteration or assonance, to add depth and complexity to the poem.

The poem's theme of love and respect for grandmothers is clear and effectively conveyed. However, the poem could delve deeper into this theme by exploring the unique characteristics of the grandmothers or the specific lessons they taught. This would add a level of personalization to the poem and make it more engaging for the reader.

Lastly, the poem's conclusion, while poignant, could be more impactful. Instead of simply stating that the grandmothers are remembered through photos, the poem could explore the emotional impact of this memory or how the speaker continues to feel their influence. This would provide a more satisfying and emotional conclusion to the poem.

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Hello, Clentin,
A tender poem and a sweet reflection of grandmothers from past. Nice tight, gentle rhyme - I do wonder about the tense of "speak" which rhymed with "cheek."
Lovely!
L

Thank you
My Italian grandmother never spoke English. Each time we met we would kiss her hands and each check then listen when she spoke. I understood what she was saying. She was always affectionate and as she kissed us on our cheeks we listened carefully as she spoke to u;derstand what she was saying.
A time now gone by!

author comment

Our grandmothers greatly influenced us - we were fortunate.

I actually meant the tense of the word...I believe it should be "spoke." ??
L

Thanks
You are right
I will edit.
Thanks again

author comment

welcome! :)
L

I love the feeling of the poem. It reminds me of my grandmother and the wisdom she bestowed upon me. Brings me back to simpler times. Keep it up

Thank you for your comments. I was seeing how different we are as grandparents as compared to our grandparents. A different time, they loved us but there was a formality then that does not exist today, in my view of course.

author comment
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