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Jose Cuervo and Friends

I taught you to drive in my five-hundred-dollar car
with power everything from Detroit.
Some of it still worked, if coaxed.

The fucking brakes were so sensitive
I hit my head on the dash
when you pressed the pedal too hard.
The car stopped, but not my memories.

We drove to the beach at night
and launched bottle rockets out into the sea
from the pitted chrome fender.
Maybe the only thing left on the exterior
that hadn’t completely surrendered to rust.

Your dress was barely enough,
but just enough for everyone to see
it was really only for me.

Taking a pull on the tequila beside the fire pit in the sand,
our youth didn’t understand this would become the past
and how it would sometimes pinprick regret
over the broken pieces that wouldn't last.

Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
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?
Last few words: 
Good times from long ago in my Galaxy 500...
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Not Explicit Content
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Comments

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

The poem "Jose Cuervo and Friends" is rich in imagery and emotion, effectively using sensory details to immerse the reader in the narrative. The choice of language and the use of colloquial expressions help to establish a distinct voice and tone, contributing to the poem's authenticity and relatability.

The poem could benefit from a more consistent use of metaphors and symbols. For instance, the car and the tequila bottle could be further developed as symbols of youth, recklessness, or fleeting moments. This would add depth to the poem and make the narrative more engaging.

The poem also tends to tell rather than show in certain parts, particularly in the last stanza. Instead of directly stating that the characters didn't understand that their youth would become the past, it might be more effective to show this through their actions or dialogue. This would allow the reader to infer the characters' naivety and regret, making the poem more impactful.

The poem's structure and rhythm could also be improved. The lines vary greatly in length, which can disrupt the flow of the poem. Experimenting with different line lengths and stanza structures might help to create a more rhythmic and harmonious reading experience.

Lastly, the poem's title, "Jose Cuervo and Friends", doesn't seem to fully capture the depth and complexity of the poem. A more evocative title might help to draw the reader in and set the tone for the poem.

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I had one too! A '63 with a '67 motor, four spd, big Holley carb...
My first wife and I drove the hell out of that thing! Most likely where our son was conceived.

Anyway, I remember many things about those years. You are right, you never think at the time," this will be a memory".
I like your title, it drew me in. Many of us drank Jose Cuervo, and made watermelons filled with the stuff for picnics.
The Galaxie 500, sounds like a space ship, doesn't it? I can still see the black velvet sky and the stars that it took us to.
You have brought many memories back to this old brain, with the line that some of the power-every things worked if you coaxed them, and the nights on the beach. The pace was good, the theme great, and the piece flowed well from beginning to end.

So nicely done! ~ Geezer.
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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.

Wow! We are vintage Detroit metal bros Geez - amazing! I can see why this piece seems to have resonated with you. Thank you for sharing your memories too - much appreciated!

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

I wouldn't have missed this one for anything. Sometimes, when memories get the better of me, I get a little too much into telling a tale of my own, and forget that this is not about me; so if you ever feel that I have slighted you by telling a tale of my own, just give me a swift kick and let me know! ~ Geez.
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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.

All good Geez! No intrusion at all - enjoyed your comments.

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

to see that the old family flavor of Neo. is still hanging in there. We just got to dig it out. ~ Geez.
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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.

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