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PERFORMANCE PIECE

You’re not welcome to our bodies,
We are not made for your hobbies.
When you ask if we’ll be yours,
We’re not bit parts in sex wars.

Your jests emerge as sleazy,
Do not think that we are easy,
We’re familiar with a creep, and
what you’ve got, you can keep.

You’re a pretext for a human,
Acting out, relentless confusion.
Without boundaries you will prowl,
You can’t smile without a scowl.

Grown women, stand together,
The shackles we have held forever.
If they wound us, they’ll regret.
Not a piece or performance, to forget.

Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
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: 
I know this may cause a few feathers to feel ruffled, if it does, please ask yourself why you feel that way before you step into the shoes of women who are continually displayed, demeaned and often disregarded. I know this doesn't apply to all men or woman but my issue is, how can I fix this? Ruby :) xx
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Comments

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

The poem, "PERFORMANCE PIECE," effectively uses rhyme and rhythm to convey a strong message about personal boundaries and women's empowerment. The language is direct and unambiguous, which is fitting for the subject matter.

However, the poem could benefit from a more varied vocabulary. For instance, the words 'bodies' and 'hobbies' in the first two lines could be replaced with more evocative language to create a stronger impact.

The poem's structure is consistent, with four lines per stanza, which aids in readability. However, the rhythm is occasionally disrupted, such as in the line "We’re familiar with a creep, and what you’ve got, you can keep." This line could be rephrased to maintain the rhythm established in the previous stanzas.

The poem's theme is clear and well-executed, but the imagery could be more vivid. For example, the metaphor of shackles in the penultimate stanza could be expanded upon to create a more powerful image.

Lastly, the poem's conclusion is strong and leaves a lasting impression. However, the phrase "Not a piece or performance, to forget" could be clarified for better understanding. Is the speaker saying they won't be forgotten, or that the actions against them won't be forgotten? Clarifying this could strengthen the poem's ending.

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

Resonates. I am all too familiar with being seen as just a "piece". Piece of what seems to be at the individual discretion and then discarded like yesterday's trash. Not that some women are any better. They treat men just as disrespectfully. I am not sure there is a fix though...it seems to be a game older than time....people are disposable...play things...used to fill self serving prophecies. Just my take. I really liked this and the meaning behind it.

~RoseBlack~

Thank you RoseBlack, it's great to get your persepctive on my work and your thoughts have made me rethink this one as male and females are both subject to and a cause of controlling behaviour.
If we could build a better society, who knows if it would stop the ill treatment of each other?
Thank you again, always good listen to other ideas and understand other poets views. 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

This is a societal issue and my opinion, the inability to let go of old stigma surrounding gender roles which leads to further generational gaps and curses. The inability to adapt with evolving times and our roles, both men and women, in these times, create unpleasant scenarios as well. I really enjoyed this thought provoking poem. Thank you for challenging my brain!

~RoseBlack~

Hello, Ruby,
Very strong poem. I felt the sincere discontent and frustration. Many, many pieces need to fall into place to find a respectful solution, but one major factor is guiding our children to have greater expectations from themselves and their peers.
Thank you,
L

Hi Lavender, thnak you for your comments. And I agree, we need to start with our children, give them the tools they need to learn to understand both sexes persepctive and impact.
Thank you for reading and commenting, 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

This piece really his home. I am guilty. After a lifetime of being used and abused, I turned the tables, I spent a brief time of treating men the way I had been handled. It was my "angry period" it lasted about a year. but I am ashamed to say that it did happen. Just me, my motorcycle and my cat; Gonzo! The I met Steven, who got past my defenses and my super-independence. All it took was a bit of respect, caring and patience with a whole lot of listening. Your poem has brought me back in time, thank you for that. My favorite lines are:

You’re not welcome to our bodies,
We are not made for your hobbies.
When you ask if we’ll be yours,
We’re not bit parts in sex wars.

What I really like about this poem is that it can be taken to heart by men or women.

*lotsa hugs and love, Cat

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

Thank you so much Cat, I appreciate that you read and took the time to comment.
It is hard not to think on the past without reacting. What we see on social media, TV or in mewspapers isn't a reaction to abuse, it's an acceptance and normalisation so we can be bought and sold. This is the real worry, we are so brainwashed and distracted, are we beyond help now?
Many thanks for your read and comments, 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 sure hope not, but it does not look good... I say, keep educating people through the tools of kindness and love! By example, so that everyone can see; especially with what the children see...

*hugs & love, Cat

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

You are right, if we can change the world through our children we have won the battle. It just feels as if other forces don't want us to win, not today. 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
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