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

This poem effectively uses metaphor and imagery to convey the speaker's struggle with anxiety. The poem's strength lies in its ability to personify anxiety, transforming it into a tangible antagonist that the speaker can confront and overcome.

However, there are areas where the poem could benefit from further refinement. For instance, the transition between the speaker's initial feeling of powerlessness and their eventual triumph over anxiety could be more smoothly executed. The shift from feeling like a 'heavy burden' to comparing anxiety to a 'deflated balloon' seems abrupt. Developing this transition more gradually could enhance the poem's narrative arc and make the speaker's victory feel more earned.

Additionally, the poem's language and imagery could be more consistent. The poem uses a variety of metaphors to describe anxiety - a dark room, a minefield, a heavy burden, a deflated balloon, a telemarketer's call, a dead-end street - which can make the poem feel disjointed. Selecting one or two metaphors and developing them throughout the poem could create a more cohesive and powerful image of anxiety.

Lastly, the poem's rhythm and meter could be more consistent. The poem's lines vary widely in length, which can disrupt the poem's flow and make it more difficult to read. Experimenting with more consistent line lengths or a more regular meter could enhance the poem's musicality and readability.

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

very much enjoyed reading how do you think of anxiety and your power over it.
The imagery through out is striking.
the powerful last two stanzas tight the whole poem effectively.
I would only like to suggest working with the length of the lines for a smoother rhythm, but that's only a suggestion that you either take or leave.
Keep up the good work.

Very colorful and blatant, at first reading I thought it was about another person. Rula's comment cleared it up.

has your battle with anxiety, on its' own terms.
You are clearly in charge, and the wins are very much ahead of the defeats.
Your longest stanza has the strength to make anxiety powerless and win the ultimate battle.
Good stuff! ~ Geez.
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I admire that you are developing good confrontational skills. It puts you above the situation and in control! the battle goes ever on and I wish you all the luck in the world. be strong.

*hugs, Cat

And resonates with me on so many levels. Anxiety is a monster that consistently tries to get the better of us. You have taken control of it. I love how you describe it and the battle against it in your poem. Well done.