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Tree Hugger

I don't know your names.
I'm horrible at botany,
you flowers and trees
with views of the low hills to the west.

I adorn them with my own monikers
when I walk among them.
I don't mean to offend, and it seems they don't mind.

They are familiar acquaintances,
so I tell myself
they are probably happy
to be called something.

Yellow-Top Plant,
Crooked Climb-y Tree,
and Messy Red Bush
change some with the seasons,

but what and who they are
stays the same for me.
My compass for friends I seek.

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Editing stage: 
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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:

Overall, the poem "Tree Hugger" is a charming and relatable ode to the beauty of nature. The speaker's admission of being "horrible at botany" is endearing and draws the reader in, as the speaker goes on to describe their relationship with the flora around them. The use of personalized names for the plants and trees is a unique way to connect with nature, and the acknowledgement that they may not be entirely accurate or appropriate is a thoughtful touch.

However, the poem could benefit from further development. While the descriptions of the plants and trees are vivid, there is a lack of depth in the speaker's emotional connection to them. Additionally, the poem ends somewhat abruptly, leaving the reader wanting more.

One suggested line edit could be to add a more reflective moment in the poem, where the speaker contemplates the significance of their relationship with nature. For example, adding a line such as "In these moments with my leafy friends, I feel a sense of peace and belonging" would give the reader a better understanding of why the speaker is drawn to nature and their personalized names for the plants.

Overall, "Tree Hugger" is a sweet and relatable poem that could benefit from further development of its themes and emotions.

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Hello, Michael!
In a nearby park here, there is an old maple tree that I hug about once a month. I have named him Oscar Malcolm Maple after my long-gone grandfathers on both sides. Your poem took me there again. Your monikers given to these friends are endearing, and I really like the sense of the compass here. I was a little confused - did you intentionally switch from addressing the poem from "you" to "them"? Maybe I am not reading correctly.
What would we do without the friendship of Crooked Climb-y Trees?
L

Oscar Malcolm Maple - I love that L! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one. If I understand your you/them comment, I think you are referring to the first stanza. It was intentional, as I intended it to capture my internal dialog in regard to the subjects. It is definitely a quick transition, so I can see how it might be a bit confusing. Maybe some quotation marks in the fisrt stanza might work better???

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

the trans from you to them is rather obvious and kind of messes with the piece just a bit. Other than that, a good piece of work. ~ Geezer.
.

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.

Thanks Geez! Please see my comments for Lavender.

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

I think quotation marks and some kind of indication of the transfer from one perspective to the other, would make a difference. ~ Geezer.
.

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.

So I’ve been away. I took some time to do a bunch of outdoor projects and other artistic stuff.

It is serendipitous that this be the first poem I read here on the site in weeks.

Your poem is conversational and endearing and totally appreciated by this fellow tree hugger. Nice work.

Tim

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