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Venus Tree

Standing here for decades
On one wooden leg
A native English species,
An old grey oak.
Its naked bark bleached,
Ashen white like alabaster.

She is a nameless uncarved block
Unyielding and proud,
Exposed to the elements.
Wind and weather beaten
An organic body of life,
Her beauty gaunt and raw.

Striking to an admirer’s eye,
Picture perfect from a distance,
A stone sculpture, arms cut down to stumps.

Like some replica of a classical statue
From an ancient age,
Nature’s beauty,
A timeless art.

Style / type: 
Free verse
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?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content
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Comments

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

The poem "Venus Tree" presents the reader with a vivid depiction of an old oak tree, employing a range of metaphors and similes to convey its beauty and resilience. The use of imagery is effective, particularly in lines such as "Its naked bark bleached, / Ashen white like alabaster" and "A resilient stone sculpture, / Its arms cut down to stumps." These lines create a strong visual impression, enabling the reader to imagine the tree in detail.

However, the poem could benefit from a more consistent use of metaphor. For instance, the tree is first described as an "old grey oak", then as an "organic body of life", and finally as a "resilient stone sculpture". While each of these metaphors is effective in its own right, their combination within a single poem can be somewhat confusing. A more consistent metaphorical framework might enhance the overall coherence of the poem.

Furthermore, the poem's rhythm and meter could be improved. The lines vary greatly in length, from two syllables ("An old grey oak.") to nine syllables ("Striking to an admirer’s eye, / Picture perfect from a distance"). This irregularity can disrupt the flow of the poem and make it more difficult to read. Consider revising the poem to establish a more consistent rhythm.

Lastly, the poem's theme of resilience and beauty in the face of adversity is clear and well-executed. However, the poem might benefit from a deeper exploration of this theme. For example, the poem could delve more into the tree's experiences and struggles, or it could draw more explicit connections between the tree and the broader themes of resilience and beauty.

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

Hello, Sen,
An old soul - I fully understand the integrity and respect and admiration here. A timeless art, for certain.
Thank you so much!
L

You leave the most encouraging and nice comments, thank you for understanding the poem.

author comment

deserved tribute. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
Two thumb ups, one for the natural piece of art and the other for a piece of poem that captures that beauty.
Thank you for sharing sen.

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words ........Robert Frost☺

Please follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/poetry.jo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I believe we poets look for beauty around us, something for reflection and feeling, nature, weather, simple or complex life.
Thank you for your comments and kind words.

author comment
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