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A Very Greedy Christmas by: eddy styx

A Very Greedy Christmas

Colors green and red
as sugar plums danced
in their vapid little heads!

In catalogs full of toys
the gimme generation
finds eternal joys.

So much junk in corners
and under the beds,
so bring on the mourners

Who reduce the rubble
to utter mumblings
floating away from the trouble.

They took a loan out from the bank
An arm and leg; the extravagant cost
being "Santa," the boat almost sank

When you begin to wonder why
they are spoiled little beasts
did you have a hand in casting that die?

Style / type: 
Free verse
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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?
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Last few words: 
* eddy styx is my Male, malicious alter ego who writes DARK poetry.
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The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:

The poem "A Very Greedy Christmas" effectively uses vivid imagery and a consistent rhyme scheme to communicate its themes of consumerism and parental responsibility. However, there are areas where the clarity and impact of the poem could be improved.

The opening stanza sets a festive scene with the reference to "colors green and red" and "sugar plums", but the phrase "vapid little heads" is somewhat ambiguous. It's unclear whether this is referring to the children or the sugar plums, and this ambiguity may detract from the intended message.

The second stanza introduces the concept of the "gimme generation" and their obsession with material goods. This is a strong statement, but it could be made more powerful with the use of more specific imagery. For example, instead of the vague "catalogs full of toys", the poem could mention specific types of toys or brands to create a more concrete picture of the consumerism it criticizes.

The third and fourth stanzas shift the focus to the aftermath of this greed, with "junk in corners" and "mourners" who "reduce the rubble". The transition between these stanzas is a bit abrupt, and it might be beneficial to include a bridge stanza to more smoothly guide the reader from the joy of receiving gifts to the aftermath.

The final stanza introduces the idea of parental responsibility in the spoiling of children. The phrase "did you have a hand in casting that di(ce)?" is a clever play on words, but the use of parentheses around the "ce" may be unnecessary and could potentially confuse the reader.

Overall, the poem could benefit from clearer imagery, smoother transitions, and a more straightforward use of language. These changes could help to more effectively communicate the poem's themes and increase its impact on the reader.

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on the darkside. I'm sure that this thought runs through many grandparents and parent's heads.
The last word in the last line; is supposed to be [die], the singular of dice, but I'm sure that many people
don't know that and would be confused with the word die; thinking that you meant to cease living.
I'm not sure that the way you have presented it will make a whole lot of difference, but it is a valiant attempt.
Well done. ~ Geez.
.

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.

I bet that another thought runs through parents and grandparent's heads is something like, (To think I could have had that restored full dressed Harley for what you cost me...)

*
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author comment

A well-constructed comment on the Christmas philosophy of Mayor Augustus Maywho or Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley! It is unfortunate that it seems to be shared by so many.

Thanx,
Steve

and you know my philosophies on children parents and child rearing...remember that restaurant we were at. The one where the kid crawled back to our booth grabbed my leg and I yelled out; "Does anyone belong to this drool-bucket?!!

Yes it is me, your Cat

*
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author comment

Can you work "drool-bucket" into a poem? It seems fitting for free-roaming kids at restaurants. Now you just need to come up with something for the parents who think it's OK to force the restaurant workers and patrons to babysit their kids.

Thanx,
Steve

as soon as I finish this poem ;)

*thanks, eddy styx

*
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OMG drool bucket? I know a word rhyming with that and it would be suitable to the situation. 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.

LOL, you liked that huh!?! The toddler was set down to roam, as it would not stop crying and fussing. So this was my first encounter with a sticky handed, drooling child grabbing my ankle!(Do you think I was too harsh?) hmm, that could be my new title! Lol!

*ever, eddy styx xx

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I was a spoiled child at Christmas. My parents never took out a loan or went broke but I was their only adopted child that took them years to have so I was afforded much during that time of year. I will say I received many needs such as clothes and shoes but there were also wants and always a special gift from my dad that my mom knew nothing about. No matter how old I was, that gift was always from Santa. I tried to do the same for mine even though theirs are a bit smaller as there are three and cost of living is what it is. They don't get much during the year so Christmas was a time to let loose if possible. None are believers anymore but still enjoy a small tradition of wearing matching pajamas on Christmas Eve and having their photos taken together in front of our tree...which is a black one this year...we used the Halloween tree for fun. I feel like I was always appreciative though because I knew of many who didn't have those opportunities and it was never expected. About children running loose in restaurant or stores...as a parent and patron, I find it soooo frustrating especially as I get older.

~RoseBlack~

I am sure you were an appreciative child even if you were a tad spoiled, lol! I was terribly spoiled by my Dad. He loved Christmas time. When I was eleven he gave me my own television set for my room and my very own Tree! The set was black and white and huge. I think he thought of it as a big nightlight... I heard Norma tell him; "If you spoil that brat, I'll cut you off!"

The tree was not that big a deal for him. He made his Lot for Sodding & Landscaping into a Christmas Tree Lot! (In the winter he drove a Semi Tractor-Trailer over the road hauling freight. except for the month of December. One year when I was seven, we drove to Mexico in December.

Norma was a no nonsense kind of mother. She instructed us all in good manners, respecting our elders and keeping our rooms clean. and were "House-broken" by nine months old. We also had our chores around the house; for which we got a small allowance. I spent much time in the office on the lot, getting warm and making change for the customers. (and getting away from Norma!)

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I guess my point is: we were raised to respect other peoples space...It was a privilege to go out for a meal or anywhere with the parents. the other option was to be stuck at home with a baby-sitter. Both Dad and Norma would have been mortified if we acted out in public. Norma would have blistered our behinds for such reprehensive behavior!

*hugs, Cat

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That my kids never ran around or intentionally disturbed anyone. I can remember leaving places if they became irritable...cranky etc before it got to that level because we did respect each other's space and right to eat or shop peacefully. Unfortunately, many don't see it like that and allow their children to do whatever they want.

~RoseBlack~

Something that I got from my father enough times that it still is a part of me is: Children should be seen and not heard. That, to me, seemed a bit extreme, at the time. Now, however, I think I understand it a bit better. The part I wasn't told was: ..., by other people not involved in your life. If my sister or I were to behave that way in a restaurant, we would be sent to sit in the car until after the meal. Of course, that doesn't work for really young children, so your approach is better for that.

Thanx,
Steve

Couldn't behave, then we left and it would be a while before we went wherever that was again until they showed they could act accordingly. I don't know how much of a believer I am in children should be seen and not heard. I am not a believer in oppressing them if they have something to say using inside voices and acting like civilized human beings. I was always taught there was a time for silliness and a time for being serious, know your audience etc. My dad was a bit more liberal than my mom. So I took a few pages from his book. I am also aware that not everyone has great days...myself and kids included so I am mindful of their moods and when they were young, sometimes that meant missing out so others were not effected. Now that they are older and can stay with each other or on their own, it is a bit easier. Not that teenagers are always fun but I'm pretty sure I am not always fun either.

~RoseBlack~

I think you must have had someone instill a sense of propriety and courtesy in you while you were young. those learning years are very early. That, and you gave a sh!t and you must have deep down recognized that what one does reflects on themselves!

*Hugs & respect, eddy & Cat

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My dad was and remains a man of character. He prided himself on being courteous and being appropriate in most situations. Not that he wasn't fun because he was but his theory of there was a time for fun and a time to be serious. Knowing the difference could be a struggle growing up but I learned. He has a command of friendliness that is incredible regardless of the situation. That isn't saying that you shouldn't mess with him but he always handled himself with dignity and was and is highly respected. He was a mail carrier in our area for almost forty years and had grown up in the same neighborhood I did so he was well known. Behavior was very important.

~RoseBlack~

from my mother and grandmother, that if you wanted to be around adults, you were polite, and unobtrusive.
If you were very quiet, and pretended to be uninterested, you might learn some interesting stuff; [my own observation].
My mother was the disciplinarian, as my father; [who could rarely be bothered] would go overboard.
I didn't get "the shoe" but a couple of times; you know, those low-flat-heeled shoes? But yeah... I understand even better now about how kids will go feral, if unattended, Remember "Lord of the Flies?" ~ Geez.
.

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.

My grandmother and her shoe...holy moly! She would throw it even at the TV if her sports team lost. I think I remember a story or two about her chasing my dad with a fly swatter. He was a young adult home on military leave and came out his mouth wrong. I used to love to listen to older people tell stories when I was young. My dad had some great uncles back in his hometown and they were the greatest storytellers and I could listen by the hour. I was not required to be quiet and could share my opinions and thoughts as long as it was done respectfully but I somehow just knew when it was better to listen..whether it was tone of voice or actions...something I think many kids aren't taught today. Than again many adults lack common sense so how can they teach young ones.

~RoseBlack~

My mother had a ping-pong paddle that she would use on our butts. What she did, though, was insist that we make a trip to the basement to get our punishment. I think that the anticipation of those three swats did more to enforce future behavior than the actual punishment. She was a 3rd grade teacher, so she understood kids very well.

And, of course, there was the terrible: Wait until your father gets home!

She was also the source of much of our silliness. I can remember my father getting upset at all three of us for some lunacy we were perpetrating at the dinner table. She was as bad as we were.

Thanx,
Steve

LOL! Yes, I remember "Lord Of The Flies" I do not think George Orwell liked children but he had the right of them (in a group or otherwise) very well! I think I would have loved your mother and grandmother a lot. I learned the other part from my Dad, He taught me to turn invisible and make like a "hole"!

*hugs and Happy... eddy & cat

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