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Visions In The Fire

I sense a culmination
in close approximation...
It brings a shudder,
this sensation of
expected expiration.
Like embers glowing
in the campfire,
soon to burn out
like a dying note of
polished lyre.
I feel the winds have changed
carrying smoke
and fallen leaves
with the changing season.
My heart grieves
and yearns for
lost days gone by,
the ghosts that fly
in the face of
our awaited tomorrows...

Style / type: 
Free verse
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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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Comments

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

The poem "Visions In The Fire" effectively uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey a sense of impending end or transformation. The metaphor of the dying embers and the changing winds, for instance, create a powerful image of change and decay. The use of the lyre, a classical instrument, further enhances this sense of something ending.

However, the poem could benefit from more concrete imagery and specifics. While the abstract language creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, it also makes the poem somewhat vague. The reader might struggle to connect with the poem on a deeper level because they don't have a clear understanding of what the "culmination" or "expected expiration" refers to.

The poem could also benefit from a more consistent rhythm or rhyme scheme. The current structure of the poem is somewhat irregular, which can make it difficult for the reader to follow. A more consistent rhythm or rhyme scheme could help to guide the reader through the poem and enhance its overall impact.

The theme of the poem - a sense of impending end or transformation - is a powerful one, and the poem does a good job of conveying this theme. However, the poem could potentially explore this theme in more depth. For instance, the poem could delve into why the speaker feels this sense of impending end or transformation, or how they are dealing with these feelings.

In summary, while the poem effectively uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey a sense of impending end or transformation, it could benefit from more concrete imagery, a more consistent rhythm or rhyme scheme, and a deeper exploration of its central theme.

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the title is good, the language use good, except for one line. I would use [fallen] instead of defoliated leaves.
It is not free verse, but maybe an uneven rhyming scheme. Or maybe it is free verse.
Anyway, I like it and the only change I would make is that one line. ~ 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.

It just came out that way as if tumbling from my brain out through my fingers. I am pleased that you like it. Thanks for the suggestion.

*love, Cat

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

author comment

This brings to the forefront a new habit of mine: Classifying future events by the likelihood that I will be around to witness them. I don't remember when I started doing this, but it corresponds to that "change of season". I feel those winds very accutely these days.

The imagery is really appropriate for the subject. The emotions evoked are quite deep. This will, forever, change what I see when I stare into a fire. A well done poem.

Thanx,
Steve

Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem. I am glad you do not find it maudlin. I appreciate the lifetime of support you have given me...

**hugs, (the) Cat

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

author comment

Hi, Cat,
There is definitely something that happens when staring into a fire - either we are full of thoughts, or our minds are mesmerized and completely thoughtless. This is so pensive. I feel the contemplation about the changing season, and the changing time of life. "...a dying note of a polished lyre." Wonderful poetry.
Thank you,
L

I am more pensive, now in my later years... Fire is something that has always held my attention captive. now, it warms and comforts me and gives me the illusion that I, too, am a poet. thank you for reading, Lovely Lavender.

*hugs, Cat

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

author comment

That the end is near, visions within a fire are certainly powerful and telling. You captivate the feeling of impending doom in an elegant way in the line of "this sensation of expired expiration." You know it's coming, just a matter of when. Well done.

~RoseBlack~

thank you for reading...I feel those shadows clawing and reaching for me. the dwindling light from my fireplace holds them temporarily at bay! and I see many things in the flickering firelight...

*hugs, Cat

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

author comment

For me I feel that this stanza sums it up.

My heart grieves
and yearns for
lost days gone by,
the ghosts that fly
in the face of
our awaited tomorrows.....

Great poem

thank you so very much. it isn't very often that a reader/poet quotes their favorite lines of my poem back to me, I Like It!!! I appreciate you!

*hugs, Cat

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

author comment

with Clentin, those are your best lines ever! ~ 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.

Thank you for telling me this. It raised my spirits immeasurably!

*hugs & love, Cat

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

author comment
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