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

The poem "When I Left You" explores the speaker's journey from blind faith to critical thinking. The use of religious imagery and language is effective in conveying the weight of the speaker's past beliefs and how they have come to question them. The contrast between the speaker's initial devotion and their eventual realization of the manipulative tactics used by their church is well-executed.

One suggestion for a line edit would be to change "I comprehend I am blessed for the act of my believing" to "I once believed I was blessed for the act of my believing." This adjustment would make it clearer that the speaker no longer holds this belief, and it would strengthen the contrast between their past and present perspectives.

Overall, "When I Left You" is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the complexities of faith and how it can be used to control and manipulate. The language is evocative and the message is clear, making it a powerful piece of writing.

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Although I was not raised in Catholicism, I grew up in a community that was 90% Catholic. My parents belonged to a Baptist church, so I got an evangelical indoctrination, which included going to bible camp in the summer. I can remember the late night discussions during Boy Scout camp outs regarding who was right. I was a good little Christian soldier. However, I began questioning it all in college. Eventually, I came to the same conclusion as you did. It is simply a means of control. It's a hard lesson to learn that the people who loved you also brainwashed you. Your poem evokes the feelings that are each part of the journey. Well done.

Thank you for your thoughtful poem that was well written. Most of all, thank you for having the courage to say in poem what many of have learned when we allowed ourselves to think beyond our youthful teachings.

As you have commented, the poem is not for everybody, but everybody can learn to appreciate other's point of view, even if they choose to disagree.

I for one believe organized religion is a load of (*%&#$) although I respect those who choose to believe otherwise.

that shows a very good grasp of rhyme and near-rhyme, the rhythm and pace are brilliant with one exception being the word [bright] in the line:
"Stained glass windows catch my eye on bright Sunday evening". I think that you could dispense with the [bright] and replace it with an [a]. This would make for a smoother line. I will not debate the question of organized religion and beliefs here, other than to say; "Walls and candles, stained glass windows and singing hymns, do not make a church or prayers more valid.
~ Geezer.
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Impressive rhythm and rhyming throughout as Geezer pointed out. I think you’ve got a handle on the mechanics of poetry and a good vocabulary and expressive style.

I was a compelled catholic. What a circus. My mother insisted on mass and catechism and confirmation. I wore pentagram laden Slayer t-shirts with like ritual sacrifices on mountains of skulls in teenage protest. Their indoctrination really damaged my self esteem and I’m still in therapy over some of it today 30 years later. One thing I liked about church was the organ and it comes through in my recordings as I use a lot of Hammond B3 sounds.

Nice job
Tim