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

The poem "Addling" is a poignant reflection on the practice of addling the eggs of geese as a means of population control. The poet explores the conflicting emotions that arise from witnessing the process, acknowledging the necessity of the practice while also feeling a sense of cruelty and deception. The imagery is vivid and evocative, with descriptions of the geese as "destructive and messy," "aggressive, dangerous," and "downright mean." The contrast between this characterization and the tender devotion of the female goose as she nests over her eggs is particularly striking.

The poem effectively conveys a sense of sadness and loss as the pair of geese ultimately give up on their nest and walk away, leaving their eggs behind. The final image of the abandoned nest and the cold, lifeless eggs is powerful and haunting.

One suggested line edit would be to change "omitted" in the line "leaving their omitted family in a cluster of" to "abandoned." This would more clearly convey the sense of loss and abandonment that the poet is trying to convey.

Overall, "Addling" is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant poem that effectively captures the complexities of the human relationship with the natural world.

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

Never heard of that. But yeah that’ll suffocate an embryo.

This is a beautiful piece of that observational poetry style you’re so amazing at. Of course the poor geese are heartbroken but they are invasive and quite destructive. It’s still sad.

The eggs are quite edible if not fertilized. But how do you candle the eggs out in the field, I couldn’t say.

Nice work, sad story,
Tim

That is so sad and I've learned something new today, addling.

I agree with the bot on using the word abandoned, it would add additional depth to your piece and give the geese a more human representation and a familiar emotional response.

It is a perfect piece of story telling and your use of anthropomorphism in a way similar to fairy tales is expertly handled. Ruby :)

is what has to be done sometimes. I get the sensitivity, I guess that being a mother makes it easier to imagine what the geese are feeling. The final line is icing on the cake; "Cold now, to the touch". Great work! ~ Geez.
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...change out "suppressed" to "suffocated" if it fills the bill..
I learned something new today also.

Cheers!

Thomas

now that I read it over, that line really gives the piece dystopian impact. I certainly "feel" it now.

Thomas

I felt my heart breaking, I felt for them both, and then I read your afterword and my heart broke all over again.

This is absolutely brilliant. I felt bereft. It's the only word i can find at the moment that explains the feeling that this left me with.

Well Done!!

much love J xxx

I loved this - a poem full of emotional intent. I saw it all, and read it again. Lavender, there is such a bitter/ sweetness and so much emotion in this - thank you.