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Directions

I want simplicity - a clear cut path.
I want a big yellow road sign pointing me where to go, and a GPS, kindly reminding me which exit to get off at.
I want the robed figures on my tarot cards to open their mouths and speak to me, to give me some directions I can scrawl on scrap paper and pin to my cork board.
I want my professor to teach me about purpose-
what should I do with my life? Who should I love?
Biology is boring I want the real stuff.
Tell me what clubs to join, what people to avoid.
What to eat, How to be hungry.
There must be some kind of formula?
Some book I haven’t cracked open yet?

I want a sculptor to remold me, to rub slip over my cracks until my skin is smooth as my aunts fancy granite countertops.
I want him to whisper into my clay ears what city to live in, what job to have, who to be friends with.
What to put on my resume, what classes it’s okay to skip.
I want the road maps, the guidebook, the life 101 textbook.
I want to know if the direction I’m headed is the right one, before I get lost and turned around, too old and brittle to find the road again.
I want the cicadas outside my window to hum me to sleep, and in their gentle music, I want to hear the response to the question I just can’t seem to answer:
Who should I be and how should I be her?

Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
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Comments

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

The poem "Directions" effectively uses metaphor and imagery to convey a sense of longing for guidance and certainty in life. The vividness of the imagery, such as the "big yellow road sign" and "robed figures on my tarot cards", helps to engage the reader and make the poem's theme more relatable.

However, the poem could benefit from a more consistent rhythm and meter. The varying line lengths and rhythms can make the poem feel disjointed and can distract from the central message. Experimenting with a more consistent structure could help to enhance the flow of the poem and make it more engaging for the reader.

The poem also tends to tell rather than show. For example, "Biology is boring I want the real stuff" could be more effectively conveyed through a concrete image or metaphor that encapsulates the speaker's dissatisfaction with their current learning and their desire for more meaningful knowledge.

The use of questions throughout the poem effectively conveys the speaker's confusion and uncertainty. However, the poem could benefit from a stronger conclusion that either resolves some of these questions or leaves the reader with a powerful image or thought to ponder.

Finally, the poem could benefit from more varied and creative language. While the language used is clear and straightforward, experimenting with more poetic and unusual word choices could help to make the poem more memorable and impactful.

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

Hello, MM,
I have a feeling all of the important questions and wonders will all be answered and fulfilled when we simply stop, sit down, study the stars and accept life for what it is - simple and with as little defined direction as possible. Much to contemplate here.
Thank you!
L

Hi Lavender! You are very wise as always. I took your advice the other day and had a lovely little stargazing night with my friends :) it was very peaceful and I had the most wonderful time. Thanks for the inspiration!!
-MM

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I'm so happy for you!
Lx

I have to agree with Lavender.... and am reassured of my early feelings and thoughts of you. You seek the answers to many mysteries in your life and I have no doubt you will find the answers. I envy the energy of your unbridled youth!

*hugs, Cat

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

Thank you so much Cat! Your kind comments always make my day :)

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