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GHOSTS

Underneath an old floor lamp
I sit as wee hours approach.
Outside the world is cold and damp.
Ghosts of bygone days encroach
while old songs play on the radio.

Ghosts of friends from the dim past,
some drifted to the other side,
I hope they all found peace at last
where their shadows all abide
and only soft winds ever blow.

I close my eyes yet I still see
things and people now gone;
flickering there endlessly
in the past's eternal yawn.
With passing years they grow and grow.

Outside the stars begin to fade
taking with them one more night.
A barred owl hoots beyond the glade
although near its out of sight.
as daylight begins to show.

I yawn, stretch and flex new knees
"Sound of Silence" on the radio,
then cough and stifle a sudden sneeze.
I groan as I slowly stand
then off to bed I go.

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content
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Comments

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

This poem effectively uses imagery and sensory language to create a vivid and melancholic atmosphere. The use of the ghosts as a metaphor for the past and its lingering presence is a compelling choice. However, the poem could benefit from a more consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme to enhance its musicality and flow.

The first three stanzas follow a specific rhyme scheme (ABABA), but this pattern is disrupted in the fourth and fifth stanzas. Maintaining a consistent rhyme scheme throughout the poem could help to create a more cohesive and harmonious reading experience.

Additionally, while the poem's language is generally clear and evocative, there are a few instances where the wording could be more precise. For example, in the line "I hope they all found peace at last," the use of "they" is somewhat ambiguous. It might be more effective to specify who "they" refers to, such as "I hope these ghosts found peace at last," to create a stronger connection with the preceding stanza.

Lastly, the poem's rhythm varies from stanza to stanza, which can disrupt the flow of the poem. For instance, the first stanza has a rhythm of 8-6-8-8-8 syllables per line, while the second stanza has a rhythm of 8-8-8-6-6. Establishing a more consistent rhythm could enhance the poem's musicality and make it more engaging to read.

In conclusion, while this poem effectively creates a vivid and melancholic atmosphere through its use of imagery and sensory language, it could be improved by maintaining a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, and by using more precise language.

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

you need to check your algorithms. the rhymes are consistent throughout. But I Am aware the rhythm is off in places

author comment

You always astound me with your poetic prowess... I loved this poem of reflection. my favorite lines are in these verses:

I close my eyes yet I still see
things and people now gone;
flickering there endlessly
in the past's eternal yawn.
With passing years they grow and grow.

Outside the stars begin to fade
taking with them one more night.
A barred owl hoots beyond the glade
although near its out of sight.
as daylight begins to grow.

*super hugs, Cat

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

I hope you and Steve are doing well. Thank you for the visit and your kind words

author comment

Steven says "hello" to you and wishes you his best. Here, it looks like an early Spring! I am happy about that, lol. How are you and beautiful Susan getting on?

*hugs, Cat

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

We are doing well except Susan is having headaches. But I can't help what I am lol. We have a lot of trees blooming here but I fear a lot will be killed back by a freeze next week.

author comment

We are doing well except Susan is having headaches. But I can't help what I am lol. We have a lot of trees blooming here but I fear a lot will be killed back by a freeze next week.

author comment

hello to Susan, too!

*big hugs, Cat

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

Hi, Stan,
What a beauty this is. I like the rhyme pattern, very different, but flows nice and smooth. I myself can imagine thinking of ghosts of bygone days (their numbers ever increasing) while hearing the barred owl hooting. The reference to "Sounds of Silence" is so serene. In the fourth stanza, last line, could you possibly have meant "glow"? I noticed you used "grow" in the previous stanza. Just a thought.
Thank you,
L

I actually meant to use grow twice but am not happy with having do so as closely together as I did.I appreciate your coming by

author comment

I like your revision!
L

Good! I do a good bit of editing over time to even my older poems

author comment
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