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I Am Done

I am done walking the jungle
Like the pilgrim of the southern
On the pebbles of the river
Under the shadow of the trees
In comfort of the smelling grasses
That drenched with cow-dungs in the scorching sun
I rode the crest of the wave of the pleb,
When cloud overcasted
When nobody would give me a piggyback,
A ragtag boy singing alone,
Splashed the puddles and smashed down the weeds
When I ran like a late school boy.

I am done walking the jungle
With a pet name ‘The King of the Jungle’
Ragged pickaninny in the campus
I was proud of my name since I knew it would soon come to an end

The best time of the jungle was the cold time
When the breeze held me in ransom
With the excitement of the birds
Lowering, curving, and circling the trees
When the dust loomed up
During the sharp time of the year.

Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction): 
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content
Opt-in: Neopoet AI will critique your poem.

Comments

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

The poem "I Am Done" is a vivid exploration of the speaker's experiences and emotions, using rich imagery and metaphors. The poem's strength lies in its evocative descriptions of the natural world and the speaker's interaction with it.

However, the poem could benefit from a clearer thematic focus. While the speaker's journey through the jungle and the emotions associated with it are compelling, the poem doesn't clearly communicate a central theme or idea. This can make it difficult for readers to connect with the poem on a deeper level.

The poem also uses a mix of formal and informal language, which can be confusing. For example, the term "pickaninny" is a derogatory term for a black child, and its use here is jarring and potentially offensive. It's recommended to use language that is consistent in tone and appropriate for the poem's subject matter.

The poem's structure could also be improved. The repetition of the phrase "I am done walking the jungle" can be effective, but the poem might benefit from more varied sentence structures and a more consistent rhythm. This could help to create a more engaging reading experience.

Lastly, the poem's use of metaphors and similes is effective, but they could be developed further. For example, the metaphor of the speaker as a "King of the Jungle" is intriguing, but it's not clear what this means in the context of the poem. Developing this metaphor further could help to deepen the poem's meaning and impact.

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

Let's start with the fact that I disagree with the neopoet ai response, point for point, on every criticism.

To address the particular areas you have elected to focus a review/response on:

The theme I think is particularly engaging. I enjoyed the metaphors and unique turn of phrases. Your style is very nostalgic, like some of the works I might have studied in school.

I really like the ending/last stanza and I think that it brings out a strong and familiar sensation of connectedness like in lines 3, 4 and 5. It did however feel to me a bit detached from the rest of the poem. I felt like I wasn't ready for the transition into your last stanza. I think this has something to do with the the phrasing—the subject of the stanza changing from the speaker, like in the previous stanzas, to the jungle itself. Anyways, it may not be jarring to you or others. Please take it lightly.

I'm don't think I can complain at all about the internal logic. The metaphors and imagery weren't confusing and didn't conflict.

Overall I really like this reflection. I like how the line structure feels loose but still manages a certain cadence. I think you were very successful in using diction to creating an engaging and compelling tone

raffy

I like your critique.
Thanks for the hopeful words.

"Words are currency of ideas and have the power to change world. Ride your pen on the rough road."

author comment

I like your critique.
Thanks for the hopeful words.

"Words are currency of ideas and have the power to change world. Ride your pen on the rough road."

author comment

Yes, I agree with Raffy - this is a really interesting poem, full of surprises.

You have your own, distinct voice: bravo.

I saw and felt the metaphors. I didn't find them confusing. I found them different and powerful.

I was thrown by the word 'pickaninny' - but I assume you used for your own reason? Thought maybe, you had chosen it deliberately, as a word that used agains't you? If so, it hurts, but it's strong.

Cant wait to see your next one.

Jenifer Jaspa James

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