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Marked!

With a solid winter wind
she blew out from the east
racing on skis with long strides
slicing through iridescent snow...

Remington Riffle slung low,
secured, over her back.
Shells in deep pockets,
of the blue nylon vest...
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Destination target west!
Feel the dot of red light
from a good mile away,
count the seconds as they fly.

Time in a heartbeat on high
a fraction of a single breath
when you put it to the test
impact is swift and final!

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What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
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Last few words: 
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Comments

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

The poem "Marked!" presents a vivid and dramatic scene, effectively using imagery and rhythm to convey a sense of urgency and tension. However, there are a few areas where the poem could be improved.

Firstly, the poem could benefit from a more consistent rhythm. The lines vary significantly in length, which can disrupt the flow of the poem. For example, the line "Remington Riffle slung low," is much shorter than the following line, "secured, over her back." This inconsistency can be jarring for the reader.

Secondly, the use of punctuation could be more effective. The ellipsis at the end of the fourth and eighth lines suggests a pause or continuation, but it's unclear why these particular moments are being emphasized.

Lastly, the phrase "Destination target west!" is somewhat confusing. If the target is to the west, it might be clearer to say something like "Target: West!" or "Heading west to the target!"

In terms of imagery, the poem does a good job of painting a vivid picture. The "solid winter wind," "iridescent snow," and "dot of red light" are all strong, evocative images. However, the poem could benefit from more sensory details. What does the wind feel like? What sound does the snow make under her skis? These kinds of details can make the scene even more immersive for the reader.

Overall, the poem has a strong foundation and with some revision, it could be even more effective.

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I can hear the rhyme in snow and low, and vest and west, but I don't knwo who the poem is about?
Your poem left me wanting to know more and it was intriguing.
I'll come back later, I'll have a think. Ruby :) xx

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

I know what and who, [not specifically who] it is about. It is about the athlete that takes part in the Winter Olympics.
I think it is called a Biathlon, a combination of cross-country skiing and target shooting. The red light in the distance is the timer. I kind of like the distance that is put between the reader and the athlete; a feeling like you are out there all alone. Nice job, ~ Geez.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

I am chuffed that you viewed it as such. thank you so very much, my friend!

*hugs, Cat and happy New Year's Eve!

*
When someone reads your work
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author comment

This is really great. I could feel the movement in your poem as I was gliding over the snow.
Great job, excellent imagery and I loved the final stanza and the target was brought into play, loved it, Ruby :) xxx

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

for reading and commenting. I'm so glad you liked it. Something a bit different from me.

*hugs, Cat

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

author comment

Yes it is very different for you and enjoyable. I love the pictures you painted in my imagination. Ruby :) xx

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

Every now and then something new fires in my brain pan. I am glad you enjoyed it!

*hugs, Cat

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

author comment

And as always fantastic. I had a different take of a woman on the run...perhaps trying to escape someone or something that was chasing her. I could hear the skis on the snow and feel her urgency to go faster. I thought what a creative way to escape! My characters are usually scaling buildings but this one is on skis!! Very clever making the reader see this differently from the reader before

~RoseBlack~

I wanted to give everyone here something to think about and to find their own interpretation and conclusion. >{^*;*^}< thank you for reading and telling me yours.

*love, Cat

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

author comment

On my first read through it, I thought it was an "eddy" poem with the the target of the pursuit a human. After re-reading it, I realized that it was not. I've watched the biathalon once or twice. I've always found it fascinating that someone can push themselves on the skis, then stop and reach the stillness necessary for good marksmanship. I almost imagined myself on those skis. Good work.

Thanx,
Steve

yes! I am in awe of the skill and presence of mind to still the feelings and make the shot!

*love Cat

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

author comment
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