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Once Upon A Time - Neopoet Challenge

In a land far away,
or perhaps, not so far,
a lonely child would play
beneath the Northern Star.

The star would shine up high,
and never leave its place
there in the northern sky,
there in its hallowed space.

The child would long to touch
the lovely, loyal light,
small fingers can't reach much
though try as hard, they might.

The two remained apart,
as ocean is from land,
yet driven from the heart
to fully understand

that many who are lost
need only one good friend
to journey waters crossed,
and bridges round the bend.

The star guarded the child
during uncharted years.
Each trial was reconciled
as light cast out the fears.

Soon, "once upon a time"
and "land so far away"
became this little rhyme
about a child at play.

Alone, or side by side,
in lands both near and far,
the wise child seeks the guide -
Polaris, the North Star.

Style / type: 
Structured: Western
Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
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:

This poem demonstrates a strong understanding of rhythm and rhyme, with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme throughout. The meter is also consistent, which helps to create a soothing, rhythmic reading experience.

The narrative of the poem is clear and engaging, telling the story of a child and their relationship with the North Star. The use of the North Star as a symbol for guidance and friendship is effective and adds depth to the poem.

However, the poem could benefit from more vivid and specific imagery. While the current descriptions are adequate, they could be more evocative. For example, instead of saying "a tiny child would play beneath the Northern Star," the poet could describe what the child is doing, or what the night sky looks like. This would help to create a more immersive experience for the reader.

The poem also uses a lot of abstract language, especially in the second half. Phrases like "journey waters crossed," and "bridges round the bend" are somewhat vague and could be clarified.

Lastly, the final stanza introduces a new idea - the child seeking the guide. This is a compelling concept, but it feels somewhat abrupt because it hasn't been foreshadowed or built up to in the rest of the poem. The poet might consider revising earlier stanzas to include hints of this idea, so that the final stanza feels like a natural conclusion to the poem.

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

will consider the suggestions.
L

author comment

Love this Lavender, what a great poem.

I got so much from reading it, but the sense of the star guiding us home is so strong you will not believe what I saw in your words and all the scenes I imagined plus the stories I've remembered.

I think for people in the northern hemisphere it probably has more emotional meaning based on history and culture? It did for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you. Ruby :)

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

The North Star is intriguing. Always there, a loyal guide for ships and landlubbers alike. Seemed a symbolic subject for a "Once Upon A Time" tale.
Thank you for reading!
L

author comment

I lived your poem. Each of us needs that guiding star. Your poem reflects the very nature and the stories that we all have.

Much to love about the North Star - our loyal guide through the ages.
Thank you for reading!
L

author comment

I remember looking at the stars as a child and wanting to be closer. I remember thinking if I could touch them, sit on them and explore the night sky. My dad taught me the constellations and I could see the shapes. Orion was my favorite. Thank you for giving me back those memories I buried long ago. Well done

~RoseBlack~

Wow, what beautiful memories you have. I'm touched if this brought anything so positive to mind.
Thank you for sharing!
L

author comment
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