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Poacher’s Snare

Poacher’s Snare

In silent wood with anxious pace, I creep below broad bower,
And follow scent of early dawn, inhaling nature’s power.
Secret life in damp earth, hidden dark and deep,
The vixen and her cubs, protected as they sleep.

I take another covert step, close to her construction,
The vixen pokes her nose out black, distressed by interruption.
My sniper’s boot breaks a twig and cracks a violent round,
And nervous vixen terror froze, kits hidden underground.

Spring flowers close to my feet, lead me on fresh course,
Where song of birds cease suddenly, to silence nature’s force.
As green ferns wave fresh fronds in fossilised display,
A buzzard call rings death toll, is this the last spring day?

A pounding throb, wide-reaching wings, beating rhythm steady,
And wood life goes to ground, their wits do make them ready.
Medusa’s head turns me to stone, to penetrate my psyche
Her yellow eyes capture me, buzzard high as the almighty.

Behind me wait, I hear a cry, and wretched startled shriek,
Left alone mother gone, survival looking bleak.
A poacher’s snare applied with force, employer’s entertainment,
He knows his master’s voice and accepts the cruel arrangement.

Hunt masters cloaked in disguise, to veil falsehood and control,
Sport killing is illegal, but to gentry it’s their goal.
Recreational abuse, the landowner’s tradition,
One day they’ll face the wrath, our words their sole conviction.

Style / type: 
Structured: Western
Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?
Last few words: 
I've changed the name of this poem as poacher's snare tells it like it is. I'd like any comments on the subject matter. The rythm, imagery and tone. This is my reworked version as the one I posted yesterday felt flat.
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:

The Buzzard is a thought-provoking and intense poem that delves into the harsh realities of the hunting world. The poem's use of vivid imagery and sensory language creates a palpable atmosphere, immersing the reader in the narrator's experience.

The poem effectively highlights the cruelty and selfishness of poachers and hunters, using the buzzard as a metaphor for their predatory and destructive behavior. The juxtaposition of the buzzard's majestic and powerful presence with the vulnerable and helpless animals it preys on emphasizes the unfairness of the situation.

The poem's theme is clear and impactful, but some of the phrasing and syntax could be refined for greater clarity and flow. For example, in the first stanza, "broad bower" feels awkward and could be replaced with a more concise and descriptive phrase. Additionally, the line "And make the sound of bullets flying high from metal prism" could benefit from rewording to better match the poem's overall tone.

Overall, The Buzzard is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that effectively conveys a strong message. With some minor edits, it could further enhance the impact of its message.

Suggested line edit: "And make the sound of bullets flying high from metal prism" could be revised to "Its wings beat like bullets from a metal prism, a pounding throb that freezes me in place."

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

Neo. the AI has this one pretty much right. However, I don't see where the line:
"In silent wood with anxious pace, I creep below broad bower, is awkward.
Natures power needs an apostrophe: [nature's]

[Furrow] should be [B]urrow, a furrow is something that scratches or digs a trench
along the surface.

[trench] is not exactly the right word for the last line of the first stanza
I think [den] would be much better while preserving the meter.

I wouldn't present her babies as an army, when you are trying to make the case of
them being helpless. How about calling them by the proper name of [kits]?
The word [small] could be added to it, making it [small kits] underground.

Again, an apostrophe needed in [nature's].

I would seek another two lines to replace the first two in the fourth stanza.
Bullets are not usually used in fox hunts, and the use of prism as the source doesn't fit
with any kind of firearm I can think of.
I'm sure that there is a better way to express the idea of the employer and poacher
marking these kits for a lifetime of containment and eventual death.
I tried to think of it, but I fear I am beginning to rewrite your whole poem.

A tradition of the gentry, [landers] shortened, yet recognizable as landowners and recreation abusers
[again , a shortened version of a word easily recognizable. One last word change, [sole] accusers.

As always, twist it, use it, or abuse it, the advice is free. ~ Geezer.
.

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.

Thank you Geezer, much appreciated. I'll take another look tomorrow at your suggestions.
I'm thinking of using the word barrow instead of burrow, because it can be a tomb or grave?

I think the A I doesn't recognise aliteration as a poetic technique?

Many thanks agin, Ruby :)

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

author comment

that you are right. I do believe this particular AI has not been a poetry critic for long, but I have been assured that it is learning. I have seen changes in its direction to the writer. ~ Geezer.
.

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.

Hello, Ruby,
I appreciate this poem from the perspective of both a poet and a vegan. The subject matter is relevant and very clear. When read aloud, the poem has a nice, natural flow and your rhyme is tight and logical. The two lines regarding the poacher and the landlord feel a little forced, but the word "entertainment" is very strong and lends itself to the meaning of the poem. Possibly work it in from a different angle? Very much liked the imagery of the buzzard.
Thank you, Ruby!
Lavender

Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem. I've used your suggestions and reworked it and also used Geezers input. Having someone read your work is this environment is very good for me, thank you again :)

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

author comment

I like your changes! Flows really well, and the meaning is still strong.
L

I worked on it, as my point was not really coming across in the first one but I feel it is now although, it still could be more forceful, I don't want to spoil it now. :) Thank you for your comment, I feel supported here. x

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

author comment

made some changes and made it better, no doubt. Nicely done!
~ Geezer.
.

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.

Thank you Geezer, your support and direction are always beneficial :)

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

author comment
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