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

The poem titled "The Shadow Knows" employs a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB), which contributes to the overall flow and rhythm of the piece. The use of the refrain "Only the shadow knows" after each stanza effectively reinforces the central theme of the poem - the exploration of the hidden, darker aspects of the self.

However, the poem could benefit from more varied and nuanced language. For instance, the phrase "A dark clusters of thorns" in the second stanza could be revised for grammatical accuracy and to introduce more vivid or unexpected imagery. The same applies to the phrase "The blood turns black" in the penultimate stanza, where the imagery could be more nuanced to better evoke the intended emotions.

The poem also seems to shift in tone in the fourth stanza, where it introduces the concept of an external conflict ("A fighter hawk descends on a dove") rather than maintaining the focus on the internal, psychological conflict. This shift could potentially confuse readers and dilute the impact of the poem's central theme. It might be beneficial to revise this stanza to better align with the rest of the poem.

Lastly, the poem could benefit from a more definitive conclusion. The final line "How far can you run into the mouth of darkness?" leaves the poem somewhat open-ended, which might not provide the most satisfying closure for readers. A more conclusive ending could help to reinforce the poem's message and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

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Hello, Sen,
Your poem gives me pause - and the shivers. We all have a dark side caused by envy, jealousy, mostly fear. You've described these feelings and the inner turmoil so very well. (Now I'm off to read some poetry about daffodils and singing birds!) :)
Well done.
L

I was introduced to The Shadow as a five or six year old, by my father
who used to listen to the program on the radio, late night Friday or Saturday.
Later in life, I acquired an old many-band radio,
capable of receiving very weak stations from around the globe.
A lot of college AM stations used to play old radio programs and I caught many Shadow
and Amos and Andy, Hardy Boys Mystery Hour etc. The Shadow is one of my favorites.
You have taken a catch-phrase from sixty, maybe seventy years ago,
and turned it into a good poem that raises questions about humanity.
I like the title, your language use is good, and logical. I would however, take a look at the last two lines.
I'm not sure that you need them, but if you insist on having a last word or warning,
try combining the two lines together. Maybe like:

"Shadows longer in the evening sun
how far from the mouth of darkness?"

As always, feel free to use, twist or trash anything you need, or don't need. ~ Geezer.
.

Your poem makes me want to look into The Shadow to see what I can find! There was a movie with Alec Baldwin playing the Shadow several years ago. Thanks for arousing my interest.

*hugs, Cat

Sheesh

I got chills