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

In the poem "SHADOWS," the exploration of loss and longing is evident. To enhance the poem's impact and clarity, consider the following suggestions:

1. Imagery: The poem uses imagery like "river rising," "storm clouds form," and "ever-present shadows" to create a sense of impending doom. To strengthen the imagery, consider using more specific and vivid descriptions. For example, instead of "storm clouds form," you could use "thunderheads gather" to create a more intense atmosphere.

2. Punctuation: The punctuation in the poem is inconsistent, which can make it difficult for readers to follow the intended rhythm. To improve readability, consider adding commas and periods where appropriate. For example, in the line "I know that you knew too," it would be clearer to add a comma after "knew" to separate the two clauses.

3. Line breaks: The poem's line breaks could be more intentional to emphasize specific moments or ideas. For instance, in the stanza "Perhaps you never knew / I loved you as you were," consider breaking the line after "never knew" to create a stronger pause and emphasize the speaker's regret.

4. Rhyme scheme: The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme, which can be effective in creating a sense of unity. However, some of the rhymes feel forced, such as "swarm" and "form." To maintain the rhyme scheme without compromising the poem's content, consider revising these lines or exploring alternative words that create a more natural rhyme.

5. Emotional depth: The poem's exploration of loss and longing is powerful, but it could benefit from a deeper exploration of the speaker's emotions. Consider adding more details about the speaker's relationship with the person they have lost, as well as their feelings of guilt, regret, or sadness. This will help readers connect more deeply with the poem's themes.

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

I enjoyed your poem. The flow, rhyme and rhythm are good. For me it spoke of loss and love, subjects poets love to write about. I think your near rhyme, was good and I accepted it without thinking about it, unlike the AI, so he doesn't always add significance to the critique. Ruby :)

The flow and language move together in harmony. The story behind it is emotive and resonates with me. Loving someone with reoccurring demons is a challenge but we somehow do it anyway. Losing them is by far the worst heartbreak one has ever felt. It is a different kind of bond and connection and I think you conveyed that here. Well done.