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Swings and roundabouts

Who will write the nursery rhymes?
Or tell the tales of old
Spring days
Long summer days
the Autumn days of gold
With winter days so cold
For the children have stopped singing
The playground is still
And the swings have ceased their swinging
No knock and run
Or just for fun
Making games up
And trying their luck
No clapping games
Or simple tag.
Not like the
Childhood
You and I had
It makes me rather sad
To think we might be the last
We who played outside
In days long ago and past.

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

Title: Swings and roundabouts

In this poem, the speaker laments the loss of traditional childhood games and activities, comparing the past to the present. The poem effectively evokes nostalgia and a sense of sadness for a bygone era.

1. Structure and Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter. This choice allows for a more conversational tone, which suits the theme of reminiscing about the past. However, the poem could benefit from a more consistent structure to create a sense of cohesion and balance.

2. Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the different seasons and the activities associated with them. The mention of "spring days," "long summer days," "autumn days of gold," and "winter days so cold" effectively conveys the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. The image of the "playground is still" and "swings have ceased their swinging" effectively conveys the sense of loss and emptiness that the speaker feels.

3. Language and Tone: The poem's language is simple and direct, which complements the theme of childhood and innocence. The tone is nostalgic and melancholic, as the speaker reflects on the past and the changes that have occurred since then. The use of phrases such as "no knock and run," "making games up," and "trying their luck" effectively captures the spontaneity and creativity of childhood play.

4. Theme: The poem's theme is the loss of traditional childhood activities and the passage of time. The speaker expresses sadness for the disappearance of these activities and the potential that future generations may not experience them. This theme is relevant and relatable, as it touches on the universal experience of growing older and the inevitable changes that come with it.

To improve the poem, consider working on the structure and form to create a more cohesive and balanced piece. Additionally, explore the possibility of incorporating more specific examples of childhood games and activities to further strengthen the imagery and evoke a stronger emotional response from the reader.

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

Not sure the childhood that we had is completely lost to the kids of today,
though, it does seem to be diminishing and evermore dehumanising
in this realm of ones n zeros, a virtual world sends shivers down my spine
compared to my grazed knees of yesteryear,,,,,, but, they have nothing to
compare their childhood with,,,, 'till they are old gits like us.

BTW, I was great at "husky fusky finger or thumb".

Oh, Your poem was great too.

Obi.

I should get here before the AI, it has left me with nothing to say, excepting to agree with the well-deserved praise.
Nice job!
~ Geezer.
.

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