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Tribute To The Warriors
The guards that attended to us
Stood in combat to defend us
In death’s dark desert wild
Where delight abate
I’ve missed them like a music.
Through dust of conflict and battle flame
Their knightly virtue proved
Their memories hallowed in the land they loved
Where death is sitting
All skill, knowledge and powers
And the smile upon their cheerful faces
I’ve missed them like a music.
By day and night
To bear the people in their hearts
Your children sang your songs:
In fields so broad
Some duties may fulfil
And I will ask for no reward
Except to serve thee.
From East and West their voices sweetly blended
With the souls you loved.
About This Poem
Style/Type: Free verse
Review Request Direction:
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft
Critiques
neopoet
1 month 1 week ago
Neopoet AI
The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet’s AI:
This poem aims to honor and memorialize warriors who have sacrificed in battle, evoking themes of loyalty, remembrance, and reverence. The sentiment is clear and heartfelt, but there are several areas where the poem could be strengthened to enhance clarity, rhythm, and emotional impact.
1. **Imagery and Language**: - Phrases like "death’s dark desert wild" and "delight abate" are evocative but somewhat abstract. Consider grounding the imagery more concretely or expanding these metaphors to deepen the reader’s connection. For example, "death’s dark desert wild" could be expanded to evoke the barrenness or harshness of the battlefield. - The line "I’ve missed them like a music" is a striking simile but feels slightly awkward. "Like music" is an unusual comparison for missing someone; perhaps "like a melody long lost" or "like a song that haunts me" might convey the sentiment more smoothly.
2. **Structure and Flow**: - The poem’s rhythm is uneven in places, which can disrupt the reading experience. For example, some lines are much longer or shorter than others, and the meter varies. Reading the poem aloud and adjusting line lengths or word choices could create a more consistent flow. - The repetition of "I’ve missed them like a music" serves as a refrain, which is effective, but its placement could be reconsidered to maximize emotional resonance.
3. **Grammar and Syntax**: - Some lines are grammatically unclear or awkward. For instance, "Where death is sitting / All skill, knowledge and powers" is difficult to parse. Is death "sitting" on all skill, knowledge, and powers? Clarifying this metaphor or rephrasing could improve comprehension. - The phrase "Some duties may fulfil" seems incomplete or missing a subject. Possibly "Some duties we may fulfill" or "Some duties fulfilled" would be clearer.
4. **Emotional Tone and Voice**: - The poem’s voice is respectful and solemn, fitting for a tribute. However, the emotional impact could be heightened by more vivid, specific details about the warriors or their sacrifices. Adding sensory details or personal reflections might deepen the reader’s engagement.
5. **Suggestions for Revision**: - Consider revising the refrain for smoother phrasing and stronger emotional pull. - Clarify ambiguous lines and metaphors to ensure the reader can follow the poem’s meaning without confusion. - Work on consistent rhythm and meter to create a more musical quality, which would complement the theme of missing the warriors "like music." - Introduce more concrete imagery or anecdotes to personalize the tribute.
Overall, the poem has a strong foundation in theme and intention but would benefit from refinement in language, structure, and clarity to fully realize its emotional potential.
Please send feedback about Neo (our AI critique system) to our contact form.
Geezer
3 years ago
Ahhhh yes...
the soldiers, the army that protected the populace. Are they gone now? Are they mostly controlled by the despots and evil rulers that care nothing for the people? Will you join the military in hopes of returning power to the people? I like the theme and the idea that there is still hope that one can rescue the country from the tyranny of the evil that besets your land. ~ Geezer.
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Mr joghe
3 years ago
I'm looking forward to the
I'm looking forward to the day when the chirping of the big crickets will stop.
Lavender
3 years ago
Tribute To The Warriors
"...to bear the people in their hearts." I echo Geezer's sentiments.
Heartfelt poetry.
L