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Breathe again
Making America breathe again —
Pull up a chair, have a seat.
It’s going to be the best, my friend.
We need more than a border fence —
Leaders that don’t treat us
Like we are just another expense.
I’m trying really hard to understand
How elected citizens can
Not wake up and see our homeland.
Maybe I’m missing ingredients.
I must be disoriented —
Or allergic to this nonsense.
We need to reconsider —
Or at least admit:
We’re better off bitter.
What news do you talk about?
Better off asking a parrot
Than waiting for media to figure it out.
You voted blue, and you red.
Uh, how about America?
Thought it should be said.
Stuck again on repeat —
Do you think
We’re going to leave
Anything for enemies to defeat?
Um, sorry to spill the truth —
Maybe America lost her wits
When they took her wisdom tooth.
Instead of fighting each other,
Let’s pick candidates
That signed up to
Heal the United States.
This isn’t America anymore —
More like a clearance rack
In another bankrupt store.
I’m just one voice —
Just don’t walk around
Saying we have no choice.
We can have new senators
That are not seen
As wide open doors.
So, do we fight this disease,
Or think we’re okay
With a “we will do better —
Vote for us, please”?
About This Poem
Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft
Comments
neopoet
11 months 1 week ago
Neopoet AI (Premium) - version 3.0
The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:
The poem attempts to address contemporary political and social issues through direct, conversational language. However, several areas could benefit from revision and refinement:
1. **Consistency of Tone and Voice:**
The poem shifts between casual, conversational language ("Um," "Uh," "my friend") and more serious, rhetorical statements. This inconsistency weakens the overall impact. Consider choosing either a consistently informal or formal voice to maintain coherence and strengthen the poem’s message.
2. **Imagery and Metaphor:**
The poem uses metaphors ("America lost her wits when they took her wisdom tooth," "clearance rack in another bankrupt store") that are somewhat disconnected from each other. Clarifying or unifying these metaphors could enhance the poem’s coherence and emotional resonance.
3. **Rhyme and Rhythm:**
While rhyme is employed, the rhyme scheme and rhythm are inconsistent, making the flow somewhat uneven. Consider either fully embracing a structured rhyme scheme or intentionally adopting free verse. The current approach, which fluctuates between rhyme and free verse, detracts from the poem’s readability and effectiveness.
4. **Depth and Originality of Commentary:**
The poem expresses general frustration with political divisions and media, but it remains largely at the surface level. To elevate the poem, consider exploring specific examples or nuanced insights that go beyond common sentiments. This specificity could help the reader connect more deeply with the poem’s concerns.
5. **Clarity of Message and Purpose:**
The poem’s central message about unity and responsible leadership is clear, but it is somewhat diluted by repetitive or vague statements ("We’re better off bitter," "We’re going to leave anything for enemies to defeat?"). Streamlining and clarifying these lines would strengthen the poem’s overall argument.
In revision, consider focusing on a more consistent tone, clearer imagery, and deeper exploration of the themes to enhance the poem’s impact.
Please send feedback about Neo (our computer generated critique system) to https://www.neopoet.com/contact
Rula
11 months 1 week ago
Hello Paul
One thing I can say, frustration is clear through out and between the lines. You must know that the frustration here in the Arab world is deeper and it's killing people.
The whole world is morally breaking down and we're just watching.
I understand the feeling :(
Thank you for sharing!
Frederick Kesner
11 months 1 week ago
Unity beyond party lines- now
Unity beyond party lines- now there is something we haven't seen for decades. Are we one people or not!?THe healing of what divides rather than exploit its weaknesses is key. We have to fight to stay together or all lose we have to reclaim and exercise agency! Your poem tells us that choice, action, and awareness still matter.I love the cynical tone that challenges and sparks change.
Lavender
11 months 1 week ago
Breathe Again
Hello, Paul,
Where is our beloved country? Heartbreaking. Much work to do making our way to the 2026 elections!
Thank you for this!
L