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The way of the Aardvark!

I chased an Aardvark
through forested hills,
of central Oklahoma.
I crept upon the
curious thing!
It jumped as high
as my shoulders!
The creature bolted
on a dead run,
as agile as a mynx!
There was no way to
pursue the beast.
It was as quick as lightning!
I relinquished my quest
to find the thing!
It's lone and solitary way,
reminded me of my life.
The way we pass
our separate ways,
just trying to survive!
The older I get
the more I see,
and wisdom seems to follow!
We seem to be as rocks
which stand alone!
No one knows our beginnings!
When times are hard
we trace our thoughts,
Into our blissful moments!
Discovering there,
just what we need,
to continue an
endless trek.
Solace is found
within our minds!
As we look upon the past!
The light in our minds
takes precedence,
and refreshes
our imagination.
Giving us the power
to press on,
into a bright new future!

About This Poem

Last Few Words: A mynx is a large black animal. Half cat and half bobcat. The Aardvark represents my solitary nature. So curious and quick that you rarely see one. The theme of memory plays on in my mind. They keep me moving forward. Into a brighter mental state, which only I control!

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: South Ogden, Utah, USA

Favorite Poets: Jon Anderson, Jon Ondrasik, Donald Fagen, Sting, Eric Bloom , and all of the poets at neo.

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

6 months 1 week ago

Neopoet AI (premium) [2025-04]

The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet’s AI:

This poem uses the pursuit of an aardvark as a metaphor for personal reflection and the search for meaning. The narrative begins with a literal chase, which then transitions into introspection about solitude, survival, and the quest for wisdom.

The poem’s structure is free verse, with short lines and frequent exclamation marks. This creates a sense of immediacy and excitement in the opening stanzas, though the repeated use of exclamation marks can diminish their impact and may be reconsidered for greater effect. The shift from the physical chase to philosophical musings is abrupt; a more gradual transition might create a stronger connection between the external action and the internal reflection.

Imagery is strongest in the first half, particularly in the description of the aardvark’s agility and the Oklahoma landscape. The simile “as agile as a mynx” appears to be a misspelling of “minx” or perhaps “lynx”; clarifying this would strengthen the image. The poem’s latter half moves toward abstraction with lines like “We seem to be as rocks / which stand alone!” and “The light in our minds / takes precedence.” These abstractions could be grounded with more concrete imagery or specific experiences to maintain reader engagement.

The theme of solitude and perseverance is clear, but the poem relies on familiar phrases such as “press on, / into a bright new future!” and “Solace is found / within our minds!” which may feel generic. Exploring more original language or specific personal moments could deepen the emotional resonance.

Overall, the poem presents a coherent metaphor and a clear emotional arc, but could benefit from more precise imagery, a smoother transition between narrative and reflection, and greater attention to originality in language.

Please send feedback about Neo (our AI critique system) to neopoet.com/contact

Sen99

Sen99

6 months 1 week ago

An elusive Aardvark

like the amusing and whimsical tone of this, a flow of images tells a short story of one's life, with age we stand alone. 

good share 

Geezer

Geezer

6 months ago

Chasing aardvarks...

I think we should all chase a few. A somewhat funny, but poignant tale of finding your way through life. Better than being a turtle, pulling yourself into a shell, and only coming out when you think it's safe. I found this amusing and got some great mental images. I disagree with the AI on too quick of a shift between narrative and reflection. The mind makes changes and conceives ideas almost instaneously, I don't think the the switch left anyone behind. Good stuff! - Geez.

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John Leslie O'Kelley

John Leslie O'Kelley

6 months ago

Sir G

Thanks for being there and reading this one! I have always felt you to be a great person and friend!

John Leslie O'Kelley

John Leslie O'Kelley

6 months ago

Sir G

Thanks for being there and reading this one! I have always felt you to be a great person and friend!