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Keep yourself alive!

That jackass keeps
braying and kicking.
Be careful not to
step behind!

A hoof to the head,
just might kill you.
This beast could
care less if you die!

People are often
like these creatures.
They're reckless,
with their insults and chides!

When you encounter
some of these idiots,
don't always say
what's on your mind.

If you reveal yourself,
in to much detail.
You'll be vulnerable
to an uneasy ride.

Be strong when,
the hangman comes to town.
Don't turn your head,
to look back and don't hide.

Your self worth may
depend on,
how you react
to their ominous cries!

About This Poem

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

4 months 3 weeks ago

Neopoet AI (premium) [2025-04]

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

The poem employs an extended metaphor, comparing certain people to a dangerous jackass, to explore themes of self-preservation and caution in social interactions. The metaphor is consistent and accessible, allowing readers to follow the analogy from the literal dangers of a kicking animal to the figurative dangers posed by reckless or insulting individuals.

The poem’s structure is straightforward, with short stanzas and lines that contribute to a sense of urgency and directness. However, the rhythm and meter are somewhat uneven, which can disrupt the flow. For example, lines like “A hoof to the head, / just might kill you” are more prosaic than poetic, lacking compression or musicality. Consider tightening the language or experimenting with line breaks to create a more deliberate rhythm.

Several idiomatic expressions are used (“could care less,” “hangman comes to town”), but some may benefit from clarification or revision. The phrase “could care less” is commonly debated; “couldn’t care less” is the standard form to indicate indifference. The use of “hangman” introduces a darker, more dramatic tone, but its connection to the earlier metaphor is abrupt. Developing this image further or integrating it more smoothly could enhance coherence.

The poem’s advice to withhold vulnerability is clear, but the message risks becoming didactic. To avoid this, consider incorporating more sensory detail or specific imagery, which can evoke emotion without directly instructing the reader.

There are a few minor grammatical issues, such as “in to much detail,” which should be “in too much detail.” Attention to such details will strengthen the poem’s credibility.

Overall, the poem’s metaphor is accessible and the theme is relatable, but the piece would benefit from greater attention to language, imagery, and internal consistency. Experimenting with sound, rhythm, and figurative language could deepen the impact and invite more reader engagement.

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

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

4 months 3 weeks ago

Dear Friend,

I will certainly take your message of warning to heart. I just wish it had come a sixteen months ago... Steven and I were "taken for a ride" conned out of our retirement savings of about 46 thousand plus! She was supposed to be my little *Sister,

I hope your poem will help warn others away for being naive and overly trusting.

happy Thanksgiving dear friend John

John Leslie O'Kelley

John Leslie O'Kelley

4 months 3 weeks ago

Candlewitch 45

Sorry about what happened there, she doesn't sound much like a sister. I hope that you have a nice thanksgiving and I hope that your health maintains. Your friend John!