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This poem is part of the challenge:

10/25 Everything Hurts 🏆 Winner

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Chronically me

Beneath a smile, a bent existence,
Pains aplenty, stubborn persistence.
A screaming head, like thunder,
Aged recompense , for past blunder.

Never ending sense of stabbing,
What more of me, will it be grabbing?
Internal battle gets flipped external,
And earthly me, holds them eternal.

Not a pity party, I must address,
This elephant in the room, I confess.
My reality, as stark as lightning,
Future goals seem quite fright'ning.

Without a crutch, without a hand,
I wouldn't know where I'd stand.
A burden vision to heartless souls,
Yet by faith, I have new goals.

A careful step, a well planned route,
The odd stumble might prove a hoot.
Yet undefeated I hold my head,
When chronically me gets out of bed.

About This Poem

Style/Type: Structured: Western

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

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Coventry, England, GBR

Favorite Poets: Michael Rosen , Rudyard Kipling , Pam Ayres , Benjamin Zephaniah

More from this author

Comments

neopoet

neopoet

6 months 1 week ago

Neopoet AI [2025-04]

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

This poem explores the experience of living with chronic pain or illness, capturing both the physical and emotional struggles involved. The use of vivid imagery—such as "a screaming head, like thunder" and "this elephant in the room"—effectively conveys the intensity and omnipresence of the condition.

The poem’s structure, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, lends a steady cadence that mirrors the persistence described in the text. However, some lines could benefit from tighter phrasing to enhance clarity and impact. For example, "Aged recompense, for past blunder" is somewhat ambiguous—clarifying what "past blunder" refers to might deepen the reader’s understanding or emotional connection.

The shift from internal struggle to external confrontation ("Internal battle gets flipped external") is a compelling moment, but the phrase "And earthly me, holds them eternal" feels slightly abstract. Consider rephrasing to make the relationship between internal pain and external expression more concrete.

The poem’s tone balances realism with resilience, especially in the concluding stanza. The phrase "Yet undefeated I hold my head" offers a strong, affirmative closure. Still, the line "The odd stumble might prove a hoot" introduces a lighter note that contrasts with the otherwise serious tone; this contrast can be effective but might be strengthened by integrating humor or lightness more consistently throughout.

Overall, the poem communicates a powerful narrative of endurance and self-awareness. Focusing on refining ambiguous lines and ensuring tonal consistency will enhance its emotional resonance and clarity.

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

Lavender

Lavender

6 months ago

Chronically Me

Hello, Tigger,

Dealing with chronic pain - well described.  I understood the acceptance, and also the positive attitude to not be overcome.  Very inspiring, as most your poetry is!

I wish you well!

L