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This poem is part of the challenge:

11/25 The Deal

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His Perspective (the deal)

Am I in your dreams, nightly,
like a shard of glass brightly,
catching the light of your attention?

Always there, in the back,
cutting you no slack,
festering, no need to mention.

So far away but near
when I whisper, can you hear
incredible sorrow, all those sad voices?

After I came to my muddled senses,
seeing clearly the broken fences
how I had taken away your few choices!

I took a scalpel to your life
with my thirsty, rusted knife.
marrying another, phoning you the night before.

"Take me back" I cried!
"No", you sighed...
Not having my fill, I wanted so much more!

Actions cannot be reversed,
even if you have rehearsed
the scene of having your demoralizing sway.

You cannot take back
or rewind the tract,
so be absolutely careful with what you do and say!

Some rain must fall;
do you recall
the moment when you lost control and your way?

Too late turning back,
now you must reap the flack
of the misfortunes that stick, bind, and stay!

About This Poem

Last Few Words: this poem was written from putting myself in his shoes. I drew on the things he told me, after the fact. I was eighteen he was twenty-three. In the time of this ordeal, I had told him I would never take him back and I would cross his mind often. His response was to laugh at me, but my predictions became reality. *Cat

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?

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

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Northwestern Wisconsin USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Edgar Allan Poe, William Blake, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Carlos Castaneda, Jim Morrison, the whole of Neopoet and many more., Candlewitch

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

5 months 2 weeks ago

Neopoet AI (premium) [2025-04]

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

This poem explores regret and the aftermath of a failed relationship, using imagery of wounds and sharp objects to convey emotional pain. The rhyme scheme is consistent, mostly following an AAB pattern in each stanza, which provides a sense of cohesion and musicality. However, at times the rhyme feels forced, as in “tract” and “back,” which may disrupt the natural flow of the language.

The metaphor of being a “shard of glass” and references to “scalpel” and “knife” are effective in illustrating the narrator’s lingering presence and the harm inflicted. These images are visceral and carry emotional weight, though the repetition of cutting motifs could be varied to avoid redundancy and deepen the emotional texture.

The narrative voice is confessional, admitting to actions that caused pain (“marrying another, phoning you the night before”). This directness is compelling, but the emotional stakes could be heightened by incorporating more sensory detail or specific memories, which would ground the abstract sorrow in lived experience.

The poem’s structure—short stanzas with a regular rhyme—mirrors the cyclical nature of regret, but the rhythm sometimes falters due to uneven line lengths and syllabic counts. Reading the poem aloud and adjusting lines for smoother cadence could enhance its impact.

The closing stanzas introduce a moral lesson about consequences (“be absolutely careful with what you do and say”), which shifts the tone from personal confession to broader admonition. This transition could be made more seamless by integrating the lesson earlier or by maintaining the personal focus throughout.

Overall, the poem communicates its theme clearly, but could benefit from more varied imagery, smoother rhythmic control, and deeper specificity to fully engage the reader’s emotions.

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

Rula

Rula

5 months 2 weeks ago

Dear Cat

This is so powerful!

I was thinking how could some moments /experiences, bad as well as good fertile the poet's muse .

I think this is so true about you. You went through harsh moments but you become strong enough to get something beautiful out of it. 

In your writing, I always find some lessons between the lines. 

Another great piece dear. Harsh maybe but still full of emotions that draws any reader in to read.

 

Thank you for sharing dear Candle 🕯️ 

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

5 months 2 weeks ago

I see you...

as exquisite as a desert Flower. I have grown in strength over the years. Even as my mortal body fails me, growing weaker as I age. My spirit soars because the world holds such beautiful souls like yourself. I am very grateful for our friendship! Thank you for your lovely critique and understanding of this piece. (and me!)

your, Candle

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

5 months 2 weeks ago

This

Was very powerful. I felt this to my core as it resonates deeply. Your explanation following the poem also resonated. I know this was very personal for you.  The language was intense and fit the mood of the poem. I could feel the gritted teeth as you spoke. Well done!

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

5 months 2 weeks ago

Dearest Carrie,

I had a feeling that you would relate in a personal way to the similarities in our lives. I am so sorry that you also have had your troubles with weak men.It makes me very angry to think of what yours had done to you! 

We are both in better places, now and we are blessed.

p.s.

I am still trying to forgive Jerry for what he has cost me and still finding it next to impossible...

much love, Cat

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

5 months 2 weeks ago

Cat

I have not forgiven any of mine either.  You are not alone in that.

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

5 months 2 weeks ago

Dear Girl,

I am trying to be my own therapist and deal with my ghosts. To put them aside forever. Maybe what I really need is an exorcist. lol!

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

5 months 2 weeks ago

I see you...

somehow my reply to Rula ended up here. I will remedy it and come back to your comment for a response,

much love, Cat

Unca Fez

Unca Fez

5 months 2 weeks ago

Greedy Child

The image I get is that of a greedy child that wants but pays little attention to the consequences. Veruka comes to mind. But a greedy child in an adult's world usually ends up with unforeseen consequences, which, of course, are viewed as somebody else's fault.  One verse of the poem says it perfectly:
    You cannot take back
    or rewind the tract,
    so be absolutely careful with what you do and say!

Steve

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

5 months 2 weeks ago

hmm...

Varuka, with a mustache... now there's a thought ! thank you for the giggle.

love, Cat

Lavender

Lavender

5 months 2 weeks ago

His Perspective

Hello, Cat,

Very clever title and approach!  So glad this is behind you, that you moved forward and discovered such the wonderful life you are living now.

Take good care!

Lx

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

5 months 2 weeks ago

Lovely Lady Lavender,

I have to work at having happiness, as I have been diagnosed as having Clinical Depression and PTSD. when on my own, like in early morning I tend to slide a bit. Steven is my main anchor, then the cats! Poetry is my therapy and recordings of all experiences and views. I am a dreamer. Finding other poets of soul and passion, such as yourself, keeps me going thank you. I appreciate you, Lady. eddy styx  speaks highly of you. You are a light in the darkness.

love, Cat

 

Lavender

Lavender

5 months 2 weeks ago

Hello, Cat,

I'm so glad you have Steven and your cats, and your wonderful poetry to share with the world. I think finding other poets is important for all of us here, as we seem to see the world a little differently. You are a beacon on this site. Thank you for all you do. 

Love to you, 

L

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

5 months 2 weeks ago

Thank you...

but, I do not think I do much that is special. I recognize the good in others and their talent. I love reading poetry (and writing it, too, lol) It feels good to encourage other poets. I enjoy it. as I know you do too.

something I think you should know is; my DR. prescribed a new mood enhancing medication for me to take. And discontinued another one. It is on a trial basis, to see which has better results/ that was two weeks ago. I have noticed a grimmer point of view, but better productivity with poetry. And personal growth in getting past certain things.

much love, Cat

John Leslie O'Kelley

John Leslie O'Kelley

5 months 1 week ago

Candlewitch 45

Wow, how dark can things get in such a short time! People are like room lights that turn on and off at will. I  would never have forgiven this man either. I know you have a better life now and a much better outlook for the future! Good poem! your friend Leslie!

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

5 months 1 week ago

Dearest John,

Those were dark days, for sure. But now I enjoy a relationship that is based on trust, respect and love. Steven and I found each other in the nick of time. We were both lost at the time, and now complete! Thank you for the well wishes. You have a kind and giving heart.

love, Cat