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This poem is part of the contest:

Neopoet Weekly 11/09/25 to 11/15/25

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MOUNTAINS

Mountains are the middle kingdom
Ossified rock and petrified stone
Unblemished by centuries of rain.
Not dead like the desert or arctic waste
Tens of thousands of trees planted
Along the ancient hills and dales
Inspiration springs from little rivulets
Night and day the lilies of the valley
Sit beside the gods of earthly splendour.

About This Poem

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
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 - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Nottinghamshire England, GBR

More from this author

Comments

neopoet

neopoet

5 months 1 week ago

Neopoet AI (premium) [2025-04]

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

The poem establishes a mythic tone with the phrase "middle kingdom," suggesting both a geographical and symbolic centrality to mountains. The use of "ossified rock and petrified stone" emphasizes geological age and permanence, though the pairing is somewhat redundant—both words suggest a similar process of hardening and fossilization. The claim that mountains are "Unblemished by centuries of rain" is evocative, but may benefit from reconsideration, as rain typically erodes and shapes mountains rather than leaving them unmarked; this could be an intentional paradox, but if so, the poem does not clarify the intent.

The contrast drawn between mountains and "the desert or artic waste" positions mountains as alive or vital, but the phrase "artic waste" contains a typographical error ("arctic" is standard spelling). The assertion that tens of thousands of trees are "planted" along the hills and dales introduces ambiguity: it is unclear whether this refers to natural growth or human intervention. The phrase "ancient hills and dales" continues the theme of timelessness.

"Inspiration springs from little rivulets" is a strong image, connecting physical geography to creative or spiritual renewal. The final lines, with "lilies of the valley" sitting "beside the gods of earthly splendour," blend botanical and mythological imagery. This juxtaposition is intriguing, though the phrase "sit beside" is static and may undercut the poem's otherwise dynamic imagery.

Overall, the poem employs elevated diction and classical references, but would benefit from clarifying certain images and reconsidering word choices that may unintentionally repeat or contradict. Attention to spelling and more precise language could strengthen the poem's impact.

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

John Leslie O'Kelley

John Leslie O'Kelley

5 months 1 week ago

Mountains!

This has got to be one of the most lyrical and musical poems that I have ever read! So excellent in verbal description, I have always loved the poems of yours which I have read!

Rula

Rula

5 months 1 week ago

Hell Sen

Well-built acrostic indeed. I believe you've given the mountains their worth. 

I believe the line before the last you wanted to start with the word Night so as to fit the acrostic well. 

 

P.s "arctic", a tiny typo to check. 

Other than that I again thing this is a fine piece you've crafted. 

Thank you for sharing. 

Sen99

Sen99

5 months 1 week ago

Thank You Rula

I did notice the typo will edit

Acrostic are fun to write the penultimate line change would make it better.

Regards

Sen

Geezer

Geezer

5 months 1 week ago

I get...

the feeling that the lilies of the valley are royalty by the position of them sitting next to the gods in splendor, as an opposition to being associated with the kings of desert and arctic climes. Nicely done, ~ Geez.

.

Sen99

Sen99

5 months 1 week ago

Well, the Lilies are ......

........ the earthly delights sitting in the valley of royalty, beautifying the mountain scene all day.

Nice comment and critique 

Thank you

Shamo

Shamo

5 months ago

Very well written

As I was reading, I was picturing myself in the midst of these  "gods of earthly splendour" standing beside the rivulets and lilies, listening to every sound of nature. You took me right to it. Thanks.

-Shamo

Sen99

Sen99

5 months ago

Thank you Shamo

For your feedback.

Glad you can visualizer this poem, do yiu climb mountains yourself ? 

Sen