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The Rose of My Life

The rose of my life is fading,
Petal by wilting petal.
As each falls to the ground,
A piece of my life goes with it.
But the ultimate beauty
And glorious fragrance of its bloom
Will live in my heart…
Forever.

— Unca Fez, May 23, 2023

About This Poem

Last Few Words: This is the first poem that I ever wrote. I wrote it in 2017. It was, originally, posted in Candlewitch's space, in 2022. When I wrote this, I was still commuting to work, so I had over an hour each way. I spent several days' commute reworking this one in my head.

Style/Type: Free verse

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: Not actively editing

About the Author

Region, Country: Wisconsin, USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Candlewitch: I've been reading her poetry for over forty years., Paul Simon: "The Sounds of Silence" got me interested, but "Patterns" and "A Poem On The Underground Wall" really hooked me., Gordon Lightfoot: I acquired his "Sundown" album while in the Navy. "Circle of Steel" resonated with me and I have been an avid fan since.

More from this author

Critiques

neopoet

neopoet

1 month 1 week ago

Neopoet AI

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

The poem employs the rose as a central metaphor for a cherished relationship or experience, using the image of petals falling to convey loss and the passage of time. The structure is straightforward, with short lines that create a somber, reflective tone. The progression from the physical fading of the rose to the enduring memory in the heart provides a clear emotional arc.

One area for further development is specificity. The poem relies on familiar imagery and phrases ("the rose of my life," "petal by wilting petal," "live in my heart forever") that may feel generic to readers. Introducing more concrete details or unique associations with the rose could deepen the emotional impact and distinguish the poem from others using similar metaphors.

Additionally, the line "A piece of my life goes with it" could be strengthened by showing rather than telling—perhaps by illustrating what is lost with each petal, or how the speaker feels the absence. The final lines shift from the tangible to the abstract; this transition could be enhanced by sensory language or by exploring how memory preserves beauty and fragrance.

Overall, the poem communicates its theme clearly but would benefit from more original imagery and specific detail to create a stronger connection with the reader.

Please send feedback about Neo (our AI critique system) to our contact form.

Geezer

Geezer

3 years ago

What a beautiful way...

to describe one's life! At first, I thought it might be about a family member or a friend. Great job, no matter. ~ Geez.
.

Unca Fez

Unca Fez

3 years ago

Thanks!

When I wrote it, I was thinking of Cat. She is the center of my life.

Thanks for the comment.

Rula

Rula

3 years ago

Simply

beautiful.
Crisp with an effective metaphore usage.
Well done indeed.

Unca Fez

Unca Fez

3 years ago

Thank you!

This was written for my wife, Cat (Candlewitch.) At the time, we were both in our late 60's. I'm not sure what got me thinking along these lines, but I do remember worrying at it for several days.

Thanks, again, for the compliment.

Unca Fez

Unca Fez

3 years ago

Thank you!

This was my first and one of my best, in my opinion. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

RoseBlack

RoseBlack

3 years ago

Just beautiful

Almost made me think of Beauty and the Beast. A beautiful way to see life, yours or someone else's. Great job.

Unca Fez

Unca Fez

3 years ago

Thank you!

I realize that, if one were to dig into the details of their life with someone, there are parts that can be ugly, but, if I look at the entire sweep of the 44 years we've been together, this poem is the result.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

Unca Fez

Unca Fez

3 years ago

Thank you!

Thank you for the compliment. That poem still amazes me. Are software engineers supposed to write like that? The standing joke in college was:

Four years ago, I couldn't spell "enguneer".
Now I are one!

Glad I can, occasionally, prove it wrong.

Seren

Seren

2 years 11 months ago

Dear Uncle Fez

Gasp, to be loved like this is the dream of every woman, this is a magnificent poem. SisCat is so lucky to have you!!

Bravo!!

I would NOT change a word.

Hugs Lilbit xxx