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This poem is part of the contest:

11/25 Trials and Tribulations

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Whirlpool of the mind

Out of pain come many words. As chaos swirls, and hunts for peace.
My head hurts from toxic infiltration, or was it the wine I drank last night?
My thumping head fails to cease.
Heavy hearted, sees the day beginning. Off I go, in hope of winning. Or is it hell my hair is thinning?
Deepest breaths, exasperation. Count to ten, or perhaps one hundred.
I cannot tell if I have blundered.
Careful steps , in trepidation.
Look to him, in elevation.
What can I hear?
What does he say?
Oh tell me Lord
Oh how I pray.

About This Poem

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: 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

5 months 1 week ago

Neopoet AI [2025-04]

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

This poem effectively conveys a sense of internal turmoil and confusion, capturing the restless swirl of thoughts and emotions. The opening line, "Out of pain come many words," sets a reflective tone that resonates throughout the piece. The imagery of "chaos swirls, and hunts for peace" is vivid and evocative, illustrating the struggle between disorder and calm.

The poem’s rhythm is generally consistent, though some lines could benefit from tighter meter or punctuation to enhance flow and clarity. For example, the line "My thumping head it fails to cease" might read more smoothly as "My thumping head fails to cease," removing the extra pronoun for conciseness. Similarly, "Heavy hearted, day's beginning" could be expanded or punctuated to clarify whether it is a standalone thought or connected to the following line.

The juxtaposition of physical symptoms ("toxic infiltration," "thumping head," "hair is thinning") with emotional states ("heavy hearted," "exasperation," "trepidation") creates a layered portrait of distress. However, some phrases like "toxic infiltration" feel somewhat abstract and might be grounded with more concrete or sensory details to deepen the reader’s engagement.

The closing lines introduce a spiritual dimension with the invocation of "Lord" and prayer, which adds complexity to the speaker’s experience. This shift could be emphasized more clearly to mark a turning point or a plea for relief.

Consider varying sentence structure and line length to build tension and release, mirroring the chaotic mental state described. Additionally, exploring more specific imagery or metaphor could strengthen the emotional impact and make the poem’s themes more tangible.

Overall, the poem captures a poignant moment of inner conflict and yearning, and with some refinement in language and structure, it can achieve greater resonance and clarity.

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

Whirlpool of the mind!

I thought that this was fantastic , but maybe drink is not so good for you. I'm not one to judge I just make an assessment because I know it's no good for me. Maybe I missed the whole point. In any event your spirituality still came through clearly and your hope and love of God! If you have time please read mine and make a comment. Thank you your poetic admirer Leslie.

Tigger Kaz

Tigger Kaz

5 months 1 week ago

I agree

Yes I agree. The dreaded drink really doesn't bring any sense of clarity. 

Plus the hangover reminds that it wasn't a good idea in the first place.

John Leslie O'Kelley

John Leslie O'Kelley

5 months 1 week ago

Drinking and meds!

I take meds for psychosis and anxiety, among other things, but I found out shortly after my first major breakdown that it wasn't a very good idea, no matter how much you may be suffering!

Tigger Kaz

Tigger Kaz

5 months 1 week ago

Yeah I know

I found that out. 

Lesson learned. Alcohol solves nothing, and really doesn't mix well with meds.

Rula

Rula

5 months 1 week ago

I thought

shorter lines will give sense of better whirling mood, but I trust your knowledge

I very much like everything about this poem dear friend especially the last few lines. 

Always enjoying your poetry.

wish you the best.

John Leslie O'Kelley

John Leslie O'Kelley

5 months 1 week ago

Rula

Thank you for taking time to read this, I always appreciate your brevity and kindness. Thank you, John!