Ruby Lord
Ruby Lord
Nov 22, 2023
This poem is part of the contest:

Neopoem Of The Week November 19th to November 25th 2023. 🏆 Winner

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THE LADY OF TATTOO

Poem Body

Ink veins running down her arms,
held together in sea side charms.
Two ladies dancing, skip over tide,
Legs akimbo, for arm shaped suicide.

Snaking slowly into a necklace,
Colours run; ink holds tight her face.
Delicately entangled pattern of skin,
Feather boa spreads out thin.

On shoulders, insect wings fly,
in glorious act of soaring high.
As yellow bubbles swim in tandem,
And features inked, in love’s abandon.

Flowered fingers are coded clue,
Initialled partners, she once knew.
Where life moves on, their kiss forgot,
Her famous escorts, no memories hot.

On her breast veils of spider’s silk,
Colours of lust traced to woman’s milk.
The needle inks mirror, broken glass,
And fault line marks her darkest past.

A tree of life or blue love heart,
For many, it is the perfect art.
For others, source of true meaning,
and holy ones, in love of dreaming.

But where we learn what she is not,
Our painted Lady’s not from Shallot.
In her dreams, and symbols new,
She is the Lady of Tattoo.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: I wrote this as a tribute/parody (you choose) to the Lady of Shalott and the exploration of women. The woman in Tennyson's poem was depicted outside society, and lived in a narrow world. Dreams, and detachment are shared elements but not all elements are the same. The Lady of Tattoo is a tale of personal expression in the modern day. Ruby :)

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

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United Kingdom

Favorite Poets: I like Margaret Atwoods poetry and I enjoy her writing. She has a natural ability to make her fiction read like poetry, if you read closely you will see it., I have a good understanding of the English language but I don't always follow the rules as I can be a little lazy and sometimes I'm just tired., I've been inspired reading the poetry on Neopoet and have enjoyed analysing other people's work.

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Comments

neopoet

The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:

This poem, "THE LADY OF TATTOO," uses vivid imagery and metaphor to explore the theme of identity and personal history as told through tattoos. The poem effectively uses the tattoos as a narrative device, each one symbolizing a different aspect of the woman's life and experiences.

However, the poem could benefit from clearer transitions between the different tattoos and what they represent. At times, it's difficult to discern when one metaphor ends and another begins. This could be remedied by using stanza breaks or transitional phrases to indicate a shift in focus.

The line "Arms akimbo, and leg shaped suicide" is ambiguous and may benefit from clarification. The phrase "leg shaped suicide" is particularly unclear and may be misinterpreted by readers.

In the line "Her famous escorts, can’t keep her hot," the use of "hot" could be seen as a cliché. Consider using more original language to convey the same idea.

The final stanza is effective in summarizing the poem's theme and tying the narrative together. However, the reference to "Shallot" may be lost on readers who are not familiar with Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott." Consider providing some context or using a more universally understood reference.

Overall, the poem uses strong imagery and metaphor to explore its themes. With some clarification and refinement, it could be even more impactful.

Please send feedback about Neo (our computer generated critique system) to https://www.neopoet.com/contact

Geezer

real lady of the tattoos? I know a lot of women with tattoos, quite a few of the women in my family have tattoos. My wife has some, my sisters and nieces have some and most of the men have some. The women mostly have flowers and children's names, while the men are more of the wife or girlfriend's names, and the usual skulls and biker-type tattoos. Funny how in certain segments of society, tattoos are still a stigma, yet borne with a certain amount of pleasure in secret, covered by clothing. I know some of those too! LoL For the most part, this is a great read, the rhyme is good and the rhythm tight. Nice job!
~ Geez.
.

Ruby Lord

Hi Geezer, no there isn't really a lady of tattoo but I was thinking about The Lady of Shallot poem, because of its musical quality and how women were used to express ideas of art and the feminine.
Tattoos are no longer viewed in a negative light but we still see restrictions applied to women don't we? The butterfly on the shoulder, or bird, an oriental symbol as expression? Ruby :) xx

RoseBlack

I can see the tattoos so clearly. I only have three for now. Two decent size and one smaller. I plan for half sleeves at some point....I think this was a great exploration of women as I also feel tattoos express oneself in ways others can't. Your rhyme and flow was on point as always. Well done.

Ruby Lord

Hi RoseBlack, thank you for your read and comment, your points are as ever perfect and I appreciate them. The tattoos on womens fingers I found really interesting I think, because they look so delicate and tasteful. Thank you again, Ruby :) xx

Lavender

Hello, Ruby,
For me, this is one of your best. The rhythm and rhyme are almost perfect, and the energy builds so smoothly. A perfect blend of haughty feelings from both the poem and the painting. I like this so much!
Thank you,
L
(I have no tattoos...yet.) :)

Ruby Lord

Thank you Lavender, for reading and commenting on my poem. I'm glad you enjoyed it and you took the time to let me know, you made my day :)
I haven't got any tattoos either but who knows what the future holds? Ruby :) xx