Of all the snakes upon this land,
One that shines above them all,
The definition of perfect beauty,
That flows with nature's call.
This weighty water serpent winds,
Through states that number four,
Born of humble, small beginnings,
Towards the Pacific it will roar.
Tributaries help to carve the way,
Through forest and thirsty plain,
Giving life to nature's wonders,
The farmer's crops it will sustain.
The Nez Perce and Shoshone,
Perhaps the first to know it's worth,
Fished and trapped, and honored,
This precious gift upon their earth.
It gives, yet asks for just one thing,
The stewardship which it is due,
As it carves and paints its course,
A thousand miles of azure blue.
The Snake; more than just a river,
It is life to creatures great and small,
This magnificent flowing serpent,
An unmatched gift to one and all.
Comments
Neopoet AI (premium) - 5-29-23 version
The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:
The poem "A MIGHTY SNAKE" presents a vivid depiction of a river, personifying it as a snake and emphasizing its importance to nature and humanity. The use of personification helps to create a more engaging and immersive narrative.
However, the poem could benefit from a more consistent rhythmic structure. While some stanzas adhere to a rhythmic pattern, others deviate from it, which can disrupt the flow of the poem. For instance, the second and fourth stanzas have a different rhythm compared to the rest of the poem.
The poem also uses a mix of abstract and concrete imagery. While the concrete imagery, such as "Through forest and thirsty plain," effectively paints a picture in the reader's mind, the abstract imagery, such as "The definition of perfect beauty," could be more specific to create a stronger impact.
The historical and cultural references, such as "The Nez Perce and Shoshone," add depth to the poem, but they could be better integrated into the narrative. As it stands, these references feel somewhat isolated from the rest of the poem.
Lastly, the poem's theme of environmental stewardship is clear and compelling, but it could be further developed. The poem states that the river "gives yet asks for just one thing," but it could delve deeper into what this stewardship entails and why it is important.
Please send feedback about Neo (our computer generated critique system) to https://www.neopoet.com/contact
A Mighty Snake
Hello, William,
I went Google-ing to fully appreciate your homage to this magnificent river. You've done the Snake River justice. You seem to know it well, as I imagine you've set your eyes on it many times. Beautiful.
Thank you,
L
Thank you Lavender for taking
Thank you Lavender for taking the time to read, comment, and for your research.
The Snake River is my "happy place". I have floated it, fished it, and loved it since the first time I laid eyes on this majestic river. Beauty beyond description!
Thanks again. - Will
I loved...
the history lesson in a poem; it was very informative and accurate.
There were enough references to the native American tribes, and the natural ecology
to feel connected, even though I have never been there.
I did however, have some suggestions for a couple of lines, if I may.
I believe that you have fallen victim to the two thoughts at once syndrome. [Happens to me all the time].
Flowing [towards] the Pacific and [with] nature. See where I am going?
You need a comma between [humble and small] and between [gives and yet].
All-in-all, a very good poem that told a story, gave a lesson and entertained all the way through.
Nicely done, ~ Geez.
.
Howdy Geezer.
Howdy Geezer.
Once again your suggestions are "spot on" and much appreciated. Helpful suggestions are what I appreciate most about Neopoet and your suggestions are always helpful. I have already edited the poem to include your suggestions. Thanks again, Will
So glad...
to be of any help. I appreciate the spirit in which my critique and comments are taken. I always say that it is up to the author,
if they take my advice literally, twist it to use in their own way, or toss it. I'm just trying to help. ~ Geez.
.
I enjoyed this poem very much
I enjoyed this poem very much and I went onto google and learn more about the snake river. I love the personification within the poem. Great job, one I'll read again and again. Ruby :) xx
Thank you Ruby for your kind
Thank you Ruby for your kind comments and for taking the time to read my poem. I'm glad you enjoyed it and look forward to reading your next poem. I always enjoy your work. Best Wishes, Will
Hi William, congratulations
Hi William, congratulations on winning the poem of the week, your poem was excellent.
And thank you for your kind comment on my work, I appreciate the message. Ruby :) xx
Snake
From a subjective viewpoint I loved this very descriptive, nothing fancy piece, a worthy winner. Objectively it could lose many words, where one could do instead of two and some taken out altogether. It would certainly help the flow (forgive the pun). An example if I may. The Nez Pierce and Shoshone. Lose 'the', next line lose 'perhaps', last line change 'this' to 'a'. You may gather from this that I am a miser with word, you may not be wrong. Congratulations. Alex
Hi Alex.
Hi Alex.
Thank you for your suggestions, I appreciate them and will revisit the poem and see what I can do to improve it. I know we all can improve our works with help along the way.
Best wishes, Will
Congratulations...
and many thanks for the journey!
L
Thank you Lavender. My best
Thank you Lavender. My best wishes to you for a Happy Holiday Season. - Will
Rythm
I am a victom of music, marching bands and the military; marching beats and feet. I enjoyed the poem but stumbled in the first stanza; how about
Of all the snakes upon the land
There's one above them all
A picture of a perfect scene
That flows with natures call
line one 4 beats-good The weighty water serpant winds
line two 3 beats-good Through states that number four
line three -"beginings is three syllables, shoulld be two
Born of humble small streams too
line four The Pacific it will find
Ok, enough of me inflicting pain on you. You may dismiss me but I like the words to flow as you read. Sorry Glen
Hello Glen.
Hello Glen.
I appreciate you comments and suggestions. I'll take a look at the poem and just might change a thing or two.
Thanks again. - Will