Candlewitch
Candlewitch
Feb 01, 2024
This poem is part of the contest:

02/24 Warning

(Read More...)

Walk-In-Closet (Ghost at 2714 Girard Ave. N.)

Poem Body

There sure should have been a warning
on those black and white photographs
from an era long since past,
but not easily forgotten.

Mid nineteenth-century clothing,
Top hats, coat, waistcoat,
pantaloons, and high boots.
In hand, a wolf-headed, silver-tipped cane.

This figure centered in the shot.
Eyes focused and keenly hateful,
His vision, direct, striking!
obscenity and rage seeming fateful
sent directly to me.

At every turn of the album page...
I feel like I have known him
(maybe in a long past life?)
Such orbs! So heavily lashed.
Thin-lipped smile in a set sneer
Made my heart shudder and falter
would I ever be free of my fear?

But the eyes, oh those eyes,
they pierced right to the soul.
I would know of his wrath
where he would know of my pain...

* On the last page; a wedding photograph of the man, and a woman with my face!

About This Poem

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?

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: Northwestern Wisconsin USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Edgar Allan Poe, William Blake, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Carlos Castaneda and many more.

This user supports Neopoet so it can be free to all

More from this author

Comments

neopoet

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

This poem effectively utilizes imagery to establish a haunting atmosphere and convey a sense of unease. The detailed description of the figure in the photographs, particularly the focus on the eyes, creates a vivid and unsettling image that serves to engage the reader's imagination.

However, the poem could benefit from a more consistent use of rhythm and meter. The varying line lengths and inconsistent rhythm can disrupt the flow of the poem and distract from the narrative. By refining the rhythm and meter, the poem could achieve a more cohesive and immersive reading experience.

The use of parentheses in the line "maybe in a long past life?" is somewhat jarring and interrupts the tone of the poem. It might be more effective to integrate this idea into the poem more seamlessly, perhaps by rephrasing or repositioning this line.

The final line of the poem introduces a twist that deepens the mystery and intrigue of the narrative. However, the use of an exclamation mark might be seen as overly dramatic and could potentially detract from the impact of this revelation. A more subtle punctuation choice could allow the reader to absorb this information more naturally, enhancing the overall effect of the poem.

Lastly, the poem could explore the emotional response of the speaker in greater depth. While the poem does convey a sense of fear and unease, further exploration of the speaker's feelings and reactions could add another layer of complexity to the poem and further engage the reader's empathy.

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

William Lynn

Howdy Cat.

I like the poem BUT, I have no intention of heading towards 2714 Girard St. Not no but, Hell no.

Best wishes, Will

Ruby Lord

Hi Cat, I liked the unusual setting used for the poem and the descriptions of clothing. As it is a real life experience, the title is appropriate. The mysterious elements of the poem and the emotional intensity gives it a real moody sensation. I have to say you've created an intriguing and unique experience for this reader. Thank you, Ruby :) xx

Candlewitch

I do so appreciate your support with this project I have taken on with Ghosts! I am always open to suggestions. Only a fool would close their mind to them. I shall be going over this poem looking where I can improve. Thank you!

*hugs, Cat

Unca Fez

Was this ghost one of the worst that you've experienced? I know that there are others. This one reminded me a bit of the main villain in "Phantasm". Very scary. Glad that I never lived there.

Candlewitch

he was the worst. because I was stuck living there for 4 years! It was very stressful there. plus I had David n my life...

*hugs, Cat

Candlewitch

Do you mean I should write another verse? Or make that line a part of the previous verse? I do not think I have another one in me. Thank you for the feed back...glad you liked it!

*hugs, Cat

C

Really liked this stanza:

This figure centered in the shot.
Eyes focused and keenly hateful,
His vision, direct, striking!
obscenity and rage seeming fateful
sent directly to me.

I was wondering about the ghost, was he a real part of your life?

Very nicely written.