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StRhaiven

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StRhaiven
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A member of the Poetry.com vibrant community of poetry lovers.

  September 2024     2 days ago

Submitted Poems 20 total

"A Century of Change: Part III"

As decades advance, and centuries turn,
The world that we know will shift and will churn.
Through trials and triumphs, new paths will unfold,
A future unwritten, both bright and bold.

The climate’s course altered by choice and by care,
Sees...

by Steve Raish

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added 6 days ago
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"A Century of Change: Part II"

The twenties have dawned, and now we press on,
With challenges faced but hope not yet gone.
The world fights for balance, both weary and bold,
As new stories of progress and struggle unfold.

In shadows, new powers now flex and contest,
With...

by Steven Raish

 2 Views
added 6 days ago
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"The Animal Kingdom of Personalities"

There once was a proud and fierce lion,
With confidence built like an iron.
He's bold and he's brave,
Like leaders who save,
And others can't help but admire him.

The fox, she's a cunning trickster,
With wits that can often out-twist her.
...

by Steven Raish

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added 6 days ago
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To Wish Upon a Dimm Lit Star

To wish upon a dimm lit star,
So faint its glow, as atoms are—
Just whispers of a primal spark,
Born eons back in matter dark.

It started in the thick of night,
When all was void and purest light;
When quarks danced close, then drifted wide,...

by Steven Raish

 1 View
added 13 days ago
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To Wish Upon a Dimm Lit Star

To wish upon a dimm lit star,
So faint its glow, as atoms are—
Just whispers of a primal spark,
Born eons back in matter dark.

It started in the thick of night,
When all was void and purest light;
When quarks danced close, then drifted wide,...

by Steven Raish

 0 Views
added 13 days ago
Rating

... and 15 more »

Favorite Poets 5 total

Voted Poems 1 total

Collection 0 total

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Latest Comments: 7 total

Poetry.com
Because this poems main subject is the reason any of us exist in the first place and God alone is the one who decides who the true winner of this contest is.

2 days ago

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Poetry.com
“Rooted” is a beautifully crafted poem that successfully conveys the complexities of love, intimacy, and memory. Its strength lies in the effective use of imagery, emotional resonance, and relatable themes. Bührs captures the essence of a deep connection while acknowledging the challenges that can arise in relationships. The poem’s musicality and warmth make it an engaging and heartfelt read.

In summary, this piece eloquently illustrates the idea that love, while rooted in shared experiences, remains a profound and abiding presence in one’s life, regardless of physical separation.
 

11 days ago

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Poetry.com
One element of great poetry is irony, let's keep this in mind as I lay my full critique before you:

Ezra Pound’s poem “Meditatio” is a brief (unlike this critique) but insightful reflection on human and animal nature. With just a few lines, he offers a humorous yet pointed critique on humanity, inviting readers to examine themselves in a lighthearted yet profound way. Here’s a closer look at its elements:

1. Structure and Brevity: The poem’s free-verse structure and concise form are typical of Pound's style, allowing him to make his point without unnecessary embellishment. The brevity amplifies the impact of the last line, which leaves readers with a sense of unresolved curiosity. This structure mirrors the theme of the poem—questioning and self-reflection—by leaving space for readers to ponder.

2. Juxtaposition and Irony: The poem’s humor emerges from the juxtaposition between humans and dogs. In the first two lines, the speaker seems to elevate humans as “the superior animal” after observing dogs’ “curious habits.” This initial setup feels somewhat playful, as dogs are often endearing in their habits. However, the twist comes when the speaker reflects on human behavior and admits, “I am puzzled.” This irony is clever: after declaring humans superior, the speaker’s confusion about our own nature undercuts that claim, suggesting that humans might be even stranger or more contradictory than animals.

3. Theme of Self-Reflection: At its core, “Meditatio” invites readers to question humanity’s assumed superiority. By setting up a seemingly simple comparison between humans and dogs, Pound subtly critiques human behavior, implying that we may not be as rational or “superior” as we like to believe. The poem captures a sense of humility, challenging us to question our own actions and attitudes with the same critical eye we might use when observing animals.

4. Tone and Humor: The tone is lighthearted yet contemplative, blending humor with subtle depth. The humor comes from the speaker’s straightforward and almost naïve observation about animals, which becomes unexpectedly profound when turned back onto humanity. This humorous tone makes the poem approachable while encouraging readers to consider a deeper message without feeling judged or preached to.

5. Language and Word Choice: Pound’s choice of words is minimalistic yet impactful. Terms like “carefully consider” and “compelled to conclude” initially sound serious, almost scientific, as though the speaker has deeply analyzed the subject. However, this formal language contrasts with the casual and puzzled confession in the final line, “I am puzzled,” which makes the speaker sound more human and relatable, as though admitting defeat in trying to fully understand human nature.

6. Philosophical Undertones: Despite its simplicity, the poem raises philosophical questions about humanity’s place in the natural world. By comparing humans to animals, Pound subtly hints at the idea that our complex
 

11 days ago

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Poetry.com
“The Unknown Soldier” is a poignant and thought-provoking piece that challenges readers to reconsider how we remember those who died in war. Its strength lies in its unflinching honesty and willingness to question traditional narratives around heroism and honor. By blending bitterness with empathy, the poem creates a complex portrait of the soldier, one that mourns not only individual lives lost but also the persistent cycle of war. Reilly’s work reminds readers of the weight of remembrance and suggests that true respect for the fallen comes not through ritual alone, but through a commitment to peace.

In sum, this is a compelling poem that combines critique with compassion, giving voice to the silent and emphasizing that true peace is the greatest tribute.
 

11 days ago

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Poetry.com
“The Darkest Night is Yet to Come” is a heartfelt and earnest reflection on crisis and faith. Its strength lies in its accessibility and the way it taps into collective fears and anxieties, providing a spiritual response. The poem would benefit from more refined language and complex imagery, which could elevate its themes and bring a richer emotional resonance. As it stands, it reads as a straightforward reminder of faith and moral reflection in times of hardship, resonant for those who share its worldview but potentially less impactful for broader audiences.

In sum, this poem succeeds in conveying a message of hope and moral introspection but could deepen its impact through more nuanced language and imagery.
 

11 days ago

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Poetry.com
This poem’s strength lies in its simplicity and emotional depth. Wordsworth captures a universal human experience—the awe of encountering natural beauty and the comforting memories it leaves behind. The poem encourages readers to cherish small moments of joy and find peace in solitude. If anything, one might wish for a bit more specificity about the speaker’s initial feelings of loneliness; however, this vague setup also allows readers to interpret the scene through their own emotional lens.

This poem endures because of its universal appeal, vivid imagery, and celebration of the restorative power of nature. Wordsworth’s choice to see beauty in solitude remains both timeless and deeply comforting.
 

11 days ago

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Poetry.com
Yes, this poem is specifically about my personal experiences.

24 days ago

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