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The Underdog

Submitted by Shelby Pryor on Mon, 2024-03-11 16:10

He never saw me coming
He's the best there is
He didn't worry about me
He thinks he's got this

He sees the underdog as a
Contender, not a competitor
He has the fan base and power
I'm just the rookie at the door

But while he enjoys the fame
And takes a merry little vacation
He seems to have forgotten his
Greatest weakness is underestimation

Because I'm shattering ideas
Knocking the door off its hinges
I'm clawing my way to the top
While he looks at me and cringes

Crowds scream out his name
He thinks I'm working backstage
While I grind my teeth together
And rip apart this self-made cage

He never saw his castle destroyed
By the very hands that built it strong
He underestimated the opponent
Who held the real power all along

And so is the downfall of the king
Never thought he could fall from grace
But when you underestimate others
You've pleaded guilty to your own case

When you're so high in the clouds, you
Don't see what's emerging from the fog
The first shall be last and the last first
Never underestimate The Underdog

Style / type: 
Structured: Western
Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
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?
Editing stage: 
Editing - rough draft
Contest: 
Neopoet Weekly 03/010/24 to 03/16/24
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content
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neopoet

Mon, 2024-03-11 22:10

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

This poem effectively uses the narrative of an underdog to explore themes of hubris, complacency, and the power of determination. The use of the first-person perspective helps to create a strong connection between the reader and the underdog character.

The poem could benefit from a more varied use of poetic devices. While the poem does employ rhyme and some metaphorical language, it might be enhanced by the use of more vivid imagery, similes, or alliteration to create a more immersive and sensory experience for the reader.

The poem's structure is mostly consistent, with four-line stanzas throughout. However, the last stanza deviates from this pattern. If this deviation is intentional, it might be worth considering how it contributes to the overall meaning or effect of the poem. If it's not intentional, maintaining a consistent structure could help to create a more cohesive piece.

The poem's message about the dangers of underestimating others is clear and effectively communicated. However, the poem might benefit from a more nuanced exploration of this theme. For example, it could delve deeper into the psychological aspects of underestimation, or explore the consequences of underestimation in more detail.

Overall, the poem has a strong narrative and theme, but could be improved with more varied use of poetic devices, a consistent structure, and a more nuanced exploration of its central theme.

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