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When Will We Get There?

How is it, in all these centuries
We haven’t yet learned to get along?
Why can’t we hold different opinions
Without coming to blows?
Why can’t we let people who earned something
Keep it, instead of stealing it from them?
Why don’t we recognize the human right
Of people to live in peace
And raise their children without fear?
Why do a handful of thieving bullies
Get away with making war,
And taking what isn’t theirs,
And abusing people?
Will we ever find ways to live together
Peaceably,
Cooperatively,
Compassionately?
Are we anywhere near getting there yet?
When will we get there?

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content
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Comments

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

The poem "When Will We Get There?" effectively utilizes rhetorical questions to engage the reader in a reflection on societal issues. The questions are thought-provoking and encourage introspection about the state of humanity and its future. However, the poem could benefit from more specific imagery or metaphors to evoke stronger emotional responses and create a more vivid picture of the issues being discussed.

The poem's structure, with its consistent use of questions, creates a rhythm that carries the reader through the piece. However, the poem could benefit from varying the sentence structure or incorporating other poetic devices, such as alliteration or assonance, to add more depth and complexity to the language.

The theme of the poem is clear and resonates with many readers, but the piece could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the issues. For instance, the poem could delve deeper into the reasons behind societal discord or the challenges in achieving peace and cooperation. This could provide a more comprehensive and insightful perspective on the issues being discussed.

The poem's ending, with its repeated question "When will we get there?", effectively leaves the reader with a lingering sense of uncertainty and anticipation. However, the poem could benefit from a more impactful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be achieved through a powerful statement or a poignant image that encapsulates the poem's theme.

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There is a typo in the title: (Het) should be (Get)

Your poem asks some excellent and pertinent questions. I guess this means much to you, to see compassion and the attitude of fair play between people. All you can really do is keep on setting an example.

*hugs, Cat

*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.

Don’t know how many times I looked at it when I posted and didn’t see the typo. Good grief, Charlie Brown! I fixed it.

I appreciate you taking time to respond. Your feedback means a lot to me. Keep writing!

Thank you,
Mary Beth

Because your words have touched my heart,
I stopped to share a little part.
Be nice, supportive, kind to all
As we walk through this Poetry Hall.

author comment

Hello, Mary Beth,
I feel the sense of frustration and sadness throughout. These are all good, thought-provoking questions which made me wonder about the word "centuries," simply because this has been an issue since the beginning of civilization. Much to think about here!
Thank you!
L

I totally agree. I struggled with the time word to use. Millennia seemed too “stuffy,” decades felt too short, and I discounted several others. Finally settled for centuries so I could get the verse up there. I am still fine tuning so all suggestions are gratefully accepted.

I appreciate you taking time to respond.

Thank you,
Mary Beth

Because your words have touched my heart,
I stopped to share a little part.
Be nice, supportive, kind to all
As we walk through this Poetry Hall.

author comment

Hmm... perhaps "How is it, throughout civilization..."
Just a suggestion / thought.
Thank you!
L

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