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

The poem "Dinner time" is a narrative piece that uses the motif of a family dinner to explore themes of tradition, family, and the passage of time. The poem does well in using sensory details to evoke the atmosphere of a family kitchen and dinner time, creating a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

However, the poem could benefit from a more consistent use of poetic devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification. While the poem does use some metaphorical language, such as "The heartbeat of our home" and "Bracketed in by wall after protective wall", these instances are few and far between. Incorporating more of these devices could enhance the poem's emotional resonance and depth.

The poem also seems to shift in tone and perspective towards the end, moving from a child's perspective of dinner time to a more philosophical reflection on the importance of tradition and family. While this shift is not inherently problematic, it could be made smoother and more coherent with some revisions.

The poem's structure could also be refined. The poem is largely composed of long, unbroken stanzas, which can make it difficult for the reader to follow and absorb the poem's narrative and themes. Breaking the poem into smaller, more manageable stanzas could help to guide the reader through the poem and highlight its key ideas and images.

Lastly, the poem's language is generally clear and straightforward, but there are moments where the wording could be more precise or evocative. For example, the line "I emerged into Being like this" is somewhat vague and could be clarified or replaced with a more concrete image or idea. Similarly, the line "They had me" is somewhat ambiguous and could be made more specific.

In conclusion, while the poem effectively uses sensory details and explores interesting themes, it could be improved with more consistent use of poetic devices, a smoother shift in perspective, a more manageable structure, and more precise language.

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

"I knew love, before I knew loves name

We just called it dinner."

These lines. What an ending! It brought back memories of my mother cooking. Roast and veggies and gravy has always been one of her favourite meals, and I think of her every time I make it myself. Is it me, or does nothing quite ever taste the same as Mom's cooking? Even when using her recipes.

I have little critique other than remember that "loves" in that last line should be "love's" (possessive). A very relatable poem many who were fortunate enough to have loving, doting mothers can appreciate.

I immensly enjoyed this along with the same lines. My mom was a great cook too. I also had chores and some were the same ones. Did you have a father that came along too. The emphasis here, I could see plainly. It sounds like you really enjoyed your life to. I wasn't as willing to help my mom as you.

I loved the energy with which you wrote this tribute to your mother. my Dad was the good cook in my family. Mom burned water, lol! Your poem shows the love in your family, especially your mutual love! I really liked these lines:

With my plate and spoon
And the candles she bothered to light
Grace, is right
Gratitude indeed
I knew love, before I knew loves name

We just called it dinner.

Excellent!!!
*hugs, Cat