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

The poem "At the Bottom" demonstrates a strong use of imagery and metaphor, particularly in the first stanza with the comparison of thoughts to cigarette smoke curling above a whiskey glass. This vivid image effectively conveys a sense of melancholy and introspection. The recurring theme of looking down, looking up, and looking within, provides a cohesive structure to the poem and underscores the introspective nature of the piece.

The use of the phrase "half empty like me or is it half full like maybe life should be?" is a familiar trope, but it is used effectively here to encapsulate the speaker's struggle with perspective and optimism. However, the poem could benefit from a more unique or personal take on this concept to avoid cliché.

The rhythm and flow of the poem could be improved. The inconsistent line lengths and abrupt shifts in rhythm can be jarring and disrupt the flow of the poem. Consistent rhythm can help to guide the reader through the poem and enhance the emotional impact of the piece.

The poem's message of resilience and self-worth, while powerful, could be conveyed more subtly. The final lines "to realize you can’t stay wasted on drink and depression forever, to realize you are worth it" are somewhat direct and explicit. Allowing the reader to arrive at this conclusion more organically through the use of imagery and metaphor could enhance the emotional resonance of the poem.

In terms of language, the poem employs a relatively simple vocabulary. While this can enhance the accessibility of the poem, incorporating more complex or unusual words could add depth and richness to the poem's imagery and tone.

Lastly, the poem could benefit from a more rigorous exploration of its central themes. The themes of introspection, depression, and resilience are introduced but not fully developed. Delving deeper into these themes could add complexity and depth to the poem.

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Why was this written? I ask because of the last line?
Thanks,
Mark

Wow! Another awesome poem.

This “it” you speak of, that invades you – is it….hope? nagging at you? telling you to not give up? Not to let the alcohol and depression have their way with you, to fall in love with you. And you, doubt the hope, but also, want to believe it? but, your hesitant to grab on to that hope again. Or is this "it" ...the thing nagging at you to just give up and jump? - metaphorically, or literally?

So much to think about -- maybe because I’m reading my own meaning into it. Which is cool too! I love a poem that can leave that kind of air between the lines, like a good song.

not a wasted word in this poem. everything has a punch.

On a side note -- sometimes what I do is: forget about the half full or empty glass analogy – I pour the whole thing into a smaller glass. And then, I’m happy for awhile. It works like a charm – cleaving off those pesky hopes and dreams until maybe, I’d even be totally happy sleeping in a cardboard box, as long as it was the best box on the street. But…then I realize that strategy doesn’t work either. You have to keep those darn dreams alive – those little buggers are worth it. you can’t kill them off, because they are you. They are the best of you. they are your childhoods innocence and what God gave you to light the way home…

When I get down, I try to think of God smiling down at me -- the same way I smile down on the children in my life that I love – I want so bad for them to be happy and follow their dreams. I think of God like that, looking down at me, and I look back up and smile, and I try again. It works with or without a specific propositional religious believe -- it's just that something wants the best for us, I know it.

Anyway....’m sorry for rambling and getting off point, but I want you to know that your poem just did all that to me! Bravo. I wouldn’t change a word.

best,
captain

I wouldn't change a word, this tells the tale
with a minimum of words yet leaves nothing out.

Of course, we all have things we would change in the past, if we could,
but since we can't, let's not waste time in changing the things that we can, for the future. I'm glad to have made your acquaintance. I hope to see much more from you. ~ Geezer.
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