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The River of No Return

The Salmon River winds and flows
Towards destinations yet unseen,
Through wilderness and canyons
Each wondrous mile more serene.

Through designated wilderness
Second largest in our land,
Two million acres of beauty
From the creator's gifted hand.

Petroglyphs adorn the walls
Carved by natives long ago,
Deer, elk and sheep on high
Swift waters far below.

The river known by another name
Titled the "River of No Return",
Native canoes could flow one way
As settlers were soon to learn.

Gorges deeper than the Grand Canyon
Five thousand feet of canyon walls,
This river flows two hundred miles
As eagles soar and the coyote calls.

Today this pristine wilderness
The same as a thousand years ago,
This gift will stand the test of time
For generations to love and know.

Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
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What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
How does this theme appeal to you?
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Is the internal logic consistent?
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In 1984, the United States Congress set aside a national wilderness area in Idaho, known as the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The Frank Church Wilderness is the second largest designated wilderness in the United States. If you ever have the chance to visit this magnificent area, you will not be disappointed.
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The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:

The poem "The River of No Return" demonstrates a strong sense of place and effectively uses imagery to paint a vivid picture of the Salmon River and its surrounding wilderness. However, there are a few areas where it could be improved.

Firstly, the poem could benefit from a more consistent meter. While some stanzas adhere to a rhythmic pattern, others deviate from it, which can disrupt the flow of the poem. For example, the second stanza has a different rhythm compared to the first one. Consistency in rhythm can help to create a more immersive reading experience.

Secondly, while the poem does a good job of describing the physical characteristics of the Salmon River and its surroundings, it could delve deeper into the emotional or symbolic significance of these elements. For instance, the poem could explore what the "River of No Return" represents on a metaphorical level, or how the wilderness affects those who encounter it.

Lastly, the poem could benefit from more varied language. There are instances where the same words or phrases are used repeatedly, such as "wilderness" and "canyon walls". Using a wider range of vocabulary can help to keep the reader engaged and can also enhance the imagery of the poem.

In summary, while "The River of No Return" effectively captures the beauty of the Salmon River, it could be improved by maintaining a consistent rhythm, exploring deeper themes, and diversifying its language.

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

I really enjoyed this, it reminds me of my years in scouting.

Today never knows what tommorow will bring!

Hello Leslie.

Thank you for reading and for your comments. Let us strive to change the world, one poem at a time.

All my best, Will

author comment

this is a wonderful tribute to the "Salmon River" and the wilderness it traverses.
Your respect and admiration for the natural world shine through in your writing. I also liked the historical reference including the petroglyphs and the "River of No Return" which adds a rich layer of history and cultural significance to the poem.

Thank you for sharing this one about the beauty of nature.

earned new 5hings about the river and got to read

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Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words ........Robert Frost☺

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Hello Rula.

I am so fortunate to live in a part of our country that is rich in both its beauty and historical significance. I am also fortunate in that I was raised to have respect for these priceless gifts.

Thank you for reading and for your comments, I am so glad you enjoyed the poem.

All my best, Will

author comment

Very nice poem
Shows the portions of our world that we should take more notice of

Hello Clentin.

Thank you for your comment and for taking the time to read the poem. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to enjoy my Idaho, a place I found in my 25th year of life and never wanted to leave.

All my best, Will

author comment
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