Candlewitch
Candlewitch
Jan 23, 2024

Aunt Nita's Tea Leaf Reading #1 (part of 2714 Girard Ave. N. Ghost Tales)Reworked

After my encounter with the ghost
Norma heard most of the tale,
From my fragile, mutilated psyche
she tried to aid me, looking pale.

Making a phone call while I waited.
Decision! Sending me to Her.
Scared of what Aunt Nita would tell me
taking the bus, it was a blur.

All too soon, knocking on her front door
ready for the best or the worst...
Taking my hands, a smile on her lips
"Let's see if you are blessed or cursed!"

My future rested in a cup of tea ?
Take in both hands, widershins swirli,
sip then swirl once more for measure
now a drop of my blood, stirring.

She pondered those leaves for a minute
a single finger to her lips,
she looks deeply into my eyes
I take a couple more quick sips!

She tells me about my time on Earth.
The bright "Gifts" I carry with me ,
and of the darkness I will attract
it was all destiny's decree.

Destined to marry three times over
fraught with disaster, the first one...
would be the bane of my existence
to this man I would lose a son.

Second marriage, constructed in haste
he and I both just twenty-one.
We'd marry quick, divorce just the same
infidelity was his fun...

Three, six, and nine, my lucky numbers,
for future days my only friends.
When least expected I would find him
know him at first sight, my search ends.

Next, she dumped the tea and winked at me,
my hands in hers facing palms up.
Tracing the lines, claiming what she sees
I feel she is holding much back...

Nita changes the subject matter
Seeing the worry in my eyes
she tells me not to sweat the small stuff
"You are a tough kid," she replies.

Invited back for Nita's Birthday
marking October thirty-first.
Many marvelous things happening,
I would be there with Arcane thirst!

About This Poem

Last Few Words: Pronunciation of Nita: (Night-ah) Many thanks, Geezer!

Style/Type: Structured: Western

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?

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Northwestern Wisconsin USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Edgar Allan Poe

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Comments

neopoet

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

This poem demonstrates a clear narrative structure, with a progression of events that build tension and intrigue throughout. The use of dialogue and direct speech effectively adds to the narrative quality of the poem, providing insight into the characters and their relationships.

However, the poem could benefit from a more consistent use of meter and rhyme. While some stanzas follow a clear ABAB rhyme scheme, others deviate from this pattern. This inconsistency can disrupt the rhythm of the poem and distract from the narrative.

Additionally, the poem might benefit from further exploration and development of its themes. The concepts of fate, destiny, and divination are introduced, but could be delved into more deeply. For instance, the implications of the protagonist's "Gifts" and the "darkness" they will attract could be further elaborated upon to add depth to the poem.

Lastly, the poem could benefit from more vivid and specific imagery. While the poem does a good job of telling the story, it could create a more immersive experience for the reader by showing more of the story through descriptive language. For example, instead of simply stating that the protagonist takes the bus, the poem could describe the sights, sounds, and feelings associated with this journey.

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

Geezer

leaving the number of syllables on the end of each line? ~ Geez.
.

Candlewitch

I put the syllables number in to make it easier for you to read without having to count them. I am sorry for having pissed you off... what you wrote was like a slap in the face...

Geezer

in the least pissed off. I was just curious to know why you did it. I appreciate the thought and would never be pissed about such a kind and thoughtful reason for adding the syllable count to make things easier for me. I have not been too well the last couple of days and haven't been to the site much. If you had said, "I added the syllable count for you so that you don't have to count them, I would have responded, in a much clearer way. I'm sorry if you took it wrong and like a slap in the face. Please forgive my lack of clarity. ~ Love ya, ~ Geez and the boys.
P.S. I will come to the site tomorrow to make sure that I have something constructive to say about your work.
.

Candlewitch

I am so sorry that I reacted stupidly. I am an idiot. It hurt where there was no pain intended. I hope you are feeling better soon.

*much love to you and the boys, your. Cat

Geezer

the way we perceive the world is based on how we feel both physically and mentally. I know there are days that I absolutely should not say what I am thinking. I recently posted a note on my FB that said, my mouth just told me that "You had better be careful, because I just had some magic cookies, and I don't know what I might say." I didn't take offense, at your comments, because I know that you are not a mean-spirited person and must have misunderstood why I said what I said. Love ya, Geez and the boys.

Geezer

In the second stanza:
I would switch the words widershins and swirl so that it appears as: widershin and swirl[ing] and
add a word to the last line, [and] stirring.

She pondered those leaves for a minute. - In the interest of smoothness?

"she looks deeply into my eyes" - again, smoother?

I was to marry three times over
fraught with disaster each one
The first the bane of my existence
to this man, I would lose a son :

Second marriage constructed in haste
he and I, were just twenty-one
married quick, divorced just the same
infidelity was his fun...

I will leave you to re-read and understand that sometimes, the matter of syllables isn't the be-all.
Breathing becomes more important when you read in rhyme, and some sounds take more breath than others.
I love the story, it reminds me of a poem I wrote about in an East Main St. stories.
Anyway, take a look at condensing your lines, and still making sense.

P.S. The boys are reading your stories before I can get to them! ~ Geez.

Candlewitch

Geez and the boys! I see what you are saying and will work on it at the latest tomorrow. an eddy styx poem posted, too. it needs work so I have got my work ahead of me, LOL! are you feeling any better?

*love, Cat

* eat something sweet & salty

*ever, eddy

Geezer

feeling somewhat better, but I think a slow recovery this time. ~ Geez.
.

Ruby Lord

Ahhh Cat, I see I missed this instalment doh.
The way you've written this as an unfolding story is interesting and it holds the reader until the end because we want answers. I enjoyed the action and could see the hands holding each other, that was a lovely touch for me and brought back memories. It was full of emotion, fear and the future. Great job, well done, Ruby :) xx