"Conceive Understanding"

Hello Rainn! I've come to review your work.

I know that this is your first time doing an abstract poem. So I am going to focus mostly on telling you about your poem from my view, instead of actually critiquing it. If that makes sense.
Do keep in mind, this is just my interpretation of this poem. Other people probably see it quite differently.

I think I will save the title for last. So, unto the first stanza. This I found to be the clearest part of the poem. It seemed to be setting the stage for a poem about, well, life. Which I feel is quite important, because if I hadn't had this mindset when beginning to read your poem, then the rest would not have made any sense at all. So good job on setting things up.

Second stanza. I like the imagery of the books turning their own pages. At this point it doesn't really tie in with the first stanza. But then you mention that there are only three pages left. And it brings to mind how life is like a story. It has it's set length, it will tell a tale, and the closer you get to the end the more interesting it gets. The next line makes me wonder, is this possibly referring to a sequel? What book will turn it's own pages after this one has finished? Or does it mean that whoever the book is about is coming close to the end of their journey, and you are asking about how it will end? Both hold the theme well, but create very different paths for the poem to follow.

The next stanza doesn't resolve the question of which path the poem will take. It could be interpreted along the first path, which would then imply it means something along the lines of there are four butterflies hidden in the last three pages of one of the books. The importance of these butterflies is really unknown at this point. I'm wondering why these butterflies would matter if the book is so close to finishing.
The second path would make me think that the person inside the story has found a solution to their current problem. Beautiful as it may be, it comes with a horrible cost.
Again, both are very interesting paths, now it's just a matter of which path the poem is taking.

This part strongly leans towards the second path. If it were still following the first path it would make me wonder who are these foes? Where did they come from? Why are they threatening the books? Is it because there will be a sequel, but these foes don't want that? In an abstract poem I would not expect all of those questions to be answered, but at least one of them.
On the second path it makes more sense. The person inside the book has now faced whatever foe they were destined to meet at the climax of their tale.
Either path will leave the reader wondering where did the other butterflies come from? And I also feel sad for the butterflies, that so many extra had to perish to accomplish whatever goal was set for them.

Now the last stanza. I think it pulls things together beautifully. It begs the question, why would you need ten lights to protect them? This also could go along either path. If it were the first, then I would probably assume someone has come to protect the books.
If it were the second path, I would wonder if it was the main character in the book doing the protecting, or being protected. If they are doing the protecting, then who are they protecting? Was that the whole point of their story? To protect someone? Or are there more butterflies, and they will be needed soon, so they must be protected until then?
The second path leaves a lot more questions unanswered then the first. But because of the fourth stanza I am more inclined to believe you are talking about the second path. But it is still up in the air.

Now, last but not least, the title. Titles are almost like a summary of a piece of artwork. It is supposed to attract people who would enjoy the piece of artwork, no matter what kind of artwork it is. This title gives the impression that the poem will be about the concept of understanding. And it is, in a way. But not really. because of the two paths that you never really resolved, it is an example of how one story could be understood in two completely different ways. But it doesn't actually talk about understanding.
Personally, I think that makes it an excellent title. But I know there are many people who would disagree with me.

All in all, I found this a very insightful piece. I think it would have been better if a few of the questions that were left over had been answered. But that would have been tricky, seeing as this is supposed to be an abstract poem.
I really don't know what to say past that. I cannot say if what you did was good or bad, because abstract poetry is about interpretation. All I can say is that I interpreted this poem as a very meaningful tale, but only if put in the right perspective. But I can see how it would be very easy for someone to be completely confused by it. Which again, makes me think of the title. It's all about understanding.

I think you really did an amazing job on this, but that could just be because of my interpretation of the poem. As I have said before, it's all a matter of interpretation and understanding.

Regardless of what others' might say, this gets two thumbs up from me!
~WW

Hey rainn!
I read through this like a couple of times. I'm still
Lost:) Guess, this one is targeted towards the so called higher intellects. Does it have some inner meaning to it, which I have failed to notice? Very cryptic and a non comprehensible thought. Makes the reader continuously wonder on what was the writer thinking while writing this.I do not know if it's good or bad, but it was definitely different.
Usero!

I've read and enjoyed your work before, but I have no idea what you are trying to accomplish here.

First, you talk about two books, then three and four pages, four gentle dead butterflies who are deadly to an enemy, five dead enemies and more butterflies, (six, seven, eight, and nine) things(dead butterflies?), and ten lights that we need to protect from the cold.

I have no idea.

If there is supposed to be symbolism behind this poem, you need to give more hints about it, make it a bit more obvious, because the only thing this poem has to do about children (that I can see) is when it talks about protecting them from the cold, which is something we should do for children.

I really like your poetry; it's beautiful, meaningful, and generally has a lot of emotion. This poem however doesn't seem to be up to your usual standards. It makes minimal sense and even though I've read it so many times, I still have no clue what you are trying to get to.

You can make it better. I know you can. Tell me when you do, I look forward to seeing the growth of this poem!

Keep writing!

yubbies21