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Hello there! Dropping in for a little review! As a disclaimer, poetry really isn't my forte, so I'm going to try my best, I hope this is at least a little helpful!

This was a very interesting poem! Your starting line is in itself a banger,

Tolerance breeds intolerance,

Starting with a very evident paradox is a sure way to draw a reader in, but I'm curious, do you actually believe this? It is interesting that you would put tolerance first which would imply that "the willingness to accept or endure things you may not necessarily agree with" (dictionary meaning) leads to "the unwillingness or refusal to accept, respect, or endure differing opinions, beliefs, or behaviors"

I find it intriguing because personally, if I had to think about which lead to the other I'd say it was intolerance that bred tolerance but you are saying the opposite and I would really like to know the thought process behind that.

Especially when you think of this in light with the rest of the poem, are you saying we are tolerant of intolerance? Since the poem is about polarisation (at least that is what I'm inferring) then you're first stanza is extremely intriguing.

What catches my eyes, is "impertinence" like you're being audacious simply because you're saying something which is very true in polarised environments and perhaps this ties in with intolerance becoming the norm, which means you could infer, that if intolerance is so prevalent then well, tolerance must beget it, even if it does sound counterintuitive.

You're first stanza is ambiguous in the best way, but I do wonder if perhaps making the poem a little longer and being a little more clearer with your intentions can do this good because I feel like the second stanza overpowers the first, since it is much more obvious what it is trying to say.

The rhyme scheme of your last stanza is really symmetrical and lovey and I think that really lends something to it. I like everything that these lines say.

“Don’t use your words as fodder

For buying another round.”

There is the implication that people who polarise are simply looking for attention/power and this also reminded me of gun violence a little with the "another round" which would hint at very real world consequences of polarisation which fits perfectly with the lines that follow,

I may swing one way or another,

But eventually, I return to the ground.

the futility of being polarised when we are all equal in death. I think this sums polarisation up really well. It's needlessness, the helplessness it can evoke, how it has no positive effect. While your poem does need it's first stanza, they could be a little more cohesive, and perhaps the first one could be a little more clearer in it's intent.

Overall this was a very thought provoking poem that I enjoyed reviewing. Please remember everything I said was my personal opinion, take what you find helpful and leave the rest! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or anything you want to clarify!

~ canopy

Hi Emilia! I look forward to reading this poem of yours.
I'll be using my own Watermelon Method of reviewing today!

Skin - Initial Observations
Obviously, the untitled "-" as the poem intrigued me, as well as your description of the poem! I felt obligated to be curious and read this poem!
I also took initial note of the language in this poem. From the first line, it is clear this poem is going to be really meaningful and introspective.

Rind - Interpretations
First Stanza: This is a direct statement from the narrator about an idea, what they believe about it, and a statement to those who disagree. "Tolerance breeds intolerance" hinges on the idea that extending constant tolerance can allow for intolerance to cultivate within the same group of people who seek tolerance. It's almost like a cycle, you swing too far one away and end up on the other side. This can be interpreted on a broader scale, such as with politics, theology, and philosophy, but the narrator doesn't explicitly point out why or what this tolerance is referencing, just the idea, which allows for personal interpretation from the reader.
The line

Be sure to scold my impertinence

is very fitting for this poem. It is directly addressing those who disagree (or are intolerable) with this opinion from the narrator, assuming that those who disagree think of the narrator as impertinence. Typically, people can think such negative thoughts towards someone who they disagree with, which causes intolerance.

Second Stanza:
The opening quote to this poem reminds me of using words as a way to manipulate a conversation with someone else. It seems like a warning from somebody, but not the narrator themselves, as it's in quotes. However, the following lines support this quotation as the narrator expresses a personal goal of being grounded, even if their opinions, or even tolerances, changes.

Pulp - The Tastiest Part
I love the length and directness of this poem. It doesn't feel lacking, it feels poignant. It says what it needs to and leaves it up to the reader to interpret it based off of their own experiences, emotions, and reactions. The voice is clear and concise. Really well done in that regard!

Seeds - Critiques & Suggestions
None here!

I'm glad you took an experimental approach to this poem, as it reads really well! Great poem <3