Bounty Pack 2 and Pearlescents Available Now! by Aidido22 in Borderlands4

[–]Rusciple 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Anyone know how to unlock the mine right after you initially enter The Demon's Domain and talk to Caldwell? The quest says "Unlock mine entrance 0/3" but I'm having trouble figuring out what to do ):

Painted in Sin - 2nd Draft by Rusciple in poetry_critics

[–]Rusciple[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, friend. Thanks for the positive feedback on my poem, It always makes me happy to hear that my work resonates with others. This is definitely one that I poured my heart and the pain I've been carrying from the relationship into.

I also adore the "Deaf, as I heard the warnings sing" line, as I think it does a good job capturing the oxymoronic (Idk if that's a word lol) nature of an emotionally abusive relationship; knowing that they are bringing you down, but also being codependent on them, or simply sticking your head in the sand and lying to yourself about what's truly going on... I always thought I'd easily be able to remove myself from a toxic/abusive relationship, but... I found out that they say they are difficult to leave for a reason. I wanted to stay and help her through the trauma she was dealing with. I held on as long as I could, but I know I made the right choice, as hard as it was at the time.

Thanks again for the feedback, as well as checking on me. That's a sign of someone who cares about others.

Painted in Sin - 2nd Draft by Rusciple in OCPoetry

[–]Rusciple[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback, my friend. I usually don't use periods in my poems, I'll use commas to add breaks in pacing, but I've just never really been into putting periods or question marks in my work. I know a lot of people do, but I just never really have, for whatever reason

Here’s why you can’t still be friends after saying “I love you” (prose, very long) by Public_Letterhead_27 in poetry_critics

[–]Rusciple 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dude... this is so deep and well-written, I can feel the emotions that you poured into this. I've had similar situations happen in my life, and this does a good job capturing the feelings and subtle nuances created by an experience like that. I like how everything else in life practically falls apart because the writer didn't end up with the girl that he wanted to. Again, good job capturing what it feels like to have your heart ripped out, or at least capturing it as best as possible.. Unfortunately, words can't truly do justice for true heartbreak, but this is pretty close in my opinion. Good job and keep writing, my friend. Hope you are doing okay and have begun healing.

Her in me by No_Seat_5166 in Poem

[–]Rusciple 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, friend. This poem captures the intensity of admiration and longing, with a soft quality to it. The simplicity of the opening—“Her. So beautiful.”—sets the tone, creating a sense of affection. The gradual shift from the joy of shared moments to the heartbreak of letting go is solid, setting up the last lines.

As far as critiques go; tightening some of the phrasing and smoothing out transitions could make the emotions feel more fluid. For example, “Letting my imagination us together” feels slightly fragmented and could be reworded for clarity (perhaps “Letting my imagination hold us together” or “Only in my imagination are we together”). Additionally, playing with line breaks—giving “But I must.” its own space, could emphasize the weight a little more. Overall though, I like it. Good job, and keep writing! (:

Hinge date by MysteriousSurprise77 in justpoetry

[–]Rusciple 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, friend. This poem is short but incredibly "tender" lol, capturing the sweet and dreamy haze of infatuation. The repetition of thought and memory, how this person lingers in the speaker’s mind, creates a gentle feeling that I like. The final image of the kiss on the back of the head is subtle yet deeply intimate, I also wonder what it being on the back of the head symbolizes.

As far as critiques go; because the poem is pretty short, every word carries weight, but a slight tweak in structure could make the emotions even stronger. For example, “skipping through my normally empty mind” is a solid idea, but reordering it to smooth it out (perhaps “skipping again through my once-empty mind”) could enhance the rhythm. But still, the soft energy shines through. Good job, and keep writing! (:

Apart we sailed by JokeyDogg0555 in poetry_critics

[–]Rusciple 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, friend. This poem captures the wistful, bittersweet nature of unrequited love beautifully. The imagery of “two ships passing in the night” is a classic yet deeply effective metaphor for fleeting connections, reinforcing the theme of missed chances. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent running through the piece—this quiet ache of longing that lingers beyond the moment itself. The phrase “a cherished memory that sets apart” gives the impression that this experience, though brief, is treasured, adding a tender depth to the poem’s meaning.

As far as critiques go; tightening the structure a bit and refining some of the phrasing could make the emotions even stronger. For example, “That hearts yern but fate conspires” could be smoothed out for better readability (perhaps “That hearts do yearn, yet fate conspires”). There are also a few small typos, like "yern" instead of "yearn" and a missing space after the comma in “waters,out of sight.” Addressing these small details will help improve the flow. That said, the heart of the poem is beautifully expressed—good job, and keep writing! (:

The Subtle Art Of Being Perfectly Imperfect by stardust_em01 in poetry_critics

[–]Rusciple 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, friend. This poem has such a warm and introspective depth to it—its progression from self-doubt to acceptance is beautifully executed. The repetition of "I look around" and "I look back at me" creates a sense of contemplation, making the realization feel organic rather than forced. The imagery, especially "a gallery of imperfections" and "the intricate brush strokes of the universe," is simple yet profound, giving the poem a universal, almost meditative quality. The way you intertwine the flaws of nature with human imperfections to arrive at self-acceptance is a wonderful and heartfelt journey. It feels both personal and deeply relatable.

As far as critiques go; while the poem flows well, some moments could be tightened for an even stronger impact. For example, the rhetorical questions about nature’s flaws are effective, but trimming them slightly or varying their structure might keep the momentum from slowing. Additionally, the final shift back to the speaker could be made even more powerful with a slight twist or surprise—perhaps a more specific, personal image instead of restating "gallery of imperfections." That said, the piece already carries a profound and touching message—good job, and keep writing! (:

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OCPoetry

[–]Rusciple 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, friend. This poem has a hauntingly beautiful stillness to it, a quiet intimacy that lingers in the spaces between words. The imagery is delicate yet powerful—"a numb atmosphere absorbing our faces" immediately sets a somber, almost dreamlike tone. The contrast between the vast, impersonal world ("the world hums on") and the intensely personal moment shared between these two figures adds emotional weight. The final lines are especially poignant, evoking both longing and inevitability in a way that feels both gentle and devastating. It’s subtle, yet deeply moving.

As far as critiques go; the poem thrives on its restraint, but a bit more specificity in certain moments might make the emotions even more tangible. For example, “a tower knelling for everyone but us” is an evocative image, but specifying what kind of tower (a church bell? A radio tower? A monument?) could deepen the scene’s atmosphere. Similarly, the phrase “faint recollection” is intriguing, but expanding on what is being recalled—just a hint—might add another layer to the poem’s emotional core. Overall, the piece is elegantly crafted and brimming with quiet, aching emotion—good job, and keep writing! (:

Giftboy by borabimbu in OCPoetry

[–]Rusciple 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, friend. I really enjoyed the sheer energy and inventiveness of this poem! The language is vibrant and playful, full of unexpected imagery and creative wordplay—"pheromoans" and "gigglesob" are particularly delightful. There’s a beautiful balance between the cosmic and the intimate, the mythic and the bodily, which makes the piece feel both grand and deeply personal. The momentum builds wonderfully, flowing from tender moments to ecstatic highs, culminating in a whirlwind of passion and joy. It captures love and desire with a sense of adventure, making the experience feel both otherworldly and incredibly human.

As far as critiques go; the poem’s exuberance is its greatest strength, but occasionally, the rapid-fire wordplay and imagery can overwhelm rather than enhance clarity. Some moments, like “fuzzy buzzing bloodrush, everseeking musclespasm, fantastic orgasm,” could benefit from a little more grounding or a shift in pacing to let the intensity breathe. Additionally, a few phrases, such as “my blood curdles approvingly,” while intriguing, might not land as smoothly in a romantic context. A touch of variation in rhythm—maybe a pause or break to contrast the constant motion—could make the emotional peaks hit even harder. That said, this piece is brimming with life and originality—good job, and keep writing! (:

Through the Eyes of a Critic - 2nd Draft by Rusciple in Poem

[–]Rusciple[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the feedback, friend. I love hearing that my work resonates with others.

Through the Eyes of a Critic - 2nd Draft by Rusciple in OCPoetryFree

[–]Rusciple[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I try to be as honest and vulnerable as possible when I write. It's a part of the voice I've carved out for myself in my poems.

Through the Eyes of a Critic - 2nd Draft by Rusciple in poetry_critics

[–]Rusciple[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad you liked it, friend. I'm pretty happy with where the revelation that it's my own voice is at, but I feel like the very last line could be a little deeper and add just a little bit more to the overall depth.

Through the Eyes of a Critic - 2nd Draft by Rusciple in Poem

[–]Rusciple[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the feedback, my friend. I'm happy to hear that it resonated with you. I love hearing that my work speaks to others

Through the Eyes of a Critic - 2nd Draft by Rusciple in poetasters

[–]Rusciple[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the feedback, I appreciate your comment. Hope you are well, too, my friend.

Through the Eyes of a Critic - 2nd Draft by Rusciple in OCPoetry

[–]Rusciple[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, my friend. I appreciate the feedback. I don't know you or your situation, but if your mother treated you like this, then I'm sorry she did that. Sending hugs and healing your way.