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

The poem "Crooked Luck" presents a compelling exploration of courage, fear, and resilience in the face of adversity. It uses metaphors and imagery effectively to convey its themes and emotions.

However, there are areas where the poem could be improved. For instance, the line "Grow by taking in/The silence/That kills/Joy slowly" is somewhat ambiguous. It could be clarified to ensure that the intended message is effectively communicated to the reader.

The poem also lacks a consistent rhythm or rhyme scheme, which can make it feel disjointed. If this was the intended effect, it could be beneficial to emphasize this disjointedness more to make it clear that it is a deliberate choice rather than an oversight.

Lastly, the question at the end of the poem, "Do you fold/Or raise the/Odds in a game/Of crooked luck?" is a powerful conclusion. However, it might be more impactful if the stakes of this "game" were made clearer earlier in the poem. This would give the reader a better understanding of what is at risk and make the final question more poignant.

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

Love the theme and language use.
Needn't to say the metaphor has been effectively used.

While reading this, I felt as though I was watching 'Life'
deal from the bottom of the deck. "Crooked Luck" is an apt title.
This piece is telling it like it is, telling us that you cannot play the game without taking chances and betting on the hidden cards.

I would switch the second stanza with the third, as I feel that the taking on of odds continues with the theme of gambling.
I'm feeling like the lines describing the conversation between heart and oneself should be shorter and more to the point,
"Be still, this is not our first night of darkness, locked away."
The last stanza asks a crucial question, take no chances and no gains, or push all the chips to the pot? Good stuff. ~ Geez.
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Hello, Paul,
A powerful poem! Deal me in, too!
L