The Soup

You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. Cliche' you say....oh yes. It seems to be the way the way to get "poets" to read what you write but the way I see, it's just not right. "Your poems are so wonderful! You are the best! I'll keep reading yours and the heck with the rest. And by the way, thank you for reading all of mine. The comment you left had me feeling totally divine." If you don't like something I write, please just ignore. Don't tell me it's excellent if you think it's a bore. I don't need or want fake words of glory and praise. Perhaps my time in PS is diminishing to mere days. It was fun for a while, but it's become an alien site. Its colorful past is being painted in black and white. No one enters contests, and I can see the reasons why. If you'd admit the truth, you know that's not a lie. Thank you to all the ones who are kind and caring. The ones I came to know, who to me they were sharing a glimpse of who they really are. I can tell the fakes. Don't be fooled by those who offer poison to you in cake. I realize this will make me the brunt of many a joke. That's alright with me because I've taken the first poke. But I won't turn the other cheek. I've no fear of what is said. And I'll understand if my poems are no longer being read.

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Timothy Hicks

Date: 3/16/2016 9:06:00 PM

Hard-hitting, Lin ... I did not expect this from you! If I don't like a poem, and I don't connect with it, than I don't comment on it, and I try to be as honest as I can. I come too your page, because I like what you have to say, and I enjoy your bubbly personality ... Like you, I do hate artificial comments. I hope what you write here is hyperbole, and you don't actually end up leaving ... we should do our best to not stir up drama, as this IS (or supposed to be) a POETRY site.

Lin Lane
Date: 3/16/2016 10:11:00 PM

I wasn't trying to stir up drama, and nothing in the poem is about comments, or the lack thereof, on anything I've written. My reason for writing it was on a completely different wave length. Thus far nothing has changed...another cause for chagrin. Thank you for your lovely remarks about my writes and my personality, but there are times when a cola over carbonates and explodes.

White Sage

Date: 3/15/2016 6:44:00 AM

hey, did something happened while i was away? does someone need to be hit with my walking stick? i was glad when i saw the soup, my mouth was...but i discovered it ain't a real soup, it is the REAL soup...i like your views too, they're right...and you've got a brave heart there...i can't escape reading your writes, because to me they're great!

Lin Lane
Date: 3/15/2016 7:07:00 AM

I just had a build up of steam in my kettle and it decided to blow off. Thanks for agreeing, Sage, and for reading my writes, the good, the bad, and the silly. lol

Joanna Daniel

Date: 3/11/2016 7:20:00 AM

Well, what you have written is so true. I totally agree and thank you for writing this one. I really loved your heart felt write. I don't find time to read all poems on this site, so do not comment on them. You know the results. I can see what you feel about contests. But I participate because they challenge me to write more poems...

Lin Lane
Date: 3/11/2016 7:27:00 AM

Thank you, Jo. I don't have the time or the inclination to read every poem posted, so you're not alone. I'll probably still enter a few contests because I feel the way you do, they are a challenge. However I'll be more selective in choosing which to enter. thanks again for your comments, Jo!

Susan Gentry

Date: 3/10/2016 10:41:00 PM

I comment on contests I've been in, try to follow who I've connected with, never left a comment I didn't mean, have learned from contests, like doing them, don't have time for much more. I've liked yours, i like this one, you have strong feelings, some I've felt myself. If I don't get a poem I don't leave a comment. I admire you for saying what you think. I've never seen anyone put anyone down. I hope you stay. This too shall pass. Basically people are decent and kind. You have been.

Anthony Mark
Date: 3/12/2016 1:12:00 AM

Susan, ...if you don't "get a poem" , perhaps ask the author ..why,what,who,where,....you may find that inspiration can come from other places , other than the poem,...some poets are not quite as shallow as the poems they write? ...you can learn from the answer rather than the words written....says me ...lol

Lin Lane
Date: 3/11/2016 4:02:00 AM

Thank you very much for your comments on this write, Susan. I don't know you very well, but you stepped up and expressed your feelings on this when some I have felt closer to have not. I appreciate that very much.

Jeannie Cronin

Date: 3/10/2016 8:31:00 PM

I'm feeling pretty confident nobody needs to ask how you really feel. I do think you have some very valid points, especially about the contests. I don't enter them anymore because I just don't believe buying a premium membership should automatically qualify someone to "judge" the work of others. These same "judges" deny a request for critique on general postings but are quick to deem your work "N/A" in a contest. I was hoping for more of a learning and growth environment.I appreciate the honesty

Lin Lane
Date: 3/10/2016 9:58:00 PM

I totally understand your reasoning. I got the premium because I love finding pictures to go with my writes. I'm sponsoring my 3rd contest and probably my last....same thing with entering. I think I'm done with both. I'd better not even get started on the judging process...lol Thanks for your comments, Jeannie.

Walter T. Ashe

Date: 3/10/2016 7:57:00 PM

Deserved! Truth is truth no matter who tells it or how it is told! Writing comes from the heart's "spirit" and when genuinely appreciated....now that's "Sweet!" Write On! :-)

Lin Lane
Date: 3/10/2016 9:54:00 PM

Thanks, Walter. I'm grateful for your comments.

Ralph Sergi

Date: 3/10/2016 10:41:00 AM

Hi Lin: Great Poem! simply put but for the established ego of all poets, it's a good sign of encouragement. At times I have gotten three N/A's in a row but it doesn't deter me and I don't pretend to understand some of the articulate forms but I am learning. Keep writing!

Lin Lane
Date: 3/10/2016 10:45:00 AM

I suppose everyone has a titch of an ego at one time or another. I'm glad to hear your N/A's will not deter you from writing. Whether it's for contests or writing for yourself, (which is more important) please follow your own advice, "Keep writing." I will, too. Thank you, Ralph.

Charlie Smith

Date: 3/10/2016 8:41:00 AM

Lin, I admit to reading poetry from people who have commented on my work. I find it illuminating in critiquing there comments. I took the disclaimer seriously. If you can't be uplifting...I'm very sorry to hear, from you veterans that PS is such a patty cake environment. I write for me, but at the same time, I'm not delusional about my abilities, but I think everyone needs a pat on the back occasionally. Keep on writing Lin, your contributions are innumerable, Charlie P.S. didn't like TS

Lin Lane
Date: 3/10/2016 8:53:00 AM

Comments that are uplifting are always welcome, but to me they're only that if they are meant in sincerity. I'm NOT a veteran of PS, Charlie. I've only been here 5 months, so I'm only speaking from my own point of view. I want to thank you for your comment on my contributions and even more so for your honesty in telling me that you didn't like TS. I didn't like writing it, but it was something that I felt had to be written. An honest man, and my hat is off to you.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 3/10/2016 8:08:00 AM

Hi, Lin. Congrats on POTD. It's good to express what you feel about certain things on the Soup. I always try to write something honest in my comments. If I can't relate at all, I won't post a comment. It is good to visit for the pure joy of poetry, but if I keep visiting and don't get a return visit, I have to assume that the person just doesn't want to connect with me somehow. You worded your opinion well, and we are all entitled to our opinions. Hugs

Lin Lane
Date: 3/10/2016 8:49:00 AM

I'm in total agreement with you, Eileen. POTD is not really an honor if it's computer generated, which it seems to be. And this write is not worthy of being POTD. Thank you for your insight. Hugging you back!

Elijah Malcom

Date: 3/10/2016 7:07:00 AM

Love this poem well deservered poem of the day!!!

Anthony Mark
Date: 3/12/2016 12:59:00 AM

Now that's the kind of questionable comment that requires a second question...so pray tell Elijah, out of ALL the poems submitted this day ...WHY do YOU feel it merited POTD? a valid question in light of the poem itself ...yes it's good , yes it articulates a good point, yes it's rhyme structure feels unforced, ...so why do you like it ?

Lin Lane
Date: 3/10/2016 7:19:00 AM

Thank you, Elijah.

Jan Allison

Date: 3/9/2016 4:29:00 PM

I think many of us can relate to your powerful poem Lin - great to show your feelings in poetic style - I have a few health issues at the moment and am not as active as I was and can't keep up with writing and commenting as much as I'd like:-( hugs Jan xx

Lin Lane
Date: 3/9/2016 5:11:00 PM

Hi Jan, please don't even try to keep up with anything in PS. Your health is important...nothing here really matters. Hugs and take care of yourself.

Walter T. Ashe

Date: 3/9/2016 2:09:00 PM

Learning is growth and with growth we do learn! Keep on Writing On!!! Lin...Write On! :-)

Lin Lane
Date: 3/9/2016 2:12:00 PM

I don't think I could stop writing if I tried. Thanks, Walter.

Casarah Nance

Date: 3/9/2016 9:44:00 AM

Very good, we all have had this experience. This site is a maze, navigation is hard and every turn brings on more and more turns. I believe a lot of people have good intentions. This was a great poem to show off those feeling we all feel at one time or another here. Hugs xx

Lin Lane
Date: 3/9/2016 9:47:00 AM

Sorry about the jump... one more flaw of PS, but no fault of poets. Thanks for reading this, Cas. I appreciate your thoughts.

Lin Lane
Date: 3/9/2016 9:45:00 AM

I am always true to myself which is why I wrote this piece. I'm sure you see a lot of positive things where many others are not afforded the same respect, and I'm not referring to myself. Thank you for your comments.

Tim Smith

Date: 3/9/2016 9:16:00 AM

Ignore the naysayers Lin your poetry is great and remember deep down it is for You that you write. No one should joke or be hurtful here. if so please report it. There are many bullies that belittle to make themselves feel superior but they are the opposite.

Lin Lane
Date: 3/9/2016 9:23:00 AM

Thank you for your kindness, Tim. It's not a bullying issue, but one of being perplexed. Your comments have always been sweet and encouraging, so I thank you...sincerely.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 3/9/2016 8:39:00 AM

I'm sad to read this Lin. I've found your work to be really good. I don't know what has troubled you, but I hope you don't leave. :( I've wanted to leave many a time....Stick around for those who are genuine. As for being the brunt of many a joke....Been there. Hugs

Lin Lane
Date: 3/9/2016 9:48:00 AM

That was the work of a hypocite, Eileen. We learn who they are and steer clear. ;)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/9/2016 9:11:00 AM

I know what you mean, dear. I get frustrated when people make comments on my write...lauding it, when I know that they don't appreciate my work. I had someone tell me, "I don't like your writing", and then on a blog they went on to say that I was one of the finest on the site. What? Anyway, I've taken a knock or two, but I'm still here....and I won't leave. I love poetry...and ultimately, that's what this site should be about. Hope things get better for you. :) Hugs

Lin Lane
Date: 3/9/2016 8:59:00 AM

Hi Eileen and thank you. It's not one thing in particular but an accumulation of several. I'm not leaving, at least not yet, unless I get spit out of the soup. It doesn't, or shouldn't really matter if people scorn us in PS or not because in the scope of our lives none of what happens here is real. I appreciate you for taking the time to comment on this and many of my previous writes. Hugging you back...Lin