I own the soup? - Michael Jordan's Blog

<div align="justify">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well Happy Halloween my fellow soupers. Funny the silly little notions that some people get. I hate to bust your precious little bubble there bro but I'm an ex-con not a poetry site owner. I do feel highly honored that you placed my name with good men like John and Raul. I see it as just another testament&nbsp; to the depth of change writing poetry can make in ones life. By the way bro, how does it feel to make a complete fool of yourself. I mean when I was spun out cooking dope I could come up with some wild conspiracy theory's but hell I was shooting about an eight ball of pure crystal meth a day. Smoking a couple of pipe loads an hour with the gals. Even so I never landed as far from home base as you have. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Anyhow I was ask this last Monday to submit a Narrative&nbsp; on how writing&nbsp; poetry has changed my life. I felt very honored that the College I'm attending would ask me to submit my work to be published in this years book. The head of the English Dept. has already given her approval and was actually involved in the request.&nbsp; Far cry from the burnt out drug addict that once inhabited a prison cell. I don't know if you guys can tell but I'm pretty darn proud of myself. Despite what some folk may think I scratched my way up out of the pits of hell. I earned every drop of anything I have ever gotten the hard way. I see that as good thing because people respect that and I&nbsp; am somebody that has earned my respect. Of course all of this was made possible by the grace of God. I reckon thats living proof that I'm on the road to earning his respect also. I'll tell you for a old junkie ex-con like me that is a beautiful thing. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I do apologize that I spend so little time on the site. I'm so captivated with learning that I often forget to do anything else these days. I love this life I'm living guys. The fact that I spent so many years belittled and locked away in a cell has given me a great appreciation of life and the countless joys that everyday brings. I will confess to the fact that I have been very blessed. The wonderful friends that I have made on this site I consider to be a blessing. Before long I'll settle into a routine and come back home to our site because this is my home. I earned my seat at this table along time ago and anyone who doubts that is, well I'll just let that go. Raul I do thank you for the honor I did enjoy the contest. I apologize to you and John for your names getting mixed up with mine. Last thing I want is to cause anybody any trouble. I know I have nothing to apologize for but I seriously doubt that dude has enough gumption or class to apologize. You each deserve an apology and since I'm the only other one actually involved in this slander I'll man up and offer you mine. God Bless you all and once again "Happy Halloween."<br></div>

Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/4/2009 4:37:00 PM Hey there smartie pants! How's that beautiful family? What was the little one for Halloween? Login to Reply

John Heck Date: 11/3/2009 10:23:00 PM Hi Michael - Guess what? You're a great guy - a wonderful inspiration to the PSoup family - AND a terrific poet! I most definitely agree with our fellow PSouper's comments - you are a respected gentleman and a tremendous asset to this site! You, my friend, are Top Notch and always will be. My warmest wishes to you and your family. Peace always, John Login to Reply

Vince Suzadail Jr. Date: 11/3/2009 9:24:00 AM Hey Michael!! You own the soup!!! I don't know how you do it, balancing a pro basketball career ooops. There's one in every crowd so I wouldn't worry about it. Sometimes you get a tree, sometimes a whole "Forest." I misspelled HOLE. Your poetry speaks for itself. Have a great day. God Bless. Vince Login to Reply

Doris Culverhouse Date: 11/2/2009 6:21:00 PM I do hate to see people use the site for revenge/or whatever it is. keep up the good work!! Mainly taking care of the little girl in the photo, she is the main thing!! God bless you all! Login to Reply

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen Date: 11/2/2009 12:30:00 PM Michael J. I believe in God and I know that the words you testify about how He has changed your life are possible. My hope and heart go out to you for your continued learning and success. I know that God is proud of you when He looks down and smiles at the many good life choices that you have now make. Isn't forgiveness a wonderful thing! Congratulations on being given the honor to write about how poetry changed your life. This site has really helped me through some difficult times. I love the soup. About the owner-- I don't know who owns the soup. But whoever does, I am glad this site exists. I have met many wonderful people on here. Oh, I wish I owned Poetrysoup.com, and was making friendships possible via poetry. It is a marvelous place to write. Take care. Lovingly, Dane Login to Reply

Elaine George Date: 11/1/2009 3:38:00 PM Dear Michael, I Know the day will come when, you will write a novel about your life and it will be a # One best seller. (you have an important mission) You are on your way my courageous friend. God Bless you. Love, Lainie - yf4l Login to Reply

Sue Mason Date: 11/1/2009 3:18:00 PM You are so much more than an ex-con doper, Michael. You're a wonderful human being on a spiritual journey having human experiences that you can label as negative and being in hell, but what if those experiences were meant to be .... hmmmmm ?!!! ... smile ... You're being USED buddy as am I and all of us who have been there, done that, and now "no matter how far down the scale we have gone, we can see where our experience can be beneficial to others" .... God Bless Ya !! Login to Reply

Carrie Richards Date: 11/1/2009 2:48:00 PM I'm so happy to hear how well your are doing in college, Michael, and that you are writing for your fellow students! They will soon learn what a talented poet you are, just as your friends have learned on the Soup long ago!! Keep up the good work!! ~ Carrie Login to Reply

Date: 11/1/2009 10:24:00 AM Michael, you have indeed earned your place here at The Soup. Congratulations on your new honor. My question to all is why are so many commenting on this person? He's getting all kinds of attention which these types of people seem to eat up. I hope people consider taking their comments on his poem off. I reported this to the Soup staff. Hopefully, the poem will be gone soon. Karen Login to Reply

Constance La France Date: 11/1/2009 8:39:00 AM Michael, I am not surprised that they asked you to write a narrative of your life because you are an inspiration. Yes, you clawed your way up from the pits of hell, you took a twenty block walk that day, remember and that is why I chose your poem for first place in my contest, a walk to remember, and any one who disputes that is a complete fool. Your poems are full of heart wrenching honesty and that is why you are loved and respected. Never mind some idiots rambling illiterate comments. You and the others mentioned in that dumb poem , and many other familiar names we see each day, are what makes the soup so special. Login to Reply

Jim Fish Date: 11/1/2009 6:39:00 AM Good to see you again. Been catchin' your blurbs occasionally. I don't always respond but the great thing about the Soup is you really don't have to, to still feel like one of the family. Truly a place where you can be who you are and still be proud of it. Plus, you feel like you are among friends with whom you have something in common. I love the people out here but in this town of 2500 but there are not too many (actually 0, not counting my wife, and she's not into poetry) that I've felt akin enough to tell all my vulnerabilities too. Me thinks Philip Morris may have been smoking so much of his own tabacco and hasn't been getting much attention lately. Reckon he's a gittin' it here? lol. Good to hear from ya. ~<>< Login to Reply

Carol Sunshine Brown Date: 11/1/2009 6:02:00 AM Michael, you know how very proud of you I am. Congratulations on your new accomplishments. I know many more good things are going to be coming your way. Shine on my dear friend shine on. Love, Carol YF4L Login to Reply

Lena Townsend Date: 11/1/2009 1:13:00 AM I want to be the first to let you know... You Rock! It is awesome to see that the Soup family stays together and stands up for one another. For all that you have overcome... You are the man, and to apologize for others ignorance though it is not necessary puts you at the top of the list of the worlds greatest friends. We are so lucky to have you here Michael, thank you for all the inspiration that you share! Smiles from Lolita Login to Reply