A Fond Farewell To the Soup

A Fond Farewell to the Soup
You've all been "Souper".

As I set down at the keyboard
My eyes are filled with tears
For I’ll be saying “ Good-bye”
To folks I’ve “known” for years.

I recently self-published my 4th book
Silly rhymes now fill some 400 pages.
Printed up “officially” in the hope
They’ll last down through the ages. :o)

No one will buy many, if past is judge 
But that wasn’t the original point.
If all else fails and they fall apart
I can use the pages to wrap a “joint”. :o)

My 12 yr. elder-life phase of rhyming 
Has “respectfully” come to an end.
This last rhyme will finish it out
I’ll now send it to you, my friend.

I joined your group some years ago
But oft felt out of place, not good enough.
When you’re doing something just for fun
Not feeling “up to it” gets kind of rough.

Someone once said: “I’m not so sure
I’d want to be a part of any group
That would accept me into membership.
In desperation, to that level I stoop. :o)

But I’ve written many sheets since then
Least twice felt a need to be preserved
A piece that went together so nicely
I’ve felt “keeping” is what it deserved.

But I’ve gotten off my track again
To say: Adieu to this fine troop.
It’s grown to be for me a family
This wonderful “poets” group.

Thanks a lot for the many times
You’ve read my silly stuff
Shared many supportive comments
Not always, just thoughtless fluff.

I know I’ll miss you but see no need
To be a part, for I can still read.
The wonderful gifts each often shares
On this huge internet poetry feed. 

So in the weeks and months ahead
I’ll be back. You won’t know I’ve read
But know I’m enjoying each one
Just don’t let it go to your head. 


Respectfully entered by oldbuck
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Radice Avatar
March 26, 2021 at 1:14 AM
I'm behind the times Old Buck and just read this. I really hope you do return be it full time or just "passing through" Just reading your poem here immediately has me thinking that you are the heart and soul of a site like this. Cheers - Gary
Fenn Avatar
November 25, 2020 at 3:57 PM
Well written! I’m glad you haven’t left Soup. So you’ve written a book. Is it available online?
Buck Avatar
November 26, 2020 at 8:25 AM
Thank you for commenting. And yes, I've actually published 4 books. Since 2014, I've sold 1 copy. My sister didn't realize I was sending her one and ordered 1 from Amazon. :o) Self-publishing is fun and can be inexpensive. I used Create Space thru Amazon.com. Each contains about 40 rhymes.
Callus Avatar
November 22, 2019 at 3:57 PM
Everyone needs a Sabbatical from time to time; important to recharge the batteries, and then come back refreshed, Old Buck! Knowing that you enjoyed this 'soup' you will definitely keep coming back for more...not with spoon in hand, but with your trusty pen! Regards // paul
Buck Avatar
November 26, 2019 at 1:46 PM
Paul: You are a Super Souper. The kind that gives this site it's good reputation as more than just a "poets resting place". As for me writing again, don't hold your breath unless you're under water. :o) Have a great Turkey day. We're having ham to give the birds a break. They were going to kill the pig for his bacon anyway, so no harm done. oldbuck
Zerlaut Avatar
August 16, 2019 at 9:47 PM
You've always been good enough. You're one of the poets I always return to when I come back to view the soup. Thank you for your many wonderful additions to what we are.
Buck Avatar
November 26, 2019 at 1:49 PM
Jesse: After nearly 300 attempts at writing and 4 books ,I've decided, other than you great folks there is little interest in what I've spent the last 12 years doing. I've never really made any profit so I shouldn't be called: "Worthless". :o) oldbuck
Anish Avatar
July 17, 2019 at 9:34 PM
Glad to see you back on the "soup"! It is a great venue for poetry, Thank you for your kind words and keep up the good poetry! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Buck Avatar
July 18, 2019 at 12:12 PM
Matt: Read a little "Anish" yesterday. I'll be back for more. Thanks for reading and commenting on my silly rhymes. oldbuck
Carmack Avatar
July 13, 2019 at 4:37 PM
Hey Old Buck. I have been busy with a new job since May, so I have not been around much. I see you did post another poem after this one, so I hope that means you are just slowing down rather than leaving. I can go months without writing, then something triggers me, usually a contest. Just relax and don't ever worry if you're good enough, this is a subjective field, so trying to qualify or quantify more than the extremes, is absurd.
Buck Avatar
July 13, 2019 at 9:57 PM
Rob: Thank you so much for reading and commenting on this silly rhyme. Every writer longs for a reader. Again: Thanks. oldbuck
Mcferran Avatar
June 13, 2019 at 1:48 PM
This made me sad (especially as I've just "discovered" you!)... but I hope that you're just going through one of those phases (that many of us go through) where your muse has taken a little vacation on it's own! Poetry comes in all kinds of forms- so not fitting in is only natural! ...And I think you'd be surprised how many others here often feel inadequate or not "up to it"- you're not alone! At any rate, I'm relieved you're not leaving us altogether- as we need MORE like you! ;)
Mcferran Avatar
June 16, 2019 at 4:02 PM
Good luck, my friend! I hope you do get to have your book signing there- that sounds wonderful! ;)
Buck Avatar
June 13, 2019 at 3:57 PM
Rhona: My latest inspiration came from a small, used book store that heard of my stuff and wants me to "read" to some of her book clubs. My payment would be having a "book signing". If it actually happens I would be thrilled. Thanks for commenting. oldbuck
Schack Avatar
May 28, 2019 at 7:34 AM
long time no communicate old buck. hello it's mr. Daniel schack. like this adios poem. see some of my new stuff, please. love to hear comments. yeah I know i'm a caustic writer. judge not too much lest well u know. hope to hear. be well. my pop will be 88, god willing and me be 55 in june. hallejuyah.
Buck Avatar
May 28, 2019 at 9:30 AM
Dan: Every writer appreciates being read and with a comment it's a plus. Thank you much. Now I'm off to get "causticated". :o) oldbuck
Spilchuk Avatar
May 14, 2019 at 2:05 PM
I too echo the same sediment. I hope your departure or leave from writing is only temporary.
Lamoureux Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 8:41 AM
Sad to hear you are leaving Buck. It has been a pleasure. You have alway been a gentleman and a fine human being and poet. Blessings on your journey. Remember it is your prerogative to change your mind at some future date.
Buck Avatar
May 14, 2019 at 7:47 PM
Thanks Richard: However: I left for a short time a few years ago. Just felt I didn't measure up. My stuff isn't really poetry it's just silly rhymes. Folks here are so kind they do bring you back. Thanks again. oldbuck
Thayer Avatar
April 6, 2019 at 11:08 AM
Say It Is Not So...You Must Not Go!! I Loved All Your Poems...If You Must...Old Buck...I Wish You The Best Of Luck! (my apologies for a farewell rhyme...I do it all the time...darn it I did it again. Vickie
Buck Avatar
April 6, 2019 at 11:14 AM
Vickie: thank you for reading my stuff and leaving a thoughtful comment. I'm not leaving the soup just probably won't be leaving any scratches. :o) Everyone on this site has been so great it would be nearly impossible to leave completely. Keep up your writing and sharing with all of us on the soup. oldbuck
Allison Avatar
April 1, 2019 at 3:03 PM
Oh OB I am so sorry to read this and I have tears too my friend , I hope you will come back after a break and pop and visit me from time to time and do leave your poems on the site too:-) I am taking a break from today - am going to try and self publish - please soup mail me have you got any tips!:-) keep on smiling my friend:-) hugs jan xx
Buck Avatar
April 1, 2019 at 4:28 PM
Jan: I sent you a "soup mail" but I suggest you pack soup and a sandwich before you start reading it. I ran a little long. Good luck as you go forward. I intend to keep tormenting you folks for a long time, just don't seem to have a head full of rhyming words anymore. oldbuck
Salehi Avatar
March 31, 2019 at 2:26 AM
Have fun my good friend...all the BEST...
Buck Avatar
March 31, 2019 at 2:18 PM
Pashang: You've been part of the Soup Support Team for me in the past. Thank you for that. Keep writing, and we'll keep reading. oldbuck
Theraven Avatar
March 31, 2019 at 12:21 AM
Old Buck, It was Groucho Marx. He was the one who said "I don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member." Fair Winds and Following Seas friend. -Richard
Buck Avatar
March 31, 2019 at 2:19 PM
Quoth; It could have been Groucho, or Sleepy, or Dopey, or Doc, but it's a great quote. Thanks for the comment. Keep writing and we'll keep reading. oldbuck
Krutsinger Avatar
March 30, 2019 at 9:57 PM
Old Buck, come back! Every poet is needed here! We need you! Please reconsider. We are a unity-community! You are more than good enough.
Buck Avatar
March 31, 2019 at 2:15 PM
Caren: The folks here are "Souper" and have always made me feel one of them. I've just run my course. Keep them coming and we'll keep reading. oldbuck
Nicole Avatar
March 30, 2019 at 9:03 PM
Dear Buck, I don't know you and I haven't commented on any of your poetry here. This statement touched my heart. "I joined your group some years ago. But oft felt out of place, not good enough" You are good enough. Because you are being true to who you are!! Never forget that. I wish you the best!! Keep reaching for the Stars. ~ Brandy
Buck Avatar
March 31, 2019 at 2:14 PM
Brandy: It's comments like this that make the Soup such a wonderful place. Keep writing and I'll keep reading. oldbuck
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