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A Poet's Dilemma

To my Poet friends out there, who won't ever tell and share. Has this ever happened to you? A comment left, that was misconstrued. Don't get me wrong, I've done it too, That's why, I'm asking you? The reader did not understand, the words you eloquently penned. You question, who's at fault, in reading, all your thoughts. Was it me, who failed to convey, or you, for seeing it your way? Michael Tor

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Jim Slaughter

Date: 10/22/2022 10:18:00 AM

It may be a bit of a "dilemma", Michael, but for me it's a fairly enjoyable one. No matter how hard we...poets... try to choose the precisely appropriate words to get our points and views across, readers will inevitably interpret our endeavors in their own way.

Michael Tor
Date: 10/23/2022 1:18:00 AM

Jim I agree but It is hard to understand sometimes how they could or myself for that matter. Poetry is sometimes difficult to understand and sometimes it is easy. Sometimes there are several conclusions and different themes intertwined. I just hope I get it right when I comment lol. Thanks for your comment Jim...

Line Gauthier

Date: 10/8/2022 4:32:00 PM

lol ~ so many things can go wrong in everyday communication! What seems clear and straightforward to one can be re-interpreted by the other on any given day. The joys of the written word !!

Michael Tor
Date: 10/13/2022 11:22:00 PM

I agree Line wonderful way of seeing and reflecting thank you for your opinion and comment, really appreciated...

Panagiota Romios

Date: 10/1/2022 1:49:00 PM

I don’t think anyone is at fault! Unless they openly insult you! In which case, I don’t read them. But if is a misunderstanding, soupmail might work. With deep misunderstandings let it go. Mail is the worst way to clear up errors. Michael, life is too short to deal with blockheads. And relationships online are far from real. I know how real they seem. But your friend or mine can koi us off like flies. It’s gross. Just move on and let them go, they were meant to go. Merci Pangie xx

Michael Tor
Date: 10/13/2022 11:21:00 PM

I hear you Pangie. Thank you so much for your valued comment...

David Kavanagh

Date: 8/29/2022 12:42:00 PM

I’m guilty as hell Michael, some of my poems are pretty abstract in nature, not to confuse or manipulate readers, I actually believe it gives extra layers to the picture I’m trying to convey, but it’s no problem if misinterpreted, I always try to clear it up in the comments box, but it’s sometimes impossible if they don’t want to listen to my rationale, for sure the soup can be a pickle at times, but an enjoyable experience, an excellent topical poem, cheers David

Michael Tor
Date: 9/15/2022 4:57:00 AM

Thank you David I missed seeing your valuable comment my friend. Yes I believe like you say, that I have done it too, and I am guilty also. Your explanation makes sense. How many times have you written and you see the comment and you say to yourself, is he commenting on the wrong poem? It makes you wonder if you failed to convey, or did he fail to understand when it was written in such an understanding manner that there was no reason for error in interpretation. Thank you David for your valued comment sorry it took a while to respond. Your comments are always appreciated by me...

Vijay Pandit

Date: 8/10/2022 6:21:00 AM

Your observations are on mark, Michael. I know you visit and spur communication by leaving detailed, insightful remarks. I am happy to see people exchanging --whatever they feel after reading a poem. That is very rare more and more so!

Michael Tor
Date: 8/10/2022 1:14:00 PM

I totally agree with you Vijay. Thanks for your insight my friend it is well appreciated...

Silpika Kalita

Date: 8/9/2022 12:39:00 PM

I just stopped to thank you for inking this universal composition, reflective and mouthpiece of all the poets.

Michael Tor
Date: 8/9/2022 7:11:00 PM

Your welcome Silpika. Very kind of you to express your thoughts on this matter...

Harry Horsman

Date: 8/9/2022 7:26:00 AM

Oh dear, you've had one of those, I've been here a long time now Michael, have seen the gates of hell open and close on many occasion, and we have lost wonderful poets. All because some folk cannot see other points of view. i like your response, and those of the comments. I am not best educated, but in the simple context i believe what i was told many years ago, 'There is always two sides to a story, a problem, and almost everything else' Yes my learning curve everyday is sometimes here on soup.

Michael Tor
Date: 8/9/2022 7:08:00 PM

Great input Harry the two sides of the story, is certainly true on this subject. Yes it is sad when a Poet leaves and I like you have seen so many leave. I wrote a poem about poets leaving. Thank you Harry for your experience in these matters, your thoughts are much appreciated by all who read the comments, I sure was. God bless you and hope you are doing well my friend...

Bill Baker

Date: 8/8/2022 8:24:00 AM

#2 I often write about thoughts I have that I don't even know forsure what they mean. Sometimes others see a truth, (their truth) in my words that isn't my truth. I find it best to let things go as soon as possible when they cause disturbing energy inside me. We don't have to be perfect to share our thoughts. What we write will always be accepted by some and rejected by others. I'm just glad it made them think about what they read. Thanks for letting us talk on this subject my friend.

Michael Tor
Date: 8/9/2022 6:50:00 PM

Bill your comment is much appreciated. Everyone has given me really great comments on this subject. I have enjoyed reading all the different thoughts on the matter. Yours is another perspective that is well thought of and is true. thank you Sir for your perspective I certainly agree with it, thank for sharing my friend and I hope you have a great week. God bless you my friend, and again thank you for your valued input...

Bill Baker

Date: 8/8/2022 8:18:00 AM

Love the topic, Michael, and the open door to comment on how we see it. Thanks. The name of the site is poetrySoup ... within are all kinds of people with very different life experiences and viewpoints. Depending on the level of maturity and awareness, we all seem to think everyone else sees life just like we do. Our words are often the crying our of our hearts and souls to others. Because we use metaphors and include words that have multiple meanings they are sometimes misunderstood. #1

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/8/2022 8:06:00 AM

Sometimes it is difficult to understand the point or message the poet is trying to convey Michael, I agree. Poetry is subjective. That is why texting is often misunderstood too. Have a great day. Blessings xxoo

Michael Tor
Date: 8/9/2022 4:06:00 AM

I agree Connie. Some Poets are incredibly gifted with words and are highly educated when it comes to the dictionary and versatility of words. Sometimes I have to take out my dictionary or go online to find the meaning of the word or words they have used. I want to understand fully what is written by them. Some Poets pick twenty different themes as your reading through their Poetry. Sometimes it is hard to follow and then determine what they want us to conclude. It is a challenge sometimes to grasp what is written. You wonder if you got it wrong in your comment and you feel like I hope the Poet isn't upset with me because I sincerely did not understand and surmise at the meaning. Bleesings and good health Connie xoxo

Sotto Poet

Date: 8/6/2022 4:27:00 PM

The fact that humans have a penchant to use metaphors, in addition to the fact that language is fundamentally dialectical, contributes to the frequency with which this occurrence takes place. So few poets contribute, and those who do often respond with comments that make little sense. Congratulations to Michael on speaking the truth.

Michael Tor
Date: 8/6/2022 8:48:00 PM

Thank you Lasaad. The response from other Poets has been incredibly enlightening. Everyone has a great response. I am glad I am not the only one that notices. God bless you and I will stop by and read some of your impressive writes...

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 8/5/2022 7:32:00 AM

This is such a clever sensible and much needed write you posted Michael on the Soup. I would be the first to say that I agree with all you said - a good debate this would make - so easy for one to express themselves in a way that others find unacceptable or a manner they feel is offensive which you or I would never dream of doing, but c'est la vie. There are also poets that say unkind things about certain poems and poets indirectly, I simply ignore them. Hugs, blessings, Jennifer

Michael Tor
Date: 8/5/2022 5:25:00 PM

Thank you Jennifer for your input. I love seeing all the different comments. They are all correct and I am so glad to hear them. I read your adventure on the plane with the animals and I was thrilled Jennifer. It was so real the way you write you had me on the edge of my seat. Great story loved it. Have a nice evening and God bless you...

Heidi Sands

Date: 8/4/2022 6:37:00 AM

Hi Michael. I have experienced that sometimes. Then other times I may read a poem I do not understand and I may hold back from commenting because I truly do not understand it. We all write in so many ways and what matters is to be true to ourselves as we write. We are all different. Thanks for sharing :)

Michael Tor
Date: 8/4/2022 6:53:00 AM

Heidi your input is greatly appreciated and it is one that I totally agree with. The response from all the writers has been educational, to say the least. Everyone has a view and they are all correct. Love to read each comment made, your comment was one that I really liked. Hope you are doing well my Dear and everything is working out for you. God bless you and I will be over shortly to read your works...

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 8/3/2022 10:37:00 PM

Happens all the time, since we tend to use metaphors and moreover language is inherently dualistic, whilst the felt emotion is non-dual. We see what we wish to see.

Michael Tor
Date: 8/4/2022 6:50:00 AM

Great comment Unseeking S. Your insight is well appreciated, and I agree totally with. Thank you for your observation...

Terrell Martin

Date: 8/3/2022 6:05:00 PM

Hi Michael, poetry is by its very nature ambiguous and misleading. Even well written prose and other types of writing / communication are all subject to the whims of the human mind with our filters, mistakes and errors. In sum, ain't nobody perfect my man! Don't sweat it, Terry

Michael Tor
Date: 8/4/2022 6:48:00 AM

Ha, I don't sweat it Terry. I was just sharing something humorous, and making light of it, but it also conveys a message that the writer is trying to get through to the reader. You are correct my friend Poetries, the very nature is ambiguous and misleading. Terry your insightfulness was appreciated dearly. Thank you for your valued comment. I totally agree with you...

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 8/3/2022 3:42:00 PM

It happens Michael. I've had it happen more than once. I've been on both sides. It's okay - move on. :) Linda

Michael Tor
Date: 8/3/2022 5:25:00 PM

Great advice Linda. Thanks for stopping by and being honest about your experiences. God bless you , and enjoy your afternoon.

Joe Maverick

Date: 8/3/2022 12:15:00 PM

An occupational hazard there Michael, Yes I have seen inspiration spring from Misapprehension.. And a mistake of wording Sound better than the planned quotation..' I will be sending you a soupmail brother.All blessings in Jesus '

Michael Tor
Date: 8/3/2022 1:23:00 PM

Thank you Joe for your input. I will look forward to reading your Soupmail, enjoy the rest of your day...

Mike Gentile

Date: 8/3/2022 4:59:00 AM

I understand Michael. I have also been surprised at comments that seem to indicate the opposite of intention. Once I wrote a word play farce about a mixed up girl for a contest and I got a very negative comment that instructed that I should look in the mirror first before criticizing someone. It was so obviously a comedy ( at least to me!) Good thoughts you pen! Happy Wednesday

Michael Tor
Date: 8/3/2022 6:59:00 AM

Thank you Mike. Yes I can sense how you felt. The readers thoughts were wrong and it hurt your feelings. When somone is negative I believe it harms them, as the reader. The only time I am ever negative is when someone is attacking which is rarely. Some writers are passionate of what they believe. Anyways I got off subject. Yes I try to always understand the writers perspective, it is their poem and they wrote it to convey their message. Sometimes though a Poem can have several meanings and maybe more depending on the readers imagination. Most of the time Mike the reader gets it right. Have a blessed day my friend and thank you for stopping by and I appreciate your support. God bless you.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/2/2022 8:17:00 PM

Sure enough, this DOES happen... But perhaps that's the beauty of it. Like a peacock is a poem: The more eyes on it, the more is seen. Not to worry: It's all good! Blessings, Michael. :) gw

Michael Tor
Date: 8/2/2022 8:27:00 PM

Love your pespective Gershon. All you have to do is read the comments, and sit back and say to yourself, wwwhhhhaattt??? lol. I am sure you have done a few of those. Thanks Gershon for stopping by. God bless you and thank you for your support...

Paulette Calasibetta

Date: 8/2/2022 5:10:00 PM

It is true, many times the words trying to be conveyed totally are misunderstood~I guess it comes down to personal perception. I know I have mis- understood poems and always appreciate when the author explains. It is honorable of you to poetically expose this truth. :)Paulette

Michael Tor
Date: 8/2/2022 8:06:00 PM

Paulette I think we all have sometimes for one reason or another have not understood what the writer wanted us to. That is where the dilemma is. When you read the comment you wonder if they read what I wrote or I will try and understand where maybe they saw it a certain way. Thank you Paulete for your support. God bless you and I will be visiting soon.

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 8/2/2022 12:29:00 PM

So true to many poets with comments here. So few poets share and some reply with nonsensical comments. Bravo Michael for telling the truth.

Michael Tor
Date: 8/2/2022 8:25:00 PM

Hi Victor, i wanted everyones reaction Victor. I know I have misunderstood when I read. I think we all have. I like to think though that I get the meaning 99 percent of the time, but there is always room for error on both sides. A poem can have dual or triple meanings depending on how your interpreting what you have read. Thanks for stopping by my friend. Been busy lately building my dog Tavi a large pen in the back yard. Just finished today.He was running around like there was no tommorow, ha. I think he likes it Victor. Hope you are feeling well my friend.