Eileen Manassian Poet Dramatic Monologue

Notes About The Poem

Come Visit Me

You read out of obligation,
a tit for tat consolation...
a "thank you for your visit" affirmation

it's cool, this unspoken rule
I do it too, so what’s new?
It's only being civil
community code of camaraderie
who can break free?
It needs to be done
loyalties need to be won
so does the "comment hit and run"
then on to another one

I appreciate that, truth be told
this give and take system should hold
on poetic pleasantries, I am sold
“Reciprocity” is gold

Oh, but that's not quite the same
as being sure that you came
because I'm a favorite name
in your poet hall of fame

Come goaded by greed
desperate to feed
voyeuristic as I bleed
needing my pain to be freed

Come craving my rhyme fix
the potency of this mix
my poetic party tricks
Come click for the best picks

Read the poet pillaged by pain
who's been baptized by rain
holding on to the sane
let me battle your bane

Read me because you know
you need me to grow
Dip in the stream of this flow
words above, words below

Read and be set on fire
by word kindling of desire
Flames that lick passion higher
making each thought perspire

Obligation is overrated
though my words might be dated
the ideas?  NOT antiquated
to existence they’re related

Come visit me
Come here so you’ll see
Passion infused poetry
that melds you and me

Eileen Manassian

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

John Loving Iii November 1, 2025 at 3:27 PM I come because I know "I will not have to pretend." my compliments will be earned. You and I have that in common. But you have me worried two weeks since you've written. It could be a dry spell. I've had them. This piece addresses our purpose.

Paul Callus January 7, 2025 at 3:42 PM Writing a poem brings personal satisfaction, but it is in sharing it with others that it reaches full development, according to how it is received/commented on. The number of hits does not really matter to me; an honest comment is worth much more. ~ Goodnight & hugs my friend // paul Eileen Manassian April 5, 2025 at 9:13 AM A comment by you is always percious. Thank you for dropping by.

John Loving Iii December 27, 2024 at 3:34 PM This is the actual meeting of a "Muse". The writer of a masterpiece. The truthful subject is laid before Soupers and we know every word is true. This is our worship and being worshiped. The great thing is running up on that exceptional jewel that entertains us the best, makes us cry, cause us to think, reveals that hidden plain sight truth.

Richard Lamoureux December 5, 2024 at 5:22 AM I think all poets will relate to this one. I have read almost every poem you have posted so I appreciate your gift. Eileen Manassian April 5, 2025 at 9:12 AM You are a constant in my poetic journey. Thank you, Richard. I can always count on you.

Michael Tor November 27, 2024 at 10:14 AM So many truths written in this passion filled message of expressing one's observation in commenting on one's Poetry. To acknowledge and appreciate the others work and then returning the favor in positive reinforcing they others Poetry. It is important that we shared and support one another especially when we have supported them and expect the same from them is only fair. You send many great messages Eileen. This one is a favorite for me because it is how most us feel, and you have eloquently Eileen Manassian November 27, 2024 at 10:56 AM Yes. It's only right and proper to show appreciation for someone who has taken the time to read and comment. That's true. I know who my regulars are. I've lost some popularity in recent times. I haven't been good at reading others poems, I must admit. I've been struggling. I'll try to do better. Blessings and thanks Michael Tor November 27, 2024 at 10:18 AM shared for us and undeniable truth in caring for your fellow writers. I hope this sends a message to those that selfishly are inconsiderate in fairly responding to one who has taken the time to read, and comment. Love your raw emotion in writing how we all feel when we do not receive what we expect from the other writer. A favorite Eileen God bless you for being honest in your experience. Thank you so much for sharing this truth...

Paige Hind November 25, 2024 at 1:38 PM Wow, I love that picture of you! You are beautiful, AND your poetry. <3 Words I'm considering today....and how are you? I hear Israel is going to reach a ceasefire there, am I right? Hope peace reigns in your life and heart. Eileen Manassian November 27, 2024 at 10:59 AM What a kind sweet compliment, dear. Yes. Today a cease fire went into effect. I'm glad we don't have to hear those awful drones or the sound of bombs anymore. Thanks for being such a great support. Blessings

Daniel Turner November 22, 2024 at 11:57 AM "Reciprocity" "obligation" I certainly dont want anyone feeling "obligated" to read a poem. I read sometimes but do not leave comments. Over here, thats the same as not reading. I tend to go by the Willie Nelson philosophy. "Throw it out and see what comes back" Hello Eileen. Still as lovely as ever, I see:) Eileen Manassian November 22, 2024 at 8:03 PM Thank you for reading AND commenting! It's good when a poet knows his/her poem isn't lost in the void. Comments are appreciated. I think community is what makes this place special. Thanks for the compliment. :) Good to have you visit again.

Ilene Bauer November 22, 2024 at 9:18 AM You’ve expressed this very well, Eileen (no surprise there!) and I can understand just how you feel. I find as time goes on, there are just a handful of fellow poets who read and comment on my poems and I’m guilty of the same thing in the other direction. As nice as it is to get acknowledged, I guess we have to be our own biggest fans… Eileen Manassian November 22, 2024 at 8:05 PM Wise advice, dear. You are a poet I will look up if you haven't been by for a while. I enjoy your work. Thanks for the visit.

Daniel Henry Rodgers November 22, 2024 at 4:34 AM Dear Eileen, Today I visited you and was delighted! What a powerful exploration of online poetry communities! I loved your clever wordplay and honest insights about the give-and-take nature of sharing poetry are spot-on. The way you challenge readers to engage genuinely, beyond obligation, is both thought-provoking and inspiring. I love how you think with such authenticity! Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel Eileen Manassian November 22, 2024 at 8:09 PM Thank you for your visit and kind words. I have some regulars to my page and they always make me happy. Community is important. I'm not as popular here as I used to be. I guess I'm losing my touch. Blessings

Victor Buhagiar November 22, 2024 at 3:21 AM This is so true, so I thank you for reading me first. But there is worse. Some poets do not return the compliment. Others shunned me. One expected me to marry her when my wife died. Another did not realise I spent three months in hospital and expected me to know. I now realise my daughter deleted all my emails. She never forgave me. Oh, the list is endless. But I plod on. Eileen Manassian November 22, 2024 at 8:12 PM That's quite a lot of drama. I hope you're past all of that. It's easy to fall in love with a poet through reading their poetry, but demands for a relationship is going too far. Thanks for the visit and the lovely compliment. Victor Buhagiar November 22, 2024 at 3:22 AM Beautiful portrait.