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If it Wasn't For Poetry

If it wasn’t for poetry, where would I be today? I would not have developed nearly as many friendships as I have in the last 24 years since starting out as a poet. In making friends with lovely fellow poets, I have gained insights into their lives, have been moved by them, and have learned from them. Thanks to many of my dear poet friends, I have improved my skills in the writing of forms which never could I have fathomed having written in my youth! Also, I would never have felt the sweet thrill of success from mentoring others after being mentored myself, from being published and having created poems which were appreciated by others. In addition, I enjoy exercising my mind and feeling confident in my writing skills today. Though there is little money in it, and though I will never make a name for myself like Poe or Frost did, It’s fun and fulfilling to express feelings and ideas creatively. My life has been enriched by my becoming a poet.

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Christina Bowring

Date: 2/17/2024 11:05:00 AM

This is so lovely dear Andrea and so genuine and heartfelt. I’m not just reading this but feeling it too from your talented, poetic heart. You can give so much to poetry but equally, it gives so much back. There’s nothing like the thrill and satisfaction of finishing a completed work and thinking yes, it’s done! Even more so, when you put your heart and soul into it and it gets received so warmly by your amazing, talented friends and peers( although initially I’m always a little nervous when

Christina Bowring
Date: 2/17/2024 11:11:00 AM

first posting a new one) You are an amazing poet with a kind, generous and supportive heart. A poetic blessing in itself. It wouldn’t be the same without you here and although I’m only about to celebrate my first anniversary here :) I’m fully aware and equally grateful to all the support here with you being one of the ones at the helm as we navigate the seas both rough and smooth of the written word. Bless you with thanks and hugs xx

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 12/6/2023 7:34:00 AM

Back with Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your lovely write again. Have a wonderful day with your win...............

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 12/5/2023 7:23:00 PM

Honest and wise words, Andrea ~ we all learn from each other and in sharing, caring, growing, our creativity grows wings. Warmest congratulations on your win.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 12/5/2023 10:02:00 AM

- Congratulations on your first place in the "If it wasn't for poetry" poetry contest, Andrea :) - Poetry soup the magical world of poems ... a journey through soul and heart :) - hugs

Silent One

Date: 12/5/2023 8:26:00 AM

There would be no poetry soup without you dear Andrea... nor your poem Cinder girl.. I wonder what you would be doing instead, knitting? Thank you for taking part in the contest and congratulations on your first place.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 12/5/2023 9:22:00 AM

haha. NEVER knitting/ I was last one in my church group to catch on to it. I never learned how to finish what i started, so I can knit but I don't know how to finish anything off!! Thanks

Bill Baker

Date: 12/2/2023 10:25:00 PM

And we thank you for the effort and the many beautiful poems you've written for us, my dear friend. Your poetry is amazing! Hugs, Bill

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 12/5/2023 9:22:00 AM

Thanks, Bill

Joe Maverick

Date: 11/30/2023 11:00:00 PM

Hmm Andrea you convey so well the Rewards brought to us by poetry, b t w I think You are a great 'poetess no less' you will no Doubt have got many quills quivering to un-sheath their potential of potency..' All the best In any contest.'

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 12/5/2023 9:22:00 AM

Thanks, my friend.

Joe Maverick

Date: 11/30/2023 10:59:00 PM

Jay Narain

Date: 11/29/2023 10:07:00 AM

Nice poem. You are a great poet who helps others to learn how to write poems.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 11/29/2023 10:49:00 AM

Thank, Jay

Yann Rolland

Date: 11/28/2023 11:03:00 PM

very touching poem,Andrea, a really interesting post and experience about poetry sites, enjoyed yann

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 11/28/2023 11:52:00 PM

Thanks, Yann. I really enjoyed the several websites I used before Soup. But Soup has been the very best probably. I have stayed with it the longest.

Ink Empress

Date: 11/28/2023 8:47:00 PM

I think so many can resonate with this poem sweet andrea, for me this contest looks a bit hard as it says i cant use any poetic techniques or metaphors etc. which just happens when i write unless im writing a text message ah, so i guess i have to try hard for this one. You’ve done yours seamlessly. And i agree if it wasnt for poetry i wouldnt have met talented souls like you, grateful. Goodluck with the contest. I loved reading this.

Ink Empress
Date: 11/29/2023 12:07:00 AM

Yes i think this contest was especially sponsored to get me to write with no metaphors hahah clever silent one. Im going to try today write something, but imagery too can be too much for him i suppose ill Write a letter lolol im sure he will love urs

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 11/28/2023 11:45:00 PM

In fact, I read somebody who wrote outstanding free verse on this theme, so I know you and other free verse poets can pull it off fantastically.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 11/28/2023 11:41:00 PM

Ha! I thought of you right away when Silent One said not to use metaphors, etc. I do love metaphors, but for this particular topic, I find it easier just to write in a straightforward way, which hopefully S.O. will like. Did he say not to use imagery? You are so good with imagery and I bet you could do this challenge very well.

The Situation

Date: 11/28/2023 4:14:00 PM

I do consider you as a friend on the soup. and FB also. And never say never all it takes is one piece. That one quote, that one ideal. Achieving greatness comes with try after try. I look at my work and I thank God for what he's given me. Take and use what He gives you.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 11/28/2023 11:47:00 PM

I too am ever grateful for the successes I have had with poetry. Keep up all your good work!

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 11/28/2023 3:46:00 PM

A beautiful dedication to the power of poetry in your life...a great contest contender. I'm hoping to write for the contest as well...a very meaningful and heartfelt poem, Andrea. Have a great evening, Sara

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 11/28/2023 11:48:00 PM

Thanks, Sara

Paige Hind

Date: 11/28/2023 2:37:00 PM

Beautiful, warm.... I could not imagine it either!

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 11/28/2023 11:51:00 PM

Thanks, Paige. I wrote maybe seven poems in my entire life before age 45. When I see my accomplishment in my later adult life, it just amazes me. I'm glad you could see what I meant.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 11/28/2023 1:07:00 PM

A lovely write. I know how you feel. Good Luck. We both did this one... Have a blessed day writing away.................

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 11/28/2023 11:48:00 PM

Thanks, Paula. Have a blessed day yourself.