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I'M Done

I've given up on the poetic quest
of writing for another Soup contest.
I confess that for many I've written
for with the challenge I was smitten.

Once at sixth, I'd climbed the ranks
but now I'll only say, "No, thanks."
There are several reasons why I quit,
but no longer can I condone any of it.

I started entering when a dare was made
by a Souper who said he could persuade
me to enter contests that determines
which of us would get the most wins.

That fun challenge ended months ago
and one of us earned the right to crow,
but it's safe to say we're still good friends
and that is where the competition ends.

I've many entries, that are not yet judged...
Win or lose, time spent was not begrudged.
About a dozen entries are still "in progress"
but I've decided to take a permanent recess.

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Joanna Daniel Date: 7/1/2021 2:28:00 AM Hi Jenna, I agree that many contest sponsors choose winners based on their whims, but many have inspired me to write poetry of which I'm proud:) and as you say, the challenge is sometimes enough to try it:) there are some, whom I rarely enter, as they do not seem to like my type of 'simple' writing... Anyway, you have always inspired me with your beautiful poetry, so contests or not, keep penning:) hugs, Jo:) Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 7/1/2021 7:35:00 PM Your comments are taken to heart, Jo. Thank you. I'm not laying down my pen.

Mark Koplin Date: 6/29/2021 10:58:00 AM Well written Jenna, perhaps you should start hosting. That’s a challenge Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 6/29/2021 11:07:00 AM Hi Mark, you've been missed. hmmm I don't think I'd make brownie points with many people...my contests would have ONE winner, ONE 2nd place, ONE 3rd and HMs if they warrant recognition. And for sure I wouldn't make it so simple that you could enter something years old and get a first place to move up the ranks when nothing new has been written in ages. See? I'd make a contest...a real contest. Not turn them out twice or thrice a week like someone does. That's a gallery showing, not a contest.

Richard Lamoureux Date: 6/28/2021 11:44:00 AM Some of my favorite pieces were written because of a contest. even when I don't place which is often, I am happy to have been inspired. Remember its a person's prerogative to change their mind/. Hugs Rick. Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 6/28/2021 12:27:00 PM I'm not leaving the contest realm because of not placing in contests, Rick. I had a very good run and I'm thankful for the many winning spots I was awarded. There are several factors in the process that I don't condone, but since I'm not sponsoring it's not an issue for me. I'll continue to write, just wherever my mind chooses to amble. Thank you the reminder about the change of mine. I appreciate your comments and hugs.

Gordon Mcconnell Date: 6/28/2021 8:26:00 AM Great penning Jenna with super rhyme and flow. I understand your thoughts on contests and you are right to do what you want to best, I've entered very few here on PS, just enjoy writing. Blessings always, Gordon Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 6/28/2021 12:24:00 PM I've had lots of fun writing for contests, but there are too many factors that are not to my liking. I'm going to write for myself for a while and see where I wander. Thanks, Gordon.

Regina Mcintosh Date: 6/27/2021 6:49:00 PM Ahh... this should be entered in some contest - such irony :) Love it and you. God bless you too. Gina Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 6/28/2021 4:02:00 AM ha ha Gina. Wouldn't that be ironic? I appreciate your advice but I'll keep my word and repeat, "I'm done."

Beryl Edmonds Date: 6/27/2021 12:53:00 PM Hi Jenna, I enter contests because they inspire me to write poems that would never have materialised otherwise. Win or lose doesn’t matter at all, for me the challenge is the fun of it all… Belle Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 6/27/2021 3:14:00 PM When you think about it, Belle, it's a win for the poet just for writing. Better than just putting up something that he/she had written 10 years earlier. Thanks for dropping by.

Frederic Parker Date: 6/26/2021 4:50:00 PM Jenna I enter contests, but only by those where I learned they were fair, for those whose contests I don't enter it's either because it's in a form I chose not to write in or I entered a contest once and found it wanting, even the ones I enter sometimes there are just better-written poems than the one I entered Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 6/26/2021 5:50:00 PM My decision is not based on losing contests, Frederic. I have never been afraid of competition. Thanks for your thoughts.

Rico Leffanta Date: 6/26/2021 12:11:00 PM Progress is achieved when you "outgrow" the lesson . . . . Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 6/26/2021 12:27:00 PM That's quite a thought, Rico. Thank you. I learned a few lessons by participating and realized that I needed to write for me.

Tom Cunningham Date: 6/26/2021 9:27:00 AM Cant remember the last one I entered, they're fun to enter, that's it nothing more. They do offer inspiration sometimes I'll give them that. Anyway every poem you write is a winner in your eyes and thats all you need. Hope your weekend is going well Jenna. Tom Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/26/2021 1:11:00 PM Ive always believed there should be a panel and outside soup would be even better. Your right though Jenna, each person has their likes and dislikes, like many I've have re entered in an other contest and it scores high. I believe that wouldn't happen if you had a panel of judges. Jenna Logan Date: 6/26/2021 12:42:00 PM That's wise when you take into consideration that the 'winners' are chosen by one person who may not be qualified to judge in any capacity other than his/her likes or friendship loyalties. I think you follow my thought. A contest has a winner...not 35, L Milton Hankins Date: 6/26/2021 12:32:00 PM I must admit that I am terribly disappointed when I write a really good one and put it in a contest and it doesn't even place. That's demoralizing. But, I get over things quickly. Jenna Logan Date: 6/26/2021 9:53:00 AM They were fun early on, Tom, but they've lost their glitz for me. I've always appreciated your encouraging hopes for my lines placing. Thank you.

L Milton Hankins Date: 6/26/2021 8:57:00 AM Ah, sometimes I feel that way, too, Jenna, and I understand, but I keep entering because I am challenged to write, and to write in many different forms and subjects. I think the contest "system" is a fine way to motivate poets. Hey, you've beaten me on a number of occasions, not that that's hard to do! Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 6/26/2021 12:44:00 PM Thanks, Milt. You just keep writing and don't let anyone or anything sway you. I appreciate the many generous comments you've left for my poetry and our friendly competitions. L Milton Hankins Date: 6/26/2021 12:30:00 PM No, I said "you've beaten me..." and, to put it another way, beating me is not hard to do! Your poems are fantastic, Jenna. Jenna Logan Date: 6/26/2021 9:37:00 AM I've enjoyed writing in new forms, and I can still do that without entering my lines in contests that are...lots of things. hmmm, since beating you is not "hard to do" are you saying my poems are not that great? ha ha just kidding, Milt.

Victor Buhagiar Date: 6/26/2021 8:55:00 AM I am not much in contest and add to that so few comment on my poems, I am considering giving up. Hugs. Login to Reply Jenna Logan Date: 6/26/2021 9:35:00 AM Victor, you've been on the site for a lot longer than I have, and you get many more views and comments then many other poets do, including me. Don't let the lack of either keep you from writing.