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In Case You Missed It - Revisit

My eyes have not grown too weak or dim
to ignore what they've long been seeing
pretenders who wear a mask of disguise
like a skier who's not proficient at skiing

Everyone who labels him/herself a 'poet'
thinks he's composed brilliant words, versed
but lacks ability, and some of us know it,
and receives high praise; payback reimbursed

Is it because some seek insincere empty words
to gain a like response as a misbegotten debt?
Could it be they want undeserved admiration
for posting things a serious poet would regret?

And what of time consuming contest entries
that tower in skilled verse above most of the rest,
only to see everyone received a first place finish
when theirs is ignored but clearly one of the best.

IT'S A SLAP IN THE FACE!!!

Let's not overlook when the final results are in
those who give nods to each other as number one
It's obvious they don't always deserve the win.
Doesn't that spoil both the challenge and the fun?

Go ahead and point out that I shouldn't complain
because I stopped entering contests months ago
and seldom post on a site where some would reign.
but I discover things that make me say, "WHOA!"

Not so many fake names appear by a cheating judge
and I thank all of those who plowed that farrow
There are times when we all need a bit of a nudge
to make sure the path we walk is straight and narrow

Now I've learned that the advertisement displays
are prohibiting Connie Wong from enjoying her part
in reading and commenting in her loveliest of ways.
Connie is a talented poet, with a pure, loving heart.

My premium membership is up at the end of May
by now you've gathered that I'll not be renewing
but I'll still occasionally post on any given day.
Thank you for reading what has long been brewing

Comments are welcome if you would like to share
your thoughts, agreeable and even if they're not
We all have opinions; a community should care
about problems...unless you just don't give a squat
           

and if that's the case, I totally understand that, too

Copyright © Lin Lane | Year Posted 2018

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Connie Marcum Wong Date: 4/5/2018 4:53:00 AM My goodness Lin, you relate what many think in this candid narrative piece! Andrea mentioned this post to me. It is so kind what you have said about me and I feel the same about you my friend. I am taking a bit of a poetry break until I can learn how to work around being able to continue to navigate with my Kindle. I always enjoy your poetry and will continue to follow your creative writing. Blessings, Connie xxoo Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 4/5/2018 7:57:00 AM Kindness should be repaid in kind. Thank you for always taking the time to respond, Connie. I hope your problems will soon be rectified.

Gregory Richard Barden Date: 4/4/2018 4:39:00 PM (3) When integrity and character are pushed aside for who you rub elbows with or comment on the most, then the foundation has crumbled. This is a hard-hitting piece with a lot of truth in it, Lin, and I know every time I open a work of yours that it will be worth reading, even though some will find it tough to swallow ... we are all responsible for how we each season our "soup", so those who find it a bit sour, have made it so themselves. Blessings, Dear Friend. <3 Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 4/4/2018 4:56:00 PM Your comments have captured the root problem, Greg. A lack of integrity on many fronts have soured the soup, making it hard to swallow or even sip the broth. Thank you most sincerely for your plaudits about my pen. I prefer savoring my soup with a sprinkle of salt, but never with a pinch of bitters.

Gregory Richard Barden Date: 4/4/2018 4:38:00 PM (2) It is, thankfully, the exception and not the rule, as most here are good people, but Tim is right about it being more social than poetry. It sometimes feel like swimming against the tide, especially when favoritism is blatantly preferred over quality of work, as it is not only dishonest, but not of God ... THAT'S where I have issues, because it ruins the integrity of the site, a site that I have found to be full of potential. (continued) Login to Reply

Gregory Richard Barden Date: 4/4/2018 4:37:00 PM (1) Well-said, Lin ... it gave to me a metaphor of lobster stew, where all the butter and bisque and sweetness floats to the top, the meat is piled in the center, then you get to the bottom of the bowl and it's all sand and grit. I have made some wonderful friendships here that I will always treasure, and while I've only been here just over a year, many "inconsistencies" have made themselves evident, and I'm discovering new ones all the time, sadly. (continued) Login to Reply

Winged Warrior Date: 4/4/2018 2:51:00 PM Waiter!...there is a fly in my soup!...I agree it is time to clean up house...or move to another house...I too found myself not renewing my membership in early Jan(personal reasons)...but because there are good people here that have supported me through thick and thin, I came back...when you first join, you don't see the soot until you reach the bottom of the bowl...next Jan if the soup is not fresh...might rethink my situation...time to stir the soup!...^WW^ Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 4/4/2018 3:45:00 PM There are many good people in the soup kitchen. Their support has meant a lot to me as well, so I agree with you on both counts. Your other points are also valid and new members need time to taste the flavor of the broth. Too often the seasonings are disguised, so it takes time to find the dross, but it WILL eventually float to the top. I think I've just handed you a ladle, my warrior.

Tom Cunningham Date: 4/3/2018 5:03:00 PM Your title caught my eye Lin and I have read it, very interesting what you have said but a verse I entered a while back didn't even get a mention, despite very good reviews from a lot on soup, (I never blow my own trumpet so didn't lose sleep over it) You hear about that happening a lot in the workplace friends looking after friends etc. Sadly it does go on. Well done for highlighting it Lin. Tom Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 4/3/2018 8:11:00 PM Hello, Tom, and thank you. This is not the first mention of such things, but many people either choose to ignore it, wrap themselves in the warmth of idolization, or simply pout. Your poem was appreciated by those who read it and commented. I don't know who sponsored the contest you entered, nor care, but it's typical of the way things have become. I'm sorry yours was overlooked, but don't allow it to deter you from writing.

Tim Smith Date: 4/3/2018 1:29:00 PM There is so much bias in contests that I rarely join. I know I was awarded higher placement than was warranted in a few after reading others that were placed after mine. They say it's objective but we all can tell what's what. Many don't write on the tough subjects because they are scared they won't be acceptable by the masses. If you haven't noticed this is more of a social site than poetry site. To each their own. I look forward to your writes Lin. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 4/3/2018 1:44:00 PM I noticed long ago, Tim, and it's a pity that the word, 'contest' is used for what actually amounts to lists of poets who join in among the 35 or so theme related writes. Your humility is so evident in that you admit that others deserved higher awards than yours. You are an exception to be admired. Rules are given but not followed...I could go on, but you know exactly to what and whom I refer. Thanks, Tim.

Jan Allison Date: 4/3/2018 12:37:00 PM BRAVO Lin, you have highlighted many issues with false praise, fake names in contests and contests that are going to be just a writing challenge when you know places are pretty much pre determined (I know with several sponsors the place I'll get and I am usually correct :-( I enter fewer and fewer these days and just use them to write new styles) I hope the issue of the ads is resolved as it is driving folk away from the site. You have put into words what many think but don't say!:-( hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 4/3/2018 1:45:00 PM ok, you can have another bear hug...;-) Jan Allison Date: 4/3/2018 1:15:00 PM I know you don't enter contests now and i enter fewer these days and I don't blame anyone for not renewing their Pm with the issues of the ads stopping people from even being able to read poems let alone post them:-( hugs jan xx Lin Lane Date: 4/3/2018 12:45:00 PM Thank you for realizing that these issues exist and for having the courage to respond to these thoughts. I preferred not to bring it to attention in a blog. I've no use for those. BIG hugs for ya, Jan.