No More Soup For Me

I sought a place to post my poems and thought I'd found a fit for me. At first I was thrilled and felt I belonged to a pleasant community But I lost my taste for soup and then came to the sour realization That it's a site of more takers than givers, one rife with idolization. It's overdue for me to take my leave. This is a place I no longer belong. I've had enough of those who can't seem to tell what's right from wrong. I don't want to read nasty words from writers who use vulgarity or comments of praise that were made without thought to sincerity. I never liked the idea of 'you read my poetry so I'll read yours, too.' A tit for tat mentality? Isn't that what politicians and children do? I don't want to be in a place where people argue, fight, and grumble or with those pretending to be nice, but complain of others in mumbles. I never thought my poetry was on par or better than many in the soup but I was pleased with what I posted among all those in the group. Scripture tells me to consider others superior, so I have lowliness of mind. Humility is a quality I wish to emulate, so it's on humble pie I've dined. I don't have an ego though accused of having one. I'm not pretentious but this soup has those who are eager to be obstinate and contentious. Pointing fingers and throwing insults? It sounds infantile but it's true. I've even been called a hypocrite by one who shares this site with you. No judgement will I make of the one who stoops to callow name-calling. Reaping what we sow is always the repercussion of what's befalling. I've not mentioned any names because I prefer exiting on the high road. We're all responsible for our choices and some people have no honor code. A poetry site should be a place of camaraderie, not one of self-defense. A place where encouragement reigns, where no one is stressed and tense. Galatians warns to stay away from dissension, hostility, envy, and jealousy, so in accordance with His Words, this soup is not a place where I should be. In the eight months I've been around I met some of you who were kind. I hope you know you meant a lot to me and will often cross my mind. I'm moving on to enriching phases of what's important in my life. I wish everyone well - no hard feelings - no bitterness or strife. My hand still holds a pen so I'll write when the words fill my head Time for me to take my leave. In soup waters I'll no longer tread.