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Poetry Soup Poets

I won't pick out one special Poetry Soup poet None of us are worthy of being a poet Laureate Choosing just one who has skills shouldn't be a goal It's like separating a favorite sheep from the foal Saying its wool has the most beautiful fleece doesn't seem to be the right way to have peace There are many poets who write with quality and if I choose only one, I'd owe an apology to those I didn't honor by using their name I don't want to be guilty and won't take the blame for entering any contest on Poetry Soup that might hurt someone's feelings in the group Picking a favorite could cause further division I don't think alienating any poet is a good decision Congrats to those who earn it with great writing No one deserves to be overlooked by slighting It's my opinion so I have the freedom to say If peace is to exist in PS, it won't be found this way Some great poems are written as lyrics to a song but naming one above the others seems wrong Tell those you admire by making kind comments Prevent hurt feelings and ill will before it ferments Such divisiveness might hurt another poet's heart It's not pleasant to taste buds, too sour and too tart

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Rob Carmack

Date: 10/7/2024 3:25:00 AM

Mark - I see you and KT are still friends. Liked the message you present here, but some will never see beyond their pride.

Sam Kauffman

Date: 8/9/2024 12:07:00 PM

Amen, Mark! I so agree with you. And, while I am in awe of the talent here in the soup, when I see a contest asking us to extol one poet over another I cringe thinking about the hurt a poem might cause. You have rightly pointed out that these contests can cause division and "ill will." I know some poets want to give a special nod to those who inspire them. It's a nice gesture. But, for me, I want to raise up each poet, find something special about their work and encourage. Blessings!

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/9/2024 4:59:00 PM

Absolutely! Thank you so much for your gracious visit to my stoop!

Ts Poetry

Date: 8/9/2024 10:58:00 AM

Well stated

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/9/2024 5:00:00 PM

Thank you very much!

Arlo Parker

Date: 8/9/2024 10:00:00 AM

Not the point (my freedom too).

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/11/2024 1:34:00 PM

No need to be jealous Wayne

Tania Kitchin
Date: 8/10/2024 6:38:00 PM

We know some of you want to join the 'therapy" group but we have no room for ogres.

Arlo Parker
Date: 8/10/2024 9:41:00 AM

You're right, KT. I will just watch the circus and enjoy the clowning. Mark is so captivating in his gentile poetic efforts.

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/10/2024 5:03:00 AM

Oh my, you two are so sweet to give all of this attention. Smooches sweetie!

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 8/10/2024 12:20:00 AM

Arlo, mean girls, as you know, aren’t very bright so leave ‘em to their bloating outbursts and mood swings. I can’t quite identify the neurosis but they do get triggered easily. They’re off busy writing limericks now in some collective group therapy. Just sit back and enjoy all the crazy!

Arlo Parker
Date: 8/9/2024 11:54:00 PM

KD, can’t understand why this particular contest has become a wee tempest in a tea pot. It’s only about giving respect and recognition for an individual from an individual. Verklempt, indeed.

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 8/9/2024 7:36:00 PM

It must be that time of the month. You know, when the sisterhood get together and vent. Don’t worry, AP, this too will pass. It’s just mean.

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/9/2024 5:02:00 PM

Hello Wayne! We are all free to have our own opinion. A lot of us already know where you stand.

Tania Kitchin

Date: 8/9/2024 9:02:00 AM

Mark, an excellent poem and message. Too bad the repeat offenders don't try to change their ways.

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/9/2024 5:03:00 PM

Thank you my friend! It is a shame. Only a select few can be self righteous I guess.

Jan Allison

Date: 8/9/2024 7:43:00 AM

Mark, I cant agree with you more and by singling out one poet its hardly promoting peace on soup - not that that will ever happen, and I wont be writing for the contest of course as i am now declared a 'mean girl' when i wasn't even around on soup at the time- go figure lol ! hugs jan xx

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/9/2024 5:08:00 PM

I can think of a few that claim to be Christian and then pass judgement down from their soapbox. This site is for all poets with all different skill sets.

Lin Lane
Date: 8/9/2024 1:55:00 PM

I know you don't. Neither do I but it does rev a few engines. ;-)

Jan Allison
Date: 8/9/2024 7:58:00 AM

lol Lin - do I give a toss what these two say about me - no but the more who are aware of their ways the better! Let the Mean girls of soup unite lol:-)

Lin Lane
Date: 8/9/2024 7:45:00 AM

guilty by association, Jan. I'm sorry I've tarnished your good name. ;-)

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 8/9/2024 6:07:00 AM

I entirely agree with you Mark, every poet and poetess writes poetry because it’s their special creative art, and who’d wish to break a poet’s heart… Beryl

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/9/2024 5:11:00 PM

It’s a shame that some folk have to tear others down just to feel good about themselves.

Jan Allison
Date: 8/9/2024 7:45:00 AM

Hi Beryl, if you read the contest blurb its hardly promoting a positive attitude towards people either!

Lin Lane

Date: 8/9/2024 5:56:00 AM

There's been far too much derision among poets to do anything that would cause more. I think you're right, Mark. Twisted knickers... now that's a theme for limericks! Thanks, Tom.

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/9/2024 5:17:00 PM

Thanks Lin! That does sound like a fantastic title for a collab.

Lin Lane
Date: 8/9/2024 7:04:00 AM

That's a fantastic idea! I'll work on it in a bit ;-)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/9/2024 6:18:00 AM

Do i sense a collaboration coming on lol

Tom Cunningham

Date: 8/9/2024 5:48:00 AM

Well said Mark, we're all equal in my eyes. Poetry is just an interest we all share but sadly some take it far too seriously and get their knickers in a twist over it. Tom

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/9/2024 5:15:00 PM

Agreed! There are those that will always put themselves above others. Imagine living like that.

Keith D Trestrail

Date: 8/9/2024 5:18:00 AM

Sniff…

Mark Koplin
Date: 8/9/2024 5:09:00 PM

Oh sweetie, I’m glad to see the sensitive side of you coming out once more. Smooches you little peanut!