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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Carmack Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 3:25 AM
Mark - I see you and KT are still friends. Liked the message you present here, but some will never see beyond their pride.
Kauffman Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 12:07 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!
Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 4:59 PM
Absolutely! Thank you so much for your gracious visit to my stoop!
Poetry Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 10:58 AM
Well stated
Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Thank you very much!
Parker Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Not the point (my freedom too).
Koplin Avatar
August 11, 2024 at 1:34 PM
No need to be jealous Wayne
Kitchin Avatar
August 10, 2024 at 6:38 PM
We know some of you want to join the 'therapy" group but we have no room for ogres.
Parker Avatar
August 10, 2024 at 9:41 AM
You're right, KT. I will just watch the circus and enjoy the clowning. Mark is so captivating in his gentile poetic efforts.
Koplin Avatar
August 10, 2024 at 5:03 AM
Oh my, you two are so sweet to give all of this attention. Smooches sweetie!
Trestrail Avatar
August 10, 2024 at 12:20 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!
Parker Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 11:54 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.
Trestrail Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 7:36 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.
Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:02 PM
Hello Wayne! We are all free to have our own opinion. A lot of us already know where you stand.
Kitchin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 9:02 AM
Mark, an excellent poem and message. Too bad the repeat offenders don't try to change their ways.
Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:03 PM
Thank you my friend! It is a shame. Only a select few can be self righteous I guess.
Allison Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 7:43 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
Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:08 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.
Lane Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 1:55 PM
I know you don't. Neither do I but it does rev a few engines. ;-)
Allison Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 7:58 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:-)
Lane Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 7:45 AM
guilty by association, Jan. I'm sorry I've tarnished your good name. ;-)
Edmonds  Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 6:07 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
Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:11 PM
It’s a shame that some folk have to tear others down just to feel good about themselves.
Allison Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 7:45 AM
Hi Beryl, if you read the contest blurb its hardly promoting a positive attitude towards people either!
Lane Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:56 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.
Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:17 PM
Thanks Lin! That does sound like a fantastic title for a collab.
Lane Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 7:04 AM
That's a fantastic idea! I'll work on it in a bit ;-)
Cunningham Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 6:18 AM
Do i sense a collaboration coming on lol
Cunningham Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:48 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
Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:15 PM
Agreed! There are those that will always put themselves above others. Imagine living like that.
Trestrail Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:18 AM
Sniff…
Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2024 at 5:09 PM
Oh sweetie, I’m glad to see the sensitive side of you coming out once more. Smooches you little peanut!
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