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Poetry Wars

Poetry should be all about meaningful things 
Rather than something played out in a boxing ring.

Copyright © John Read | Year Posted 2025

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Paula Goldsmith

April 3, 2025 at 1:29 PM

What a powerful write you have here. Only good words for each other we should say. We all try hard to write something good. Readers be loving and kind. Make Love Not War, As We Have A Blessed Day Writing Away.................

April 6, 2025 at 11:13 AM

Hi Paula, I believe if we cannot say anything good about someone, then it's best not to say anything, have a lovely day Paula God bless you.

April 1, 2025 at 5:45 PM

Dear brother John, if someone writes distasteful poems of bad comments, it’s best to just avoid them, there’s enough trouble in the world today without poets adding to them. Sis Beryl

April 2, 2025 at 7:38 AM

Likewise sister Beryl, I never get involved and I've never had to block anyone. Hope Alan is feeling better. xx

Panagiota Romios

April 1, 2025 at 8:11 AM

I like your poem. I dont think anyone would hurt you here, John. But dont read what you do not like! Simple as that! There are poets of here who write things I don’t like or use language that I don’t like that try to make it look like it’s a nice word. I don’t read those poets. This is a free platform and we do live in America and other countries that have free speech so I might not like them or poetry. We f so,my problem.ps is in no way the church. Pangie ccc

April 1, 2025 at 10:41 AM

Hi Pangie so far so good I've had no confrontations,I spend most of my poetry time on Familyfriendpoems, have a lovely day. xx

March 31, 2025 at 11:05 AM

I agree with Tom! Well said!

March 31, 2025 at 11:07 AM

Cheers Karen have a lovely day. xx

Victor Buhagiar

March 31, 2025 at 9:08 AM

If there's one thing I hate, it is boxing. And they call it a sport.

March 31, 2025 at 9:10 AM

Hi Victor, I used to box at school but wearing all the safety gear.

March 31, 2025 at 3:34 AM

Beautifully stated John! Debx

March 31, 2025 at 9:09 AM

Thank you Deb's have a lovely day. xx

March 30, 2025 at 7:31 PM

I'll drink to that...

April 5, 2025 at 9:19 PM

Not-at-all... Let's have some punch. A glass of 'sucker punch.' lol. ~ Punch-drunk boxer

March 31, 2025 at 9:08 AM

Mind if I join you Gershon.

March 27, 2025 at 8:46 AM

I've seen a lot of it on here over the years John, If a fellow poet has nothing good to say then they should keep it shut. Tom

March 27, 2025 at 11:57 AM

Spot on Tom, people like them should stay away from poetry,hope you and your loved ones a keeping well.

Victor Buhagiar

March 27, 2025 at 2:20 AM

I evade controversial writers, especially those who invent battles.

March 27, 2025 at 11:54 AM

Same here Victor, I avoid them like the plague.

Andrea Dietrich

March 26, 2025 at 9:50 PM

Right on, John!

March 27, 2025 at 11:53 AM

Thank you Andrea,I've taken off my boxing gloves now lol.

March 26, 2025 at 2:15 PM

John your so right. sometimes it seems like their is a battle between opinions. I am starting to think that the old saying about Politics and religion you don't talk about is true and especially in these times where there is so much division. Maybe they should have rules on the Soup that these topics you should not write about. Your point is the elephant in the room that we as writers keep committing so glad you brought it to the surface now lets hope more writers see it. A favorite...

Panagiota Romios

April 27, 2025 at 9:25 AM

Have you read some of the POTDs in the past two monthe? I have. Some are loaded with hate against ethnic groups. One insulted poets? Do not insult any leader of another country . Other POTDs are just awesome. thought PS advocates for positivity and support. It seems we want to hide from world brutality,sorry we live in the Middle of it.BTW~ there are religious poetry sites, that are less contentious! Poetry is not la-la land, and there are blogs for political folks. They should write there, perhaps! I do not know, Pangie.

March 27, 2025 at 11:51 AM

Hi Michael, I never get involved with any arguments, as you say there should be some rules regarding this, have a lovely day God bless.

Oliver Mckeithan

March 26, 2025 at 1:34 PM

Well said John. I agree with all the comments made below so I cant add much more other than I dont do it either. No sense in it. Everyone is entitled to say what they want. I may not agree but I dont say anything

Panagiota Romios

April 1, 2025 at 8:17 AM

Hi…three cheers on that one. Poetry is not a tiny village of people who all love each other. That’s unrealustic. There are people who respect us and those who do not. I said it in my comment just now.. I mean I have worked with all kinds of groups, and I have never found a group that someone wasn’t trying to destroy another person in. Pangie xxx

March 26, 2025 at 1:41 PM

Same here Oliver I'm all for freedom of speech, but I steer clear of all the bickering.

March 26, 2025 at 1:05 PM

I read your reply to Lin and to other comments... ding ding end of round 1 lol:-) although my poems are often not full of 'meaningful things' more likely a bit of poop but if i make folk smile that is the main thing:-) hugs jan xx

March 26, 2025 at 1:20 PM

Hi Jan, poem's full of humour are the best, nothing beats a good limerick, your poop poem's always make me smile, keep up the good work. xx

March 26, 2025 at 12:08 PM

I agree, John! Put our dukes down and pick up the pen. Don’t swing it like a sword, but put thought into it. Don’t be offended at the ink blots as long as they are thoughtful.

March 26, 2025 at 12:14 PM

Well said Kim I do prefer a poetry heaven, rather than a poetry hell.

March 26, 2025 at 11:50 AM

Hi john, mutual respect for what we say and inquisitiveness serve us all very well. As you say….we’re searching for meaning. Appreciation and positivity go a long way when making a critique. The focus should be on the way we say things as poets as well as the point we’re making. I also think humor goes a long way when we state something. Civility is a good thing. No need for a knock out. Good jab! Good job! Thanks!! Smiles!!

March 26, 2025 at 11:54 AM

Hi Duke, as you say civility is a good thing, I don't mind being criticised as long as it's constructive, and not vindictive, have a lovely evening Duke and God bless you.

Anne-Lise Andresen

March 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM

- We should accept life as it is, with blemishes and mistakes, discouragement and doubt, joy, sorrow and strength ... learn to appreciate each other ... An everyday person who cares ... accept the values and opinions of others ... man does not survive in isolation - Great written, John :) - hugs

March 26, 2025 at 11:50 AM

Hi Anne I appreciate all your comments, I just take life as it comes, thank you for your company God bless you.

March 26, 2025 at 10:53 AM

Your points are well made, John, and I hope they'll be well taken. Any poetry site should be about a mutual love for poetry and mutual respect for poets. Sadly, wars are sometimes played out in comments, not in posted poetry that remains on the site as a record of their creation.

March 26, 2025 at 12:21 PM

Im prepared for a little rain if it happens Lin, although as you say sunny skies are more preferable.

March 26, 2025 at 12:08 PM

I hope you never get negative remarks, John. The redundancy of them is a negative cloud and sunny skies are always preferred.

March 26, 2025 at 11:48 AM

Hi Lin it was the comments i was hinting about, so far I've not received any bad ones hopefully it will continue,hope your keeping well God bless.

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