Spilling Contemptible Ink

I tried to ignore you, but I miserably failed the test.
So, I'm posting this to unburden it from my chest.
It's in reply to your continual endeavor to protest
against those of us who enjoy writing for contests.
Why does it matter to you?  Why are you obsessed
with our friendly competition?  Just give it a rest!
You judge us and that's not worthy of being blessed.
Maybe to God, your reproach should be confessed.

I don't enter contests to be the Queen of Poetry Hill
That's really contemptible ink you choose to spill,
and your vinegary attitude is that of a pickle... a dill.
Can you find amiable words to write with your quill?
There are no cold poets here, but many feel your chill.

I took umbrage when you called PS a 'selfish place.'
That's simply not true, and it's totally not the case.
There's never been a justifiable reason to debase
us with what you wouldn't dare say face to face.
You wrote of friendship, so why don't you embrace
all poets, and do it with some semblance of grace?

You wrote that we should all be helpful and kind.
That's a bit hypocritical and it just blows my mind
each time you post lines with your same old grind...
contempt you have for contest poets you maligned.
Your prods are noticed because no one here is blind
to read what you write about us. You've been unkind.

God blesses us when we treat each other as brothers,
and that's the way you'd see us if I had my druthers.
If you claim that we should be a blessing to each poet,
then you should adjust your thinking, and you know it.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Flood Avatar
October 21, 2022 at 4:21 PM
Well, that told her! I have no idea to whom you refer, but I’m inclined to say someone needs to get a life. Well said and we’ll written, Jenna. You should enter it in a contest ;-) Terry
Logan Avatar
October 21, 2022 at 4:29 PM
Thanks a lot, Terry. I don't think there's a contest for rebuttals, but if there was, I'd throw it in. The problem with this woman is that she thinks her opinion matters, but no one else's does.
Krutsinger Avatar
October 21, 2022 at 2:16 AM
In such a jazzy sing-y way you say "you've been unkind." - I Love your end rhymes Jenna.
Logan Avatar
October 21, 2022 at 4:27 PM
aww, thanks so much, Caren.
Cunningham Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 2:22 PM
Mmm I've an idea, how about some stocks set up in Soup Creek main St and anyone stepping out of line could spend a day there. (or two) Tom
Logan Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 3:00 PM
Oh. Mayor. That’s a splendid idea! And can we throw rotten veggies at their heads?
Bauer Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 2:02 PM
jenna - you've described this situation in a powerful and poetic way. great job! there will always be obnoxious people in this world and it's too bad that this person with her nasty comments isn't blocked from commenting and hurting other people...
Logan Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 2:18 PM
Thanks, Ilene. I'll refer to this 'poet' (using the term loosely) as a repeat offender. Others say she takes slaps at those who enter contests because she can't write well enough to enter them, so she must be jealous. I don't know or care why she does it, but it's become a recurring dig she makes. It's none of her business whether people take part or not. She's become a joke on the site.
Lawless Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 8:50 AM
OK, Jenna, I had a mentor years ago who always told me (when I was the least likely to listen to him) and I was incensed by another behavior....."Try to look upon the situation as an opportunity to practice patience, tolerance and understanding". I won't repeat what i often told him in these moments. Sorry you have to put up with the silliness.
Logan Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 9:11 AM
Hi John. I'm not alone in dealing with this woman's nastiness for condemning Milt and all poets who enter contests. She continues to spew insults about us wanting to be king or queen of poetry hill, or that we're selfish. That's uncalled for. If she'd done this once or twice, I'd just not waste my time calling her out, but this has gone on for nearly a year, and quite frankly I'm sick of her trying to tear us down because we like the challenge of contests. I've been tolerant, and patient, but after all this time I fail to understand her attitude. Thanks for your outlook.
Hankins Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 7:57 AM
Oh wow, Jenna. Thanks for writing what has needed to be said for a long, long time. There is simply no excuse for this woman's attitude, which reeks of jealousy. She spent the better part of two years hounding me. She tries to hide her cynical, sarcastic tongue behind her religion, but I'm afraid it's pretty transparent. Kudos to you!!!
Logan Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 8:20 AM
Thanks, Milt. I wrote about her disparaging comments months ago, to no avail. She slipped them in again on a poem in which she has 'blessings' in the title. That's awful.
Forbes Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 6:11 AM
OHMYGOODNESS!! So crafty and poignant, but cute at the same time. This was my favorite, "your vinegary attitude is that of a pickle... a dill." Well done!!
Logan Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 6:52 AM
Thank you for appreciating the message, Becky. Unfortunately, even if the one to whom this is directed reads it, the harassment will probably continue. Blessed will not be that poet's cause.
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