Michelle Faulkner Poet Rhyme

Why Poetry

With Shakespearean romance I can't compete
Or Virginia Woolf's lovely agony
Or the wit of Dorothy Parker or Mark Twain
The genius of Emily Dickinson, splendidly plain

I know there isn't a need for my amateur offerings
I freely admit - I do it for me
I want notice; I want my spark to be seen

When I first found this site I read a whole batch
Of poets whose prose I could never match
I was eaten up with insecure jealousy
But also found it inspiring
After twenty years of inactivity
My muse awoke to creativity

I drank in new ideas, forms, advice
My skill grew stronger, found new life
I started placing in contests - what a rush!
On comments I developed quite the crush-
Both receiving, and leaving
Encouraging and believing

I discovered true kinship and camaraderie
And the privilege of reading such artistry
Of which I am truly admiring

The recipe
For this soup of poetry
Is reciprocity.

9/15/18

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John Watt November 8, 2021 at 11:10 PM I am such a fan of your wordplay... 'The recipe For this soup of poetry Is reciprocity' just rolls off the tongue and plants itself in the mind. Now whenever I hear the word 'reciprocity', I think of this poem. It's true, reciprocity is what makes this soup recipe work!

John Watt September 29, 2020 at 3:47 PM ... our desire drives us to learn, and our learning builds our confidence, and that confidence inspires us to try entering contests, and the wonderful feedback from those selfsame people we so admire gives us that rush that these are my people, and I CAN DO THIS! You write so well of both the composing side and the commenting side which are two blades of the same sword. Brava for this, I love it, it's going in my faves, and thank you for letting me wax verbose, haha. It's what I do ~ John Michelle Faulkner September 29, 2020 at 7:59 PM It is true, I don't have anyone in my normal life who is interested in poetry or writing (my husband has his hobbies that I don't follow, so I guess it goes both ways!) so yes, this is my tribe :)

John Watt September 29, 2020 at 3:43 PM (1) Michelle, I knew when I first read 'A Reverse Rant' that you were a serious student of poetry. Here I see more of that breadth, but also a 'portrait of the artist' so to speak. I think we can all relate to that intimidation that piggybacks on our love for the classics. Can we ever hope to match, let alone surpass, our favorite authors? Then we come to a site like this one and feel slightly less insecure, but still... but you describe so well that chipping away of roadblocks until ... Michelle Faulkner September 29, 2020 at 7:56 PM One of the things I am working on is to not compare, but to embrace what's unique in all of us. I still wish I could compose like Dickinson, or ESVM (and if you're not familiar with Dorothy Parker's poetry, check it out, very witty and sharp but an underlying sadness too) but I am grateful for all the friends I have found on this site, and your support is something I value!

M. L. Kiser October 1, 2018 at 6:16 AM And we are thrilled that you reciprocated! I would've greatly missed poems like this if you had not. Well done. Michelle Faulkner October 1, 2018 at 2:48 PM I am so thankful for your comments, M.L.-

Janice Canerdy September 20, 2018 at 1:42 PM Excellent, Michelle! Janice Michelle Faulkner September 21, 2018 at 10:55 PM Thank you, Janice-

Gershon Wolf September 17, 2018 at 9:29 PM Wonderful poem, Michelle, topped off by a stunning insight at the end. I think you have spoken for all of us here on the Soup. A FAV for sure! Thanks. Best always, gw Michelle Faulkner September 18, 2018 at 2:44 PM You are always so encouraging, thank you!

Andrea Dietrich September 16, 2018 at 8:19 PM This is a perfect summation of why I believe too that we are here. Well, most of us. The ones who believe in "reciprocity" I just love that last part. This was fantastic. Michelle Faulkner September 17, 2018 at 1:54 PM Thank you Andrea, I am such an admirer of your poems!

Pat Adams September 16, 2018 at 3:15 PM I agree with all you revealed in this poem. I don't think anyone could have put it any better! Well done my friend!!............Patrick Michelle Faulkner September 17, 2018 at 1:59 PM Thank you, Pat, always glad to hear from the 'big scary-looking guy who writes poems!'

Caren Krutsinger September 16, 2018 at 7:00 AM Michelle, you have expressed the heartfelt feelings of many of us, especially those of us who had rather given up writing all together until we found Poetry Soup. Reciprocity feels great, and looks wonderful on you too, my friend. Michelle Faulkner September 17, 2018 at 2:00 PM Thank you, Caren, I have learned and improved so much on this site! Who says a (middle-aged) dog can't learn new tricks!

Rhona Mcferran September 16, 2018 at 12:06 AM I LOVE this so much! This describes so well the joy of writing poetry and the lovely fellowship of PoetrySoup! Great write! Michelle Faulkner September 17, 2018 at 2:04 PM Thank you Rhona, good to make your acquaintance!

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart September 15, 2018 at 11:03 PM Ah, fantastic poem Michelle! I too owe the soup for reigniting my muse after a lengthy draught, for that, and then some. You have composed a very relatable piece dear poetess, love and hugs! xomo :) Michelle Faulkner September 17, 2018 at 2:04 PM Thanks, Maureen, it feels so good to be writing again, doesn't it?

Jesse Rowe September 15, 2018 at 4:08 PM Indeed Comments are a secret joy. As is reading the thoughts of others. Best wishes. Michelle Faulkner September 15, 2018 at 4:25 PM Thank you for the joy of your comment, Jesse!