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Below is the poem of the day entitled Remarks of a Prig which was written by poet Lin Lane.

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Remarks of a Prig

I'm hearing rumors that are easy to believe
but none of them give me reason to grieve
You've been telling people their poetry sucks
Words from your mouth flow in a fetid flux

What arrogance is revealed in your slander
You don't rile me enough to raise my dander
The absolute truth is that I just don't give a fig
Your remarks show you to be an arrogant prig

How dare you disparage so many other poets
People call you 'rude' in case you don't know it
I've laughed at your slurs and each bitter assault
If the truth hurts your feelings, it's all your fault

You've mocked and criticized lots of poetry
making you a monster with green-eyed jealousy
I've heard from many, and in their point of view
'they' say you're a nasty male version of a shrew

There's been quite an extensive survey taken
and the unanimous results should jolt and awaken
you to see that on you this request they bestow...
The message: "Open your big mouth and eat crow

Oh, but that is something you would never do
so there'll be no lamenting nor feelings of blue
No tears of sorrow on the smiing cheeks of many
of those you've insulted, and there's been plenty

---

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Vladislav Raven Date: 10/19/2018 6:50:00 AM Hi Lin, dropping by to congratulate you on your Poem Of The Week, a poem well worth the honour. There are too many people treated in this way and it shouldn't be happening. I can relate to this one. Have a wonderful Friday. Hugs....Mike. XX Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/19/2018 5:40:00 PM Hi Mike. It's so nice to hear from you. There really is no place for sarcasm on a site in which everyone shares the love of poetry. Thank you ever so much for taking the time to read and comment on this one. I hope you're well and happy.

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 10/18/2018 2:04:00 PM It is sad that some feel they must run down someone's poetry to make their own ego feel better. I am happy to know it is not directed at one of our PS members. Very well written! Congratulations on having this deserving poem honored for POTW Lin! : ) xxoo Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/18/2018 5:25:00 PM Thanks so very much, Connie. Yes, it is a blight on that person's character to feel the need to diminish someone's poetry. It wasn't written with anyone in mind but if the shoe fits...

Charlie Smith Date: 10/17/2018 9:56:00 AM Those that speak loudest usually really say the least, unfortunately we must even remember them at all, so good to hear from you again. My very best as always... Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/18/2018 6:41:00 AM Hiya, dear Charlie. Love your comments. You're right in saying the ones who speak the loudest are the ones who speak the most and have nothing worth hearing (reading). I hope you're well and happy.

deb radke Date: 10/16/2018 7:11:00 PM This is great writing. Our poetry does take hits aimed at our character; both from within and without. It takes courage to continue writing when our words are belittled, when the time we’ve taken to craft a heartfelt poem is considered a waste of time. This hits me where I live. And I’m encouraged by your strong words of condemnation aimed at those who sneer. Well done. —Deb. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/18/2018 6:37:00 AM Thanks so much for your support, deb. I've learned to laugh at those who sneer, but when a friend's poetry is attacked I can't stand by and let it go. Too many people here are on the wrong side of the fence because they have no clue as to what the truth really is. Thanks again for your enforcing comments.

Marilyn Williams Date: 10/16/2018 11:51:00 AM I don't know to whom you refer, but you sure told them. Congrats on your POTW. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/16/2018 3:34:00 PM Thank you very much, Marilyn. It's all been said before but those to whom it applies never think of themselves as the villain, nor do the ones who blindly defend them. They have no understanding of the private messages sent that went unheeded. I appreciate your comments.

Gordon McConnell Date: 10/15/2018 11:48:00 AM Great stuff Lin, really powerful attack, well done indeed! Congrats on POTW, keep spilling the ink! Gordon Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/15/2018 1:00:00 PM Thank you for the read and encouraging comments, Gordon.

Tania Kitchin Date: 10/15/2018 10:38:00 AM Wow, powerfully done! Congratulations on POTW! Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/15/2018 12:59:00 PM Thank you. The power lies in people standing together to call out such intolerable behavior.

Maureen McGreavy Date: 10/15/2018 7:41:00 AM Huzzah! Sharp ink! Congratulations on POTW! :)) xomo Login to Reply Maureen McGreavy Date: 10/15/2018 9:36:00 AM "sharp ink stabs the words of truth" that in itself a poem to me :) Lin Lane Date: 10/15/2018 8:20:00 AM Sharp ink stabs with the words of truth, for to write a lie results in self annihilation...Some have yet to learn this.

Tom Cunningham Date: 10/14/2018 11:06:00 PM Well deserved POTW Lin. Congratulations. Tom. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/15/2018 8:17:00 AM Thanks, Sir Cunningham.

arthur vaso Date: 10/14/2018 10:25:00 PM Truth will always last seven times longer than lies! Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/15/2018 8:16:00 AM Those who know the truth use it wisely and with confidence. The blind and naïve are stuttering along in life, pretending to know where they're headed.

Rico Leffanta Date: 10/14/2018 9:18:00 PM Nicely done. Download a coupon for some home-made soap, and send it to know-it-all with the message to give the soap to his mother as she will know exactly what to do with it. Aloha! Rico Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/15/2018 8:15:00 AM Thank you very much, Rico. I like your idea and your humor. In the case of those who criticize the poetry of others, the soap would be put to better use on their hands or to wash away the ink they use to write their bitter sarcastic words.

arthur vaso Date: 10/14/2018 4:43:00 PM Came back to say congrats! And yes, I guess when people feel some words may be about them, its guilt, or the shoe fits, etc however one wants to put it. Of course some out right lie. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/14/2018 5:00:00 PM Unfortunately, that's true, but liars are always exposed. Thanks, Arthur.

Dear Heart a.k.a. Broken Wings Date: 10/14/2018 2:58:00 PM Lin, congratulations on POTW with this amazing write, yes, I have gotten a few insults along the way too, and I have found that if you wait long enough the rats leave, well done ~ Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/14/2018 4:37:00 PM There's no reason for insults on a site where poets should be encouraging, and if that's not possible it's better not to comment. The problem with rats is that some return time and time again, seeking cheese.

JAN ALLISON Date: 10/14/2018 12:32:00 PM Many congrats on POTW Lin - I hope the poem gets an award in the contest at AP:-) ... and if anyone thinks its about issues on soup they are wrong and I still have your mail which was sent a few days before the blog was put up hugs jan xx Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/14/2018 2:14:00 PM Thanks, Jan. JAN ALLISON Date: 10/14/2018 1:00:00 PM It would be a shame if anyone put two and two together and make 5. I saw the poem some days ago when you sent it me in a mail its just pure co-incidence and if anyone thinks it could be interpreted in a different way they are very much mistaken:-) hugs Jan xx Lin Lane Date: 10/14/2018 12:43:00 PM Thanks for the back-up, Jan. I'm far beyond the point of caring what those who doubt my word think. I always appreciate your friendship, as well as those of others who've always supported me. They are the ones whose opinions of my character matter to me. For all of you I'm very grateful. ;-)

Sunlite Wanter Date: 10/14/2018 10:17:00 AM Your poetry is great, Lin. So sorry you became the target of the green eyed monster. Congratulations. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/14/2018 11:33:00 AM Thank you very much, Sun. This one was not solely based on personal experience, but rather for a contest on another site. I value your opinion and whether such people act on jealousy, misplaced ego, or just plain ignorance is their burden to carry.

Brenda Chiri Date: 10/13/2018 10:21:00 PM Wow Lin why don't you say what you really feel?! Lmao! Oh wow I haven't laughed so hard in a long time ...this was great! Brenda Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/14/2018 2:59:00 AM Thanks, Brenda. It was written under a different title for a contest prompt in AP 3 days ago, having to use the thought that someone didn't like my poetry. It was not written for anyone in PS as certain people assumed. Those who misjudge others are quick to comment.

Billy Jones Date: 10/13/2018 10:06:00 PM Good one! a wise man once said, if you have nothing good to say, shut the hell up, put those trolls where they belong, Lin keep up the good work! Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/14/2018 2:52:00 AM Your words bring a smile to my lips, Billy. I appreciate your support. Thank you ever so much.

arthur vaso Date: 10/13/2018 9:58:00 PM Hi Lin, your poetry always flows so well no matter the topic, I have to say, there is huge difference direct critique verses just slurring and making fun of people, as some have suggested its just "honesty" which is crap. This poem however is honesty. As for critique, I love it, especially when someone is qualified to give it, not when they simply want show off what they dont know. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/14/2018 2:50:00 AM Arthur, thank you. You know me well enough to know that I don't criticize anyone without good cause. This poem was written and posted on another site, 2 days before it appeared here, but some think it was a hate poem about Tommy. I didn't bother noting that in the blog. I don't need to defend my poetry.

Mike Gentile Date: 10/12/2018 9:55:00 AM Perhaps you words are the perfect example of " poetic justice" Lin. I have witnessed some of which you speak and truly wonder the reasons why. I am glad that you spoke up. Happy Friday xxoo Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/12/2018 10:25:00 AM Thank you for your support, Mike. Sarcasm that trods upon the works of others should never be acceptable on a poetry site. I appreciate you for reading my thoughts and leaving your insightful comments.

Winged Warrior Date: 10/12/2018 5:44:00 AM You say it like it is, Laney...only you and a few others have the 'beach balls' lol, to confront these individuals...but you know what...the rats are scarce and scattering...we need your lovely verses & courage to obliviate them for good...then we can forgive them lol...love & a come back...^WW^ Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/12/2018 6:19:00 AM Rats and snakes! If only the 'tell it like it is' poems could eradicate them like an exterminator. Even the Pied Piper crawls on his belly, but forgive them...we must. Your kind words are always a pleasure to read, my warrio.

Tom Cunningham Date: 10/11/2018 2:04:00 PM Well written verse lin, I know the internet is full of trolls and lowlifes but never thought they would lurk here on soup. Thankfully the majority on here are decent folk. Tom. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/12/2018 6:16:00 AM There have been a few too many swimming in the soup since I joined 3 years ago, Tom. Thank you for the read and comments.

JAN ALLISON Date: 10/11/2018 11:02:00 AM Oh I can relate big style on so many levels Lin but no poetry bore or moron is ever going to stop me from writing. Write on my friend:-) The captcha is TUT lol:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/11/2018 1:14:00 PM I know you and others, including myself, have received caustic comments from more than one source. There's no place for it and shouldn't be tolerated. Thank you, Jan.

Tim Smith Date: 10/11/2018 9:54:00 AM Those who spew hatred are always the first to beg for mercy. I wish they showed more compassion and humility. Login to Reply arthur vaso Date: 10/13/2018 9:59:00 PM Yes Tim is funny that if they feel slighted n the least, they are the first to yell as loud as they can, is kinds like When Trump says he's being bullied, oh the irony!!! Lin Lane Date: 10/11/2018 10:00:00 AM So do I, Tim. Negativity among fellow poets is a trait that no one should suffer. There is a difference between constructive criticism and condescension and disrespect.

Chris Green Date: 10/11/2018 9:47:00 AM Why not tell us how you really feel Lin? : ) Sorry, didn't mean to make light of this fantastic and direct poem. Though I don't know who this is written about, I have come across people like this in the past. Never anything nice to say because they freaking know it all and feel they are God's gift to the poetry world. Or maybe I am wrong. Still, I hope this person doesn't keep you from posting on here because I have always found your poetry to be exquisite and I have missed reading you. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 10/11/2018 9:55:00 AM Well, Chris, I guess you stated how you really feel, too. You're not wrong about the substance that serves as the foundation for this one. ~ I sincerely thank you for the kindest of compliments on my poetry, so let me assure you that no one has or ever will prevent me from posting my poetry on PS.