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Eileen Manassian

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I guess you could say I'm a citizen of the world. I've traveled....and I've lived parts of my life in Iran, Lebanon, the US, and Cyprus. I am proud of my Armenian heritage. I was born in Tehran, Iran and soon after that, my family went to the States for my dad to work on his MA degree and many years later, to work on his Ed.D. I have a lot of the Middle East and the West in me, and at times....I feel confused about my identity. I do, however, cling to my Armenian roots and am outspoken about recognition by the world of the Armenian Genocide that took place over 100 years ago.

Since my parents had no common language, the language spoken in our home was English. Yes, I am most fluent in English, and I think, dream, and converse in that language, though I do speak 5 other languages to varying degrees! :)

I am melancholy/sanguine by nature and feel everything very keenly. My highs are SUPER HIGH...and my lows...SUPER LOW! I guess you could say...I'm INTENSE. I'm passionate about poetry to the point of obsession.

The events that have colored my life are the death of my mother due to MS and the war in Lebanon. As a child, it was hard for me to come to grips with the fact that my mother was ill, and to see her go from being a vibrant, well-loved teacher to a wheelchair bound, isolated woman was a very harrowing experience. I do believe, though, that there is a resurrection day and that, by His grace, I will see my Mama fully restored...free of wheelchair, able to sing, laugh, and smile again. The war in Lebanon...bombs landing all around, nights spent in bomb shelters.. has also scarred me to some degree.

What I'm most proud of? That would be my daughter...Shereen Natalie Ghali. She is the light of my life. Her name in Farsi means SWEET! :)

Currently, I teach English at Middle East University in Beirut, Lebanon. Poetry Soup has been a haven for me....most of the time! ;) I've developed amazing friendships here that are very genuine and real. My dream is to one day have my name on a volume of poetry! One can always dream....Thank you for making the effort to get acquainted. God bless!

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A Message From Flo

Blog Posted by Eileen Manassian: 5/18/2017 12:54:00 AM

The Message I Should have Left

First let me apologize; I thought leaving quietly was the better road but it seems I have hurt some by doing this. So I am sorry; I simply wanted to avoid any upsetting blogs.

I asked Eileen to deliver this message after I was directed to a couple of poems and read the comments that followed.

Guys I've been here a long time; member #8219 is 10 years old; and that was my second account here. During that time I've ended and ignored a lot of mess; many of you feel "the bullies have won" but I disagree.

I have never been one to be bullied; those who attack me do so by spreading lies to others. This, to me, is cowardly and petty; but if the listener had any respect at all for me they would ask me personally about what they were told.

But now I'm tired of the lies, the backbiting, the arrogance, and the childishness; so it was time for me to let go.

To my poet friends,

Poetry should never be a source of irritation; if it is something is wrong. So no, I do not feel the bullies have won; I merely removed one of their toys. There were a couple of other contributing factors but I addressed this one because of the comments.

Many of you are already connected with me on Facebook and Instagram; so don't forget, I'm not gone, just not here.

I hold no ill will towards any here and I wish peace upon the hearts of all of you.

~Flo

Eileen Here:

I love you, Flo. It's true that I won't be losing you from my life. That connection no one can sever. However, losing your poetic voice HERE is heartbreaking. I've always looked up to you because I see you as a strong, intelligent, compassionate woman with a VOICE: someone who is not afraid to speak of life, feelings, passion and pain. THIS will be lost. Also, what frustrates me is how much you have put into this site financially, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. This was not the way I wanted you to go.

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Alexis
Y.

Date: 5/26/2017 9:29:00 AM

Hi Eileen, Thank you so much for sharing Flo's message. She will be missed very much. After reading her message I understand her reason for leaving. She did it in a "classy" way. Like I said on "Charma's poem she is one "classy" lady:-) Alexis

Joanna
Daniel

Date: 5/24/2017 1:11:00 AM

Thank you Eileen for sharing Flo's message here, I've always looked up to her and it's sad to know that she's gone:(:( especially more so since I'm not on Facebook or Instagram:( it was she who made me stay here, though I don't think she knows that, please tell her that I miss her so much:(:( and that I wish her all the best wherever she is! May God bless her for all her goodness to many of us here!

Kabuteng P.Ink
K.

Date: 5/20/2017 10:44:00 AM

Hi Eileen, thanks for sharing Flo's message. I've been out of the loop here, but it's sad that she's not here, that she felt that she had to go but I also do applaud her for standing by for what she feels is right. I have no idea what happened, but it's also frustrating how there are people who just feed off from others by being mean. I have been on the receiving end of Flo's warm and generous heart and I continue to wish her beautiful blessings, wherever she may be and choose where to spread her love and talent.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/21/2017 12:32:00 PM

I don't know any more details that what I've share Nikko. Flo is a woman of principle. In the end, she did what was right for me. I'm just sad to lose her poetic voice here. That is a shame. Thank you for your post.

Eve
Roper

Date: 5/19/2017 8:01:00 PM

So sorry, Flo, that some humans need to feel the need to be hateful to feel superior of themselves. A child wanting to have everyone's toys in a playground. I have only had a couple of experiences, but I just brush them off like a piece of dust and ignore that the exist... Love you

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/21/2017 12:31:00 PM

It's always a case of inferiority complex, Eve. You are so right. I'm glad that you are strong and able to survive. Flo is strong too. She just got tired of it all. Thanks for the post, dear.

Doug
Vinson

Date: 5/19/2017 10:06:00 AM

Oh Flo, too bad - I guess it's just the nature of the internet that strife will be around, often. Most of us had no idea of any such things... : ( Miss you.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/21/2017 12:29:00 PM

Yes, Doug. It is too bad. It may be the nature of the internet, but here's hoping we can do something positive so that others will not have to leave to have peace.

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 5/18/2017 8:17:00 PM

Like Becca and a few others here, I too am totally out of the loop, but Flo has been really sweet at her blogs and I have gotten some FB comments from her which brightened my day. Thanks for those, Flo, and I hope these bullies mentioned will just leave people alone.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 9:11:00 PM

It is good to know that she can still be reached through other means, but it would be lovely to have the complete picture of her...and that includes her poetic side. I wish people had more kindness in their hearts. Hugs, Andrea, and thanks.

Richard D
Seal

Date: 5/18/2017 6:31:00 PM

I've no idea what's gone on but I hope in time Flo will come back. Her sense of humour and fairness will be sorely missed. Take care, Richard

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 9:08:00 PM

Thank you, Richard. I can only hope the same. Meanwhile...I will miss her terribly here.

Frederic
Parker

Date: 5/18/2017 3:39:00 PM

this makes me sad, Flo is a poetic friend and deserves nothing but respect, I now have an anger towards whom ever is the cause of her pain

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 3:55:00 PM

Respect is so precious. We all are different in our beliefs, styles, and poetic preferences, but we are all the same in that we need to be understood, respected, loved, and appreciated. I'm sad too, Frederic. I was very angry....now it's just sadness. Thanks for showing your support.

Craig
Cornish

Date: 5/18/2017 3:30:00 PM

Flo has always been upper tier first class in my book, truly a person that stands on principle and stands by her friends.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 4:01:00 PM

She's all what you've said, Craig. That's why her leaving is so hard to take. Thank you for your comment.

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/18/2017 1:52:00 PM

Someone attacked FLO? What the hell? She is a good person, always fair and always kindhearted. This makes no sense. The site will be less without her wise influence and gentle way of asking if we can do better. Only hope she'll come back again. PS has a way of taking hold and not being as easy to shake as one thinks. Thanks for sharing this Eileen. I'll be busy... my sister had a heart attack and my focus is on family. Hope Flo reads the outpouring of genuine warmth that I'd thought all soupers feel towards her??? I don't get this at ALL!!!

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/19/2017 9:17:00 AM

I hope your sis is better Cyndi..I remember when dad had his massive heart-attack last summer...We were shocked...but He made it through..and Im praying your sis will be fine too dear.Big Hugs.

Craig Cornish
Date: 5/18/2017 5:59:00 PM

Hope your Sis will be okay Cyndi

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 1:56:00 PM

Hi, Cyndi. I'm sorry to hear about your sister's health concerns. I hope that she is out of any danger at present. Of course you need to focus on your family. I honestly don't know details. I only know what Flo has shared in this blog. Charmaine has written a lovely poem about this as well. Flo is loved by many. Thank you for adding your voice and support.

Joseph
May

Date: 5/18/2017 1:13:00 PM

Flo is a person of principle and strength. She always stands up for what she believes in. I don't know what made her leave but I know she is not intimidated by bullies. Thank you for sharing this Eileen.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 1:34:00 PM

Thank you, Jo. To be honest, I don't know any more than what Flo has shared in this message. I don't know names...I don't know anything. I only know I've lost a poetic voice here...and that is sad for me and for the community. Thanks for your comment.

Charmaine
Chircop

Date: 5/18/2017 12:45:00 PM

Thanks Eileen..for letting me know about this blog..I hardly read blogs lately. .not because I dont wish to ..but because time doesnt permit. I do not know what happened at all..All I know is that someone hurt a good person,a remarkable poet Flo and a person with a heart of gold.Why would one do that I wonder...I am going to miss Flo so much...but I will keep in touch with her through poetry.I just wish people will learn to think before they speak ..and be considerate about others'feelings.Thanks for this blog..Love you and miss you Flo..What about a new member number ? :)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 1:37:00 PM

Flo....we won't let you go. You decide about this place, but we will still support you and love you through the different venues available to us. Hugs, dear one.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 1:36:00 PM

Hello, soul sister. I'm glad to have you here. I read your beautiful poem dedicated to her. There is not much we can do except to let her know we love her. It is amazing how much pain a person can take and not speak out. If we knew everyone's personal stories, we would not be so quick to judge. I'm sorry I'm late with my response. I was out celebrating with my family who have come from Cyprus to be with me.

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 5/18/2017 1:00:00 PM

Didnt mean through poetry. I meant through fb dear.

Rob
Carmack

Date: 5/18/2017 11:00:00 AM

Flo: I know you were not afraid to stand up and say something when something needed to be said. This is the type of person this site needs, but can’t retain. You will be missed. Eileen, thank you for letting us know.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 1:39:00 PM

Thanks, Rob. Flo wanted to go quietly, but through my last posted poem, I just wanted to let people know what their actions COST. It brought pain...to those who love Flo, and to her. I think she just needed to clarify and I'm glad I could post this blog on her behalf. I appreciate your support.

Becca
Teagan

Date: 5/18/2017 10:58:00 AM

I have no idea what is going on, I've been so out of the loop. But I'm always sad to hear of someone leaving, especially such nice people like Flo. I'm so sorry to hear this happened :(

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 1:42:00 PM

I honestly don't know either, Becca. The point isn't to malign anyone, just to let people know that actions have consequences...sad ones. This loss particularly hits me hard as Flo is dear to my heart. Thank you for your support.

Robert
Lindley

Date: 5/18/2017 6:26:00 AM

We all lose when true poets leave this site. I am old and out of touch with the intrigues that go on here but definitely sad to see a fine poet and very intelligent and kind lady leave. Despite my serious health issues(that so limit me now) and lack of time here to read and comment as I would like, I found a home here and it is sad to see such a great loss. May God bless and return thee to the fold.. Robert

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 1:53:00 PM

Big sister...friend...fellow poet...Yes, she is all those things. I know you will miss her Darren. Yes, we have other means, but this place has lost someone very special to a great many people. Hugs

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 1:46:00 PM

Robert, you have a kind and caring heart. Thank you for your support here on this blog. I'm sorry to know your health issues are affecting your quality of life. May God strengthen you, mind body and spirit. Flo is, indeed, a great loss. I'm still struggling with the thought of her not being here. I appreciate your concern.

Darren
White

Date: 5/18/2017 1:26:00 AM

I agree with you Eileen, of course there are other ways to stay in touch. But it's this place here where I will sorely miss my big sister. In every way. And I feel sad.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 5/18/2017 2:00:00 PM

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