Thank you - Shane Cooper's Blog

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of the people here on poetrysoup that have made me feel so welcome over the last two months. It had always been a dream of mine to write and now I feel that I have taken my first steps down the path leading to my hearts desire.

I have met and made friends with some very talented and loving people here. I had not known what to expect when I posted my first poem but the wonderful response I received from so many boosted my confidence to write more.

I would like to mention just a few people who I feel truly indebted to for their support, which has meant the world to me and kept my daemons at bay.

Firstly I thank Jan Allison for taking me under her wing from the first day I came on the site. She has collaborated on a few poems with me and helped me to find my confidence in what I write. She as all here know is a wonderful generous woman with a huge talent. I am and will always be proud  to call her my dear friend.

And then there is Mikki who has also been such a huge influence on me. She has been a dear friend since almost the first day just as Jan, her poetry is of a stature so grand and beautiful that I fall into the words head first and loose myself in another world every time I read and reread her work. Again I am honored to call her dear friend.

Also the beautiful soul I call Enchantress. Eileen is the most passionate soul I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Her work is filled with such raw emotion, it is her soul that she bares to us every time she writes and it is so complex and beautiful. I am reminded of a quote from Byron when I think of my dear friend and mentor. "Heart on her lips, and soul within her eyes, Soft as her clime, and sunny as her skies". ( Beppo)

Finally there is one more dear friend who has also given me the opportunity to put my pen along side hers in a joyous collaboration. Dear sweet Mary Jo the country girl with brown eyes. You have taught me how to appreciate the natural beauty of the the country which surrounds us, I read your words and see you walking barefoot down that old dirt road , you have a magic in your pen. When I wrote with you I fell into your painting and words came so easily, it is a wonderful  feeling which I find difficult to express but I know Mike has said something similar. You are a treasure, and you are my dear friend

I had never expected to find so many truly talented generous people gathered together following their hearts wish to express themselves through the joyous medium of poetry. Truly you are all part of a wonderful community sharing and giving. And I thank you for making me welcome to Utopia.

love Shane xxx 

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