Paul Callus is one of my dearest friends in Soup and I know and I believe lots of you will agree with me....
Although, I haven't met him, I have the vives that he is one person who you can trust because he is kind, just, loving and responsible. Yes, I don't know him personally but through our shared mails and talks, I see him as my big brother even. A pleasant and gentle person in giving his comments and suggestions regarding my writing. A constructive critic that's doesn't disregard your thoughts and so... A good listener and more....
On the first contest I sponsored, I asked him to helped me out especially with the technical points such as grammar, punctuations, syntax and so on, because to be honest I am weak on such... I always treat myself as a new one each time I make a new poem of mine. I am presuming he is more qualified than me with such. Both of them is much qualified than me. Besides, you will agree with me if experience wise in writing and so, they have more than me but these two encouraged me to do one. To b Both of the judge I asked them to do their top ten. I was the one who emphasized the one I am looking for from the theme.
I am very humbled that these two poets who I've read randomly and almost all their poems agreed that it will be up to me who is who. They trusted me that like them I will be just.
PAUL DOESN'T LIKE TO BE MENTIONED AS ONE OF THE JUDGE but I insisted to mention his name but not to place him in hot waters but to to distinguish his efforts regarding helping me. He honestly voice that he has seen some poems entered in the contest prior to judging so he is hesitant me mentioning him but I insisted because I presume that no one will react negatively.
To be told, "I don't like you to be friend or so" is hurtful.
Paul said: "I'm dejected and don't even want to hear of Soup or poetry"
I had been experiencing dejection since am a child and I know very well how it feels. I know me or all of us here have experienced such too.
To whoever made him feel such, I hope you will see much more of him than just one mistake, Remember that I more than James or Paul did the decision. Do not blame him or of any. To you, I am sorry if you are upset but I really hope you will see more of Paul.
To Paul( warm hugs), here in Poetrysoup, I am dismayed that such happened and my apologies but I stand to believe lots of us here is friend of yours. We are many compared to only one. My deepest respect to you, Paul. I treasure you as my friend and more. And I believe if s/he is a good friend, s/he will see more, pass with that one mistake ......
2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NIV
"If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him."
Poetrysoup has made my stay in Saudi a bit better. It gave me an avenue to express my thoughts, my reflections and so.. I am glad that I was accepted. My writings are read. I've met few poets from here personally. And to some I consider not just "poets" here but more.
And if the distance just too close, I would love to give them my sincerest appreciation. Once twice I posted that poetrysoup (to the ones I shared much personal informations regarding me), I considered them as my own family not by blood yes but by one medium: creative writing..
Paul Callus is one of my good friends. I know and I believe you too will agree with me. It makes me sad that such event happens. //olive eloisa