Using Poetry As A Vehicle For Promoting Goodwill

The world we are forced to live in is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate successfully. So many suffer from chronic illness. Others are caretakers for loved ones who are disabled. Those living in war zones daily fear for their very lives and world leaders appear to care very little for the common man. How can a poet be of help? I've always believed that poetry should inform, entertain, stir an emotional response or instruct. Poetry Soup members are certainly not immune to the problems that plague every one else outside of the community. Poems that ridicule or seek to harm the reputation of a fellow poet may add more pain to existing situations that others may not be aware of. Why would anyone want to add to someone else's burden? On the other hand, tribute poems or poems that encourage and upbuild fellow poets may serve to lighten their load a bit, even if just for a day. There's something so warm and positive about knowing someone has benevolent feelings toward you. Poems that target politicians or other persons of note and attempt to paint them in an unflattering way may indeed be free speech, but in the end who is built up? Who is encouraged? Why not use our talents to make the world a little better today than it was yesterday, instead of adding to the angst? Poetry can be a force for good and even a catalyst for healing. Let's make it our resolve to make someone's day just a little brighter. Just some things to ponder. Hope all have a great weekend! Tommy

Please stay on topic with your comments. Off topics comments may be removed. Thanks.

Crystol Woods Date: 6/3/2025 1:19:00 PM Makes a lot of sense! I wish we could all edify rather than tear down. Having the freedom to disagree with political leaders and those in a higher social class, is actually quite a new concept. I believe it is worth fighting for because it's the baseline for civil rights. God is not a respecter of persons so why should we be? Meaning God does not judge us on our outward appearance, gender, nationality, social or financial standing, nor anything other than how we behave and who we are inside our hearts. Very thoughtful and generous blog Tom, thank you! Xoxo Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 6/5/2025 1:17:00 PM I don't see an exception in the verse. JW's are setting the authentic Christian example right now in Russia where they are being viciously persecuted. Because they understand clearly the issues involved and the expectations Jesus laid out well in advance, they refuse to revile their persecutors, rendering them the honor they are due. They leave any vengeance to God Crystol Woods Date: 6/5/2025 12:17:00 PM Yess great scriptures to remind me of thank you! I'm not speaking of disobeying the law, I'm saying we have the right by law to speak against injustice. Verse 7... God gives us a bit of leeway... "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. If we have an exceptional leader we should honour him or her but if not... well we must obey the laws and pay taxes but we do not have to honour someone who is dishonorable. Thanks Tom! Xo Tom Woody Date: 6/3/2025 3:02:00 PM Thx for contributing :) Of course, Romans 13:1-7 applies

Zyrool Gifford Date: 5/6/2025 7:06:00 AM Hello Tom, this is a brilliant write. I had encountered an issue in the beginning but I didn’t take it to heart. I find most soupers to be generous, thoughtful and encouraging with their interactions with me. I try to do unto others as I would want them to do unto me. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 5/6/2025 9:14:00 AM Thx for support Zyrool. So many things to write about. Why would anyone want to waste ink on poetry that portrays others in a bad light?

Arlo Parker Date: 5/4/2025 11:53:00 AM BOTM (blog of the month). Indeed. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 5/4/2025 12:01:00 PM Just the month? ;)

Mickey Grubb Date: 5/3/2025 7:50:00 AM “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31) If only... Thank you, Tom, for your words. So true. Login to Reply Brandy Nicole Date: 5/3/2025 11:16:00 AM Beautiful verse, Mickey. So true, indeed. Tom Woody Date: 5/3/2025 9:02:00 AM Appreciate your visit here Mickey

Speaks Volumes Date: 5/2/2025 11:34:00 PM Of coarse you are right Tom. I am honoured enough to be on the receiving end of such goodwill, and at present just dont have the time to recipricate. The time will come that I will let all those that wish me well, know just how amazingly they have helped me, and maybe I will brighten a few lives on my way. The saying is so true. We may not remember the beautiful words aimed at us, but we will always remember, the way they made us feel. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 5/3/2025 5:49:00 AM So true. Have a pleasant weekend

Unseeking Seeker Date: 5/2/2025 9:30:00 PM Wise words, Tom and yet for those whose heart centre is as yet not open, for them, love is a concept, a pretended emotion or a trade at best. So we must empathise with those who are as yet not enabled to receive and transmit pure and unconditional love. Your blog raises an important point for contemplation: how may the heart be made porous, both receptive and giving, unafraid of vulnerability? Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 5/3/2025 5:48:00 AM Interesting perspective. Eliminating hate, jealousy, envy from the human heart is no easy task, but love and empathy are powerful tools

Brandy Nicole Date: 5/2/2025 5:19:00 PM It's better to uplift those around you, instead of bringing them down. Strive to always be a light. :) Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 5/2/2025 5:30:00 PM You're an example for us all

Beryl Edmonds Date: 5/2/2025 12:25:00 AM Very true Tom. Poetry is my therapy, I’m looking after a very sick husband and that’s why it hurt badly when it happened to me recently. I did delete the poem and re-posted, but have kept a copy of the nasty words in my personal notes. Once written, never forgotten…. Beryl Login to Reply Beryl Edmonds Date: 5/2/2025 5:31:00 PM Thank you very much Brandy, we both appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Hugs returned… Beryl Brandy Nicole Date: 5/2/2025 4:21:00 PM Beryl, I'm keeping you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers. My best to you both. Hugs, Brandy Tom Woody Date: 5/2/2025 5:32:00 AM Caretakers have a tough row to hoe. Blessings to you for your efforts Beryl