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Why Poetry

With Shakespearean romance I can't compete Or Virginia Woolf's lovely agony Or the wit of Dorothy Parker or Mark Twain The genius of Emily Dickinson, splendidly plain I know there isn't a need for my amateur offerings I freely admit - I do it for me I want notice; I want my spark to be seen When I first found this site I read a whole batch Of poets whose prose I could never match I was eaten up with insecure jealousy But also found it inspiring After twenty years of inactivity My muse awoke to creativity I drank in new ideas, forms, advice My skill grew stronger, found new life I started placing in contests - what a rush! On comments I developed quite the crush- Both receiving, and leaving Encouraging and believing I discovered true kinship and camaraderie And the privilege of reading such artistry Of which I am truly admiring The recipe For this soup of poetry Is reciprocity. 9/15/18

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John Watt

Date: 11/8/2021 11:10:00 PM

I am such a fan of your wordplay... 'The recipe For this soup of poetry Is reciprocity' just rolls off the tongue and plants itself in the mind. Now whenever I hear the word 'reciprocity', I think of this poem. It's true, reciprocity is what makes this soup recipe work!

John Watt

Date: 9/29/2020 3:47:00 PM

... our desire drives us to learn, and our learning builds our confidence, and that confidence inspires us to try entering contests, and the wonderful feedback from those selfsame people we so admire gives us that rush that these are my people, and I CAN DO THIS! You write so well of both the composing side and the commenting side which are two blades of the same sword. Brava for this, I love it, it's going in my faves, and thank you for letting me wax verbose, haha. It's what I do ~ John

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/29/2020 7:59:00 PM

It is true, I don't have anyone in my normal life who is interested in poetry or writing (my husband has his hobbies that I don't follow, so I guess it goes both ways!) so yes, this is my tribe :)

John Watt

Date: 9/29/2020 3:43:00 PM

(1) Michelle, I knew when I first read 'A Reverse Rant' that you were a serious student of poetry. Here I see more of that breadth, but also a 'portrait of the artist' so to speak. I think we can all relate to that intimidation that piggybacks on our love for the classics. Can we ever hope to match, let alone surpass, our favorite authors? Then we come to a site like this one and feel slightly less insecure, but still... but you describe so well that chipping away of roadblocks until ...

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/29/2020 7:56:00 PM

One of the things I am working on is to not compare, but to embrace what's unique in all of us. I still wish I could compose like Dickinson, or ESVM (and if you're not familiar with Dorothy Parker's poetry, check it out, very witty and sharp but an underlying sadness too) but I am grateful for all the friends I have found on this site, and your support is something I value!

M. L. Kiser

Date: 10/1/2018 6:16:00 AM

And we are thrilled that you reciprocated! I would've greatly missed poems like this if you had not. Well done.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/1/2018 2:48:00 PM

I am so thankful for your comments, M.L.-

Janice Canerdy

Date: 9/20/2018 1:42:00 PM

Excellent, Michelle! Janice

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/21/2018 10:55:00 PM

Thank you, Janice-

Gershon Wolf

Date: 9/17/2018 9:29:00 PM

Wonderful poem, Michelle, topped off by a stunning insight at the end. I think you have spoken for all of us here on the Soup. A FAV for sure! Thanks. Best always, gw

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/18/2018 2:44:00 PM

You are always so encouraging, thank you!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/16/2018 8:19:00 PM

This is a perfect summation of why I believe too that we are here. Well, most of us. The ones who believe in "reciprocity" I just love that last part. This was fantastic.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/17/2018 1:54:00 PM

Thank you Andrea, I am such an admirer of your poems!

Pat Adams

Date: 9/16/2018 3:15:00 PM

I agree with all you revealed in this poem. I don't think anyone could have put it any better! Well done my friend!!............Patrick

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/17/2018 1:59:00 PM

Thank you, Pat, always glad to hear from the 'big scary-looking guy who writes poems!'

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/16/2018 7:00:00 AM

Michelle, you have expressed the heartfelt feelings of many of us, especially those of us who had rather given up writing all together until we found Poetry Soup. Reciprocity feels great, and looks wonderful on you too, my friend.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/17/2018 2:00:00 PM

Thank you, Caren, I have learned and improved so much on this site! Who says a (middle-aged) dog can't learn new tricks!

Rhona Mcferran

Date: 9/16/2018 12:06:00 AM

I LOVE this so much! This describes so well the joy of writing poetry and the lovely fellowship of PoetrySoup! Great write!

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/17/2018 2:04:00 PM

Thank you Rhona, good to make your acquaintance!

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 9/15/2018 11:03:00 PM

Ah, fantastic poem Michelle! I too owe the soup for reigniting my muse after a lengthy draught, for that, and then some. You have composed a very relatable piece dear poetess, love and hugs! xomo :)

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/17/2018 2:04:00 PM

Thanks, Maureen, it feels so good to be writing again, doesn't it?

Jesse Rowe

Date: 9/15/2018 4:08:00 PM

Indeed Comments are a secret joy. As is reading the thoughts of others. Best wishes.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 9/15/2018 4:25:00 PM

Thank you for the joy of your comment, Jesse!