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Open Poetry #18
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Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan

0 posted 2002-01-03 08:06 PM


this poem is about a website at which I, as well as several other poets have had a VERY bad experience.
It is so nice to have wonderful sites such as Passions, at which we can make friends and share our poetry.

Invisible uniforms wield their power
through fingered keyboards and screens
didactic despots of meter and rhyme
hide their faces, ashamed to be seen

digital monarchs of metaphor
crowned heads of poetrythink
hurl poisoned darts of admonishment
at quills of emotional ink

intellect rules in this lofty domain
those who dare to write with their passion
are stripped of their words and their voices
and banned in undignified fashion

exiled forever, outside the great wall
along with their martyred writs
bards of emotion who took the fall
now look for some friendlier crits

poets disliked by the fuhror
are rapidly put in their place
no comments appear neath their work
their creations forever displaced

and remarks which dare challenge authority
will be hastily put to death
slashed from the page with the vengeance of rage
swiftly deprived of their breath

as cliques of elite on the throne
slash poems with daggars of hate
and writers insulted for reasons unknown
flee this poetry police state

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

© Copyright 2002 Lyra Nesius - All Rights Reserved
strbbux
Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859

1 posted 2002-01-03 08:11 PM


Oh gosh Madame I am so glad I am the first to respond to this. As I have been there too. This is just awesome, what a wonderful mind you have..I love this so much.Clap, clap, clap, standing ovation...floria
Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
2 posted 2002-01-03 08:12 PM




(big hugggssssssss) Oh Lyra, I know just how you feel, I too have had terrible experiences at other poetry sites. I used to post at The Doves Nest and Spiders and they always criticized me for everything I ever wrote, and I almost got to the point where I decided not to write anymore because I thought that was a fact. (big hugggssssss) I love you and all my Passions friends, and everyone here is soooooo wonderful! I wish there could be more places like this! (kiss on cheek) So heartfelt, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Lyra, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

ecrivan
Member Elite
since 2001-12-10
Posts 3923
my own state
3 posted 2002-01-03 08:48 PM


HERE HERE,
very well expressed!!
Had my poems eliminated from their site for no reason, there was no precedent, and had responses to my poems eliminated. One other
commenter suggested that  the moderators wanted us to act from the head not the heart..a bizarre attitude as far ad I'm concerned.Well they're cetainly doing a good job advertising their virtual tolitarianism...they make you feel bad Noah,
but remember you are better than they because you can express yourself freely here..and through head and heart!!!



[This message has been edited by ecrivan (01-03-2002 08:49 PM).]

Magnus
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
4 posted 2002-01-03 09:11 PM


Madame C....This is great...and yes...sad
to say...it does exist...and also,  YES..
PiP is a very warm and friendly place to
post, read and share our feelings and our
poetry...

Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

5 posted 2002-01-03 09:14 PM


"there's no place like home.....there's no place like home...."

My perception of truth will somehow never quite be the same..and so I write.

Zukene_Chic
Member
since 2001-09-26
Posts 152
Cali
6 posted 2002-01-03 09:18 PM


WOW! That was cool! It sucks that you had to go through that, though. When I read the title, I instantly thought of "the thought police" which you'll only know what I'm talking about if you've read 1984, but oh well. I loved the poem, dear. May you write many more so I can be amused. ^^ *HUGGLES*
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
7 posted 2002-01-03 09:31 PM



We are most fortunate indeed to have Passions at our fingertips, and Wizard Ron as the Great Vizier...

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
8 posted 2002-01-03 10:20 PM


This was a powerful piece Lyra.  I'm so sorry to hear that you had a bad experience at another site ... that can be so disheartening. I'm glad you've found Passions, and hope you'll continue to find the moderation on this site to be fair minded and appreciative of everyone. I mentioned to a few people recently that here, we have a program in place where the members become a part of the moderation team themselves. It's a wonderful program, and benefits everyone. If you'd like to read more about the Deputy Mod Program, you can have a look here

   /main/deputies.cgi

Best wishes,
/Kit

[This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (01-03-2002 10:22 PM).]

Marsha
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423
Maidstone Kent England
9 posted 2002-01-03 10:21 PM


Lyra darling girl didn't I tell you you'd love it here? Yes I know I'm always right Now you can join Keth in the keep Marsha under restraint committee. You know she's always telling me not to be cock a hoop.

As always darling girl YOU write brilliantly. I told you I didn't like that site, one visit was more than enough for me. Anyway continue to write brilliantly and your star will shine where theirs fades to dust.

Absolutely Fabulous

Love and warm stuff
As always
Mushy

To give light to them that sit in darkness..... to guide our feet into the way of peace St John ch2 v1


Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
10 posted 2002-01-03 11:04 PM


Lyra,
Glad you escaped with your life! Where ever it is I hope I don't stumble in there.

GenXer
Senior Member
since 2001-12-15
Posts 583
USA
11 posted 2002-01-03 11:56 PM


Attention! Attention, Lyra!  This is the poetry police from EP.  Please put down your keyboard and step away from your computer.  We are going to kick this poem off this site as well, and any other site where you decide to post it.  We will track you down whereever you go.

Dave

[This message has been edited by GenXer (01-03-2002 11:58 PM).]

Startime
Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918
Canada
12 posted 2002-01-04 12:09 PM


Oh gosh.......I am sure glad I do not go to sites like that. I am interested in real poetry like that we have here. Real poetry is not just rhyme and meter but heartfelt feelings that make the reader share your feelings. Good for you for writing this poem. That site will ever be left by true poets who are filled with the passion of their words. **big hugs**

Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams.

Bill Charles
Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
13 posted 2002-01-04 12:13 PM


Madame Chipmunk - this sounds like a really bad place, and experience. Perhaps if they keep it up, they won't be around much longer. The fuhror went out with, well the fuhror... Glad that you are here.

BC

His Poet
Senior Member
since 2001-12-18
Posts 750

14 posted 2002-01-04 02:13 PM


Lyra, How cleverly put, to say the least. I would need armor to post on that site. It's also wonderful to see your lovely face. Hope all is well. Cheryl
ecrivan
Member Elite
since 2001-12-10
Posts 3923
my own state
15 posted 2002-01-04 02:20 PM


well helloo Cheryl, nice to see you here!!!yes that other place gives me the bristles.


Opeth
Senior Member
since 2001-12-13
Posts 1543
The Ravines
16 posted 2002-01-04 02:27 PM


You already know what I think of this poem, Lyra.
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
17 posted 2002-01-04 02:31 PM


ROTFLMAO! Guess I couldn't have done that at your old haunt. Well written, not even a bit squirrely! Funny, the site I came from had NO moderators, and was, and still is to my knowledge, a virtual free-for-all. Glad we both ended up here. Only a few things for which these Pips police will handcuff you.LOL. Thanks for the fun post.
Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

18 posted 2002-01-04 02:32 PM


Wonderful Lyra.  I know a place such as this.  Poetry is not just form, meter, or rhyme.  It is .........from the heart.  So glad you are here among us.  *s*

On the wings of words our spirits fly....and our souls are free.
~Me~

(I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance~Garth)

N orth Carolina Girl
Senior Member
since 2001-12-04
Posts 962
NC,USA
19 posted 2002-01-04 04:54 PM


Lyra,you go girl! If anyone knows what that site is like me,you,Stevie,JCP,Nan & Martin do.They are a bunch of a-holes as far as I`m concern.Give me a place like Passions and Mark`s anyday.
TAKE CARE!



Love,

Juanita

"always have a smile on your face it makes people wonder what you`re up to:

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
20 posted 2002-01-04 06:14 PM


Thanks so much, Floria.....these people really did seem to be the poetry police...its much nicer here.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
21 posted 2002-01-04 06:19 PM


Thanks so much, Noah.....I, too...really appreciate all of my friends here.
I think workshop type websites are okay, and criticism is sometimes necessary and wanted by the writer....but, this particular website was very nasty.  They didn't give constructive criticism.....instead, they just told people that their poems were lousy, without telling them how to improve them.  As if that weren't enough....they wanted us to tear everyone else's poems apart even if we thought they were beautiful creations.
I have since posted a couple of poems in the critical analysis forum here at Passions and I have also found another workshop type site where I can get some constructive help with my poetry without the nastiness.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
22 posted 2002-01-04 06:24 PM


Martin, Juanita and JCP, you know exactly what this poem is about...my fellow sufferers.
I actually posted this poem there and it was removed 7 minutes later....but all night long, I kept getting emails saying that someone from their website had replied to it.
Apparantly, they moved it to their administrative forum, which is open only to administrators and moderators......and those guys were probably reading it and replying all night!
I would just LOVE to know what they were saying.
The whole idea of them even salvaging it, amuses me to no end.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
23 posted 2002-01-04 06:26 PM


Barry, Kay and Karilea.....thanks so much for your support.
I love it here.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

[This message has been edited by Madame Chipmunk (01-04-2002 06:28 PM).]

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
24 posted 2002-01-04 06:30 PM


Thanks Zukene....I remember 1984....and thats what I was thinking about when I wrote the poem....
but fortunately, they can't get INSIDE our heads.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
25 posted 2002-01-04 06:35 PM


please delete

[This message has been edited by Madame Chipmunk (01-04-2002 06:38 PM).]

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
26 posted 2002-01-04 06:37 PM


Kit....thanks so much for the invitation to join the Deputy Moderator program...I think its a great idea, and would love to do it sometime in the future when my life gets a bit less busy.

Marsha.....Yes, you told me and yes again, you were right.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
27 posted 2002-01-04 06:47 PM


Thanks Dave...I think they have already found me.
The poem disappeared from their forum, 7 minutes after I posted it.....and all night long, I kept getting emails saying someone from their administrative forum had replied to it.  Their administrative forum is closed to mere mortals.  It can only be accessed by mods and administrators, so I know that they kidnapped it and were reading it and probably sending it to each other.
I got a lot of satisfaction out of that....and they didn't even know that each time, someone replied.....that I got notified.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
28 posted 2002-01-04 06:50 PM


Larry, Karen and Bill....thanks for your replies....

I am also grateful to have escaped with my life and my computer...they also couldn't rob me of my thoughts.

And the fuhror, apparantly still lives on at that horrible website....he also calls himself "the minstrel of merriment" believe it or not.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
29 posted 2002-01-04 06:55 PM


Kacy, I am glad we both landed here also...
that other site was a nightmare....

Cheryl....it is so nice to see you here...
and everything is going well with me
hope it is for you also.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
30 posted 2002-01-04 06:57 PM


Thanks so much for the warmth, Gentle Spirit....and I agree with you about the poetry.
Those guys really thought poetry should not be written with the heart.  When I saw that, I knew that I would post only one more poem there...and that was this one...which was specially written for the occasion.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Mac Attack
Member
since 2001-12-12
Posts 100
Ontario, Canada
31 posted 2002-01-06 08:27 PM


Thanks for the tip that this was posted here Lyra!  Since I had read so much about the site, I checked it out, then checked right out!  After reviewing a few posts and comments I couldn't agree with more in your assessment that "They didn't give constructive criticism.....instead, they just told people that their poems were lousy, without telling them how to improve them. "

It has been quite awhile since I struggled to receive parental approval, and I had no desire to start down that road with EP!  Addicted to constructive critiques as I am, I am not stupid enough (I hope?) to put myself under some Poem Nazi’s knife (reference to Soup Nazi of old Sienfeild show).

Excellent post!


Mac

Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
32 posted 2002-01-07 06:22 AM


Lyra,
been there, done that...I have the emotional scars to prove it. Excellent write!
Kethry

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown



Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
33 posted 2002-01-07 09:04 PM


Thanks for replying, Mac and Keth.
Its so much more comfortable not to have to pick through every word while worrying that an ax will fall on your head if you just happen to use the wrong one in the wrong context or if your syllables are off by just one, in one of your lines.
Thanks again for reading, my fellow survivors of the poetry police.
Thank goodness, we are all out of jail now.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

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