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Open Poetry #18
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Midnitesun
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Gaia

0 posted 2002-01-27 02:05 AM


This was 'triggered' by poems from Brian Beaudry and Magnus, about the potential dangers of Internet Romance.


Falcons and Eagles prey
on defenseless animals
each and every day.
People sometimes prey too.
Now let us bow our heads
and pray for the prey.


© Copyright 2002 Kathleen Kacy Stafford - All Rights Reserved
Irish Rose
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since 2000-04-06
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1 posted 2002-01-27 03:24 AM


Hi Kathleen, first, the poem is an excellent play on words, very original.
The subject matter is one that sparks a lot of discussion.  Everyday, millions of people invite "strangers" into their homes, right there, and tell them the most intimate details of their life.  Much like people do in a bar, the barber shop, on a train, wherever.
I'm going to go against the grain here and say something.  Just looking into someone's eyes doesn't always show their soul. Online, people often, very often are extremely vulnerable, and maybe that's why they are online.....something is missing in their reality, around them so they are looking for a diversion.  Well, sometimes you find something wonderful, sometimes something painful.  It can happen anywhere.

But something just hit me, sitting here, waking up from a nightmare.  Posting poetry is also an intimate thing.  It's filled with emotion.  We bleed all over the page as someone said.  Someone reads and maybe thinks "umm, she sure sounds needy"
or someone reads and thinks it's an invitation for something more.  Or maybe on a more positive note someone reads and thinks "what a wonderful person, I'd sure like to know him/her"

I think it all comes down to character and looking for red flags.  Once you let your guard down, you take a chance of being hurt.  But who doesn't let their guard down.
When do you stop taking a risk and begin shutting yourself off from the world.

guess I got carried away in my reply....but I feel very strongly about this subject...
and I think the Internet has a bad reputation for bringing out the predators who will always find a way to prey on someone.


Kathleen--(Kay)
A true friend does not love you for who you are, but in spite of who you are." -- Caroline Tran

Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
2 posted 2002-01-27 04:26 AM


Midnitesun,
ditto Kathleen. But just want to add we can only be prey if we forget to pray.
Kethry

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



JamesMichael
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since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
3 posted 2002-01-27 06:46 AM


True enough...their are definately people waiting to take advantage of others...both in your neighborhood or on line...
made me think about the woman that was recently robbed on the North Shore...a 300 pound man followed this much smaller woman into the womens restroom and wrestled her purse away from her...some people are definately users and takers just looking for an opportunity...James

Greeneyes
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In Your Poetic Mind
4 posted 2002-01-27 10:21 AM


Midnitesun~

I often keep to myself on the net, I never use "real” information...but aside from that, I never put myself in such a position....I may here, only because I trust the writers on the board....I think one thing to keep in mind is that this is the internet, and you can disconnect anytime you feel like it....any way I get your point, and find more than a valued point....

OH-- and I think children that are not at least 18 or older should never have just blank permission to be on the net.....thank you for this write, it will open many eyes I am sure....
Lauren~


Step through the
barrier of my mind,
enter my soul,
feel my desire,
let my eyes guide you
into the shadows
of my heart

[This message has been edited by Greeneyes (01-27-2002 11:05 AM).]

Mistletoe Angel
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5 posted 2002-01-27 11:03 AM




(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Kathleen, this is soooo very sad, my heart goes out to all the victims of internet romance and even young people who accidentley stumble across this as they suf the web. (big hugggssssss) I too think there should be parental guidelines involved on web-usage, and I pray that for all those who have lost love on-line will find true love face-to-face very soon to delight them. (kiss on cheek) So sad but well-said, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kacy, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

brianbeaudry
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since 2001-07-20
Posts 410
Northern Ontario Canada
6 posted 2002-01-27 11:09 AM


I will pray for the prey Midnightsun...great poem by the way
Startime
Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918
Canada
7 posted 2002-01-27 11:12 AM


*sigh* This one really hits home to me...Even prayer can sometimes not protect us from being prey...some are too naive and do not see any red flags when the person is very experienced in what they do...or their innocent desire to believe leads them captive...I too believe the internet is a wonderful place to meet people...Like all the poets here... *sigh* this subject is very revealing. **big hugs**

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

Midnitesun
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Gaia
8 posted 2002-01-27 12:36 PM


This really is a subject close to the heart of anyone who has a heart. While I do believe in caution, the internet to me is no different than the school, the bar, the church, or the shopping mall. It is a location where people can connect. And I agree, looking into someone's eyes does not protect you from falling prey to a disastrous relationship. Although I posted this after reading warnings, I myself do not feel the net is any bigger a problem than any other meeting method, except that it may be easier to seduce with words and imagery than it is with just a wink.  But somewhere in all this wordplay, we do have to remember there are live hearts beating out there, not keyboards.
Magnus
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9 posted 2002-01-27 01:22 PM


this topic...could take us into infinity of
thoughts...  I think your poem sums it up.
I also feel it is our own responsibility to
not let ourselves become vulnerable to any
person that uses others for their own gain
without giving sincerely from within their
heart.  

Yes,  it can happen anywhere...Next door,
down the street...over the phone...In the
car sitting across from another car...
Seeing the smile,  the welcome mat...and
stepping into the unknown world where trust
is sometimes not a valued thing to some..

There are many people who have honest and
trusting relationships...Even on the internet.

There are also some who come to places like
this looking for something that they cannot
find...or finding something they should not
have....

Good topic...and YES...I will pray for the
prey..and hope they all read this...and
become stronger..

Midnitesun
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Gaia
10 posted 2002-01-27 01:38 PM


Yes, vulnerability is a key point here. But for myself, I have never desired nor succeeded in being 'less vulnerable.' It's a double edged sword sometimes. Open your heart....keep it sheltered. Where to draw that fine line? Some never find a way to protect themselves, from love predators, money predators, political predators...there are so many ways that words can be used to capture and enslave.
"When do you stop taking a risk and begin shutting yourself off from the world?" (quote from Irish Rose)
Maybe this would be a good Feelings forum topic....Predation/Self  Preservation thoughts in general.

[This message has been edited by Midnitesun (01-27-2002 01:41 PM).]

Irish Rose
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since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

11 posted 2002-01-27 01:57 PM


It would make a great topic and the poem addresses this subject very well. My heart goes out to those who believe they have indeed found that "true love" and in reality it wasn't love at all....my heart really does go out for them.  Just another thought....

Kathleen--(Kay)
A true friend does not love you for who you are, but in spite of who you are." -- Caroline Tran

Silver Streak
Member Elite
since 2002-01-02
Posts 3625
FL, USA
12 posted 2002-01-27 02:28 PM


My heart goes out to all victims! But blaming the Internet is just today's excuse for hating victimization. But doesn't it always takes two people to create a victim?

When in our heart we let ourselves be lured away from truth and careful living, will not our own selfishness invite victimization?

Birds of prey find food when small animals abandon the safety of their shelters. But then, what is food for one is death for another. Is not this is simply the nature of the food chain?

Beware! There is a hawk or an eagle out there circling. He wants you for dinner. Be careful! When you go to the grocery store, a bar, walk in the park, or surf the Internet. Don't be a victim! Only you can make a victim!
-newell    

Sharing God's Love through perfectlovepoetry.com

Copyright: 2002 Newell Elsworth Usher

Startime
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since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918
Canada
13 posted 2002-01-27 02:37 PM


*sigh* I guess then you would say that I envited to be victimized.....interesting...when some cannot see the aims of another they are said to have invited it...I guess that teaches me that I have no judgement of people and the internet and relationships that happen on it are not for me. *sigh* that is why I keep to myself and only write and respond to people's poetry. Being naive and trusting is just something we should not be in this world...for if we are we are just inviting predators to prey on us.

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

Silver Streak
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since 2002-01-02
Posts 3625
FL, USA
14 posted 2002-01-27 03:07 PM


In reference to the comment above:

*sigh* I guess then you would say that I envited to be victimized.....interesting...when some cannot see the aims of another they are said to have invited it...I guess that teaches me that I have no judgement of people and the internet and relationships that happen on it are not for me. *sigh* that is why I keep to myself and only write and respond to people's poetry. Being naive and trusting is just something we should not be in this world...for if we are we are just inviting predators to prey on us. "

Please allow me to respond:

When small animals run across a field in a sense they are inviting an eagle or hawk to dinner..It often has little to do with judgement, as we do what we think we need to do, as we live. Although the risk can often be reduced by being careful and alert.

I just don't think that blaming the Internet solves anything. I believe that our whole society is out of whack and what we should be doing is teaching truth, reason and responsibility to everyone, especially the young. I also still believe in the old addage, "let the buyer beware". Of course this doesn't excuse any victimizer. I believe in the death penalty for victimizers and abusers. Seriously. For dead people don't victimize nor do they abuse.  
-newell    

Sharing God's Love through perfectlovepoetry.com

Copyright: 2002 Newell Elsworth Usher

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
15 posted 2002-01-27 03:17 PM


We could go round and round on this one, just as we did with Barry's post awhile back.  I agree this would make a good topic for the discussion forum.

Kacy, good write and I too shall pray for the prey.
~Hugs, Nancy~

~Time has cast a spell on you,
  So you won't ever forget me~

Midnitesun
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Gaia
16 posted 2002-01-27 04:31 PM


I love all the input here. As long as we keep open lines of communication on subjects like this, and share these thoughts with each generation, I will continue to allow myself to "be vulnerable." It's what makes me feel humanly connected.
Duncan
Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455

17 posted 2002-01-27 07:28 PM


Wow, Kacy...your poem's started quite an interesting thread.  I would have to agree with Kay and yourself.
You're always so good at writing about socially relevant issues.  I enjoy that about your poetry.

strbbux
Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859

18 posted 2002-01-27 08:53 PM


Midnight a lot of food for thought here, much said in a few words. floria

Floria

"Alas for those that never sing,
But die with all their music in them"
(Oliver Wendell Holmes)

Midnitesun
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Gaia
19 posted 2002-01-28 03:26 AM


Duncan, thank you for your reply. The truth comes out through honesty in communication. But you know I also enjoy fantasy and illusion, and have fun projecting alter egos now and then. The Internet provides us with  a really diverse platform and audience. I wouldn't go backwards in time for anything, but there's always an element of danger in stepping into the unknown, the future. And just being alive makes one vulnerable. Wow, am I rambling? pontificating? LOL.

Floria, thanks. I am glad you have joined this group, as you are sensible and logical, as well as a good writer.

  

[This message has been edited by Midnitesun (01-28-2002 03:29 AM).]

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