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Open Poetry #24
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Mysteria
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0 posted 2002-12-30 02:22 PM


~* The Internet Heart Collectors *~

                

Be careful to heed this warning that I now give,
Some did not listen, and some did not live.
Internet romance is not a game to be taken so light,
Watch who you trust in those chatrooms at night.

They pull mind-altering fantasies out of their hat;
and feed on empty hearts like hungered rats.
Predators eat away at a victim’s soul and pride,
as a secret love is probably something they hide.

They say what you want to hear and need,
then take from you what they want with greed.
They give a bit more until you fall deep,
but trust me soon those tears you will weep.

They don’t care if you believed in their love?
This was all a game of push and shove.
You've been had, now this spider can rest,
they didn't even have to perform magic at best!

Up their sleeve and hat are more tricks to be played;
to them you’re just another victim - one that will fade.
They retreat to their pit; you were but their nectar,
another game of seduction by the Internet heart collector.

Some play the game and do nothing at all,
And there are others who try to come call.
If you must meet, meet them in a very public place,
And always have someone there to remember his or her face.

Don't fall victim to these seasoned birds of prey.
Be careful, watch your heart on the Internet as you play.
They plan their course like eagles in sickly flight;
these predators are everywhere, all day and night!

Some wonderful couples have met on the Internet, and some very tragic endings have happened as well.
This is my way of saying to be very cautious about what personal information you give out on the Internet, and how you interact with people.  Once any of your personal photos or information is on the internet it is fair game for all.  Scary?  You bet it is.



[This message has been edited by Mysteria (12-30-2002 04:53 PM).]

© Copyright 2002 Mysteria 1997 - All Rights Reserved
nakdthoughts
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Between the Lines
1 posted 2002-12-30 02:31 PM


It's probably too late for some...
garysgirl
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2 posted 2002-12-30 03:38 PM


I haven't had the internet for too long because Gary was afraid for me to get it. I have never been to any "chatrooms" because of what he's told me that he's heard from other guys...(he doesn't even have a computer).
He was even leary when I told him about me talking on PIP forums. But, has come to trust Ron's management of this place by what he's read from my computer.
But, I'm so glad that you and others, (including my Gary), have warned me. I truly wish that lonely hearts everywhere could read this poem, dear lady. Some are such trusting and naive souls (self included). It's good to have someone watching out for us.....

Thank you very much for posting it, friend....      

"Love makes the world go around"
~~with love and hugs from Ethel~~  
                  

Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
3 posted 2002-12-30 04:29 PM



Mysteria, you didn't give that picture of me in my clown face out to anyone, did you?  Please tell me you didn't!  You Promised!  [LOL...ok, that's a joke, but it's also a good way to get this BTTT!]

Mistletoe Angel
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4 posted 2002-12-30 04:35 PM




(big hugggsssssss) Oh Sharon, I know and understand this feeling ever so well, sweet friend, and it can be so hard for me loving Joanna from miles away but I love her so much because I have known her for over a year and we do more than just IM, but send letters and talk on the phone and almost got to see each other last summer! (sigh) This is heartfelt, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sharon, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Mysteria
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5 posted 2002-12-30 04:48 PM


I re-posted this for someone I care about to read as I once was very naive on this Internet.  I learned a hard lesson that not all is what it seems.  I followed my heart and not my head and was very, very lucky.  There is a big world of fantasy on the Internet, and I hope people are wise enough to use it well.  I mentioned chatrooms, but it is everywhere where people can interact.

Noah - I did mention there are exceptions to this and you sweetie are one of them - now come here for a hug will ya?

Garysgirl - You hit it dead on!  Passions stands for integrity and that is what I love about this place.  It is "maintained" well by the owner, moderators, and those who participate as well who wish to keep it a safe place on the internet.  

.

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (12-30-2002 04:56 PM).]

Auguste
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By the sea
6 posted 2002-12-30 05:48 PM


I've never been to a chatroom and have no intention of ever doing.  I've heard too many spooky stories from friends who have frequented them.  Thanks for the reminder, Sharon, and Happy New Year!   

The stars will shine when I am gone,
the earth will turn on as before,
the gulls, still race along the shore,
the morning star, still kiss the dawn

NewEnglandlazurlu
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since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise
7 posted 2002-12-30 08:37 PM


A wonderful reminder for people of the perils of the big world wide web. Especially vulnerable are young teen girls and boys preyed on by sexual perverts.

Chat rooms are no place for nice people to hang out.

Thanks Sharon ... Hugs, Marti

A poem is never finished, only abandoned.
Paul Valery

Ariana
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since 2000-10-08
Posts 571
Orlando, Florida
8 posted 2002-12-30 09:00 PM


You have spelled out a very hard lesson for all of us to learn.  I have known of some that were married for a long time but got involved with someone on the internet.  Sorry to say that some homes were broken because of "chat rooms".  Anyway, bravo to you, and hopefully we can take your words as a lesson in life.  Thank you for sharing.  
catalinamoon
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The Shores of Alone
9 posted 2002-12-30 09:21 PM


Great lesson here, Sharon. I was heartbroken through emails with someone that I had even known in the past. It is amazing how words can misleed and damage.
And even worse, for some, I know.
Take care.
Sandra

rosepetals25
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10 posted 2002-12-30 09:34 PM


Unfortunately this is very true.  So many people out there are looking for that special love, they are blinded by their wants and needs.  Some romances on the web move wayyyyyyyyyy to fast.  I know people  who have been so heartbroken..

I took my time. Dave and I were friends for three years before we decided we wanted more.. and that was almost 2 years ago ( 2 years in March). I wish everyone could have the same expeirence I've had.

Have I mentioned that I like this yet

Tara

Magnus
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11 posted 2002-12-30 09:42 PM


Thank you for this Sharon...  The vastness
of the Internet has opened up the world to
our eyes and fingertips...  

Most important is honesty...People can be
friends,  but they have to be up front about
what can be expected of them...

Too many,  in chat rooms and dating sites,
go into it looking for that million dollar
baby,  be they male or female...and too
often they are sold something far less than
....some have even gone as far as meeting
the other individual, only to find that
things are far different than what they
were told....  If a relationship is meant
to be,  it should move to phone calls and
eventually a mutual meeting...  AND both
parties must know the rules of the game
as well as the truthfulness of the other
individual...  A sticky wicket, to say the
least....

Mysteria
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12 posted 2002-12-30 09:54 PM


Glad the message was received as it was intended.  I just wish that those that are lonely would remember several things that's all.  Not everyone sends their real picture, status, age, or tells the truth about themselves and not checking backgrounds, etc. can be a one-way road to heartache for both men and women.  Thanks everyone.

May a handshake, smile, kiss or a hug be the best present you give or receive this year.

Balladeer
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13 posted 2002-12-30 10:48 PM


I've had some close calls too but I am happy to report my virtue is intact

Happy New Year, dear lady

passing shadows
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displaced
14 posted 2002-12-31 01:31 AM


thanks for the reminders and lessons here...I have to print this one and give it to my 14 year old daughter who chats a lot.
visitvenus
Member
since 2002-12-30
Posts 101
PA, USA
15 posted 2002-12-31 03:36 AM


This is such a wonderful form of a warning.

I was feeling cautious when I joined PIP because of the very things you write about.  I've 'lurked' in game chat rooms and was always amazed at the info people give out and how they seem to fall into that un-reality world so quickly.

But somehow, here...I dunno, I just felt safe in an instant.  Still cautious...but I don't 'lurk' here!


-Venus

inkedgoddess
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since 2002-11-19
Posts 7392
Ohio
16 posted 2002-12-31 06:56 AM


"hey baby what are you wearing"
"hey baby, how big are your breasts"
"hey baby, wanna talk dirty"
"hey baby, i like your poetry"
youd be surprised where they lurk,
if youre an adult , and take it as mindless diversion, you wont be stung, just dont fall in love with any of these jokers

suthern
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Louisiana
17 posted 2002-12-31 12:16 PM


They're everywhere... not just in chat rooms. *S* And the irony is... no matter how many hearts they collect, they still lack one.

Excellent write, Mysteria! *S* I've been very fortunate... the internet has brought some wonderful friends into my life. *S*

regards2you
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since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
18 posted 2003-01-03 02:46 AM



Wonderful poem, and a service to all who lower their guards too quickly.
You just really never know who you are dealing with. I liked what Suthern said, "No matter how many hearts they collect, they still don't have one"
And, if that is all you lose, you're lucky. This is a great site for sharing. Too often though, we judge people by poetry they write, thinking we know that person. I myself write poems which don't reflect the true me, so I have to imagine others do as well. I also liked what Barry had to say about honesty and up front rules and expectations.

Thanks for this.
Warm regards, Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

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