This is a public apology

[Lightning Rod]

This is a public apology

I'm sorry if anyone was offended by my remarks about greek mythology references in contemporary poetry. I was actually quoting myself because I have long used this as a metaphor for bad or wannabe or overly academic poets. I know many fine poets who are imprisoned in universities. It was not intended to refer to anyone on this site or anyone in particular. It's just a general Lightning Rod cliche criticism phrase.

People with a modicum of sanity will take everything I say with the whole saltshaker.

I truly never mean to offend. Many times I seem to succeed in it despite this. Next time any one here at Studio Eight is tempted to be offended by anything I say, here is the Mantra, repeat this ten times--"It's just Lightning Rod."

And then forget about it, because I'll say nearly anything just to hear myself talk.

[Doreen Peri]

Thanks.

I've seen many people get offended by things you say. I've been one of them. Quite a few times. It's always followed by your saying "offense is never given, only taken." I've felt like you've pulled a "gaslight" on me many times – saying it was me who was imagining these slights .... like I was crazy or something.

But this isn't about me this time.

It's good that you are apologizing. Thank you for doing that. Just know that it's doubtful all the people you insult will always say "It's just Lightning Rod."

We only have one rule here, as you know. And that's that we must treat each other with respect. The next time you are tempted to say something which you think someone might take offense by, here is the Mantra.... ask yourself this ten times before you push the submit button - "Would someone possibly be offended by this? Am I being respectful?" Then after the 10th time, after you've answered yourself honestly, if you still want to push the submit button, just know that respect is a mutual thing and it is also our only rule.

......

I am honored to have new friends and talented accomplished poets frequenting this website. I'd hate it if your unintentional insults caused them to decide not to post here.

Thanks for respecting me and respecting Studio Eight.

[Lightning Rod]

I respect you just like I respect everybody

why shouldn't I respect Studio Eight? I'm one of its founders

and yes, "offense is never given, only taken."

read your good book

[mtmynd]

This reminded me of the time I was a public apology. It could've been maybe.. o, 38 years ago.. maybe more maybe less. But time shouldn't factor into being a public apology. That makes it all the more disturbing. Time and public apology are like water and oil.

I played the part really well. People I'd never met even commented how good a public apology I was. Funny thing about it was that I ran the streets with a poodle... a regular sized poodle whose name was Meachum. Meachum was always with me when I was a public apology but he left me when I stopped being a pubic apology. Something peculiar about poodles like that. One minute they're loyal to you and when you no longer are a public apology they leave. I imagine that poodles do that because they are very attracted to public apologies. Either that or public apologies just attract poodles.

But it was time to move on, with or without Meachum. I tired of being a public apology. It was no longer in me. I had to change or be a public apology that was incessantly apologetic... something I couldn't do. But those years were a learning experience. I don't regret it. But I am glad I'm no longer a public apology. Sorrow becomes very burdensome.

[Doreen Peri]

I respect you just like I respect everybody

why shouldn't I respect Studio Eight? I'm one of its founders

and yes, "offense is never given, only taken."

read your good book

Yeah right. OK. Here we go again.

And you continue to claim it's a biblical reference. I've never read that before. Not that I'm a Christian any more or anything, but it IS a "good" book with lots of worthy lessons and truths. You'll have to point me to chapter and verse for me to believe that this philosophy is in there, though.

The deal is, here's the truth..... there ARE times when offense is taken when it's not intended. This is very true.

However, there are other times where insults are intentional.

And you know that.

Do you think if you add a winky face at the end of an intentional insult, it should take away its intention?

Well then, if you do, you're an idiot and a jerk.

(Just kidding of course. I would never insult you on purpose.)

How'd that work?

Hahahahaha!

OK, let's get back to poetry, shall we?

This is starting to feel like "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?"

love,
Liz

[Lightning Rod]

you put a smile on my face, cec

I think I've been feeding Meachum

[Doreen Peri]

I moved this thread to Discussions.

[mtmynd]

Clay... I don't know if I'm the one that should say this, but reading how your life is going right now, allow me to say : "A smile looks quite becoming on you!"

((stop feeding Meachum))

[mtmynd]

Thx, Dor'... it looks better here than there (but you knew that).

[Doreen Peri]

I was wondering whether this whole thing had anything to do with April Fools Day.

[stilltrucking]

Clay
believe me
if you ever offended me
I would have considered it an honor
But I can't remember ever being offended by you
and I am way into greek mythology
not just greek but all mythology
Just watch out for my Chindi when I die.

I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe
I was not offended
For I knew I had to rise above it all
Or drown in my own shit.

Maggot Brain Funkadelic

[Lightning Rod]

I feel like Barack Obama apologizing for what his pastor said

[stilltrucking]

Did he appologize.
I must have missed that
If he did I think it was a blunder.
But then people are always making appologies for me
reminds me of a poem constantine wrote I have to find it
be right back

[Doreen Peri]

I feel like Barack Obama apologizing for what his pastor said

How? Why?

This doesn't even relate. Not even similar.

You are apologizing for what YOU said. Not what somebody else said.

Now, when it's ME apologizing for what YOU said on this site (and believe me, I truly am sorry to those who may have been offended), I feel like Barack Obama apologizing for his pastor.

THAT analogy makes sense..... except for the fact that you are not my spiritual leader.

[Lightning Rod]

Did he appologize.
I must have missed that
If he did I think it was a blunder.

what he actually did was to distance himself from the statements that his pastor made without disowning his pastor