Good write. Unfortunately, there are shadows on the net. 98% of the time, these same shadows are one cell narcistic amoebas that spew hate. One’s best tool, on the media, is common sense. A Mod should be given the tools to vanish an imposter of the human race. Abuse of any nature should be flung from the balustrade of Stars.

Thank you for being who you are – both mouse and lion. (or R.O.U.S – love the reference!)

All my life, and especially in my years of poetry forums, I’ve only ever become aware of dramas after they’ve happened. I don’t know whether I’m ridiculously inattentive, or just lucky, or if I should feel guilty that I wasn’t in the trenches fighting (which is ridiculous when I’ve not even been aware there WERE trenches). In this case I know I’ve just wandered in after the fact… but I appreciate what you’ve done for the community and will do the same if the situation ever calls for it. Thank you for leading the way.

Have a good rest.
❤k

Amen, Willow. Into the book it belongs! I agree with you 100%, and thank you for getting out of your comfort zone to make this known. It is our community and creative home, no one should have to put up with that kind of bullshit. Also, this was well written my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

Thank you so much for this.

Kudos! Never mince words. The mighty pen!

I think the culprit should be named, so everyone knows that they are not good people.
I don’t want to be friends with, or even comment with, on someone with poor morals.

The poetry community needs writers that are passionate. But some people turn it into something else. And I get the Internet can bring out the worst in us but we should all encourage the art and put aside the BS. Honestly I dealt with a lot of this on DUP and that’s why I keep to myself. I deal with enough drama off the Internet.

I fear that no space is safe from people like that. Everywhere I go, there is always at least one. I will say that this is probably one of the better places because people actually care but it is still sad when people abuse something that should be so far from that.
I too, as many others have said, wish we could name the offender or even the victim. Too often people like that get away with it because they operate where no one else can see and their targets suffer more for it. I would have liked to potentially lend support to whoever the “she” is that was treated this way. It doesn’t erase what was done but some of the most meaningful interactions I’ve had with other people is when I found out they stood up for me even when they didn’t have to and had nothing to gain. I hope maybe someday they’ll come back and give it a try.
At least there are people like you who are willing to speak up for them and against that type of behavior.

Mary, thank you for pointing me towards Willow’s post. I am glad action was taken and hope this beautiful place on the internet will remain free of this person. Willow and you are amazing gifts to this place. Never forget that.

People who bully online are miserable people, period. So they lash out in little pussy ways. They are insecure, depthually lonely, because no one wants to be around them. etc.
Always call them out on their BS. Always. Send me their screen names, etc. I can be brutal.
There are a few writers on here that I do not care for their material at all. Same as the other place. That’s putting it mildly. Yet, they have a right, as we all do, to participate. It’s easy enough to ignore them. But i will defend pretty much anyone from being harassed. The same as in real life.
Never run from an online coward. Light them up.

He didn’t only attack women who wrote erotica. He went after women who processed their trauma out loud on DU. Some of them left the site. Some returned, others never did.

Absolutely, girl. In a heartbeat I would do it again. Good to see your face here again!

I live me a good storm. You took us through the darkened skies into the aftermath of gentle rain with this beautiful piece. Big smiles here

Oh how a storm can sometimes so accurately mirror our feelings. You can feel it here.

Lovely to read your voice again. I can feel the wind and rain in this…
❤k

Beautiful work.

hi beautiful Willow this is fierce 💕

Nice to hear you ROAR! The subject of this poem should definitely beware.

[I don’t know (or want to know) any details, but I have to confess this makes me a little leery of trying to re-enter this space. Ah, the internet sucks sometimes!]

Keep writing your fierce and beautiful heart.
❤k

Powerfully penned, Willow. I think this is a, Mic Drop! Appreciate you.

Damian

Roar! Claws activated!

Like the sick dog he was. I can’t remember the last time I was so upset…

Powerfully penned, Brenda. Another amazing write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

Brenda this is quite beautiful.
The world talks about being different and individual but when you are they detest you.
Don’t bother about the world.Its a delusion mostly and is finite.
In the meantime, use your saphosexuality to seduce as many men as you like.
You’ve done it to me more than once with your writing….😜

We wear our life upon our looks. Some more obvious than others.
Chances are, we fall in love with someone after we have seen them physically and got beyond that, and into their psyche.
Confidence is the most attractive trait. Not arrogance or cockiness, but a quiet confidence that others will notice, and respect.
That is not looks. It’s a look within the eyes.
You’ll always be okay, if you believe in it.

Hoi hoi
The last two sentences are the cherry on the cake.
Could it be that there’s a portion of people who take/love you for what you are?
Don’t know if I’m right, but I love to think I am.
Yes, definitely.
Love your write…
Kind regards, Gus

I will never understand the obsession with “conventional” beauty. The models in magazines are airbrushed & one dimensional. You have depth, intelligence & spirit, Brenda. Those qualities glow, believe me 🧡

any fools with eyes can see the surface. but it’s the ones who actually look and can see its the weight you carried before that makes you unforgettable. excellent write.