Farewell, for now

Things aren't always easy, as I'm sure so many people on this site will relate to and agree with. Sometimes, writing itself turns you inside out and leaves you more unhappy than happy, and more at odds with yourself. I suppose, when you reach that point, it's best to recognise it and put your pen down gently, so to speak, rather than destroy it in anger and upset. Sometimes, every comment you receive that isn't what you want hits you square in the face, and then you know it is time to have a break.
I have been on this site for 8 months or so and have 'met' some truly wonderful people who are both talented and inspirational all at once. They know who they are.
Rather than close my account in frustration with myself and lose everything I have achieved, it's better to just walk away for a while knowing that I can come back when I choose. So for anyone who cares (and there are many who don't) take this as an explanation for my absence.
Thank you to everyone - truly - for your support and encouragement and I hope you all keep well.
Remember: Don't break the pen, put it down gently........:)

Ben

Not even sure what's going on. Just wanted to let you know your presence has been very uplifting, inviting new members, encouraging others and your writing is therapeutic to many. Please reconsider an absence as we will miss you.

^ this. You've made a great splash here at p&q with your presence, and I'd hate to see you leave, but if you still want to take a break, I understand. Just know that we'll welcome you back with open arms when you do decide to come back!

Reconsider Ben!! Or at least, come back soon!

Your presence here really makes the site more alive. Do come back as soon as possible.

Hey Ben, I know we haven't really spoken much, but your presence and poetry will be missed. I hope you have a restful break.

Mark says you've made a splash, I disagree.
The only simile that fits is a tsunami wave!
I think you have experienced a burn out of your chi for now. I know you will be back, but while you're gone try to get back to what made you want to write "for yourself" & you'll find that writing actually restores you.
Good fortune & I'll be looking for you around the next bend or so.

I think that when writers dive head first into writing, sometimes the process will stir up a lot of emotions and heartache and self awareness that we didn't realize were there. It makes us rough around the edges and makes our hearts uncomfortable sometimes, and it's important to settle yourself a bit and work through those things. Sometimes, poetry helps, sometimes it only causes more strife. I've been on both sides of this, so I completely understand. Just wish you'd hang out and stop writing, haha!

I hope you're not leaving because of a specific judge's comment. That's a lot of blame or guilt to lay on one person.
Honestly, the judge in question was concerned they were too critical, and I said not to worry about it because PnQ can stand to have a little more constructive criticism and I thought you'd appreciate it. I take responsibility for making the wrong call. I know the judge meant well.

Either way, I'm with the rest of PnQ in saying you have such a huge prescence here, it would be depressing to see you go. I hope you don't. If it's what you need though, I hope you recover quickly and come back soon. We wish you the best, and should you go, you'll be missed.

-Jane

I think that when writers dive head first into writing, sometimes the process will stir up a lot of emotions and heartache and self awareness that we didn't realize were there. It makes us rough around the edges and makes our hearts uncomfortable sometimes, and it's important to settle yourself a bit and work through those things. Sometimes, poetry helps, sometimes it only causes more strife. I've been on both sides of this, so I completely understand.

^I loved this even if that's not the case, sometimes we explode within and out comes all this great stuff, and we want to share it with the world, but not all the world is going to embrace it, and that hurts, until you discover the true reason why you write....when you do, you'll realize it was never about recognition and it won't hurt anymore......I wish you nothing but the best, and hope that the pen won't lie still for long, because you have the talent to go very far, and even more, you have a gift that needs to be shared.......peace

Yes, Ben, your gift needs to be shared. You have come here for one pupose only and that is to share your unique personality and all the gifts you have to share from the abundance within.
Some people go unseen, yet persevere because their heart and mind tell them so. You have had the luxury of immedeate succes here on this site. With that comes the realisation that some will envy you, It can also make you dependant on approval and yet more success.
The only advice I can give you, is to write for you, regardless of what anyone may say or feel about it.
You have a rare gift, seek proper guidance to bring that to the wider audience and also to help strengthen your gentle spirit. You need strong shoulders to carry what you have to share.
All the best, gentle friend *hugs*

Even if you deny that this is because of a certain comment from a judge...it's still going to look that way. You had a spelling error, albeit a small one and, yes, in the past I've also seen them making it through to the front page. We have a new set of judges this week and maybe they are going to be stricter but...as long as it's across the board then everything should work out even in the end. I think the judge was very fair in telling you the reason why you were marked a 4, if it was a major exam then they would have to so, they were really only doing the right thing but the other poet. Just use this as a learning curve....run your work through spell check...that's what it's there for (just ignore when it tries to change words to the American way :)

I think it's clear that no one wants you to take leave...and I will include my name on the list. If you really need a break then take one...if you're in a huff because of one opinion then you need to toughen up and stop taking things so personal.

Ben, we will miss you as you have devoted much time and effort onto this site, not to mention your love of poetry and all that you have shared. It's a great idea though not to close your account. Hopefully you have a good break and return when you feel it's the right time :)