Write Out Loud - Poet Profile

Valerie Cook

Email: valcook@aol.com

Homepage: http://wwwvaleriecookuk.blogspot.com/

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Last blog entry: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 10:32:56 pm

Profile updated: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:51:47 pm

Write Out Loud Profile: http://www.writeoutloud.net/poets/valeriecook

Write Out Loud Blog: http://www.writeoutloud.net/blogs/valeriecook

Biography

I have been writing most of my life,mainly verse and only really got to grips with poetry after joining Write Out Loud . I really enjoy being involved at all levels of this unique poetry scene. My poems have been published in anthologies, Poetry Now Northern England Editions 2001 & 2002 and Poems of the Millenium. Check out my website for more information about me and to read my poetry….

Samples

Broken Heart

Where is the love that once was ours
How many years has it been?
Since you took the sun and left me showers
How much rain have I seen?
My broken heart will never heal
The fissure is deep and wide
With only a superficial seal.
That opens and bleeds inside
When all the hurt is again revealed
By the memories I thought where sealed.
The knife that cut was long and thin
Silent as it slid right in.
It gave me pain that I could not bear
So hot and searing was the tear
That ripped my heart so deep and wide;
And I cried as I have never cried.
I swore, stamped and got up steam
To howl and scream as in a dream.
I was angry, despondent, suicidal and mad
The love was gone the love I had.
Betrayed dejected depressed and alone
I felt my heart turn to stone.

Val Cook 2001

My Hearts Triumphant Cry

This day I will remember
As the first day in my life,
When I rose and realised
That I was now, no ones wife.
The feeling, the elation
Was a great exciting buzz.
Truly liberating, there
Would be no more of Us. I
Can come and go at leisure.
Buy without consent, all the
Fripperies a female wants
With complete abandonment.
Will this make me happier,
I won’t know till I try. But
I will go from strength to strength
Is my hearts triumphant cry.

(c)ValCook 2001

You Are The One

When I saw you sitting by my side
So quiet and still I nearly died.
My heart stood still, tears filled my eyes.
Your presence took me by surprise.
You smiled at me, then you where gone
Yes, yes you are the only one.
My one and only Valentine.

I saw you again today walking by.
My heart stopped I gave a sigh.
I didn`t even say hello,
I stood in silence and watched you go.
I should have nodded and smiled at you,
But now your gone without a clue
That I would like to know your name.
Next time I see you I`ll be just the same.
I`ll stand there like a block of stone,
Until your gone and then I`ll groan.
You are the one,the only one;
My one and only Valentine

(c) ValCook 1998

TheOcean

Are we indifferent to the fate of the sea?
By what we do and what we allow to be.
With sewage sludge PCB and DDT
Nuclear waste and plastic debris.
The consequence of trashing the sea
Are horrendous and fatal to you and me.
With factory farming by acoustic device
Shoals of fish are collected in a trice
Along with turtles and dolphins as sacrifice
The rewards and profits of avarice.
We over fish and ocean dump.
No more will we watch the dolphin jump.
And the humpback whale’s tail thump
After the massive tankers with excess sump
Poisons these creatures with this foul clump.
Still we hunt and fish to overkill
We trash the beaches uncaring until
The ocean becomes a sewer fill
And the creatures in the seas we will kill
Who cleans it up, who pays the bill.
Who cares that is the bitter pill.

<©> Valerie Cook 1998

Good Mother

Was I a Good Mother I asked of my three?
Because that was what my mother asked of me.
I told her yes,she was always gentle and kind,
That would be the memory she would leave behind.
As a child she lost her mother
And was raised by another.
This woman was mean and didn`t love her.

So you see I have a problem.
Was I a Good Mother,
Brought up by a mother
Raised by another
Who wasn`t her mother
And didn`t love her ?

Well we where put to the test.
We did our best.
Cause I know I had a good mother.

Val Cook 2006

Celebration

To place us high in the scheme of things,
We cover our nakedness and all that brings
Is to make us feel ashamed of our humanity
Our common sex our vulnerability.
Cover by all means to protect and warm,
Ourselves against intrusion and that icy storm
But on warm summer days
In the heat and the haze of the suns glorious rays.
We should be allowed to strip without discrimination.
Remove all clothes in celebration.
Of our wonderful human form.
Introduce a style to transform
The human race
To a much gentler pace.
Val Cook 2008

Kill

The Humpback Whales,
Quickly turns tails.
There`s blood on the ice,
they won`t pay the price.
Horrific scenes to see.
This carnage they flee.
Back to the open sea.
Red stains on the ice,
Sacrifice at what price.
Seals slither and slip away,
Helpless Cubs stay and play.
Clubbed to death by men of greed.
Society demands but do they need,
This brutal act that feeds the coffers.
Surely there are alternatives on offer.

The shame stays with me,
When this slaughter I see.
We must continue to fight,
For freedom`s their right.
Gods creatures are lent;
They were never ment
To be hunted and killed.
But this heritage is instilled
In a world full of greed.
Yes, we have people to feed.
But as sport must they die.
To the hunt is the cry;
Fox and stag fly by
To be torn into bits,
While in fear and fits.
It`s inhuman it`s wrong
In this world they belong.
We should treasure all life
Not introduce this strife
To gods creatures on earth.
Why kill soon after birth?
To pander to fashion or fame
These beautiful creatures are slain.
This action is a disgrace.
And taints the whole human race.

<©> Valerie Cook 2000

War

Why do nations wage war on nations.
When the world is so small, we are all relations.
Brother Sister Husband Wives
Everyone is living in each others lives.
We see face to face fighting in city streets,
While politicians discuss it from their parliamentary seats.
Homes demolished and people in flight,
Carrying all they can throughout the night.
Almost daily we hear of insane
Evil perpetrators, of misery and pain.
Yellow Black White or Brown passing the blame.
But mingle our blood the colours the same.
We will all count the waste of mankind
For years to come; from land that is mined.
Africa Rumania Kosova and Pakistan
Ethnic cleansing, since time began.
Man was killing his fellow man.
People fled
Many dead
Those who stayed
Knelt and prayed
Children cried
As their Mothers died
Savaged and ravaged: when will it end
And when it does will we ever mend.
<©> Valerei Cook 1999

RunningAway

The road leads nowhere,
But I have to go somewhere.
Anywhere is better than here.
I`m leaving not shedding a tear.
Running away without regret.
Happy to be leaving, but yet
Thinking of the good times I have had.
But then recalling when it all went bad.
I took a chance when I caught this ride.
Now tears and fears well up inside.
My life from now on will be inside out.
But I know without a doubt
That I was right to take this chance
To leave this place without a glance.
There is nothing but an endless wall.
Of poverty, that destroys us all.
I may never get a chance again I know
That is why, I must go.

Its ten years since I ran away
But I think about home almost everyday
I have been away a long time
Some will view this as a crime
I am going back to make a amends
To say sorry to family and friends
I left them when the going got tough
I went because I had had enough
Maybe things have changed, I`ll never know
Unless I face my fears and go
I am older now ,more mature
Will I be welcome, I`m not sure.
I hope they can forgive a friend
Who made mistakes and wants to mend
The bridge that separates our hearts
Because that is where friendship starts.

<©> Valerie Cook 2007

Bliss

His sleep inhibits my touch;
I feel his warmth,
Inhale his fragrance.
His peaceful form so close
But in another place.
He moves and groans
I tingle with desire.
Is this my opportunity.
I kiss his soft unshaven cheek,
My hand slowly slides across his chest,
I feel his heart beating.
He turns his face ,
His breath cools my cheek.
I move close
Gently kiss his lips.
His eyes open and look deep into mine.
Arms draw me into his embrace,
We both smile.
Bliss.

Val Cook 2007

All poems are copyright of the originating author. Permission must be obtained before using or performing others' poems.

Last blog entry

The Tree

Posted on Monday 8th February 2010 10:32 pm

Once this fine tree graced a forest.

Natures noble green giant.

Birds nested and played amongst the leaves.

Searched for insects in the tough brown bark of the tree

Safe and secure in its green canopy.

Whilst berries and nuts in abundance during summer

Sustained many, through the harsh cold of the dark winter months.

Squirrels lived aloft, high above the forest floor.

Raised their young to race around its branches,

Scamper up and down the solid brown trunk,

Storing food in hidden places for leaner times.

Its base was shade for plants and flowers.

Lovers rested in the heat and haze

of a hot summers afternoon.

Its roots dug deep into the earth

Seeking out moisture and providing shelter

And safety to small mammals ,

Who foraged for food and slept beneath.

Trees are the lungs that breathe for the earth.

Clarifying the air and purifying the wind.

Its roots prevent erosion

That steals the soil, that grows the food,

That feeds many

Now the tree is dead.

Killed by the swift blows of an axe.

Uprooted from its bed of rich warm soil

By the cold relentless pounding of the sea.

Carried across the ocean

And washed ashore, from who knows where.

Val Cook

February 2010

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Comments

Greg Freeman

Wed 24th Feb 2010 08:34

Thanks for your comment on The Reluctant Volunteer, Val. It's one of a number that I've written about my dad's time as a soldier. Hope to post one or two others on the same theme sometime. Greg

Janet Ramsden

Fri 19th Feb 2010 13:40

Hi Val,
thanks for commenting on 'Zebrina'.
These are the kind of poems i enjoy writing. I wasn't sure if it needed to be included at the end of the poem itself that Zebrina is a plant, as a twist for performance purposes. I always feel if the explanation is given before it spoils the end result but sometimes the kind applause comes before we have time to explain .
Hope that makes some kind of sense.
What do you think?

Janet.x

Isobel

Fri 19th Feb 2010 11:53

Thank you for your kind words on my love sonnet Val. I might give you a rendition of it at the Howcroft on Sunday - look forward to seeing you there.
Isobel x

Janet Ramsden

Mon 15th Feb 2010 14:24

Hi Val, thankyou so much for your recent comments.
and i'm really sorry. I forgot to wish you a very happy birthday for yesterday. :-)
Here's wishing you many more.
Janet.x

Banksy

Sun 14th Feb 2010 13:53

hi val - thanks for the comments - ariadne's gift. morocco is one of the few places I must go before I pop my clogs.

Janet Ramsden

Sun 31st Jan 2010 13:44

Hi Val,
thanks for your comment on Mr. Skoulikaris and i think you're probably right. I've decided that i will edit the ending. I just hate the thought of 'fate' or 'death' as it were in this instance to be the ending so i might look for other ways around that. :-)

Are you back home now?
Janet.x

Steve Mellor

Sun 31st Jan 2010 08:51

Hi Val
Your far, far too kind, but I thank you anyway. Pleased you enjoyed it.
Steve

jane wilcock

Sat 30th Jan 2010 21:24

Hi Val, thanks for the comment re Kids In Buckets. Its also our first go at an audio as I thought I should modernise! I am hoping to take some childrens poetry to the Edinburgh Fringe for Jenny to perform if I can find a venue, if you have any tips please let me know as I have no experience. Anyway the reason I am commenting is its good to hear from you, I have missed you and hope you had a great and poetically inspiring time in Australia. I hope to see you again, Jane

Chris Co

Sat 30th Jan 2010 21:18

Appreciated Val

Chris

nicky burrows

Thu 22nd Oct 2009 21:46

Thanks Val, really enjoyed the night. Lovely, genuine welcome from everyone there. Thank you.

I look forward to the next. Nicky x

Gus Jonsson

Sun 11th Oct 2009 20:57

thank you as ever my darling... you say the kindest things
love ya to bits
gusxx

Christine Dawson

Thu 24th Sep 2009 22:54

Hi Val,
Thanks for your comments and suggestions on my recent blog entry - they're much appreciated. I've taken it off for the moment - I'll have another look at it when I have the time and inclination.
Hope you're well,
Cx

Neil West

Sun 20th Sep 2009 14:44

Hi Val, thank you for your kind comments. It's one of the few things I've written that is completely true, it was the experience of a friend and colleague who only told me the stroy after working together for about six years, I was very affected by it at the time but I hope it shows even the tragedies that befall us can be life affirming in their own way. I feel there is a sense of that in your own very powerful and passionate writing, especially Broken Heart where I think you make fantastic use of language'The knife that cut was long and thinSilent as it slid right in' - ouch!

Janet

Fri 18th Sep 2009 11:55

Thanks Val. :-)

Janet.x

Tomás Ó Cárthaigh

Fri 11th Sep 2009 10:59

"The Ocean" carries a very good message...

Janet

Sun 30th Aug 2009 14:06

Hi Val, thanks for your recent comments, and the one for Chloe's poems.
You're a star!

Janet.x

Deborah R Jordan

Wed 26th Aug 2009 20:11

Hello Val,
thank you for your recent kind comments on my poem דבורה. : ) deb xx

Graham Sherwood

Fri 21st Aug 2009 20:52

Hello Val, thank you for your kind comments about Rod Break.

Cate Greenlees

Fri 21st Aug 2009 11:32

Hi Val, thaks for your comment on My Gramps. He was very special to me.
Cate xx

Rachel Eley

Thu 9th Jul 2009 13:58

Hi Val,

Thanks very much for your comment on 'You'. I really enjoyed 'Broken Heart', definitely paints a vivid picture of the pain of losing somebody close to you.

Rachel

Janet

Thu 9th Jul 2009 10:37

Hi Val,
thanks for your comment on my poem ''Comfort zone.'' I like the sentimentality of keeping something which served well and was useful into the bargain. Shame your dads got put in the shed though.

Janet.x

Dave Bradley

Sun 5th Jul 2009 12:43

Hi Val

thanks for commenting on Only Fond. I particularly liked 'Paradise' of yours

Dave

Isobel

Wed 27th May 2009 15:45

Hello Val - we haven't met before but I enjoyed taking a peek at some of your poetry. Could particularly identify with 'Good Mother' - that is something I often worry about. Also loved My Hearts Triumphant Cry - it reminds me of the first time I was able to buy a take away for the family instead of having to cook - not something I do often but the luxury of being able to and the choosing - the simple things in life eh?
Bye for now. Isobel xx

Bill Kelly

Wed 27th May 2009 15:23

Thanks Val. like they say 'if you didn't laugh you'd cry.'
I've been reading some of your poems ,some very passionate work there -I like
'...floating between heaven and earth
in tune with the sound of the sea.'
a great finish.

Anthony Hett

Fri 22nd May 2009 15:09

Hi Val,
thank you for your nice comments. I have had a quick read of a couple of your poems and think that you have written some really good stuff.

My poems are all just recorded sat at my laptop in my bedroom and so hopefully they come alive a bit more when i'm on stage performing. I look forward to seeing you at the north west regional heat if you are going. Are you performing?

Francine Louis

Sat 25th Apr 2009 04:02

So many nicely written poems...
I especially like 'Bliss'

'I move close
Gently kiss his lips.
His eyes open and look deep into mine.
Arms draw me into his embrace,
We both smile.
Bliss.'

Mmmm... it is Bliss : )

Gus Jonsson

Tue 14th Apr 2009 16:12

Thak you Val
Jennifer was my first girl...now you're suggesting she was a boy...??
mmmmm...No wonder we got on so well...

Gusx

winston plowes

Mon 13th Apr 2009 23:51

Hi Val
thanks for reading and commenting on Where there's hope, glad you liked it.
winston

sally jenkinson

Wed 1st Apr 2009 15:33

thanks muchly for your comment val, had a rootle around your page and glad you've got loads of stuff up to get me teeth into, i've really enjoyed having a read of everything, especially Good Mother- it made me sad and happy, happysad, if you will. bestest, sally xx

Anthony Emmerson

Wed 11th Mar 2009 17:30

Hi Val,
and thanks for comments on "Phoenix." I guess the story ends there - except for the usual "happily ever after." I'm not sure I could extend it. However, I do seem to write an inordinate am,ount of narrative poetry, so there will be more stories.
Your "Paradise" is an interesting concept of the near-death experience - if that is indeed what you intended! I won't mind at all if I go that way! I also enjoyed the gentle eroticism of "Bliss" - understated and mentally stimulating
Regards,
A.E. x

Seamus Kelly

Thu 5th Mar 2009 13:39

Hi Val,

Thanks for your comment on Different Dad. I don't think enough people currently tango in tesco. By the way I can't tango.

Katy Dawson

Thu 26th Feb 2009 16:45

Hello! Thank you for the comment on my poem, I really like your poetry, will be commenting shortly !
x

Elise Lennon

Mon 23rd Feb 2009 21:32

Thank you, Val, for your comment on playstation. I appreciate it x

Gus Jonsson

Sun 22nd Feb 2009 00:33

Thank you Val re Summer's Day...

Love ya to bits
see you soon
Gus x

winston plowes

Thu 19th Feb 2009 15:41

Hi Val
Thanks for commenting upon my football poem. Nice to write something lighter for once
Win

winston plowes

Thu 5th Feb 2009 10:26

Hi Val
thanks for reading and for your comments re Bus stop Murder.
see you out and about (weather permitting)
Win x

winston plowes

Thu 29th Jan 2009 01:42

Hi Val
Just read your poem Bliss. Lovely feeling coming across in this one. Nothig jolted, nothing was "Mills and Boon" and a realistic and peacefull end.... lovely. Thankyou x
Winston

Anthony Emmerson

Sun 21st Dec 2008 11:18

Hi Val.
Thanks for stopping by to comment on "testament." I have yet to perform this - but I guess I will need quite a lot of practice first as it's full of the kind of words and phrases that easily trip the reader up. I'm working on posting the audio file, but struggling as this is a first for me.
I have been strolling through your samples, and very much admire your environmental pieces. If poetry can be used as a tool to make people sit up and take notice, then so much the better. Keep them coming!
Regards, A.E. X

Gus Jonsson

Sat 20th Dec 2008 00:59

Knicky Knacky bloody NOO!........ hi Val
Cant you wait until Sunday At the Tent to get rat arsed..
Many thanks for your encouraging chant!
Thanks again
Gus

Janet

Thu 18th Dec 2008 17:46

Hi Val.
thankyou very much for your comment on my poem,"Indigo Children."
It's really appreciated.
Janet.x

Gus Jonsson

Thu 13th Nov 2008 16:19

Thats how I lost my hair Val!
Regards
Gus

Gus Jonsson

Tue 28th Oct 2008 13:30

Thanks Val for your kind comment see you again soon....
Gus

Cayn

Fri 11th Jul 2008 18:59

Hi Val,
No worries! At least you commented on it haha!

David Franks

Mon 7th Jul 2008 13:22

Thanks for your visits and comment, Val, and I too have enjoyed your trad. verses. Also, good luck with your children's book; and, as you may have noticed, quite a few of my Walkabouts/day-trips began at Bolton train station.

Mary Brett

Sun 6th Jul 2008 14:57

Val, my favourite of yours is Broken Heart. It so acurately, acutely, exactly describes the experience of having one to me. I suspect practically everyone who has ever had their heart broken - especially by a true love - could relate to it.
My second favourite poem of yours above is The Ocean. I love the seas so much and like you am so horrified by what's happening to them. I try not to worry about it. My favourite present-day artist is Christian Reise Lassen. I wonder are you familiar with him - he paints idealised and often fantasy ocean scenes based on the beauty of the Hawai beaches and ocean, especially Maui, where he's lived since childhood. As well as producing the dreamiest and most swoonworthy art, he also is a concerned environmentalist who strives to protect and heal the oceans. (http://www.lassenart.com/)

Mary Brett

Sun 6th Jul 2008 00:22

Hi Val. I'm deeply moved by your poetry. I prefer poetry which expresses emotion and emotional experiences as well as technical skill - like yours. all the best, Mary

Janet Ramsden

Fri 27th Jun 2008 11:37

Hi Val. Thanks for your comment on my poem, spirit island. I 've tried to explain the last line in a comment on my blog if you wish to take a look at it.
I've read some of your work previously and enjoyed much of it. It's very easy on the eye and senses. Well written in my view.
I have no great literary experience but i do know what i like to read. love Janet.xx

Tomás Ó Cárthaigh

Sun 13th Apr 2008 01:38

Wow, the "Hearts Triumphant Cry" shows how divorce -(or wodowhood???) made you one happy lady!!!

paul

Thu 3rd Apr 2008 07:53

Thanks for reading & commenting on my poem
Paul

Val Cook

Sat 15th Mar 2008 09:30

Thanks Gemma, yes I do feel more confident each time I read. Its down to the great atmosphere that is generated by so many talented poets like yourself. ;¬)

Gemma ONeill

Wed 12th Mar 2008 07:06

Thanks Val x Will you be putting some of your new poems on here? Your latest performances have been really powerful, brilliant, you'll be giving Mr Crompton a run for his money soon!

Val Cook

Tue 11th Mar 2008 20:11

Thanks Carol
I have just posted the Valentine Poem. "You are the One" And yes, "Bliss" is rather romantic too.

carol falaki

Mon 10th Mar 2008 22:03

Hi Val,
It must be 'Bliss' - your romantic poem - and very romantic it is too!

clarissa mckone

Thu 18th Oct 2007 03:34

I enjoyed your poems very much, thanks

A Daftie

Fri 28th Sep 2007 09:56

I thought you did rather well at th'Octagon!
Well Done.
Paul

Pete Crompton

Fri 28th Sep 2007 09:31

Hi Val,

Good to see you are enjoying the scene. I look forward to hearing some more poems from you. Would liked to have attended Bolton Octagon to see everyone. You say you felt something wrong as you read a new poem, don't worry - you are not alone, I think we all go through it, you will find the words......Pete

Valerie |Cook

Sun 29th Jul 2007 18:03

Thanks Moxy. Hope to meet up with you again x

Moxy Casimir

Sun 29th Jul 2007 17:22

Hello Val! It was smashing meeting you at Litbury -- all power to your blazing spirit and powerful poetry.

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