My own stance is that cruelty is a human definition - unrecognised
by nature. As a species we owe it to ourselves to abide by its
exclusion as a rule but mindful that we are capricious about its
victims. We can be sentimental about foxes ( a primary predator
and destroyer of hen houses) yet dismiss rats and pigeons
using associated terminology of loathing and contempt that enables
us to accommodate their suffering and disposal with something like
justified equanimity. We need to be mindful of being manipulated.
The law has already defined species under its protection but the
law is not always perfect.
Comment is about 'For the Silent' anthology launch at Cheltenham festival (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
This lovely sense of lingering languidly over feelings is really moving .. uniquely stylistic and to be mulled over for full effect. Achingly effective as it speaks openly about what plagues you. Ray
Comment is about ONCE LOVERS (blog)
Original item by Peter Taylor
The likes of McCullin - who put themselves into the front line of man's inhumanity to man - are the chroniclers of their time, as
much as those of previous centuries, but with the added
advantage of the power of the visual image to carry the message.
It was Life magazine's famous byline that "A picture is worth a thousand words". In conflict that is certainly the case and there
must come a time when too much is enough for anyone....and
peace of mind a prize worth obtaining.
Comment is about Sentenced to Peace (notes on Don McCullin) (blog)
Original item by Wolfgar
Sometimes you just can't force the words to fit...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0vk5SGmw3w
Comment is about capture & release (blog)
Original item by elPintor
Ha-ha...
You can usually see it at weddings...like some prophesy of creaky
(and cranky) days to come!
Comment is about Dad Dance (blog)
Original item by Brian Maryon
Hmm...
Being a creator
Can resemble an agitator,
Challenging minds to cope,
Whether genius or dope.
Comment is about Hmm... (blog)
Original item by Don Matthews
Yeah well, that's just twisted my melon man.
Comment is about SHOAL (blog)
Original item by ray pool
I sense a proverb in the undercurrent, but dare not disturb this by probing--it's quite the little piece to admire without adding a single word.
Rachel
Comment is about SHOAL (blog)
Original item by ray pool
A joy to read Cynthia. No special skills needed just joy of life and the willingness to share it. Ray
Comment is about Red-winged Blackbird (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Hmmmmmm
Don it sounds as though it's time you were set a challenge.
hmmmm how about this
"Oh! - no there's only one person per pot"
Taken from a discussion on burial pots in an archeology program .
There i have done it - I have thrown down the gauntlet - now I will stand back.
Comment is about Hmm... (blog)
Original item by Don Matthews
Lovely! Superb ending. The idea and the language are delightful.
Any reason why you haven't made 'lines'? It would work splendidly. I think the open spacing would make the different images scintillate with individual power. And yet, still be a 'whole' which I'm sure you want.
Just an unasked for opinion, with respect always. LIke - we were having a cuppa together at the kitchen table. And talking, sharing - poetry.
Comment is about Sunday Morning (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
BR, MC, Much reviled in their day but an icon of nostalgia now.
Comment is about THE POWER OF WORDS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Sat 23rd Mar 2019 09:26
What a wonderful place to be transported to this morning - thank you for sharing. Sounds like a lovely walk you had.
Comment is about Red-winged Blackbird (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
For me, this is an exceptional piece of writing. I read through each your posts and was emotionally moved by them--it's a fairly rare experience and deserves a note of recognition.
Thank you,
Rachel
Comment is about 4.10.2018 (blog)
Original item by Mila F.
Lovely poem Peter,
Love seems almost unique, (obviously it is) in the way that to remember something so full of joy can bring such feelings of loss and regret.
In that regard are these feelings selfish or merely regretful? We love to be loved and to give love (well most of us, I hope)
David.
Comment is about ONCE LOVERS (blog)
Original item by Peter Taylor
I like the idea of this Cynthia, to me this is a lovely piece...i wonder how many people talk to animals thinking it is slightly mad? (Not at all mad I think)
I regularly used to talk to horses I would see daily whilst out running. Eventually I came to know one specific horse which would always come up to the fence line whenever he saw me coming. I remember my wife asking why my runs seemed to be taking longer, I told her I was talking to horses....Haha, I loved that.
There is something in the communing between species, even if it is just comfort it is worthwhile.
All the best,
David.
Comment is about Red-winged Blackbird (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Taken personallly . Thankyou J
To hell and be damned all those that disapprove,
So speak bravely my friend, from the core of your soul,
Tread proudly, don't allow your footsteps to be slowed,
Know that in this test, "You are no-one's second best!"
Just the best that you can be as you walk the road.
Comment is about As You Walk The Road (blog)
Original item by Jason Bayliss
I like this W
I particularly like the clever lines:
Deconstructing another bottle
Looking at the bottom
Trying to figure out what it says
Comment is about Thirsty (blog)
Original item by Whiskey
Thank you John. 🙏 Never fear, your poetry does exactly that. I truly enjoy your works. Thanks for sharing and encouraging. I appreciate you❣️
Comment is about Dear Poet (blog)
Original item by Vautaw
Love this. Reminds me of a great song. ❤https://youtu.be/4zAThXFOy2c
Comment is about Thirsty (blog)
Original item by Whiskey
Sad, so sad, but beautifully written.
J.
Comment is about A Lonely Memory (blog)
Original item by Damon Blackery
You can though, maybe. Just saying, maybe?
J. x
Comment is about Hurricane. (blog)
Original item by K
Cheers Ray, I'm thinking the same - 😉
Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)
Original item by ray pool
Cheers Ray, I'm thinking the same - 😉
Comment is about Wipers in D minor (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Hi Ray - welcome words re "Schemata" welcome.
Thanks Tommy
Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)
Original item by ray pool
Thanks for your interest and support Phil and Mark. John
Comment is about City of the Bee: 22 May 2017, 9:31 pm (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Stu - high praise indeed - thanks for your words on "knock - Knock"
Tommy
Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Back to Smokey Robinson (and The Miracles) - "Tracks of my Tears". A ride that takes us from choo-choo to boo-hoo! 😃
A bit like British Rail !!!
Comment is about THE POWER OF WORDS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thanks all you readers; just to say I enjoy describing films as they embody a whole continuum of ideas to let loose on. Peter, I seem to benefit with age as my voice starts to fray ; ending up maybe like Michael Gambon, haha. Yes your comment captures the element of voyeurism which I hope is an aspect of the film too. Your impertinence is most pertinent thank you!
Thanks Hazel. Yes uncomfortable it was, disturbing really. Limestone is porous of course, hence I thought of flannel.
Truly Graham thanks.
Sadly I've never been to Venice, a wonderful place for photography I'm sure. The film had that other worldly message, clever twists and turns with a disconcerting feel which I enjoyed! with trepidation.
May I just say Stu, that re watching this film just makes you feel more isolated I think as a spectator. A strange thing, which may account partly for your aversion to it. It still fascinates me though.
Thanks for liking it anyway!
Binte and Kate thanks for the additional likes.
Ray
Comment is about DON'T LOOK NOW (blog)
Original item by ray pool
A worthy offering Stu to set the mind to inward excavations of the third kind. I love the freedom of form you use as expression, a great wash of ideas and a lively palette , like a Nicholas Roeg doodle.
Ray
Comment is about Amoebius (For National Poetry Day) (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
thanks david! i have spent the last half hour falling down the remove kebab rabbit hole. wonderful!
Comment is about Amoebius (For National Poetry Day) (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
I have pondered this quite a bit Stu...my only thought is that switching off a TV set is about as easy as it seems to switch off a life these days.
For some I suspect the action of both shares just about equal meaning and impact.
I have been contemplating the impact of such subliminals as "Remove Kebab" I'm working on something in that regard at the moment. It won't be easy to translate into any language I feel...I'll give it a go though.
All the best pal,
David.
Comment is about Amoebius (For National Poetry Day) (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Thanks Tommy, Frances and Ray,
all very much appreciated.
Tommy, I know how strange that feeling can be when we feel we have missed something, especially if somehow we conclude wrongly that someone has passed away. That said it is usually a great feeling to find we were wrong, so my apologies for putting you through that.
Frances it's nice to see you popping by, thanks.
Ray, you know I want to revisit the exhibition so maybe we can get a date sorted soon. Funny one this because it produced some very deep feelings in me which I don't think I have captured so well. Maybe because the deepest of feelings are the ones most difficult to verbalise or write down. There were so many things I could have referenced but as is often the case with my scribbles I feel less is more. I don't share the same commitment to my comments however (unfortunately for some)
I'm not feeling much like commenting on the work of others at the moment so will probably be utilising the like button more frequently, I won't be using it without serious consideration.
Thanks to all those who sent likes they too are much appreciated.
All the best,
David.
Comment is about Sentenced to Peace (notes on Don McCullin) (blog)
Original item by Wolfgar
It's often the case that a poem can more exactly and effectively express an experience deeply felt than a conversation, and I think this is a good example. There is so much empathy and understanding inherent in it, and the theme itself is supercharged with potential .
A master stroke of a poem David, and a subject that as you know is close to my own heart!
Ray
Comment is about Sentenced to Peace (notes on Don McCullin) (blog)
Original item by Wolfgar
Wow Damon! thank's for the quick response!
LS
Comment is about Vacating the urn (blog)
Original item by Mr LEON STOLGARD
Thanks Dorothy. Happy to hear it elicited the response you describe.
Comment is about TROUBLE (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Many thank's Hazel and Lisa.
LS
Comment is about Liquid annoyance (blog)
Original item by Mr LEON STOLGARD
Sadly, the slaughter of the innocents has its predecessors….not least
just across the Irish Sea - as well as nearer to home for those of us
old enough to have been through the not-so-distant times. It can
sometimes seem like a generational punishment from "the gods"
that such things keep occurring.
These small islands have received many
different kinds from many varied origins and
the overwhelming solution has been a
desire to "join in", not create parallel lives.
The word "alienate" is so easily altered to
"alien hate"!
Comment is about City of the Bee: 22 May 2017, 9:31 pm (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thanks Mae, Dorothy, "Heart,"
I'm sure my friend is wise enough to find their path and strong enough to walk it. And never too proud to lean on their friends once in a while, just as the rest of us do.😀
J. x
Comment is about As You Walk The Road (blog)
Original item by Jason Bayliss
What a strange sensation
To dwell on reincarnation
Where, one asks, does the spirit go
To whom (or what?) does it say "hello"?
Perhaps when human life has burned
To dust, you'll be the worm that turned! 😊
Comment is about Where? With Whom? With What? (blog)
Original item by Don Matthews
Love, love, love the first stanza.
Comment is about Candlelit (blog)
Original item by Ged Thompson/ A Liverpool Poet
Jan hi 🙂
I sometimes think that your work has the effect of a psychologist's analysis in Nordic tales explaining the issues of of loss and matter of fact events and emotional restraint.
Worth every stroke of the pen.
Tommy
Comment is about sighting (blog)
Original item by jan oskar hansen
Nice one Jan Oskar.
Have you ever found hardened footprints in snow projecting upwards from the surface? These are the prints of people who live beneath the ground, which is as soft to them as the air is to us. The only puzzle is - " What keeps them 'up'?" or, in their world, is it 'down'?
Comment is about sighting (blog)
Original item by jan oskar hansen
But in any case I was talking about the assumptions we make about other people and their intentions. Not arguing that stepping into a busy street wouldn't result in death.
Comment is about choice theory (blog)
Original item by Alexandra Rockwell Lorenz
https://www.livescience.com/65029-dueling-reality-photons.html
Comment is about choice theory (blog)
Original item by Alexandra Rockwell Lorenz
steven arthur
Sat 23rd Mar 2019 12:32
Hope you are well my friend. You and your family are in my thoughts, John.🙏
Comment is about John E Marks (poet profile)
Original item by John E Marks