Love this one MC, congratulations. ?

Comment is about The Write Out Loud Poem of the Week is 'The Racing Stable' by M.C Newberry (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Drugs and knives interlocked ,stop and search a top priority.We must attempt to cut these crimes.

Comment is about A knife changing experience (blog)

Original item by hugh

Phil

I have clicked on like - but like is the wrong word.
Your poem says everything, I won't attempt to comment on it.
Dorothy

Comment is about Cancer (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

Don

"And the Earth Sighed" "Sadly More Noteworthy"

Your frustrations are justified - -

Why can't governments everywhere see and understand?'
what is wrong with humanity?
It is all so futille and depressing
Dorothy

Comment is about Sadly More Noteworthy (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Ray,

Thank you for your very constructive comments which I greatly appreciate. One of the reasons I am on WoL is to receive such comments as I, along with others, seek to improve the quality and effectiveness of our work. Thank you for this.

The words, religious, Faith, God, the bible, Church and belief have become misconstrued in recent times. They are all seen as being synonymous. Most people shun these expressions, often for understandable reasons. But in so doing many have thrown the baby out with the bath water. I am not religious, I despise the institution of the Church and I read scripture with an open mind as a free thinker. However, having said that I possess a Faith which sustains my spiritual life and gives me a persepctive on life which often puts me at odds with others. I would not darken the portals of the local parish church but say my prayers. I hope this makes sense.

Please continue to comment on my work as your thoughts and ideas are what I am looking for to give me motivation and advice as I try to develop my own poetry and writing. I truly thank you for this.

Keith

Comment is about Absent (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Nature is always trying to speak to us. Many times we don't hear it, or if we do , disregard what it is saying

Comment is about Who's Got Your Back? (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

Well said Ray. But no need to get your coat

The other thought I had is how the individual artist is often tortured by his/her own work. Is it good enough? Is it original? Will it be accepted(worst of all). The work can be a kind of gift which may bring a healing hand to those who admire it. States of mind can seldom be controlled, although in clever hands can often be manipulated, as we often see, not with healing results.

I'll get my coat.

Comment is about Dear Poet (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

Vautaw,

Dr. Rosenthal does not need to suggest to me the use of POETRY as a means of healing, inspiring and bringing joy to your life.

Through experience, I know it

Don

Comment is about Dear Poet (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

The build up and drama in such a short piece is beautiful Ray. Lovely observation I was sat watching it happen with you mate.

Comment is about HAWK WIND (blog)

Original item by ray pool

The truth I have learned with my experience with writing poetry is the healing begins within. I created a series of anthologies to raise awareness about the effects of child abuse. Contributors said the writing was sometimes triggering, but mostly cathartic. A few readers came forward to tell me they were able to start writing their story which started the healing process for them. This experience is when I first became aware of the healing power of poetry.

Comment is about Dear Poet (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

“Forgiveness which is the medicine we need to heal.” That is a profound statement David. I agree 100%. I too believe in the power of words. I suppose we all do or we wouldn’t convene here. Thank you for sharing your heart. It is sometimes difficult to convey tone and intention through writing which can lead a conversation down a dark path or even over the edge of a cliff. It’s beautiful when it stays in the light and can be fleshed out to provide a positive outcome for all who come to the well thirsty for a drink of life.

Comment is about Dear Poet (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

Great insights Ray. Thanks for contributing to the conversation. I attended a writers conference last weekend where the professor asked us to describe poetry in one word. “Manipulation” was one of the replies. Interestingly, everyone gave a different answer. Kaleidoscope is the word that comes to me now. We all see from the perspective of our own prism of life experiences. Such is the beauty of the art. Lab coat or straight jacket, it’s up to us to decide which to don. Fascinating world either way. ❤

Comment is about Dear Poet (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

Hi Hazel. I've said this before but I feel it is highly relevant. I made a life changing decision while sat under an old oak for company. I didn't know which way to turn, but something just clicked and the last thirty years have been based upon that on the personal level. Was that a sort of God? It was good enough for me. The beauty of nature is really the joy of the unfathomable.

Ray

Comment is about Who's Got Your Back? (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

I love this for its simple honesty of feeling Keith. To me I feel you have done this highly effectively. It makes complete sense. Forgive me for saying this, but I would rather read a humanly revealing work like this than all the religiose declarations that you often pen, I'm sure with total sincerity , but which are like a closed shop to some. I hope you will accept my honesty here !

The strength of the poem is your own sense of limitation within it. That is gold.

With respect, Ray

Comment is about Absent (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

A long and fascinating way of extolling the great pianist Tommy. It all feels claustrophobic and yet in its own way liberating - at a high price. I like this type of thought poem you do, you have a knack with it! A fair bit of angst is good in my book.

Ray

Comment is about Wipers in D minor (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Dear Vautaw, I have read with great interest your exchanges here and some truths emerging, as it should be in an open and honest debate. One thing that becomes fairly clear to me: your implication is that actually the suffering soul is healing others by his revelations. The wonder of poetry is that of sharing similar trigger experiences I feel, voicing one's own perspectives as they resonate. Interestingly potential must be different for everyone and the encouragement of it should be a major aim in society. Sadly much is lost through competition gaining the lion's share of It, and lack of opportunity. It takes dedication to develop it.

The other thought I had is how the individual artist is often tortured by his/her own work. Is it good enough? Is it original? Will it be accepted(worst of all). The work can be a kind of gift which may bring a healing hand to those who admire it. States of mind can seldom be controlled, although in clever hands can often be manipulated, as we often see, not with healing results.

I'll get my coat.

Ray

Comment is about Dear Poet (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

If it 'aint got pain it 'aint the blues...

Comment is about Blues (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Thanks for the thoughtful feedback David. One of my favorite things about poetry is when it creates awareness and conversations. Actually, there is a doctor (Dr. Norman Rosenthal who pioneered light therapy to treat SAD) who is advocating poetry for healing. New territory perhaps, but I'm excited to see what develops! www.facebook.com/groups/PoetryRx

Comment is about Dear Poet (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

Thank you Damon and Vautaw, for the likes

Comment is about It and I (blog)

Original item by DESMOND CHILDS

WD40 will mend anything
including fences
also good as a deodorant
so come to your senses.

Comment is about Don Matthews (poet profile)

Original item by Don Matthews

I thought I'd try something lighter this time, as an experiment! Thanks for the support Jason!?

Comment is about Wake me up at Dream O'Clock (blog)

Original item by Mae Foreman

Hi Mae, I do like a bit of a dreamlike nonsensical verse. Love it.

J. x

Comment is about Wake me up at Dream O'Clock (blog)

Original item by Mae Foreman

Well-penned Mark! ? John

Comment is about The Write Out Loud Poem of the Week is 'The Racing Stable' by M.C Newberry (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Very clever use of so few words to say so much. True enough, the right to write and to freely speak. If people spent more time speaking their true feelings and then, without malice, debating the rights and wrongs, there would probably be less bloodshed.

Comment is about Right to write (blog)

Original item by mona s

Thank YOU Mary!

Comment is about DearAmericaIWroteSomethingSadForYou (blog)

Original item by Rodolfo Perez

Thanks Kate, Keith and Hazel. This was just a daft one that popped into my head.

Cheers Kevin

Comment is about When The Aliens Landed In Grimstone Low (blog)

Original item by kJ Walker

A very good poem with a real depth of significance. Well done.

Thanks
Keith

Comment is about The Gift (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Don,

Very funny mate. It left me feeling quite moist.

Thanks
Keith

Comment is about Please Flush (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Hi Cynthia, thanks so much for the comment on Letter From The Lake. You're spot on, typo on wry/rye, doh! Have corrected. Glad you enjoyed it, I watched the film Withnail & I and then this poem just came straight out afterwards. Hope it doesn't ruin the mystery to reveal the process ? Thanks as always, Tom. x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I'm so glad that a poem about a personal sporting interest has hit the spot with so many contributors whose own work I value and
appreciate. Thanks to you all ! Back in the 1990s I had a share
in a handicapper that was trained in North Yorkshire and won (and
was "placed" in) some races on northern courses - including the
famous Knavesmire at York. Sharing a parade ring with racing
"immortals" like Henry Cecil (later "Sir") and Pat Eddery is a memory
I treasure from those days.

Comment is about The Write Out Loud Poem of the Week is 'The Racing Stable' by M.C Newberry (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

My own fence is very comfortable from years of usage.

Comment is about Down the pub (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Much to ponder in the content of these timely verses. I can speak
from over 30 years at the sharp end (no pun intended) here in London, dealing with the mindless (and not so mindless!) between
1960 and the early 1990s. We became the target of the "liberal
naysayers" and the apologists for certain social origins, eventually
culminating in trite selective phrases like "institutionalised racism" and "canteen copper culture" - so easy to trot out from those far
removed from the reality of what was committed on the streets
by those who saw the "law" as obstructing their various criminal
activities. Remember Bernie Grant -the late MP for Tottenham -
who deemed it acceptable to describe the forces of law and order
as getting a good hiding - after Broadwater Farm and the machete-wielding mob that went on a murder rampage? And how "stop
and search" became a war cry against the police for their alleged
targeting of certain stereotypes? No mention that statistics indicated involvement in much crime and were thus properly
viewed as worth a street copper's attention. But the "guilt-ridden"
lost sight of the guilty in the process. Now,years on, we have a
violent crime and murder rate that would shame most third
world countries and hands raised in virtuous horror at how it can
exist. I have no such delusions but I keep the impairments
suffered in the process of three decades of protecting the public.
And I allow myself a wry sigh when I read of demands for a
return of stop and search and a return of proper funding for a
grievously undermined and unappreciated great public service.

Comment is about A knife changing experience (blog)

Original item by hugh

From inside the wardrobe we find
a promise keeper's secret
Heaton moor grass
ordinary man not alien
crazy text lady
plenty of man bags
hanging from naked bodies
some of them dead.

Comment is about March 2019 Collage Poem - 'In the Wardrobe' (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Thank you Jason for your comment on 'mum'. It's been 60 since her death, and I often forget the loss. Bieng 4 at the time the loss is strange in itself. Thanks again Tommy.

Comment is about Jason Bayliss (poet profile)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Hey Alan, thanks so much for your lovrly comments on my poems. I don't actually have a collection published but if you wanna read more then I have a page on Facebook: kealan coady-writer. I've got loads on there. Thanks again man, much appreciated. I really hope you enjoy

Comment is about Alan Travis Braddock (poet profile)

Original item by Alan Travis Braddock

That is a clever poem John. You led me up the garden path nicely but I'm sure you photoshopped poor pussy. No little one could look this vicious ?

Comment is about I Hate Cats! (blog)

Original item by John McDonough

Well I'll be, a cure for me rheuma
As well as for oilin'.me doors
Has your research found out for me dk
Will it release me from bloody lockjaws? ?

Comment is about WD-40 (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Well done! - such a beautifully descriptive piece!

Comment is about The Write Out Loud Poem of the Week is 'The Racing Stable' by M.C Newberry (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

You hit a sweet spot with this Mark. The rhyme and rhythm reminds me of Night Mail - a very good device to convey movement and anticipation.

Congratulations

Ray

Comment is about The Write Out Loud Poem of the Week is 'The Racing Stable' by M.C Newberry (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Hello John.
You don't know me and I'm one of the Black Horse Poets and before I say any more, I'm 87 years old so I know everything. (John Clark knows who I am). It would do us some good if you could turn up at one of our Tuesday evenings - last of almost every month.
Now I have a problem, I can't get anyone to answer emails, e.g. I sent a poem to the Calder Valley Poets and they didn't acknowledge my existence. Maybe the poem wasn't any good or unsuitable or they were just fed up of unsolicited content. But they didn't even tell me to bugger off . The same thing seems to happen all the time except for Writeoutloud who kindly gave me a Poet of the Week badge.
I tried an Open Mike at York and nobody threw anything, they just went on to the next item. So maybe I'm anonymous or don't exist. You can see some of my stuff here and if it's c**p you can say so.
Any comments? Thanks for reading, if you have been.
Cheers, Alan
PS I like your advice. I'll try it.

Comment is about Readings and open mics: a beginner's guide (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

this stretches the limits of good taste.

Comment is about WD-40 (blog)

Original item by d.knape

I am writing this through tears of laughter BUT there is a serious issue here

The mirror in our local 'LADIES' (probably put there by a man) is placed so high upon the wall that all of 'us shorties' can see is the very top of our heads.

I object strongly to being forced to carry a step stool whenever I go shopping' - it should be sorted.
Dorothy

Comment is about Please Flush (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

MMMMM My profile cheetah might have thing or two to say about this.
You had best go into hiding.
Dorothy

purrrfect photo

Comment is about I Hate Cats! (blog)

Original item by John McDonough

I do like this poem

"no longer will the sight of it bring subjects to their knees"

It puts me in mind of 'Saint Mary in the Castle' - a Saxon Church built in the grounds of Dover Castle.
It is now a military Church, unchanged since the days of Empire, and it's walls are hung with a proud and faded procession of regimental colours,

"for in it's name we unleashed the white hot fires of hell"

Your poem says so much - it needs to reach out to a wider audience.

We were not the only empire builders - far from it - but 'Glorious Battles', everywhere, should be re-evaluated

Thank you for this poem Ray it is so relevant to so many of the problems caused by Empire.

Comment is about Vexillology (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

I don’t mind cats, my dog has a lovely temperament but cats just seem to rub him up the wrong way ?

Comment is about I Hate Cats! (blog)

Original item by John McDonough

Aye 'appen Hazel!

Comment is about Down the pub (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Now I want to see the movie.

Comment is about When The Aliens Landed In Grimstone Low (blog)

Original item by kJ Walker

Beautiful.

Comment is about Mum (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Life on the fence?

Comment is about Down the pub (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

I've told people not to worry, in the past and they've said it to me in return.
I think it would be far more useful to say, " Do worry if you need to, but not so much that you can't function. Because you have to function."

Insightful poem Melissa.

Comment is about As I Come To Terms Posted: 3-12-2019 (blog)

Original item by Melissa Wayner