thanks again MC Newberry

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi again Ray, sorry for late reply, been getting new book up and running! All sorted now and pleased with it ?

In answer to your question, no dont get many Southerners up here, few from the midlands! We do most of our gigs at Bolton socialist club now, Phoenix Nights club St Gregs is still there but not been to a gig for ages there.

Will be hoping to venture out again to some new venues next year, prob mainly up north I think but one day hope to perform somewhere south of the Watford Gap!

All the best Ray, Jeffarama! ?

Comment is about Jeffarama! (poet profile)

Original item by Jeffarama!

Hi JL...be of good cheer!
Remember when the world was engaged in a great world
war, yet Christmas was celebrated unstintingly by those
affected and gave comfort and consolation to those
most in need of it. The films and songs produced during
that perilous time are still with us - and will remain so.
MC

Comment is about jean lucy thompson (poet profile)

Original item by jean lucy thompson

Peace

Tormented child of war
travels in constant fear
even when told that
they will be spared
he watches his Mother
cry relentlessly for peace.

Merry Christmas to everyone at Stockport W O L X

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Cynthia, thanks for your recent comments on 'Halcyon' and 'Anonymous'. I think I most struggle to find inspiration when I'm thinking too hard about getting something to sound 'right', as opposed to just coming out with initial thoughts and then tidying them up after I finish a poem completely. I think this way is better as it is the best way to get what you want to get across.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thanks for the appreciation for 'The Drawbridge' Martin. It was a real off-the-cuff one to be honest! ?

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

ty for your kind comments; yes i know there is good in the world; but at this moment in time I feel the guilt of a celebration when there is so much horror going on around us; it is for each of us to express these feelings especially if of a sensitive nature; we all have opinions so in poetry we express them in the only way we can

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

OMG this is so what I am going thru. It is amazing....thank you

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Thank you Martin. I actually do sing parts of it when I do open mic. Very perceptive of you my friend.

Comment is about lynn hahn (poet profile)

Original item by lynn hahn

hello Ray
yes, sorry not to come on Monday, I missed it, but have been unwell for nearly 2 weeks now, and finally on the mend.
Brilliant news about potw, but so sad that it is about an old friend, and the harsh ways we learn about death nowadays. rather bizarrely I often get suggestions from fb to make friends with people I know are dead!
thanks for the update re the school. Does look like it is really on the way out, what a pity.
have a few lines to kick off a poem, will send via email.
all very best
Karen x

Comment is about karen izod (poet profile)

Original item by karen izod

been intending to get to the Everyman for a while now Harry - George keeps singing its praises - hopefully will manage to do so in the new year - might see you there
Ian

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

thanks for the comment on 'Less Than Human' Martin - sorry it's taken so long to respond - good to see you on Thursday at Wigan - just a shame it was so busy we didn't really get time to talk much - hopefully see you somewhere again soon
Ian

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Lynn this is lovely, but I cannot help feeling the rhythm of it lends it more to a song, which would be great. It's still a lovely piece either way I look forward to more. welcome to WOL

Comment is about lynn hahn (poet profile)

Original item by lynn hahn

Hi Karen, I gather you've had flu. So sorry, and to have missed you at the 1000 Monkeys. I checked out the planning permission online and note that some hoardings were applied for not sure if that was for protest station or demolition, but it was turned down , so it was probably the former I imagine. I'll keep you updated.
Life changing days - sadly a friend I made there just passed away - we did everything together in the sixties, photography, music cycling. My poem about him was poem of the week (last day). Called Schoolbuddy.
Funnily enough, I took photography City and Guilds at Twickenham Tec.

If you fancy the joint poem please kickstart it and i'll follow , a line or two each whatever.
No I didn't marry until I was 42. A lass from Kingston!

Ray x

Comment is about karen izod (poet profile)

Original item by karen izod

Ray,just nipped on to tell you that the Van Gogh film-Lust for life-is on BBC2 at 1-30 today.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

hi ray
david cant make it so im staying in bed. i will endeavor to make it next year as early as i can.

many congrats on POTW, about bloody time too

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Hi MC

Just as well the human spirit is capable of adapting to whatever it's born into.

Merry Christmas Ken

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi Harry.

Many thanks for your complementary comment and personal observations on those times. A period if I'm not mistaken when the exchange rate was four dollars to the pound.

Ken

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

hi Ray - thanks again for your extra comments on blackamerica - much appreciated and yes I think you have the gist of it. As I replied to Martin just now - the poem ended up doing what it did - if that makes sense - so I'm all smiles.

C?L

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Hi Stu. I just wondered if you firmed up a visit to Send poetry in December as yet. You mentioned you might get a doss at Davids' ; if not is there still a chance. I'm a one bedroom man in a bungalow so very tricky but If no luck i'll have a word with Greg Freeman who might have a few ideas.

All the best - good news coming shortly!

Ray

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Thanks Ray. I was confused but also laughing as previously Travis had written my name instead of yours and then you wrote my name instead of Travis!! I'm taking it as a compliment that I was in both your minds for whatever reason. Hope you're less out of sorts tomorrow. Take care. Colin.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Very nice..keep updating ur blog ?

Comment is about Krishna Sharma (poet profile)

Original item by Krishna Sharma

Great..!! Love to read your sample..really inspiring..plss KEEP posting.. :* ?

Comment is about Krishna Sharma (poet profile)

Original item by Krishna Sharma

HI Ray

I feel so sad about this - my father went there, well for a couple of years before he went to Twickenham Tec - and I formed deep friendships there, some of which have lasted me all these years. It is a beautiful building, living in the actual and cultural memory of thousands - though not always with such fondness.

I am presuming the time for opposition and protest has gone - would you know that?

Your poem, by the way, brought back a lot of memories - I'm prompted to try and write something too, perhaps we could even construct a joint homage - I do a line, you do a line and so on....

anyway thanks for keeping me posted and if you do know of any political response, then happy to join in with that.

by the way - did you marry and Ashford girl?

Karen x

Comment is about karen izod (poet profile)

Original item by karen izod

Hi Karen

Sadly my brother who lives in Ashford informs me that the beautiful and life changing grammar school with all its ghosts of cloaks and daggers and polish and invigorating showers and bike sheds and cultural nuggets is to be razed to the ground on the basis that is now structurally unsafe. This is basically a matter of the tenant college who ran it doing nothing to maintain the building and with no help from Spelthorne Council who have a reputation for historical blindeye, and i'm sure can't wait to sell to a developer for house building, no doubt together with the immense field to the rear. Can you beat that?

Ray x

Comment is about karen izod (poet profile)

Original item by karen izod

A unique, complex, deep, poet, song writer... love being different, but appreciated like ART

Comment is about m.harper(TKY) (poet profile)

Original item by m.harper(TKY)

This was brand new and not read before.

It was triggered off when out on Wednesday I had a conversation about people we see sometimes on the way to work but have no idea who they are!

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Thanks for your comment Cynthia

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

hello vhs kid - I enjoyed your sample poem - don't be intimidated, post some more. There's lots to be gained from reading all the different offerings here on WoL. Hit the Add Blog Entry after logging in and post there to get seen. One or two a day is plenty - any more than that and they get gobbled up in the system and less likely to be read.

the only writing that sucks is the writing that isn't shared - have faith in your words even if some of them are crap - this is a good forum to learn and improve if that's what you want.

all the best
Colin

Comment is about .gray (poet profile)

Original item by .gray

Hi Cynthia, thank you for your comment. I have responded to your comment on my profile page.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Cynthia,

Not everyone dreams in colour, nor views the world in this way.
For some, the world is simply black and white.
I have chosen 'Unapologetic Poetry' as a title for my book, because there are poems which can take people out of their comfort zone; it challenges undesirable behaviours, attitudes, mentalities, acts of superiority, and preconceptions. These poems rock the boat, but at that the same time it addresses issues that some people still face.
I don't applogise for my poems - it is based on life experiences and the experience of those involved in my life, hence the reason for the title.

Comment is about Michelle Smith (poet profile)

Original item by Michelle Smith

Just to say thanks for commenting on OKR Jeff. Just one of those poems that is easy on the ear I think. I love the open mike thing, but it takes time to develop your own style - I like to mimic Alan Bennett quite bit. I wonder if you ever get southern readers in your neck of the woods? As a muso for years I was always up north mainly on the coastal resorts, so soaked up a lot of the flavour. I learnt about barm cake and mithering etc.!!
A dancer from Bridlington came up to me on the bandstand once and said" I've been watching you on that thing(keyboard), you know you way around it don't you. It'll be a long time before you break out into a sweat."

Best of luck with the live stuff - is there a Phoenix Nights venue?
Sorry if I've gone on a bit.

regards Ray

Comment is about Jeffarama! (poet profile)

Original item by Jeffarama!

Thanx for comment on Bolton Calling Dave, Im pleased with it now to put in print after a bit of juggling and enjoying performing it live as you know! cheers

Comment is about Dave Morgan (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Morgan

Hi Greg; re The Old Kent Road. So pleased you read this , I hoped it might fit the bill. I do so enjoy these cartography exploits. Just like to slip one in now and again.
Of course that word should have been horde, it will be remedied. thanks for spotting it. Re open mikes, I think enjoying what you write is important and trying to infect the listeners. I hope that works for me at least. Not quite ready for a pulpit yet. Re Bricklayers Arms, it started life as a passenger terminus, and i'm sure I read that royal trains ran there at least once . An earlier version of i'm a celebrity get me out of here probably.

all the best as always. Ray

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Dreaming in colour is a rarity, isn't it? I also dream in colour; no idea why, presuming a perfectly viable, scientific reason. But then, I'm very sensitive to colour in every waking hour, thrillingly so.

I don't know anyone who apologises for their poetry. Why do you call yours 'unapologetic'? The phrase is 'catchingly' alliterative.

Comment is about Michelle Smith (poet profile)

Original item by Michelle Smith

Ray,getting the impression(no pun intended re my Van Gogh poem)that you are something of a film buff,may I ask if you have seen the Kirk Douglas portrayal of Van Gogh,in the film titled 'Lust for life' ? If you haven't,I strongly suggest that you 'Net' it-pun intended! Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

CBT: What exactly abt 'AmeriKana USA' do you not agree with Cynthia? :- )

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Intrigued by the reference to the Museum of Futures, Lucy, I googled to learn more. I grew up in Surbiton, and my first newspaper job was at the Kingston Borough News further up Brighton Road. (It's some kind of fast-food outlet or restaurant now). Our editor maintained some sort of connection with your premises when it was a former detective agency, as I remember. Happy days!

Comment is about Lucy Furlong (poet profile)

Original item by Lucy Furlong

'Lest we forget' - Why did this poem make me tearful?

Comment is about Jeffarama! (poet profile)

Original item by Jeffarama!

Ian,
The Everyman (down in the bar) you`d like it...plenty of young folk there....I think it`s the second Monday of the month.

Comment is about Ian Whiteley (poet profile)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Thank you for the like in my poem. I enjoyed the poem you wrote 'I Believe, I Dream, I Aspire'.

Comment is about Krati Singhal (poet profile)

Original item by Krati Singhal

thanks for the comments on USMF MC - and some insightful commentary on past presidents. As you know I'm a big JFK fan - and although he had his faults I think deep down he was on 'OK Joe' - I don't think that can be said of the President Elect now in any way, shape or form
Ian

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

many thanks for the comments on USMF Harry - where were you performing? sounds like my kinda place :-)
Ian

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Thank you Andy! : )

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

It sure is! Special thanks to you BTW for your ongoing support x

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Thank you for your kind words Tia.
I look forward to reading more of your poems.


Michelle

Comment is about Unabridge_soul (Tulika) (poet profile)

Original item by Unabridge_soul (Tulika)

Thank you so much Michelle for appreciating my poem.


I read your sample poem " Life is too short" and I must say it's very inspiring.




-Tia

Comment is about Michelle Smith (poet profile)

Original item by Michelle Smith

Wow this is beautiful.

Comment is about Allan (poet profile)

Original item by Allan

Thanks for your time and words on 'Anonymous' Ray. I always appreciate your insight. And I'm glad you found it to have a slightly 80s touch - I definitely take that as a compliment! DB.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks for viewing. Comments are always welcome. Enjoy the wisdom of the wild mind.

Comment is about Kevin Pugh (poet profile)

Original item by Kevin Pugh