A reminder of the creeping damage done to social cohesion
by the closure of so many pubs across the country.
Silence - where there was a pub,
No talk or laughter - there's the rub.
Comment is about Closed For Keeps (blog)
Original item by d.knape
You're never alone
With a phone.
But when it comes to person or pelf
Be sure to look after yourself!
Comment is about i dont like me (blog)
Original item by elise
How true. Contentment in one's own company is a great
comfort and source of spiritual replenishment.
It should be known that in solitude
Life's vital spirit is renewed
Comment is about Embrace Solitude (blog)
Original item by MsUnLuv
The "infamy" can be imagined in the context of these lines.
A warning to treat all offspring with the care and attention
they deserve. Having said that, I was the youngest surviving offspring of six and was not especially aware of
being sidelined in favour of other siblings. But maybe
some children are more demanding (needy?) than others
and can see themselves less favourably treated...with
occasional dire results.
Comment is about First-Born, Second-Best (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
An excellent affirmation of ongoing life - with "age" a
marker of the acquisition of experience and the unextinguished light of inquisitive imagination. Some of
the best work comes in later years when the mind can
use what it has acquired to produce lasting creations
that enrich existence.
Comment is about Never a Broken Spirit (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Big Sal
Sun 30th Sep 2018 15:13
John is right Becky, the talented need to keep at it.?
Comment is about Becky Who (poet profile)
Original item by Becky Who
Big Sal
Sun 30th Sep 2018 15:12
That first stanza roped my attention. Great piece.?
Comment is about twisted lines (blog)
Original item by Prikcab
Big Sal
Sun 30th Sep 2018 15:11
Are you even capable of writing anything less than excellent John? Geez man leave some talent for the rest of us.?
Truly inspirational poetry.?
Comment is about Because the Night.... (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Big Sal
Sun 30th Sep 2018 15:08
I really like this. I love the way the last line hits and all that we've just read has new sense.
Comment is about What were they like? (blog)
Original item by Jara Giner
Cynthia - Ah the nostalgia of more innocent days. Lovely.
Rob
Comment is about How Do Girls Pee? (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Trevor,
This well crafted poem brings to light a dilema found in many families including my own where favouritism became destructive in the growth of those siblings who were ignored. Parents should take heed of your words and learn to treat all their offsprings equally with love and equal opportunities. Well said and thank you.
Keith
Comment is about First-Born, Second-Best (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
Thanks for your full comment Kevin. As you rightly point out, his life was just a symbol of loyal service quite rare today and seems like a fixed point in time . No zero hour contracts in those days. That's why the great tectonic shifts of industry in the 60s had such a devastating effect.
Glad it worked for you; i'm grateful for you stopping by.
Ray
Comment is about VANISHING POINT (blog)
Original item by ray pool
<Deleted User> (19836)
Sun 30th Sep 2018 11:25
I loved this! Solitude is a very powerful tool and when used properly can lead the way to self healing and peace of mind. A lovely poem; very well structured. Thank you, Jane?
Comment is about Embrace Solitude (blog)
Original item by MsUnLuv
Thanks for your words John. I always look forward to reading your work and I love your sample poems which are good reflection of what you write. I totally understand what you mean about a dreary Manchester sky as I live in the area myself.
Keep writing and posting my friend
all the best
Martin
Comment is about John E Marks (poet profile)
Original item by John E Marks
No words can describe this terrible situation.
Jon
Comment is about Story Of Julian (blog)
Original item by Mikey V Kinsey
Kevin & Rose,
Thank you for your comments. Sorry Rose it was not Dad but O how I would like him to be.
Keith
Comment is about If Only.... (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Hi Ray
I see Tim Quiney as a hard working but unextraordinary man. He must have been happy in his work to stick with it for over 30 years. redundancy must have come as a blow, because it took away not just his wage packet, but also to some degree his purpose for being.
Now volunteers dress up and do jobs like his as part of a heritage line. It must be heart-breaking to see his job reduced to another man's hobby.
As I read this it conjured up an image in my mind, where Tim was the only solid character, and the background and other people were faded and ghost-like.
Cheers Kevin
Comment is about VANISHING POINT (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Keith you write with an honesty and candour which is an inspiration. I've recently been reading some new translations of Cavafy, and I find some of your poems comparable.
Cheers Kevin
Comment is about If Only.... (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Deep piece and I dig it. Lots of food to chew on and ponder.
Comment is about false beginners (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
Lovely and emotional write.
Awesome lines here:
the scars you wear
emblazoned upon your heart
push you forward, yet drag the weight
of trouble seen
I dig the last stanza too.
I can so relate!
Comment is about time well spent (blog)
Original item by Prikcab
Hello Becky. I had to write to tell you just how much I admire and like "There's a poem". The music of the poem is wonderful and the rhythm and metre are perfect. We all need to read between the lines of people's lives: not many adults escape unscathed and I certainly need to listen more closely both to what people say and what they don't say.
somewhere in your wine-soaked words
A heart-felt message can be heard
Best wishes. Keep writing, you are talented.
John E Marks
Comment is about Becky Who (poet profile)
Original item by Becky Who
Thank you very much for your always encouraging comments on my poetry. It is very much appeciated Martin. I have now read your sample poems "and all that's been cold is warm". Thank you, again, from my heart.
John E Marks
Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)
Original item by Martin Elder
I half expected because the night belongs to lovers ...and so on. This poem seems to me that it could work equally well as a song. Either way I love it
Nice one
Comment is about Because the Night.... (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
A powerful poem Jara.
Nice one
Comment is about What were they like? (blog)
Original item by Jara Giner
Hi, thanks everyone!
M.C. Newberry, I do agree with you in fact - believe me I know kids can carry out immense acts of cruelty, when they are too young to really understand the consequences or have the moral compass in place. This just happens to be the views of one 7-year-old - the concept and the first verse are entirely him, honest! (I helped with the rhyming for the rest).
Comment is about Message from a 7-year-old (blog)
Original item by Becky Who
I've got to say I find this quite compelling Robert. All the horror is removed and the hero is waiting a cue, a bit like the flipping of a coin somehow. I'd like to use the description of louche, does that make sense?
Ray
Comment is about horror films (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
Thanks for the comment Brian. The older we get....
Thoughtful and much to consider thanks David. I agree about having time to adjust in advance, giving some measure of solace. I think a bit of us goes with them if there's a real closeness. I don't think we should be hypocritical and pretend adulation if we are under impressed with the dead person. When I've read my poems for a funeral I like to try to capture some of their true character, and chance alienating a few. Usually they appreciate it. To be honest, it's often the emotions of others that crack me up rather than my own. Empathy?
Thank you Hannah. Glad you thought that about it.
Thanks for the likes, Des, Anya and Jane.
Ray
Comment is about I WASN'T UPSET (blog)
Original item by ray pool
I appreciate your looking in Hannah. As always your comments are well considered, and capture my wishes completely.
Ray
Comment is about VANISHING POINT (blog)
Original item by ray pool
<Deleted User> (13762)
Sat 29th Sep 2018 22:08
your poetry leaves much to the imagination which I like and admire greatly Adam.
Comment is about Canyon (blog)
Original item by Adam Whitworth
Sat 29th Sep 2018 21:08
"Where black is the color, where none is the number
And I'll tell it and think it and speak it and breathe it"
muster whatever means of change you can
to move the world as it sits upon your shoulders
Yes, Rachel, we ARE all blessed with the gift of life. It has taken me too long to summon the sincere gratitude for this boon which I now feel.
John
Comment is about a letter to my son--for now... (blog)
Original item by nunya
Dear M.C. Thank you for taking the time to read my long long message! I do value well founded criticism, hence my message! And I hope I find a profession that offers me insights into the human condition too, it's ultimately what fascinates me the most. I guess that's where you get all your inspiration and, mind you, that is what I meant by "experience" . I hope my words didn't sound too much of an angry outburst! I'm not used to expressing my personal views, out loud, in English, unsolicitedly, and I hope I didn't scare you! Thank you for all the advice! I love your work and I hope I manage to write again something that you'll like! ?
P.S. I think kindness, the simplest thing, can be a lifebuoy when you're stuck in the quagmire of cynicism.
Mae
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Big Sal
Sat 29th Sep 2018 19:26
Hear, hear! ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmxn1ljhlgQ
"Still Be Here" by Atmosphere. . .
Killer song, and great poem you have here that reminded me of this.
Comment is about Still Here (blog)
Original item by Mae Foreman
Big Sal
Sat 29th Sep 2018 19:17
Your biography itself deserves an award.?
Comment is about Elaine Speakman (poet profile)
Original item by Elaine Speakman
Big Sal
Sat 29th Sep 2018 19:16
Imbued with new life in each stanza.
Well done.
?
Comment is about Write HOPE on your arm! (blog)
Original item by mike booth
ankit saini
Sat 29th Sep 2018 18:17
This comment has been removed by a moderator.
Review is about Cannon Poets on 3 Jan 2027 (event)
All shifting sands on which we try to stay safe and sure Tommy, very concise and thought provoking.
Ray
Comment is about Starkey (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Hello Mae - thank you for your messages on my page.
Remember some wise words: cynicism is the last resort of
idealism - and take comfort from them. Age (and I have that in abundance) should see us benefit in this life in
unexpected ways and these are always to be welcomed.
That said, youth has the advantage of an open mind and
the hoped-for years to profit accordingly. My working life
was spent in public service and allowed me many insights
into the human condition, its strengths and its frailties.
Now, in retirement, I can enjoy embracing the best of
both whilst not being too quick to be impressed by what
modern life and its values have to offer.
Be content in your own skin and above all, be kind (especially to yourself) when possible. I firmly believe
the latter to have the most value in our existence, whilst
being ready to recognise cant and cruelty - and reproach
them accordingly. Well-founded criticism always has its
place.
Good luck with your WOL poems!
MC
Comment is about Mae Foreman (poet profile)
Original item by Mae Foreman
The challenge to write a poem about children caused me
to come at it from both directions - having BEEN a child
with all the memories and NOT having children of my own
(but with numerous nephews and nieces). It was more fun
than I anticipated and, in a sense, I was winking at myself!
Comment is about KIDDY WINKS (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
It is most encouraging to have children put their minds to poetry.
Sadly, children DO kill other children.
"Lord of the Flies" comes to mind - depicting how children
create their own hierarchies, judgements and actions...
without adult guidance or control. The irony is that the
adults who unleash the weapons of destruction might be
seen as acting out for real the pretence of childhood games,
almost as if one is a rehearsal for the other.
Comment is about Message from a 7-year-old (blog)
Original item by Becky Who
Dancer at one five
Knocked Brian out cold so it seems
He dumbstruck poor boy
Where is his comment?
Still getting over bare bod?
He still dumbstruck boy
Oh dear...
Comment is about Naughtiness Unnoticed (blog)
Original item by Don Matthews
Big Sal
Sat 29th Sep 2018 15:40
They look great together. I've read the one on the left, but still need to order the other one. That's great I could offer a suggestion and see it bear fruit. Thanks for reading the review too Becky!
?
Comment is about Taylor's books made it to France too! (photo)
Original item by Becky Who
Big Sal
Sat 29th Sep 2018 15:39
Even bad men love their mamas.
quote from - "3:10 to Yuma"
?
Comment is about horror films (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
M.C. Newberry
Sun 30th Sep 2018 16:32
But some might see a life enhancer
In a girl choosing work as a sole pole dancer!
The singular version of those who were there
Performing on stage at the Folies Bergere.
Comment is about Naughtiness Unnoticed (blog)
Original item by Don Matthews