You're too kind, Cynthia and WOL is a great platform with it's combination of text and visuals.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Howdy Cynth

Thanks for reading and commenting so insightfully, as per usual!

The 'bather' was my mother, it was me beside the bath, called in. You may remember we had a 'difficult' relationship. She was in one of her depressed times and seeking emotional comfort from me. Excruciatingly uncomfortable for me. I've not been able to bleach it out of my mind so thought I would throw it down on the page, try that. Interesting that you sense a 'missing element' - you've seen my attempted distancing/separation, both at the time, and now.

Hehe - yes, I did like that finish to your Wind from my Window poem :)

Thanks again :)

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I have much to catch up with, but not today. Cheers. I hope Dubai was for pleasure.

Comment is about David Cooke (poet profile)

Original item by David Cooke

Actually, I thrive on discourse, providing it stays free of the premise that there is only one right answer to anything, and hence personal antagonism or a sense of personal superiority. And that includes me too.

Sometimes, in watching 'The Big Questions' on Sunday morning, after Andrew Marr, I just get up and walk out of the room. You can clearly tell when the subject has reached an impasse, and nothing is going to be learned by anyone through further discussion. Body language, often more than words, is so telling of an intransigent attitude.

This sounds like a Monday morning homily. Sorry about that. I'm reading up a bit again on St. Anthony ... fascinating man and monastic precedent.

Cheers, Cynthia

Comment is about Katy Megan (poet profile)

Original item by Katy Megan

Hi Jim Glad ytou liked the sax poem!

Comment is about Jim Trott (poet profile)

Original item by Jim Trott

Hi Greg Thanks for appreciation of Wolfram, although I'm not quite sure if I've got it right yet. I have been tinkering with it quite a bit.Not sure I need to drag Ted in at the beginning, but then rhythm goes to pot when i take him out. I'll have to let it mull a while!

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi Greg Thanks for appreciation of Wolfram, although I'm not quite sure if I've got it right yet. I havcce been tinkering with it q

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I agree totally. I distance myself as much as possible and try to be a critical friend to my own poetical alter ego! I do find it a bit surreal though and most of the time can't quite believe I come out with the things I do. It's like its been written by someone else.

I don't think it's narcissism. All creatives have to be a little self indulgent to get the words onto paper, but most (and I include myself in this - are a little in denial of or play down their passion......)

I would love to have the confidence to join a writing group, but this forum is perfect as I can engage and not worry about facing anyone in "reality" : ) wouldn't you agree?

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Secrets and graves - now that does appeal to my goth nature...

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Hi Vicki Glad you liked my warrior!

Comment is about Pixievic (poet profile)

Original item by Pixievic

Hi Ray Glad you liked my warrior!

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Alexandra - just found your work and I'm impressed. I will read through your pieces on here and promise to leave comments, constructive criticism and collected thoughts where appropriate.
Rob

Comment is about Alexandra K. Parapadakis (poet profile)

Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis

A plug? You mean a news item, of course, David! Of course we're usually interested in a new publishing venture, especially with such a Larkinesque name. Do keep us posted.

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi Greg. Good to hear from you again & Hi Ray Thanks for encouraging comments about 'Manganese'. In passing I am soon going to be launchuing my new online journal and publishing venture The High Window along with co-editor Anthony Costello. I'll be in touch again in case you want to give it a plug. Might need a poem or two in due course as well!

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi Harry Thanks for encouraging comments about 'Manganese'.

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Hi Ray Thanks for encouraging comments about 'Manganese'.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks for commenting on "Black Lines". It's not often that I let people read my poetry, and putting it on this blog was something that I never thought I'd do. But knowing it is liked and well-appreciated is an amazing feeling. Thanks Martin!

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

FUCK CANCER!!! Much Love babe xoxo - Eryn Marie X

Comment is about Ria Richardson (poet profile)

Original item by Ria Richardson

Thanks, belatedly, for the kind words on Ode to Cobalt, Cynthia. I've been in Dubai for a month and away from the computer.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Sorry you had to leave early last night Maggie and that you are feeling better!

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

lot of power in your sample poem, Nicole.

liked it a lot.

will have to have a peek at your poems when i get chance as this was top notch.

well done x

Comment is about Nicole (poet profile)

Original item by Nicole

Your poems are amazing. You are very talented :-)

Comment is about Eric Berard (poet profile)

Original item by Eric Berard

Welcome Shirley, love the villanelle!

Regards,

A.E.

Comment is about Shirley Bunyan (poet profile)

Original item by Shirley Bunyan

Hi, Jim,

I have much appreciated your comments. I fully intend to scope your work in detail; didn't want you to think I was ignoring you, especially since you're making an effort to participate wholly.

Cynthia

Comment is about Jim Trott (poet profile)

Original item by Jim Trott

Katy, I also feel that if I enjoy my own poetry, then chances are someone else will too. And I do like my own work, as if it is not even mine, just another writer entirely. Otherwise, I either adjust a poem to my own satisfaction, or jettison it. Harshly.

It's hard to know whether this is narcissistic or fairly common among poets. What think you?

Comment is about Katy Megan (poet profile)

Original item by Katy Megan

Thank you so much Emer :-)

Comment is about Nicole (poet profile)

Original item by Nicole

Hello Nicole, wonderful poem above. Written with great feeling. I hope to read more from you soon.
Emer

Comment is about Nicole (poet profile)

Original item by Nicole

Hi Jim

Thanks for your note on Bathtime.

It's a deeply unpleasant memory from childhood that has plagued me for years. I thought to try and exorcise it through poetry. Stu's take is close to the real thing.

Cheers

Laura

Comment is about Jim Trott (poet profile)

Original item by Jim Trott

Howdy Stu

Thanks for your note on Bathtime.

It's a deeply unpleasant memory from childhood that has plagued me for years. I thought to try and exorcise it through poetry. Your take is close to the real thing.

Cheers

Laura

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Hi Michelle

Thanks for your note on Bathtime.

It's a deeply unpleasant memory from childhood that has plagued me for years. I thought to try and exorcise it through poetry. Stu's take is close to the real thing.

Cheers

Laura

Comment is about Michelle (poet profile)

Original item by Michelle

Thanks Jon... Bah!

Comment is about Jon Darby (poet profile)

Original item by Jon Darby

Harry I see you're still troubling over one of my older efforts "Sis".

Having read through it one thing that comes back to me upon further reading is that it suggests my father was a violent man (nothing could be further from the truth).

Things changed that night, for my sister, parents and myself. It took the eventual death of both my parents before my sister and I could come to terms with each others feelings.

I'm humbled that you still read it and comment.

best regards,

Graham

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Thanks for recent comments o sister! xx

Comment is about christine yates (poet profile)

Original item by christine yates

Cheers for recent comment Jim...v. kind

Comment is about Jim Trott (poet profile)

Original item by Jim Trott

Thanks Greg for recent comment :)

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Cheers for your recent comment Ray

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Thank you for your ongoing feedback Cynthia, it is really appreciated. I enjoyed writing that one and it still makes me smile when I read it : )

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thank you Nigel, your comments and feedback always drive me on too

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

thanks stu.

i have written much for this site for a while. a few years ago i was writing all the time here...anyway with my degree and actual life i don't have as much time for poetry. But it has been nice to be welcomed with your comments on the 'miracle' and nice to remember how much fun there is in feed backing others stuff.

you're poems are cool.

(congrats on baby) please don't write loads of gooey poetry about it tho hahah only joke xxx

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Nice poem Peter, love your description of supermarket trollies. welcome to WOL

Comment is about Peter Ray (poet profile)

Original item by Peter Ray

hi rachel
thanks for giving my stuff a read and commenting. always nice to wake up to a few interesting points.
cheers
stu

Comment is about Rachel Bond (poet profile)

Original item by Rachel Bond

Thanks for your comments Greg. I hope you like the resultant amendment.

Comment is about Rob Baylis (poet profile)

Original item by Rob Baylis

Thanks Laura for going to so much trouble - a total inspiration all the way. I entirely get your drift, which was why I used the indented format on the three lines only.

This is surely one of the chief purposes of such a site, and you do it credit!
Ray

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Very kind of you to say so, David. Likewise, I'm sure!

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I've just now checked about Concrete Poetry, and it has opened my eyes to the potential, and I think I will definitely give more consideration to construction as and when it inspires me - maybe a few experiments on the way.
Thanks so much Laura.

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Hi Laura. Just to say that I've re - entered The Restorer's Lot on the basis of your comments, leaving three lines indented as I feel they need a special emphasis. I think this is a better presentation.
So thanks again for an intelligent take.!!

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Morning Ray!

Yeh, I thought it may be something along those lines of 'sexing up', as you called it. If a poem is 'good' (and we are always in the loop of subjectivity when we judge a piece of art), then it will stand on its own two feet (or four, in this case heh).

Unless there is a 'concrete' (see what I did there?) reason for arranging the text in a certain way, it serves to distract rather than enhance. It makes the reader instantly wonder about the significance of the arrangement, and in the process, focus is taken away from the actual poem.

It would be well worth your time to read up a little about concrete poetry actually, so that you can have a play with it. I'd never heard of it until about 3 or 4 years ago when I reviewed a book of poems about rock-climbing, and the writer had laid out her poems in different cliff and climbing formations. It was a real joy and surprise to read.

Anyway, if you don't know about it, have a gander:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_poetry

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Hi Jim, no need for blushing :) I really appreciate you comment on my poem Vibrating in the unison of the scream of passion. Thank you.

Comment is about Jim Trott (poet profile)

Original item by Jim Trott

Hi, Ray thank you so much for your kind comment on my poem Vibrating in the unison of the scream of passion.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Hi Laura,
Thanks for your comments on "In The Old Fence-Post Was A Perfectly Round Hole".
D'ya know, I think it's true that an improvement in my efforts is due to inspiration from reading "The Melting of the Ice"! If this is a temporary effect, you'll have to keep on writing so I can!
Thanks again :)

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor