your comment on 'Don't Pay The Poets' - succinct as always John

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

What lissom poems! So visual and with tightly apposite metaphors and similes. Sumptuous! I hate picking bits out of poems when the poems are a fine and muscular unit, but I keep seeing the bullets returning to guns like faithful dogs -- and Richard Dawkins weeping into his teacup; yes, he'd have a teacup and not a grotty mug that had gained a slew of tree-ring tannin stains. Hooray!

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Hi Cynthia, thanks for reading and your lovely comment on Bowl, much appreciated x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hi Michelle, thanks so much for your beautiful comments, I'm so glad that you enjoy my stuff, it really does mean a lot xx

Comment is about Michelle (poet profile)

Original item by Michelle

hi ray. his written stuff is certainly open to debate, but the videos he posts are oddly affecting. i have only recently heard of him (i saw a performer read one of his pieces last week) and he seems to be very much an 'anti-poet', but like art, poetry should illicit a response and his stuff definitely does. its harsh and certainly not true poetry, but i have to say i like it.

if you can stomach it, watch this video in full and tell me what you think. i'd be genuinely interested to know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bR6uOsDn-Q

its certainly worth persevering with. the first minute or so is mostly unintelligible blabbering, but by the end, like i said before, its oddly affecting.

even if you hate him, were both talking about him. i wonder who is talking about us?

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

No problem Cynthia and taken in good grace . The internet has its limitations and frustrations and inconsistencies abound. All the best to you - over and out!

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hi Stu. I just checked out Steve Roggenbuck. It is certainly relevant to my disillusionment , but I don't think I can win any argument where this website is concerned. as I feel myself to be in the slipstream of a revolution that pisses on accepted form, only to be preached in the odd comformist classroom. But thanks anyway. I am oddly confused even more with this guy - is it good or is it crap? I don't think it matters - what counts is the presence - If there is pornography in the spoken word this must surely be it.
I risk your opinion being contrary to mine. Your response might just be my last line of defence. Cheers. Ray

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Oh, Ray, I woke up this morning and the connection jumped right into my head, although I couldn't remember which source it was and the full scope of its resulting comments. Yesterday I went back through your works to try to find the link, for I was sure there was one. I realize you didn't think 'No' was funny. I apologize; I meant no offence. Sometimes casual flippancy really backfires, and I do know better. Honestly sorry.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

I like this. To me it speaks of a feeling of 'complacency' (expected to be temporary) in a 'lucky' position where 'real life' is all struggle somewhere else. But does only struggling count as real life?

Comment is about Eric Berard (poet profile)

Original item by Eric Berard

Hi Cynthia
Just to explain my brief comment : it was a knee jerk reaction to your equally terse comment of "no." following my plea for live poetry to be free of constraint and therefore not to be paid for. Obviously there is much more to the issue than I expressed, but I can sometimes go off at a tangent in my views and they may not coincide with the accepted norm. Such was the case here, but apparently you did not think it worthy of expanding on hence the "slap on the wrist."
I could have waxed on about it, but like you I have other demands on me . I hope there is a truce now!!

regards, Ray.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hi Steve

Thanks for reading and your comments on Fear. Much appreciated. x

Comment is about Steve Higgins (poet profile)

Original item by Steve Higgins

Ray, I don't follow your comment 'OK, then.' on my profile. Would you explain a bit. I've obviously missed something. Thanks much. CBT

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

hi ray. for maximum annoyance in the area of non-poetry look up steve roggenbuck.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks Stu. You have correctly analysed the poem - it was written as a piss take - I just wondered why some of the stuff presented is just tarted up conversation.
I'm not sure if the word "blog" resonates with the spirit of inner exploration - I think not.

It does sound pretentious and "snobby" to elevate art , but it is worth some effort.

By the way my sofa is a disgusting resting place !
regards Ray

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Graham that's really impressive how did you manage to set up your own professional blog?

Comment is about Abi Thomson (poet profile)

Original item by Abi Thomson

Abi, here it is, a lot is duplicated but it's a nice place to keep it tidier.

http://grahamsherwoodpoetry.blogspot.co.uk/

Comment is about Abi Thomson (poet profile)

Original item by Abi Thomson

Thank you both, Graham I just read your stuff on WOL is there a link for your personal blog on your page?

Comment is about Abi Thomson (poet profile)

Original item by Abi Thomson

Hi Abi
And welcome. Thank you so much for your kind comments.
I love your sample poem it is wonderfully honest. Can't wait to read more.
Martin

Comment is about Abi Thomson (poet profile)

Original item by Abi Thomson

Hello Abi, thank you for your kind comments on my poetry. Did you look at my personal blog or just the stuff on WOL?

Either way I hope you enjoy it here. Look forward to reading your work

Very best regards,

Graham

Comment is about Abi Thomson (poet profile)

Original item by Abi Thomson

Beautiful work

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

OK then!

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hahaa - brrrr, it has gone a bit nippy eh?!

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

thanks for the kind words on 'On The Slag Heap' MC - once again I've been away too long and let the kind supportive comments go uncommented upon. You are right about the foreign ownership - whilst this government offers contracts for Power Stations to the Chinese, we break our own industry and let it die for want of Brtish ownership - a crying shame for all the families affected in that area and other 'northern' power(less) houses *ouch*

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thanks for the kind words on 'On The Slag Heap' Ray - it's heartbreaking to see the demise of northern towns under Tory governments - whilst they feed the rich City firms. T'was ever thus
Ian

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Oh wow! I'm really pleased you played with my words. I have just carried out the same exercise and re-saved in that format. Thank you so much for your comments.

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Thanks for reading and commenting chuck. Much appreciated. x

Comment is about Ria Richardson (poet profile)

Original item by Ria Richardson

Thanks for reading and commenting on Warrior, Martin. Was a tad worried about posting his one!

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Maybe

Running drips have ceased
Tissue box is empty
Handkerchiefs are all full
Red nose feels better
No more enormous blows
Heavy cold is over
Performance bug still strong
Maybe see you tomorrow - - -

Just not the same
When you're not there.

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Hello everyone!

I was so looking forward to visiting Marsden today, and had some work ready to read (must have got the performance bug last year!). However, I have been battling with a heavy cold for three days now, pretty unsuccessfully, and don't feel well enough to attend (and may not make WOL Stockport tomorrow evening?)
However, I had to smile this morning as I saw the reading on my perpetual calendar: Ecclesiastes 3 v 7 -
"There is a time to keep silence and a time to speak".
That is the absolute truth; the Lord really does have a sense of humour.
Have a great time today at Marsden!
Love, Dorinda x

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

HI Laura. Just wanted to let you know I have invoked the spirits of fire by lighting up the log burner for the first time this year - as it is bloody cold down here!

I shall watch compass north for smoke signals.


Ray

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Hi John. Thanks for the comment on Ye Old Protection Spell-you old rascal!

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi Ray, thanks for your comments on The Old Crow-a poem I like and wonder about by turns. So putting it on here for feedback is helpful.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Morning Judge ;) What a great night we had! No need to thank me - I think us poets are a community supporting each other - even if we don't individually realise it!

And it was good to see you looking so radiant! xxx

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

Thanks Laura, I'm glad that Millpond Bridge was a good' un. I really tried to be precise and concise while keeping the atmosphere. People seem to like a tale .. maybe it's my metier.

xx

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Saw you on telly last month - well done - and international too! Glad you were identified as a POET. When your face swam on-screen I yelped to my husband, 'Oh, my God! That's Jeff!' and we stopped everything to watch and listen.

Comment is about Jeffarama! (poet profile)

Original item by Jeffarama!

thanks Harry; your comment is spot on and appropriate . I agree with you here, as the father has just been mentioned prior to that line! I'll edit it.

regards Ray.

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Morning Izzy.
Thankyou for your support over last 3 and a half years.
So glad you found happiness.
You so deserve it.
God bless you and yours
much love
Alex x

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

just an extra comment Mark. I love Tavistock, as it has a robust feel to it, possibly due to it being a stannary town. There is a sense that it has a powerful history , and apart from all this I just love the sound of it. I think I'm right in thinking Lustleigh is on the moor. Again one of my favourites places, as I cycled right over it in 1960 as a young lad - diabolical hills and excruciating; but such experiences ultimately endear one to the adversary!

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

just an extra comment Mark. I love Tavistock, as it has a robust feel to it, possibly due to it being a stannary town. There is a sense that it has a powerful history , and apart from all this I just love the sound of it. I think I'm right in thinking Lustleigh is on the moor. Again one of my favourites places, as I cycled right over it in 1960 as a young lad - diabolical hills and excruciating; but such experiences ultimately endear one to the adversary!

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thanks John, I am delighted that this poem has appealed as it new ground for me. I tried simplicity and directness with a sort of unhealthy glow and desperation.
You have inadvertently picked on one of my favourite poems as a comparison. I am over the moon!!

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you Mark. Very kind; and I have checked Jeffrey Farnol out and see where how make your comparison - although I am unfamiliar with his work. There may be a trace of Thomas Hardy in the period and idea? I tried to stay true to the period; an experiment for me.!

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thank you Mark. Very kind; and I have checked Jeffrey Farnol out and see where how make your comparison - although I am unfamiliar with his work. There may be a trace of Thomas Hardy in the period and idea? I tried to stay true to the period; an experiment for me.!

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Well spotted, Stu. Such a classic and salutary poem to compare mine with - I am flattered.
I had trouble after the first line but gave way to the idea of seed and I developed the parallels.

Thanks a lot.

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=899467896755312&substory_index=0&id=559020570800048

You have a plagiarist in Fb who has stolen and posted at least one of your lovely poems as well as another friend of mine. Seems his whole page is full of stolen works, from my google searches. Just thought you should know.

Comment is about Amanda Shelton (poet profile)

Original item by Amanda Shelton

Thanks for your words! Who knows where the road is going...x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Cynthia, it is so good to have you back :) I have missed your comments and the grin they bring to my face.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thanks for your comment Cynthia and you most certainly can ask. After looking again, I agree the piece would benefit from a little jiggle.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

grrr

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Afternoon Stu and thank you so much for your comments on Fragile. I am most chuffed that you feel this piece would sit quite well in a published book and coming from someone who's work I admire is an added bonus. I can't wait to check Kim's work out. I'm now going to walk around the house, point at myself in each mirror I past, wink, click my tongue and mouth 'get you'! ;).

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

My beautiful mountain poet! Thank you. How goes life? Sex?

Comment is about Corr Lens (poet profile)

Original item by Corr Lens