I cycled through the rain today...had no choice as I was caught out. No probs...I didn't melt.

Comment is about Blue Sun (blog)

Original item by Robert C Gaulke

Liked that very much Ian for a number of reasons. Really very good in my opinion.

Comment is about ‘A Memory of Rhinoceroses’ by Ian Whiteley is our Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by steve pottinger

Very nice poem...The soul travels

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

9:08 PM


We do all that we can
And become fan
Of world's luxury
We work hard and pray an almighty

Life's most of the time goes on such quest
And we leave nothing behind to achieve the best
We get what we desire
Even if whole life goes on fire

We are, after all, human beings
And try to bring
Whatever is within reach
Life moves ahead as such

Comment is about ‘Cycle of Life’ by Anya is Write Out Loud’s Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by steve pottinger

Just to hopefully close this large tome David. I can see what you are getting at and why. The greater mystery for me is having a brother who has devoted so much of his life to the Church without once him and me having a conversation about his beliefs. That says it all for me.
Thanks for sticking with this mate.

Ray

Comment is about EASTER: A NEW START (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Wonderfully heartfelt. Loved it, Ian.

Comment is about Back To The Park (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Ian,
Thank you for this as it was like stepping onto a carousel and reluctant to get off. Beautifully told with sentimental imagery at the fore.
Keith

Comment is about Back To The Park (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

thank you for your comment!!

Comment is about Bindu Trigunayak (poet profile)

Original item by Bindu Trigunayak

thanks for your kind comments on Eostre Hazel - I'm really pleased you liked it
Ian

Comment is about Hazel ettridge (poet profile)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

thanks for commenting on Eostre Keith - I appreciate your thoughts
Ian

Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)

Original item by keith jeffries

thanks once again for your kind comments on Eostre Martin - yes - you've nailed it (pun intended) with the giant rabbit - commercialism + Religion = a right pain in the arse
Ian

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Thank guys. ?

Comment is about Comb-over King (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Prosze Anya, I find it astonishing that you have created such a beautiful poem in what is your second language.
Szymborska would have approved. The whole of Kraków would approve, I am sure.
Djenkuya bardzo.

Comment is about ‘Cycle of Life’ by Anya is Write Out Loud’s Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by steve pottinger

Blimey I have taken on an "almighty " task here. I think the ponderings only prove how much we are bemused or convinced either way when it comes to religion. I feel as if I have peed in the font to some extent.
Graham thanks for your rare visit, appreciated of course. I think it's a matter of "lift going up or down" on the night. Entirely a matter of conjecture. Obviously a sideswipe at the whole concept of sin. If we take the commandments, even Prince Charles has Camilla to answer for. I'm sure the Church has forgiven him.

Keith, back again. The plot thickens. I will say that the reconstruction using DNA of the recent ancient man of Cheddar caves shows a dark skin. Also Jesus presumably was similarly imbued. Maybe in another two thousand years time we will have an answer for all this. Until then in the words of Brucie: "keeeep searching."
I know i'm being flippant, and I do respect your beliefs.
Thanks for elevating my work ! I don't think Jefferson was reckoning on elevating the native American Indians to any kind of equality. Christianity turned a blind eye to their freedoms and rights.

Thanks for the extra thoughts David. I am intrigued by the way society keeps the outsider or anti social away in prisons as a last resort, when the grand plan has not worked; a quite primitive but to a point effective to protect us. (It's really no use trying to tie God down to specifics - only serves to perpetuate the mystery).

Cynthia, you make an excellent point. Patriarchal religions tend to be exclusive, in fact any club does the same; apart from the WI perhaps. That's another hornet's nest for WOL to reveal . The male instinct largely is based on conquering and dominating, which is largely the history we have inherited. Thanks for your comment.

Comment is about EASTER: A NEW START (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Delighted to read the Bio above. I have often wondered how you have become so skilled in English, a second (or even a third or fourth) language. You are an inspiration. Congratulations.

Comment is about ‘Cycle of Life’ by Anya is Write Out Loud’s Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by steve pottinger

Ray, I am in awe. From this site has come some of the best 'poetry' I have ever read, and yours is right at the top. This 'little thing' is splendid. A bit like 'the first star at twilight'. Which may seem a bit weird, but I know what I mean.

Comment is about LONERS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Since these comments deal primarily with the concept of 'God' as 'He', may I point out that many faiths, including denominations within Christianity, are a bit more circumspect, and refer to Father/Mother God. An excellent adaptation in my opinion, and I do not call them sects.

God knows (smile) not all, but some. And I'm not referring to the Roman Catholic ideology of the deification of Mary as Mother of God. But Male/Female, unseparable in 'God-ship'.

Ah, Ray, what a fine discussion for this particular week. Reminds me of some splendid sessions of Bible Study so long ago. The fur absolutely flew! And then we all had tea and cake, enquiring about families and health and current aspirations, homogenized in our commonality.

Comment is about EASTER: A NEW START (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Well done on POTW Anya.

Having got to the ripe old age of 66 and with eight grandchildren to care about now the resonances in your piece are strong for me. Interestingly the big stone that I had to push in my youth has now been replaced with the ones that I help my family push. You'll understand one day!

Well done again, good work!

Comment is about ‘Cycle of Life’ by Anya is Write Out Loud’s Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by steve pottinger

Morning Martin!

Hope you had a lovely weekend ?

Thanks so much for your note on my latest.Well, the middle verse does contain a folk song that was sung especially for me at a festival last year and is one that I love, so the poem does actually have a folk feel to it ? It's all taken from festivals I've been to and about how much I love them. Cannot WAIT for summer to start proper!

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

I like his enthusiasm. He might not score but I like his positive frame of mind. An epitome of positive thinking.

Comment is about Comb-over King (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

excellent poem Ray. I'm intrigued about the prairie tanker. Would that be one of those wild west railroad locos with the pointed cow catcher thing up front? It seems out of place on an English model railway setup but then again your man's in France slumped over a viaduct - dead, dying or sleeping. It all feels deliciously and slightly out of place if that makes any sense? If not please disregard and move on to the next comment! Toot-toot said Colin the Coal Wagon IIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Comment is about LATE DEPARTURE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

He departed in accordance with the timetable doing what he probably enjoyed most.

Comment is about LATE DEPARTURE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

if he had money he would no doubt buy whatever he wanted

Comment is about Comb-over King (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

There's the dilemna...combover and be Bobby Charlton or shaveover and be Phil Mitchell?

Comment is about Comb-over King (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

this is a lovely piece of writing. i think its often easy to take pieces like this and run with the theme, which can turn in to a discussion on the themes rather than the piece. i often use 'God' and faith in my works although i do so in a vague manner so as to leave it open to interpretation. this seems more explicit in its meaning, which i dont see as a bad thing. it has certainly provoked some interesting debate which can only be a good thing. congratulations, this is a very assured piece of writing, as are many of your other works. to create things ike this after a month is very impressive.

Comment is about ‘Cycle of Life’ by Anya is Write Out Loud’s Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by steve pottinger

Ah the glory days as seen through rose-tinted spectacles. No amount of staring into the past to blame old adversaries will solve the issues of today. The world is as it is in the here and now and modern solutions are needed to solve modern problems. Many countries around the world have been free of their conquering empires for decades now. Perhaps it's time to move on and stop playing the blame game? The Aztecs and Mayans were fond of a bit of human sacrifice too - quite a lot if the evidence from recent archaeological excavations are to be believed. Interesting subject matter D.4. Thanks for posting. Colin.

Comment is about Glory (blog)

Original item by D. 4.

...or indeed sense to me.

Comment is about Stains of the Day (blog)

Original item by Wood

Beautiful and sad, Ray. Slipping away.

Comment is about LATE DEPARTURE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

He really has done it for comb overs hasnt he?

Comment is about Comb-over King (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

I like your style. It's an offering that makes no demands.

Comment is about Stains of the Day (blog)

Original item by Wood

Truth is, Ray, it was years past my hippie days and therefore utterly surprising. I went to Nepal to do voluntary work for 2 years and let go of a lot of old notions that had formed my identity over the decades.

Comment is about Kathmandu 1 (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

the mood you could feel very well.
thank you for sharing.

Comment is about LATE DEPARTURE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Dear Anya,

Well done and congratulations. Here's more encouragement to continue writing!

Cheers,
Suki

Comment is about ‘Cycle of Life’ by Anya is Write Out Loud’s Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by steve pottinger

I like the optimism you present in the second half. A little optimism never hurt anyone. A thoughtful penning.

Comment is about Raise them and praise them (blog)

Original item by hugh

will go back and listen a few more times.
you are very welcome.

Comment is about Wood (poet profile)

Original item by Wood

Working on the premise that everyone can be saved if they repent their sins. I'm glad I won't be joining them in the great white hereafter. There are some really fucked up people up there!

Comment is about EASTER: A NEW START (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Ray,
Thank you for your response to my comment. The issue of equality and inequality can, to some extent, be drawn from our personal experience of life and the fact that as human beings we have the freedom to act whether it be for the good or the bad. Devastation and those deprived of equality in a world of intense joy and suffering, often without any sane reason is highly problematic, if not shrouded in mystery. I am often reminded of the words of Jesus when addressing his disciples; he said ¨you will always have the poor with you ¨. This seems to suggest that true equality is unachieveable, if not impossible. I am at a loss as to how to interpret this other than to come back to our innate abiity to exerise personal freedom. If I hoard my wealth and do not give to the poor then we will always have the poor. Psalm 8 touches on this and I have often pondered on its significance. Did God make some black so as to create inequality which would provoke prejudice? I think not as prejudice comes from us and not God. What a can of worms. Suffice to say you have written an excellent poem which has many of our members deep in thought. Thank you again. Keith

Comment is about EASTER: A NEW START (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hi Keith. Your knowledge of Biblical matters is far superior to mine. I have no quotable point of references from which to defend my writing, so with due humility, I will say that I was not trying to quote God in the first verse as a finite authority from which to draw all wisdom, In fact how can we ascribe any plan to God except from our own experiences? One of my great sadnesses in life is to see so much devastation and loss of reason to aspire by those deprived of equality. Can it ever be different, with or without a belief? Mysterious ways are something I can identify with, and I do rely on intuition and other mental convictions. God knows I do try.

I do appreciate your point of view, which can never wholly coincide with my own, and ascribe this to some aspect of inequality.

Ray

Comment is about EASTER: A NEW START (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hello Ray,
This poem seems to have generated some comment but I am a little perplexed as to the original statement that God made/created all men equal. I don´t think God ever said or intended this to be the case. Nor did he mention equal opportunites. In His image yes but that is another matter. We are all unique in our personal creation as no two people are alike. Diversity is an essential part of creation which complicates matters in every aspect of life. The word equality appears only a few times in the New Testament, not in the Old, but this makes no reference to creation. As a believer I was drawn to David´s comment that the faithful speak of God moving in mysterious ways. This I would subscribe to as this poem has come upon a mystery. If I am not mistaken the first person to use the expression that all men are created equal was Thomas Jefferson of the United States. Thank you for this. Keith

Comment is about EASTER: A NEW START (blog)

Original item by ray pool

This to me has a resonance of the hippy culture about it Hazel. The casual but fulfilling experience is part of that, I suppose. You do it justice with your light touch. Those lines about "it's better if you do it like this..." has a nice innuendo touch to it, flirting with the imagination.

Ray

Comment is about Kathmandu 1 (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

I'm coming back to precis my comments of last night , trying to simplify my views which were like a curious dog on a long lead.
I do appreciate that the subject matter of the poem is a hard one to define in easy terms. So thanks you all for going to the trouble of putting personal views.

If all of us were equal in our own eyes, that would be an excellent recipe for peace. It is always worth treating others irrespective of their position in life as being worthy of respect. We know that is asking the impossible, unless we think of the hypothetical perfection that a God may tempt us with. If everyone were born equal that would be a travesty of all the aims we dedicate ourselves to in life. There is the rub. "God" the reverse of a coin whose front shows the human condition.

Col. Brian and Racha thanks for looking in.


Ray

Comment is about EASTER: A NEW START (blog)

Original item by ray pool

You've gone and done it now - come up trumps! I'm so pleased I showed a little faith in you, an inspired guess. Your poem here is like a manual of life, a life raft to ride the open seas , so enjoy the ride!
Congratulations Anya.

Ray

Comment is about ‘Cycle of Life’ by Anya is Write Out Loud’s Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by steve pottinger

How rude, Brian. Actually it wasn't quite as straight forward as that.

Comment is about Kathmandu 1 (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

Should've called it "The Mounting" Hazel

Comment is about Kathmandu 1 (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

Hello Mal,
This is the first time I have come across your poetry and profile. I enjoyed A Summer of Adolescence and more so Preconception. Please let me know when your new book is published. Thank you.
Keith

Comment is about Mal Foster (poet profile)

Original item by Mal Foster

Beware of narcissistic people, and always be aware of your own capabilities. ?

Comment is about self love (blog)

Original item by iesha washington

Very intriguing to read out loud.

Comment is about Gardens by Domitile (blog)

Original item by Grade 6 OIB class of 2018 Lycee Jules Verne

Reading this aloud is a treat for the ears. Nice job on your uniform flow, and again, on your choice of subtle yet piercing words.

Comment is about Huntress (blog)

Original item by Lilly Love

so kind of you wood. thanks for the appreciation

Comment is about Create an anarchy (blog)

Original item by Hasmukh Mehta

thanks both and a happy easter to all!

Comment is about the fawn (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Thank you to all the people who have commented on this poem - it is based on a real life horror story. Please help to make the UK a real home for people fleeing persecution in their land of birth. Lets use writing to unite us.

Comment is about Gang 13 (blog)

Original item by eve nortley