Hi Steve, thanks so much for commenting on Song for Imar, I really appreciate it x

Comment is about stephen smith (poet profile)

Original item by stephen smith

Hi Cynthia, thanks for reading and commenting on End of Innocence x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hey Laura, thanks for reading and commenting on Song for Imar, love the idea of the 'perfume of the survivor'.

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Thanks for commenting on Song For Imar, I appreciate it x

Comment is about Zach Dafoe (poet profile)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

Hi Cynthia. Thank you for your comments on OATS. YES. In response to your query, the change in tempo was deliberate.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Cynthia, many thanks for commenting on 'Murder Mile'. Best wishes, Greg

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Harry, you're right, the Wiki entry on Aldo Mori is fascinating - the fact that he was trying to broker a power-sharing deal with the Communists, which neither the Americans nor the Russians were keen on. Amazing what you can stumble upon down a back street. Greg

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Hi Cynthia - apologies for my tardiness in replying to your comments on 'song of the wandering' - I've been absent (without leave) for a couple of weeks - and spent little time close to my PC. Thanks so much for your (usual) insightful comments - it is a sad subject which does require careful consideration before approaching - I'm glad you think it worked - if it hadn't it could be seen as opportunistic or morbid - neither of which, I hope, are true.

I appreciate your comments
thanks

Ian

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

aye up Tommy - sorry - been absent (without leave) last couple of weeks - so only just seen your comment on 'song of the wandering' - aye - as you say, similarities with migrant voyages for centuries - and they will end up, if they survive, being taken advantage off in western towns and cities - as sure as night follows ay. thanks for your comments
Ian

Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

I really like 'Gossip' also, Chloe. Well done. The comparisons, one after the other, make a strong statement about this familiar subject.

Comment is about Chloe (poet profile)

Original item by Chloe

I take it mother looked on drink as a sort of Jekyll and Hyde juice, that makes Scoutmasters view their charges from a different prospective, and funnily enough, as a result of our evolvement to a more tolerant society is now un-shockingly taken for granted as part of their remit.

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi Harry

Thanks for your comment. I forgot to explain that the soldiers original distress from being badly wounded, was cruelly compounded with three hours of Victor Sylvester and his strict tempo dance recordings. And I might add the sweaty bodies jumping about to them on a candle-waxed dance floor, in times of great shortage, deodorants
being one, didn't help.

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Thank you, Mr Pool. It is always very special to have a poem acknowledged. I will try to follow up with a look at your work as well.

David Moore is very good, isn't he? A bit like a storm- battered ship trying to get fresh bearings, with much to say and a true talent to express it.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Hi Cynthia. I just read Hurricane and was bowled over by the sheer impact and word wizardry - almost Dhaliesque if I may say! It reminds me of a poem by Ted Hughes about wind - different style but yours makes a great treat of imagery. Ray

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thanks John. Words of wisdom indeed. Keep looking on the bright side, while we're still top side of the geraniums

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Portsmouth certainly seems to be a very vibrant place for poetry, Helen. I don't think I'm lined up as a guest poet at Guildford, but Maggie did enlist me to perform at a gig at the Rifle Club in Portsmouth in March. And I certainly hope to look in at Tongues & Grooves at some time in the future.

Comment is about Helen (poet profile)

Original item by Helen

Cynthia 50 shades of water :)

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I shall try to catch up on some more of your work. I was not very active on-line in April.

Comment is about Russ Litten (poet profile)

Original item by Russ Litten

Welcome to WOL. I'm sure you will enjoy this site. The management staff is excellent, and ready to help you.

Comment is about tshepang laka (poet profile)

Original item by tshepang laka

Thanks Tommy. That's spot on! Bloody technology.

Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

I'm a thief who steals the truth from your words


Well crafted Chloe!

Graham

Comment is about Chloe (poet profile)

Original item by Chloe

Wow I really like your poem! It is well thought out and always on point of the subject. I look forward to seeing more from you.

Comment is about Chloe (poet profile)

Original item by Chloe

In reply to your comment on 'My God' Mr TC, no need to think too hard. The soul destroying experience of internet dating, the isolation of technology and being subjected, as a child, to a host of spaghetti westerns where 'hey blondie' was god.

Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Yes, I think it is a great venue and it was a very special night indeed. I think Maggie's response to your review is the most important and she was moved by it.
I performed at the recent Mayfly Festival of Arts at the Square Tower, it was on the last May bank holiday and there was a great atmosphere. I think the owners are very willing to support the arts here in Portsmouth and it was great to have artists, musicians and poets sharing a platform.
I hear that you are a featured poet at the next Guildford event? That should be good. Have you ever been to a Tongues and Grooves open mic night?

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi Helen, thanks for your kind words about Maggie's book launch write-up. It was quite an occasion that night, and a privilege to be there. Glad you felt that the words did the job. There was a sense that a whole community was involved, and felt that it had played its part. I'd never been to the Old Square Tower before; it's a wonderful venue. And outside you can watch all the ferries coming in and out. Greg

Comment is about Helen (poet profile)

Original item by Helen

Thanks for commenting on 'The Family' Harry, much appreciated. :)

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Raypool, thanks.

Comment is about Clive (poet profile)

Original item by Clive

Thank you Harry, I appreciate your opinion a lot -I really enjoyed your poems too!Hope to see you in June!
Steve Smith

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Though you call yourself "I am lost," you have nothing to lose by expressing any personal thoughts, and that is a great thing in itself. Treat your mind like a blank canvas and dot some I's and cross T's and you will surely find a format that suits you, and I'm sure people will accept that as a unique effort. Nobody can have all the answers, but I think inspiration is very close to desperation and there may be a clue there somewhere!
Happy writing!!

Comment is about Clive (poet profile)

Original item by Clive

Hi Greg,

Just thought I'd stop by to say hello. I was at Maggie Sawkin's book launch at the Square Tower. Your review of the evening was spot on. Such a powerful and emotional collection.

Helen :)

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

As an afterthought, Greg, have you seen any of Colin Gifford's books on UK railways. Great shots of the industrial areas in the sixties . Two reside on my bookshelf.... all the best.

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I'm so glad you enjoyed the tank graveyard. I tried one about pillboxes, but it didn't quite work. Plenty of atmosphere, which you like, I know! The final line perhaps was inspired by the Turner painting Steam Smoke and Speed(I think). Who know where these ideas come from, but that poem was an experience I had as a kid.
I enjoyed your poem Wrecks a lot. It drips with images of the sea.

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Just Hanging Around

Surrounded by Art
Pictures observe us
Collective images smile.

Poetry replaces brushstrokes
When we depart
They all comment.

Makes a change
From oddball artists
Trying to paint.

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Thanks for the advice. I will give it a go at the next open mic and see how it goes :) x

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Thanks for your comments on "Passing Feet". The poem
was inspired by my own need for a stick these days (until
the medicos get around to treatment on a back problem!).
It is even more noticeable how quick people walk when
limited to a slower pace!
Cheers.

Comment is about Steve Higgins (poet profile)

Original item by Steve Higgins

Reading, writing and music...and surely texting? Tommy

Comment is about Hannah Metsker (poet profile)

Original item by Hannah Metsker

Thank you for reading and your flattering comments, Cynthia. Your comments are very much appreciated :) x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Work in progress, snap

Comment is about Michelle (poet profile)

Original item by Michelle

Morning Helen

Yeh, thought it might be your mum. The best poems are often the hardest to reach, inside of you, because of the pain. It's a beautiful piece.

Re performance - absolutely. One of my favourite poets ever, Steve Smith (who is on here) often performs his sonnets. I wish I could write like you and him but I can't. But yep they can be performed. They won't come out like a big-arsed 'performance' poem and you won't be fannying around on the stage, but they can sound haunting and beautiful. Try reading it out loud in as many different ways as you can muster. Find one that you like. Do it :) And good luck :)

Comment is about Helen (poet profile)

Original item by Helen

Hi Cynthia,

I wanted to thank you again for your considerate comments on 'Her Scent On Silk'. I was thrilled with your response and appreciate you taking a look.

I have edited to play with the layout and text size to see if it carries more impact.

As for sonnets, I find them quite addictive. I have only been writing for a year but I am certainly leaning towards Formal Poetry. I find it gives me more creativity, despite the restrictions.

Again, your encouraging words are appreciated.

Thank you.

Helen

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Just wanted to say thanks for your comments on 'Her Scent On Silk'. It's a poem about my mother and a memory that had been locked away for many years.

Also, I am a bit addicted the formal stuff lol I don't mind a bit of free verse but unlike you, I enjoy the restrictions of formal and I find sonnets in particular a bit addictive.

Can I ask though, do you hear much formal stuff being performed?? That worries me a bit. I've only just started reading my poetry at open mic nights but have yet to read a sonnet lol.

Helen

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Welcome to WoL Leslie Joan. I hope you find both inspiration and a platform for your talents!

Comment is about Leslie Joan (poet profile)

Original item by Leslie Joan

Thank you Cynthia! Good to see you are still active on WOL. I've had time out from writing but getting back into the swing of things now, best wishes, Katy : )

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I don't find writing poetry relaxing, more like tearing my hair out. Not everyone who enjoys your work will respond in writing. Reciprocity is excellent.

Comment is about Michael W. Lankford (poet profile)

Original item by Michael W. Lankford

Helen,

I love the imagery in 'Beneath the Clouds' set up by very clever and thoughtful use of rhythm and rhyme. One of the best I've read for a while.

Keep up the great work.

Rob

Comment is about Helen (poet profile)

Original item by Helen

Thank you for your extremely generous comments. I am thrilled.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Cynthia
Thanks for your comments on How dark and all that you said. Much appreciated. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday at Sale

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

God knows what rubbish is rattling around my head JC.

Bad state of affairs about Jimmy Greaves eh?

I think the Europa is a bit Mickey Mouse at best of times. Why the hell can't we get a top four spot??

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi Andy, thanks for reading and commenting on Beachcombing - much appreciated x

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Hi Michelle, thanks for commenting on Who Would? We obviously think alike, you pretty much nailed what I was trying to get at :) x

Comment is about Michelle (poet profile)

Original item by Michelle