Thanks for liking this Hannah. Much appreciated

Comment is about Waking up my people (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Thanks to David for liking and Nigel Stu and Hannah for commenting.

Why am I not surprised that you singled out that particular line Nigel.

Glad you appreciated the banality of our lives sometimes Stu. I am reminded of the Good life and the Richard Briers characters response to the humdrum. Comically anarchic !

I can understand where you are coming from being a place with so many fire doors Hannah. there is always the hope that they will lead somewhere new. But it is seldom the case.

Thanks everybody
Martin

Comment is about Doors (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

There's some cracking lines in this poem, Laura. The couplet which finishes with "seamless pelt" is just beautiful.

?

Comment is about Not Exactly Miss Jean Brodie (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

That's a great first line, MC.

Comment is about A QUESTION OF WAR (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I really like this piece, Stu. I must have read it three or four times, and relished it on each occasion.

Comment is about van (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

JC - I note your point about "enforced circumcision in infants" having religious causes but it is not equitable
with the effects of FGM in my view - for reasons previously shown.
But now I must get my supper and close my own contributions to this particular blog and the cause of
free speech (e.g. aka the right to give offence).
Please accept my nomination for the "Mel Brooks Award"
for bad taste. Oh vey!

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Nice write and that picture is definitely not me LOL

Comment is about Diary Of The Southern Queen Entry #48 (His Fine Self) (blog)

Original item by Chiari Warrior Soldier

This poem is more about expressing my love towards someone. My reference to Luther was for Luther Vandross.

Comment is about I Can Be That (blog)

Original item by Saniya

Thank you!

Comment is about Daddy's Little Girl Wish (blog)

Original item by Saniya

Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real special person to be a daddy. Good poem.

Comment is about Daddy's Little Girl Wish (blog)

Original item by Saniya

I have to go now, Laura. I've looked out the window and there's life outside. I'm going to join them.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I'll try to give my simple answers to the raft of great comments herein today !

David, thanks mate. You seem to re-inforce the poem's suggestion as to bringing influences to the table ; I personally think that some people are "receivers" or call them mediumistic in that parlance; others may have an innate sensitivity which acts as a trigger in certain environments. I have had too many weird experiences (apart from using WOL) not to be thus aware . It makes life interesting and also a challenge. The issue of redemption and all that jazz I think is drafted on or shall we say inwardly interpreted from a smorgasbord of issues, some of which are of course are inherited. I think some poems are "contrived" and others are outpourings with lots of shades in between. Not sure where mine lie -but I do like to be in control!!

Thanks Paul. The practice of exorcism seems to be connected with demonology and "evil influences." I have been with clairvoyants who claimed to have sent spirits on from an earthbound limbo attracted by past attachments. This perhaps is in the same vein as you mention, without of course the training and backing of a vast edifice that gives it credibility. As society becomes more materialistic in its methods, so the grip becomes more tenuous of course. Superstitions could give rise to mania and hysteria in the past. Thanks for reflecting on
the last verse. It is, like so much, just an idea.

Thanks Jennifer, so many stories out there! My brother camped in Glencoe, and swore that he heard massed bagpipes as he drifted off, It spooked him out. What he ate I canna say! Thanks for sharing that. Talking of Italy, actually Venice, check out Don't Look Now.!

Many thanks additionally for liking this,David, Ruby and Psylentskog.

Suki, fascinating thoughts indeed. We are mainly composed of chemicals and electricity I suppose and are we just terminals? wow! Quantum physics may yet reveal what you suggest.

Thanks Hannah. I know what you mean. Children seem to much more open to the unexplained, perhaps because parents have not had yet time to do it for them.

Also thanks Ray for trying to step up to the plate.

Ray Luv to all.

Comment is about RESTLESS SOULS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Nope. I've definitely not misunderstood you.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks,each.
I'm not sure enforced circumcision of infants in some religions meets with your model,MC.
Laura. I think you have misunderstood my thread.I am not presuming to tell you what to think. I am telling you what I think which, I am sure you will agree, is within my ownership.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Comment is about J R Harris (poet profile)

Original item by J R Harris

Jim I could write an absolute tome
About things experienced in monochrome
But this would be infinitely duller
Than telling things in technicolour

Comment is about J R Harris (poet profile)

Original item by J R Harris

To associate male circumcision with FGM is not wholly appropriate.
The former is a process in medicine intended to avoid the
possibility of infection and related difficulties and as a
non-Jewish circumcised male this was an operation that
was completed when I was an infant. I have never had
any cause to concern myself about any lack of choice
that might now be argued over in these more aware but
often less informed times.
Satire - use of irony, sarcasm, humour to expose folly etc
- surely including the act under discussion since it is
sanctioned by a certain social,religious and sexual section
of human society as somehow acceptable whilst minus any medical
justification in any shape or form.
Not to mention its occurrence is hardly contributing to
ensuring its continued presence in the public consciousness and the likelihood of any change for the
better.
That said, I'll reiterate my belief that the freedom to
give offence should never be subjugated into silent servitude by the fear of giving offence.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

thanks stu,

i actually performed this one last night with a couple of handy edits applied.

Comment is about strong (02/05/2018) (blog)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

None of which even come close to the savagery inflicted by FGM, with the exception of male circumcision, and even that does not come close to the huge volume of devastating effects.

I don’t often comment on your output, but this is something that most decent compassionate human beings find utterly abhorrent, and you have surprised me with the vehemence of your continued defence of it. Speaks volumes.

As for “What happens if you’re offended? Nothing. Nothing happens”, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations, UNICEF, and many other organisations’ campaigns and legislation against FGM stand as clear evidence of what exactly can and does happen.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you all for such warm comments. My own heart nearly cracked with love and amazement realizing both the scope and the depth of his thought at eleven years old. It was the last verse that really 'got me', an exact summation of all metaphysical thinking. And he said, 'You look funny.' Not too surprising; I felt 'funny' to the core of my being.

I'm really glad I decided to share, with his permission, of course. The poem was posted on the classroom bulletin board.

And the old folks pass the chalice to the young, always with hope for greater understanding and finer achievements in 'world peace'. Not a phrase to be sneered at.

Comment is about 'My Song of God' by Ewan Thomas Holt, Age 11 (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Laura, I've parodied prostate cancer and circumcision. I've parodied Jeremy Corbyn, Tony Benn and Diane Abbott. I've parodied Theresa May, David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage. I've parodied men and I've parodied women, mysoginists and mysandrists. I've parodied Remainers and Brexiters. I've parodied national treasures and cause celebres. If there's an issue close to your heart I haven't yet parodied, it's because I will. If you're offended, be offended. You won't break out in buboils.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

There’s a quality to this writing that leaches from each line. One of the better POTW.

Well done!

Comment is about 'Roots and branches' by David T Jones is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Wow, this is amazing, thanks for all of your comments and support?

Comment is about 'Roots and branches' by David T Jones is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Cheers Stu and Pat ?

Stu - I'll email you about lack of light and the FB ban! I love that you hear it now in my voice ? Weirdly, I've almost memorised it already - that's incredibly fast for me!

Comment is about Not Exactly Miss Jean Brodie (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

“laboured”, John? It’s not exactly Paradise Lost now, is it?

It’s nothing like your analogy. It is precisely to do with making a joke about the horrific and terrifying mutilation of young girls that ruins the lives of countless women, and leads to infection and death in many cases, as well as denying them any sexual pleasure they might have been able to experience in later life.

Are you scared of losing face? The fact you are defending it as simply ‘poor taste’ and deflecting responsibility for it onto others – well, that’s the only conclusion I can draw.

MCN – this is not satire. Don’t be ridiculous.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

You’re right, el P. Or is it the timeless attraction of a vagina? (You’ll note even my fiercest critic “laboured” to the last verse before finding something with which to take issue - rather like complaining about the cake on the last mouthful).

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

It does, Stu, it does. And thank you.
Chris

Comment is about Buried in the Sunlight (blog)

Original item by Chris Hubbard

A real testament to, "bad press is better than no press at all."

Rachel

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Libertad!

Comment is about Scream… (blog)

Original item by Noris Roberts

You are quite right, Ray. The line is in very poor taste, as is the rest of the poem. Of course, I never signed up to be tasteful.
And as Steve Hughes asks “What happens if you’re offended? Nothing. Nothing happens”.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Too many other commitments, Graham! But thanks.

Comment is about The oak tree (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

excellent ray especially the powerful last verse

Comment is about INERTIA (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Sorry peeps, bit delayed, rushed off my old pins with poetry readings and a music concert back to back. God it was hell in there! I'll come back to this re your valued comments tomorrow (Wednesday), as it needs a clear mind , cheers!

Ray

Comment is about RESTLESS SOULS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

What we need is a "dislike" facility so as not to ruffle too many feathers without incurring the inevitable flak . There is humour but also bad taste may I say John. I've always found a complete lack of romance inherent in the revelation of reproductive organs.

Ray (with respect).

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Very moving, says so much.

Hannah

Comment is about In silence (blog)

Original item by Noris Roberts

Amazing writing.
All day long doors, where I live it's heavy fire doors.
Sometimes we are outside the door, sometimes in.
Really enjoyed.

Hannah

Comment is about Doors (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

This is a brilliant poem. So full of truths.
The tail wags the dog.
Love is the key.
So clever.

Hannah

Comment is about Only Connect (blog)

Original item by mike booth

totally lovely and a beautiful piece of writing

Comment is about 'My Song of God' by Ewan Thomas Holt, Age 11 (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

a wonderfully rye look at the banality of everyday existence.

what is it ee cummings said...

'unbeingdead isnt beingalive'

Comment is about Doors (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

very nice sentiments and writing. takes me places while leaving me grounded. if thats makes ANY sense at all.

Comment is about Buried in the Sunlight (blog)

Original item by Chris Hubbard

fucking hell laura thats proper brilliant.
whenever i read your poems now i do so in your voice, with that spit and bile you give every piece you do live.
i love this, its fucking ace

p.s - got banned from facebook for 30 days but was gonna send you a message asking how you were doing (january/lack of light etc)

Comment is about Not Exactly Miss Jean Brodie (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

brilliant piece of writing!

Comment is about strong (02/05/2018) (blog)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

excellent fare indeed. a touch of heaney and, as mentioned, a touch of thomas, but quite holds its own

Comment is about 'Roots and branches' by David T Jones is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Anyone else?

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Laura/David
Except that men didn't adopt outrage and anger towards
women in general or even in particular for this overtly
sexist act of harm...and all the others that have been
inflicted upon men by women down the years. I blame
Delilah for this!! ?
The procedure you specify in JC's poem is an import
previously unknown in western societies and in my own
view should be prosecuted as "bodily harm" under UK
criminal law, especially if inflicted on those not able (in
law...by age) to agree with what is done to them.
But the fact it exists doesn't remove it from a satirical
swipe from whatever source. Irreverence of the "ouch"
variety is hardly an unknown characteristic in our
national character and long may it be so.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Yes because that's exactly the same thing isn't it?

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I seem to recall that when a certain Ms Bobbit decided to
remove her male companion's penis with a knife over in the Land of the Free - men managed to find a jest in
there somewhere. Ergo - the difference between the
sexes' attitude to such things. The freedom to give
offence is not to be driven into silent servitude by the fear
of giving offence.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I'm disgusted that you would even think to joke about FGM. It completely overshadows any other humour in there.

Your timing is shit, too

http://www.un.org/en/events/femalegenitalmutilationday/

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A hole in one - one might say!
Your range of inspiration defies the imagination. But your
posts are never less than entertaining (that rare and
increasingly absent term for poetry) and always cleverly
constructed.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Indeed Laura. The whole poem is a joke.
So what did you think of the poem?
The tight rhyming structure given the shortness of the lines; the close shadowing of the original; the effectiveness or otherwise of the enjambment in "The problem for me it's/ where stuff fits": the weakness of the 2nd chorus? Can a poem have merit if its contents are offensive? Multum in parvo.
I am intrigued as to what you think.

Comment is about HEY THERE VAGINA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey