I really like this one Jennifer, it conjures up a sort of flagellation . With respect, I feel the last line tends to short circuit the image and leave us wanting . I would leave it out (IMO). Either that, or add one more line in a sort of answer to it might work as well.

Ray

Comment is about Casualty (blog)

Original item by Jennifer Malden

Splendid, well deserved Shirley-Anne,

Ken.

Comment is about 'Presidents Club' by Shirley-Anne Kennedy is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hello MC.
My dad was from Edmonton and brought me up on a diet of Danny Blanchflower, Bobby Smith, Jimmy Greaves et al. Being a Nottingham lad I only got chance to watch them at the City Ground and a bit further afield at Sheffield and Leicester.

Comment is about JUST ONE TOUCH (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Col ?

Comment is about roots and branches (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

I'm spurred (ouch) to ask how someone in the wilds of what
is known as "north of Watford" became a fan of this London
team - to be able to write these entertaining paens of praise.

Comment is about JUST ONE TOUCH (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A timely reminder that we can do little but with huge effect
if we retain basic care and consideration for others. It
used to be called "good manners" back in the day - and,
unlike much that is witnessed today, gained a nod and a
smile of thanks as a reward. In short, human inter-action.
in action!

Comment is about True Gentleman (blog)

Original item by Isurugi Noe

Amazing. Such emotion in your writings. Love it.

Comment is about Punk Rockers Don't Sing The Blues. (blog)

Original item by Nick

Thank you for this review, Steven. You have long been a great advocate of pushing the experimental boundaries, and this sounds like a good book to help us do so.

it reminds of a tutor I had once, about whom the group complained that his lectures were difficult to understand, to which his riposte was, in terms: if I just use the language you already know, how are you going to stretch yourselves to learn anything new?

Comment is about Atlantic Drift: ed by James Byrne and Robert Sheppard, Arc (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you Hannah,
I've been a long believer in Karma, even before I actually heard the word for the first time!

Comment is about Karma (blog)

Original item by J R Harris

I love reading your poetry David. That first line had me hooked, trowel in hand, ready to dig into the past. Beautiful. Cheers. Col.

Comment is about roots and branches (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

Beautifully written!

Comment is about The Poetic Death (blog)

Original item by Michaela Sheldon

Thanks Ray ?

Comment is about roots and branches (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

Romantic stuff which I love, as it oozes with love for the subject and a fondness even where there is limitation and constriction in life. It does have a Welsh feel to it !

Nice work, David.

Ray

Comment is about roots and branches (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

Powerful poem, makes us think.

Hannah

Comment is about Two Minutes To Midnight (blog)

Original item by Suki Spangles

A brilliant piece with a powerful ending.

Hannah

Comment is about Karma (blog)

Original item by J R Harris

Such a beautiful poem, heart warming.

Hannah

Comment is about May I Never (blog)

Original item by mike booth

Thanks Keith, I was trying to get to natural cycles and growth. Glad you liked it

Comment is about roots and branches (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

David, thank you for this poem which tells of nature´s sequential movement in providing for us warmth and the beauty of nature herself. Very enjoyable indeed. Keith

Comment is about roots and branches (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

very cool sample Brooke-it rocks!








Rose ?

Comment is about Brooke Valdivia (poet profile)

Original item by Brooke Valdivia

Hello Colin,
Your perspicacity does you immense credit. The woman was my paternal grandmother who I loved greatly. Up until the age of 11 years I spent all my summer holidays with her. She had been married but it fell apart for many reasons. Some of the women her sons married were jealous of her for a variety of different reasons. She was a lady who coped and coped well; resilient and with a positive attitude to life. If she was ever unhappy she never displayed it. I often think of her. Thank you for your interesting comment. Keith

Comment is about An Orderly Woman (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

a poem that takes one's breath away and transports us to a place we would rather not be, but where we know we will one day end up - a difficult subject which you have handled with care and skill Jacqueline. Thank you for sharing. Colin.

Comment is about Living My Own Death (blog)

Original item by Jacqueline Phillips

An intimate study of this woman's life Keith. One senses that, in some ways, she did not die unhappy, that everything was in order, just the way she would have wanted it to be. And what better place to pass away than in one's own favourite armchair.

But I can't help but think there is something amiss here as there is no mention of her husband? And guests were few and far between, her surviving children also 'scattered afar'. Perhaps, after all, she was lonely and her loneliness manifested itself through her strict routine. But even loneliness should not always be equated with unhappiness. Some people are better equipped at dealing with it than others. 'Orderly' is such a fitting word in all of its connotations.

The more I think about this poem the more intriguing I find it, for the things left unspoken. Thanks for posting.

All the best,
Colin.

Comment is about An Orderly Woman (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

This has a lovely heart-felt flow...

Comment is about Used (blog)

Original item by Jane

Thankyou for your coments I make . I feel so sorry for all who have to put up with the lies and the deciet that is thrown back at people when knowing the truth . One day you never know . kind Regards Wendy X

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi Kevin, thanks so much for your interest. The Desiderata was a sort of thing people often had hanging on their walls; it fitted with the sixties peace loving vibe I suppose. Mine is a darker bleaker effort, and i'm glad you took something from it!

Ray

Thanks a lot for your likes Graham, Col. Jacqueline and Nicola, much appreciated.

Comment is about CONSIDERATA (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Your sample kicks ass. Very revealing and experience driven, which I know could be hard to post publicly. Keep it up. I look forward to reading more ?

- Nick

Comment is about Brooke Valdivia (poet profile)

Original item by Brooke Valdivia

Thanks Ray, I really must blog my work, I haven’t posted anything for ages. Your comments have reminded me to get my finger out! Thanks

Comment is about Culture Vulture (blog)

Original item by Nicola Hulme

Sad, but wonderful for her family that she has won this posthumously.

I am sure Ms Holden was only reflecting the traditionalists' view, but it seems rather dismissive to suggest that there is "slam poetry" and "highbrow" - for which read "proper poetry". Slam is but one style of poetry event. Some folks have no appreciation of the range of types, style, genres and purposes of poetry as it is currently practised in the UK and elsewhere, seeming to operate in their own little published poetry = proper poetry bubble.

I would argue that it is a legitimate form of 'publishing' for an individual to stand up for the first time in front of people they don't know, hands shaking, to read their own words out loud for the first time. It's an alternative route into poetry, not the poor relation.

Forgive me, Ms Holden if I am misconstruing your remarks.

Comment is about Helen Dunmore wins Costa book award (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi Ray
I had to google Desiderata, and was surprised to find out that it was one i was familiar with (I just didn't know that that was the title)
i liked your take on it. I think we could all learn something from this.

Cheers Kevin

Comment is about CONSIDERATA (blog)

Original item by ray pool

You're opening up a fresh can of worms there, Suki.

Comment is about EMBRASING DIVERSITY (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A very clever little poem ?

Comment is about Mephistopheles. (blog)

Original item by Nick

I hear the sound of a put-upon increasingly impatient voice
from the country's heartland demanding that it be
allowed the right to retain control over its own affairs,
beyond the grasp and guile of the wealthy and political
elite who have no apparent respect for nation or people
beyond their cocoons of borderless jet-set lifestyles.
Speak up - speak out,
Disregard all doubt!
Maintain the fight
To bring it about.

Comment is about Stand Up For Our Country (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

Really glad you're enjoying the anthology, John. You're right – there's some amazing poetry in there. Thanks for coming down to the award ceremony, it was good to see you.

Comment is about Rachel Plummer wins WoLF poetry competition run by Write Out Loud (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Nick, your poetry improves by the word because it comes from the inner self. Thank you. Keith

Comment is about Mephistopheles. (blog)

Original item by Nick

Sounds like you wrote from your heart. I like it.

Comment is about Mephistopheles. (blog)

Original item by Nick

certainly, ain't noncence Mr C!

Comment is about What! (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

True bathos here. You have some good poetry, it'd be good to see some 2018 writings.

Comment is about Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice (blog)

Original item by Lisa Milligan

The pen is more deadlier than the talon, Nicola. I just picked out this one of yours after you kindly liking on Considerata, thanks. A stark offering and a predatory one that works so well!

Ray

Comment is about Culture Vulture (blog)

Original item by Nicola Hulme

HI John. Following your reply to my comment of yesterday I agree about rewriting older poems - there can be a fresh approach; I find it always hard to know which angle to come from to get an idea across. I feel it helps if "philosophizing" about life to take an object and use that to hang ideas on, as it's easier to grasp a metaphor . Does that make sense? Great list of published poems I see !

All the best. Ray

Comment is about john short (poet profile)

Original item by john short

Thanks Steven ?

I enjoyed reading your comment Colin. I bet your grandfather could spin a great yarn, couldn't he? My dad could, he also served in the navy (during and post WWII).

I think my lot followed in the oral storytelling tradition mainly. They'd keep everyone spellbound with a tale or a little poem which either made you squawk your eyes out or curl up laughing. Usually the later.

Comment is about 'Presidents Club' by Shirley-Anne Kennedy is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Trevor, thank you for this as it takes the reader directly to the scene you portray. Well written. Keith

Comment is about Wet Wednesday in Wakefield (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Hi Ray

Thanks for your positive comments Pleased you liked the poem. I'm reworking more and more old poems these days now I've discovered that it can be successful.

Comment is about BARRIO SANTIAGO (blog)

Original item by john short

David & Ray, Thank you for you kind comments. They are much appreciated. Keith

Comment is about A Royal Box (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Congratulations to your nephew Alem. Education is the key to (hopefully) making a better world. Good luck to him and thanks for posting this fine tribute. All the best, Colin.

Comment is about Congra to a dear boy! (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

I likes a poem that expresses colours both in words and intentions and this one warms the winter cockles nicely ?

Comment is about TO MY LOVE (blog)

Original item by lynn hahn

...but you are strong.

Comment is about invincible (blog)

Original item by Natalie Rupik

Thanks to David and Desmond for liking and Colin, Suki and Ray for commenting

strangely enough this was based on some words that Sylvia Plath was supposed to have said when Talking about herself in trying to get her inner self going.
I always like to check under the bonnet these days Ray. As once many years ago I used to put an old raincoat over the engine of one of my cars to keep it from freezing overnight. Trouble was I forgot about the coat one day and started the engine with the result the coat was wound round the fan.

You are right Suki it does have quite a January feel to it

That's a good analogy of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory Colin. I like that.

Thanks again to all
Cheers
Martin

Comment is about Waking up my people (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Proper poetry with all the right ingredients John. A sensual journey takes us by the hand. Who needs travel when we can read this quality work. The likening of arpeggios to fish is outstanding imagination, and an avalanche of molten bells perfect.

Ray

Comment is about BARRIO SANTIAGO (blog)

Original item by john short

A most refreshing use of modesty and humility perfectly demonstrating a love of all things natural - to be applauded Keith. Like a scene from Avatar almost!

Ray

Comment is about A Royal Box (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Sowmya, Thank you for this poem as it reminds me of when I was a school boy and all the happy hours I spent in both the school and public libraries. Keith

Comment is about School Library (blog)

Original item by Sowmya Ramakrishna