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Cynthia Buell Thomas

Sun 6th Aug 2017 11:50

Really good; much enjoyed. IMO, you have wide eyes, a sifting brain and a sharp pen. All used with skill.

Comment is about Aunt Win (nie) (blog)

Original item by Jane C. Steele

<Deleted User> (10985)

Sun 6th Aug 2017 11:24

I can plan and deliver lessons with very specific and narrow learning outcomes when needed, where one has in mind the expected progress for individuals and/or groups. This particular session was more process orientated and I wanted the children to have experience of writing a particular type of poetry, with the emphasis very much on the creative aspect of writing. As such, the inspector was correct that I didn't know what they would produce ... but (as I expect you understand) that was the point of the activity. It was an opportunity for these kids to be creative and the guy just didn't get it. I explained it to him, but he didn't appear to be listening. A lack of constructive dialogue between these people and the teaching profession, in my opinion, is one of the reasons (amongst many others) why teachers are leaving in droves. There ARE some inspectors who one can talk to and explain and discuss, but they are in the minority (in my 30 years' experience). Overall, it's a punitive process (inspection) and many folk dread it. I believe parents/the public need to become more aware of the situation schools are in with all this stuff and that the accountability process needs urgent reform.

Comment is about 'Incoming' by Jonathan Humble is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

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Cathy Crabb

Sun 6th Aug 2017 10:59

Cynthia hahaha that, in turn, made me laugh too! X

Comment is about It's you (blog)

Original item by CathyLCrabb

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suki spangles

Sun 6th Aug 2017 10:40

Hi Jonathan,
Congratulations on winning PotW. I also found your interview enlightening. Not sure whether to laugh or cry at the "dangerous" lesson observation made by your inspector. Very telling though wasn't it?
Suki

Comment is about 'Incoming' by Jonathan Humble is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

<Deleted User> (9882)

Sun 6th Aug 2017 10:27

nice to see you back again Alexander and in the same good rhyming form.


Rose ?

Comment is about Bridge of Sorrows (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

<Deleted User> (9882)

Sun 6th Aug 2017 10:24

a much repeated and positive adage of my grandfathers concern about the turning of his days no matter how miserably weathered some might be was-

at least I'm here to see them.


Rose ?

Comment is about LAST POST - closing the book (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

<Deleted User> (9882)

Sun 6th Aug 2017 10:19

loved the poem Regan.The only progs I watch are the the ones about wildlife.

The work that goes into making those is so underrated.


Rose ?

Comment is about Big Brother TV (blog)

Original item by Regan Roberts

<Deleted User> (9882)

Sun 6th Aug 2017 10:09

Robert,this is so clever! I truly loved it.

One line in particular stood out from the rest-

'I stripped them off you
brought your body along'

fantastic!


Rose ?

Comment is about Your Great Indifference (blog)

Original item by Robert C Gaulke

<Deleted User> (9882)

Sun 6th Aug 2017 10:03

Hi Neill.How right you are! this poem brings back the memories of all my disappointments.

But I dare not tell you how many!?


Rose ?

Comment is about Disappointed (blog)

Original item by Neill Barnard

<Deleted User> (9882)

Sun 6th Aug 2017 09:57

oh Wendy! my lovely lovely kind friend! I am truly grateful for this dedication.

And!

I shall remember to put you as first on the list of the lovely people I shall be sending Christmas presents to.

Not only do I for now send lots of ???
but also lots of warm invisible hugs!


Rose ???

Comment is about A Rose To Capture (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

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Jane C. Steele

Sun 6th Aug 2017 09:22

The poetry is fine, the sentiment leaves me rather like your wife - a little cold.

Comment is about Sexless Marriage (blog)

Original item by Louis Audet

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Tim Ellis

Sun 6th Aug 2017 08:03

Thanks Colin. I'm leaving for Lancashire in a few minutes, looks like it's going to be a bit wet.
I haven't been to Blacktoft for many years John, though I keep meaning to. It was where I had my first decent view of a Hen Harrier when I started birdwatching in earnest about 30 years ago. I was watching this lovely male patrolling above the reeds when a barn owl flew up out of the reed bed. I had both birds in my view for a few seconds. An unforgettable moment!

Comment is about Where Are The Skydancers? (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

elPintor

Sun 6th Aug 2017 03:36

I wrote this after being accosted by an insurance agent at my local auto garage while being coerced into dropping a stupid amount of money on an auto repair.

Anyhow, it struck me how--after ascertaining my vocation--this fellow tried to open up conversation with me with questions like "do you get benefits?".."are you 1099 or salaried?"

I thought. to myself, that I could never be more miserable getting paint under my fingernails than he could be hearing "it's none of your fucking business!"

Thanks to each of you for your comments and 'likes'--and dear goodness, speak out whenever you feel free!

Love, Rachel xx

ps
I have to say, I really trust those garage guys..I know in my heart that it was expensive repair...

Comment is about How's your game? (blog)

Original item by nunya

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keith jeffries

Sat 5th Aug 2017 20:11

Kevin, Thank you for this.I have had no direct involvement with such a charity but it breaks my heart to see such human misery. Bless your son for his efforts. You are rightly proud. Keith

Comment is about Dunkirk - then and now (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

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kJ Walker

Sat 5th Aug 2017 20:04

What comes across more than anything in this piece and your previous one is the compassion you feel for these people. I don't want to pry, but I bet you're involved in some charity for refugees.
My son has done numerous trips to Calais, and it fills me with pride seeing him do what he can for this worthy cause

Thanks Kevin

Comment is about Dunkirk - then and now (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

<Deleted User> (13762)

Sat 5th Aug 2017 19:30

Well I feel spoilt this week Tim. First Jonathan's excellent poem about curlews and now your equally excellent hen harriers. There are many bird species in the UK whose numbers have declined dramatically over the past decades but the plight of the persecuted hen harrier is perhaps one of the saddest.

I hope your audience tomorrow joins you in a rousing chorus of THEY'RE NOT HERE! Maybe a little practice run before you start would get them in the mood. Well done for writing this and for standing up for our beleaguered wildlife. Hope the performance goes well.

All the best,
Colin

Comment is about Where Are The Skydancers? (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

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John Coopey

Sat 5th Aug 2017 18:46

I used to see them at Blacktoft Sands at roosting time. I haven't been for yonks so I don't know if they're still there. Spots of Marsh Harriers quite commonplace.

Comment is about Where Are The Skydancers? (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

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John Coopey

Sat 5th Aug 2017 18:42

Ah, would that were 25 and not 65, MC. With what I know now I could do some serious damage!

Comment is about LAST POST - closing the book (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Regan Roberts

Sat 5th Aug 2017 16:58

Don't delete it, you're only human. There's cleary a reason why you feel the way you do. Consider this as processing the feeling and helping others along the way. I can relate to this and there may be countless other people out there who will read this and find solace and comfort in it knowing that they're not alone. Poetry doens't have to be exclusively pretty. ?

Comment is about Hate Her (blog)

Original item by Rhianna Blake

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raypool

Sat 5th Aug 2017 16:56

Yes a good point about politicians' memoirs Mark. As they are supposed to be public servants I can't see where glory comes in except via inflated egos or delusions of grandeur.
I think you meant Jade not Jake Goody but does it really matter? We know it's a gender difference but anything goes anyway in that world. The more curiosity the more sales . I reckon Tony Blair gained little from his committing to print apart from the money of course which he doesn't need. (Blimey I sound like Ian Hislop!)
Thanks a lot.

Keith very nice that you picked out a line . Sometimes a line just pops out and feels right and others are indifferent.
That's the beauty of this trip we're on!
Thanks. David and Kevin, grateful for the additional likes cheers.

Ray

Comment is about THE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OF THE FAMOUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Regan Roberts

Sat 5th Aug 2017 16:52

Serpents have been represented as evil throughtout history, sometimes don't even literally have to be a serpent to be evil.

Comment is about The Serpent (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

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keith jeffries

Sat 5th Aug 2017 16:26

Ray, thank you for this. The line ¨and God is bribed by illusion ¨is perfect. Keith

Comment is about THE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OF THE FAMOUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 5th Aug 2017 15:53

A rewarding reverie that connects past and present in a
weather-wise setting. I like the "cosy" feel provided by
the last lines. Worth repeated readings - and surely perfect for a spoken performance.

Comment is about End of Summer (blog)

Original item by Tiffany Wright

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 5th Aug 2017 15:34

I remember Jake Goody for various reasons...enough to
make the idea of reading any autobiography remote in the
extreme.
Interestingly, I also recall a well received political entry (or
rather three) from Labour MP Chris Mullin, whose volumes
garnered much praise for their forthright content. The
main problem in this field is the fear of upsetting one's
personal place in history or maybe betraying one's
erstwhile colleagues with awkward admissions that are
now regretted. Like a good catholic going to confession
perhaps? Politics is hardly about telling the truth at the time, is it?!

Comment is about THE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OF THE FAMOUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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Tim Ellis

Sat 5th Aug 2017 10:53

I'll be performing this tomorrow at a Hen Harrier Day event in Lancashire. Hopefully the crowd will pick up on the idea that they're supposed to shout THEY'RE NOT HERE! back at me. Come along if you're in that part of the world. http://raptorpolitics.org.uk/2017/04/08/hen-harrier-day-dunsop-bridge-in-the-heart-of-the-forest-of-bowland-sunday-6th-august/
There's other events around the country too.
http://henharrierday.org/2017-events.html

Comment is about Where Are The Skydancers? (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

<Deleted User> (13762)

Sat 5th Aug 2017 09:06

I like your audios Connor and the unusual way you come at your subject matter. Original thinking always gets the thumbs up from me. Enjoy your weekend. Col.

Comment is about Ponytail Kid (blog)

Original item by Connor Lannes

<Deleted User> (13762)

Sat 5th Aug 2017 08:59

you might like to catch this tonight Ian - documentary about Hedd Wyn on BBC2 at 9pm.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0916cy4

Comment is about Ian Whiteley (poet profile)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Frances Macaulay Forde

Sat 5th Aug 2017 06:11

Another interesting and well-caught moment. Loved the opening stanza.

Comment is about After The Storm (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

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Dipta Gomes

Sat 5th Aug 2017 03:00

Thanks Keith... ?

Comment is about Watery Eyes (blog)

Original item by Dipta Gomes

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Wardah

Sat 5th Aug 2017 01:08

Glad I'm not alone ?
The moment passes though and things will look up...

Comment is about Let's Part dear Crazy Heart (blog)

Original item by Wardah

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Tommy Carroll

Sat 5th Aug 2017 00:47

As father Jack would say "feckin frackin"

Comment is about Michael Gove quotes Larkin's lament for England in speech on environment (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

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raypool

Fri 4th Aug 2017 23:23

well Suki, you have a point there, and in Katie's case two.
Who would buy a book like that ? what you would need is a manual surely.

Thanks for the comment!

Comment is about THE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OF THE FAMOUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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keith jeffries

Fri 4th Aug 2017 21:58

Dipta, This poem has a beautiful ring of sincerity which is coupled with a very appropriate style. Thank you. Keith

Comment is about Watery Eyes (blog)

Original item by Dipta Gomes

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Paul Welsh

Fri 4th Aug 2017 21:25

strong

Comment is about After The Storm (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

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Lynn Dye

Fri 4th Aug 2017 20:02

Thank you Rose for your kind comments, much appreciated.

And thank you Kevin for the like.

Comment is about Your Voice (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

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Ian Whiteley

Fri 4th Aug 2017 19:39

Hi Jean - thanks for the kind comments on 'This Flower' and your kind comments regarding my poetry work in general - it's very kind of you to take the time to comment - thanks so much
Ian

Comment is about jean lucy thompson (poet profile)

Original item by jean lucy thompson

<Deleted User> (9882)

Fri 4th Aug 2017 17:02

you seniors amaze me with your networking skills! And the kids are just as clever.I love that line 'an apple a day you start feeling ok'

Theres a poem there Wendy
come on,get your pen on the go!


Rose ?

Comment is about My Best Friend (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

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dorinda macdowell

Fri 4th Aug 2017 16:53

Nigel, thank you! I am keeping faith and trusting!!!
Looking forward to the next WOL - Dorinda x

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

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Nigel Astell

Fri 4th Aug 2017 15:43

Dorinda keep faith and don't panic

The list you have seen is the first list of poets that was printed and since then I was told you were being added on
along with another poet not in our group.

We have a meeting on the Monday night for W O L just before the event on the Wednesday and I am sure this new list will be confirmed on the night!

Nigel x

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

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suki spangles

Fri 4th Aug 2017 15:02

Cheers Ray and Col,

I meditate occasionally, but those most odd experience I had was when I gave up smoking a long time ago. My eyesight changed! Everything was so much brighter, and so much more vivid in colour; it was painful for a couple of weeks... weird.

We all have a third eye, don't let the philistines tell you otherwise!

Suki

Comment is about The Undersea River (blog)

Original item by Suki Spangles

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suki spangles

Fri 4th Aug 2017 14:59

Hi Stu,

Fab poem, but the last two lines particularly stand out for me:

turned up too loud so the beautiful bass guitar warped to hissing,
a wasps nest prodded by a terrible, lost man.

Those two lines alone would make a great poem.

Suki

Comment is about the sweat from tiny fingers can burn through the wings of a butterfly (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

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suki spangles

Fri 4th Aug 2017 14:55

Hi Ray,

A few years ago Katie Price was asked about her autobiography. Candidly, she admitted that because of time commitments she hadn't time to read it, but she trusted her writer, so people should buy it.

Fair enough..

Suki

Comment is about THE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OF THE FAMOUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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suki spangles

Fri 4th Aug 2017 14:51

Hi Cynthia,

I once wrote this:

Old MacDonald had a mad cow
Woof woof meeow..

I'm not proud.

Yours is a great poem. Congratulations!

Suki

Comment is about 'The Farmer's Wife' by Cynthia Buell Thomas is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

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suki spangles

Fri 4th Aug 2017 14:48

CNN journalist. There's an oxymoron..

Comment is about Plan to curb 'huddled masses' turns spotlight on Statue of Liberty poem (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

NEIL THORPE

Fri 4th Aug 2017 14:34

This is an example of my amalgam of poetry and street rap (old style) Hope ya like it .......

Comment is about JUST ANOTHER DAY (blog)

Original item by NEIL THORPE

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Greg Freeman

Fri 4th Aug 2017 13:52

I agree that these are different times, MC.

Comment is about Plan to curb 'huddled masses' turns spotlight on Statue of Liberty poem (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 4th Aug 2017 12:58

JH - my own "Pocket Oxford Dictionary" defines twerp as a
stupid or objectionable person. Hence, my view that R-M
falls outside that description. Your list has items that are
not necessarily the "Road to Damascus" and they still
conjure up controversy: not, IMHO, a cause for
categorising a person's character in derogatory terms.
No problem. Let us agree to differ on that point.
I will, of course, happily continue to look forward to
your poetical posts no matter what the point of view
that brings them to life. Not doing so would be make
ME a twerp! ?

Comment is about Michael Gove quotes Larkin's lament for England in speech on environment (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

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Alem Hailu G/Kristos

Fri 4th Aug 2017 12:41

Thank you Colin Hill .Yes Poetry sometimes records experiences which others may share.True to this ,readers response criticism says the reader is the author.

Comment is about Sorrowfully (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

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raypool

Fri 4th Aug 2017 12:18

Thanks one and all - this is one I wrote quite quickly , it sort of unrolled in front of me. (With a bit of probing and prodding into shape).
Ferris , I checked Kurt Cobain on WIki. I see that a read would have been hard given his problems. Songs often reach into dark corners I'm glad you liked this. Full on cynical at the beginning!.

Stu, the comments of a gentleman and a scholar thanks !

Thanks Mark. You obviously havn't read Jade Goody's autobiography then. You do have a good point to make. Some make interesting reading but I have found most tedious frankly. As for politicians.....

Jane, welcome and thank you.

Col, yes there are mountains of books and as many decisions. I just parted with my Reader's Digest book of the car. Exquisite paper and photos of how to change points and plugs and all the rest. It had to go - no mention of computerised systems.

Love to all, and thanks for the likers !!

Comment is about THE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OF THE FAMOUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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dorinda macdowell

Fri 4th Aug 2017 10:28

Hi Nigel and Nicola! - me again! Linda (Cosgriff) has forwarded the list of people reading at the Marple event to me, and neither Nicola's name, nor mine, appear on it!!!
Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - THANKS SO MUCH XX

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

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