Hi Colin - Trying to look on the bright side lol. - Just heard the bad news from London ?. Thanks for feedback. ?

Comment is about Flaming June (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

well done Tom, you build a visual picture so well. I love the image of the giant alliums like sorrowful saints coming just after the people shrugging or bowing their heads. It's the devil in the detail that makes a poem work and the linking together with so few words.

when I first read this I was reminded of a goldfinch I had seen the previous day feeding on the seeds of a tall field sorrel. The weight of the bird had forced the plant almost flat but when it flew off it sprang back up, the tallest plant amongst the lower growing buttercups and clover. It was just the tiniest glimpse of something special.

all the best
Colin.

Comment is about 'A Day Such As This' by Tom Harding is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

good to have a poem which is what it is and nobody gets killed or maimed in the making of the last verse. We all need more happy endings. Good on ya John, I mean Tom.
Not flaming here either but at least we're heading in the right direction for a while.
Col.

Comment is about Flaming June (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

ditto all previous comments - said the man on the fence ?

Comment is about Shit, I burnt the dictionary. (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Hi Kevin - Not flaming with me either, but I am ever hopeful. Thanks for feedback. ?

Comment is about Flaming June (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Hi Jemima - The ice creams are on me ? - Who's John lol ?

Comment is about Flaming June (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

did you see that bright orange Willy Wonka creation she wore to Manchester recently? Honestly, I think she should've stuck with the blue to match her outfit and maybe just an orange bit of fancy frill to set it all off. But hey I'm not a Royal Watcher, honest.

What I like about this poem is that it describes one exact moment in time caught on camera. There is no concern for the before or after. For all we know the elephant whipped off her hat and plonked it on Philip before the whole meet and greet deteriorated into a farce of Blue Peter proportions.

Col.

Comment is about Royal Regards (blog)

Original item by David Lindsay

Nice, but June isn't 'flaming' yet where I am. I'll have to re-read this when the weather picks up a bit.
Good imagery, I could just see that sun-kissed beach
Cheers Kevin

Comment is about Flaming June (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

I'm honoured John. I only know this little saying because my teenage boy once uttered it as I struggled to remove the nuts on a car wheel after a puncture. His sarcastic comment was his way of telling me that I was tightening them instead of loosening them. And there was me blaming the substandard and poorly manufactured wheel brace. I won't forget Righty-tighty, Lefty-loosey in a hurry!

C?L

Comment is about 'Righty-tighty, Lefty-loosey'! (blog)

Original item by John Andrew Nield

Col,

You are too kind. What can I say? Okay, I will keep my profile pick! Ha! Ha!

Tom,

Thank you too. Much appreciated.

Suki

Comment is about The Welcome Party (blog)

Original item by Suki Spangles

Cynthia,

Quite beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Suki

Comment is about The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I see you are still angry Wendy.Rightly so,I say.Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about What Next (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

oh John! I feel the need to rush to the seaside right now,despite the time.You've got me salivating for an ice cream as well! Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about Flaming June (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

I actually felt quite calm after reading this Noris,for some reason.I think it has a very reassuring air about it.Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about I seek (blog)

Original item by Noris Roberts

a little quote with a big punch! Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about Quote stealing! John 1:5, the bible (blog)

Original item by rseed

The reason for these lines can only be guessed at.
But...
Happiness is ephemeral, a gift that quickly goes...
Briefly displaying the happy face that everybody knows
Far less showy, but lasting, not lent -
Is real life's reward - to be content!

Comment is about Sunny Days (blog)

Original item by Louise Clarke

Cheers Cynthia and Hazel. Thought I'd act as a catalyst and put this poem out here to see the reactions and i'm happy i did.

Cynthia I can't agree more. Interesting comments.

Hazel a poem strung together with only one syllable must have been rather challenging. I must try it. Could be fun.

Thank you both.
Raj

Comment is about Shit, I burnt the dictionary. (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

We are certainly seeing politics in a state of flux -maybe
a healthy sign when one considers the usual fixed state
of affairs. People now are able to use greatly increased
levels of information plus visual/verbal performances to
form opinions and come to a decision in how they vote - again no bad thing.
Farron is faced with the uphill task of regaining support
for his party after their wipe-out at the polls, and
their eagerness to stay under the control and influence
of the EU may - or may not - help any progress in that
direction. His constant carping about a hard Brexit
is his only weapon and we'll have to see if it convinces
any political "not sures" or fainthearts on election day.

Comment is about 'Righty-tighty, Lefty-loosey'! (blog)

Original item by John Andrew Nield

A charming "nod" to royalty
holding the record for its brand of public service; and the majesty of
those occupying the foreground in the
picture cannot be denied!

Comment is about Royal Regards (blog)

Original item by David Lindsay

Did an surprisingly good exercise recently writing poems using only words of one syllable. Powerful.

Comment is about Shit, I burnt the dictionary. (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Ditto.

Comment is about Quote stealing! John 1:5, the bible (blog)

Original item by rseed

Very funny, and appropriate.

I actually wish I didn't care about a little 'care' in page poetry; but I do because it's 'Page Poetry'! In Print! Not spoken - where only pronunciation could divert intent. And persons all over the world look to English as a common language.

Why do we have to lower the standards of written English when a little effort would make a huge difference. But then, the way I want to say it, and spell it is MY business, and I'm RIGHT because I'm a REAL PERSON!

Comment is about Shit, I burnt the dictionary. (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

What do you mean you remember my 'encounter with a sheik' many moons ago. The hair rose up the back of my neck! Did I actually make mention of him before? If so, I've got to watch my mouth!

Comment is about Chakraj (poet profile)

Original item by Chakraj

Thanks everyone..gratefully received.

Colin,
My baby knew it`s manners. To expel excrement on to a Tory is a comment on upper class-ness and requires that little bit extra puffability, (which the H` provides. ?

Comment is about The floating voter song...(again) (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Oh right. We take as we find. I interpreted this as child
illusions that were relieved by reality - not caused by it.

Comment is about The Man In The Dark.. (blog)

Original item by Alec Saputo

This minds me of the traditional - broadly right or leftish- electoral stance of the voters in Britain`s `first past the post`voting system.

It seems that however much the swingers `go over` it seems that they always like to have a general idea of the direction they are travelling in.

We are faced with a `tough` negotiator (who was a `remainer`) and an opponent who has lost the full support of his parliamentary colleagues...both of whom have to be fully supported because of the system.

Both parties are internally split themselves and the problem about `just sitting back`at the present is that: to fulfill the will of the fifty - two per cent (which the forty - eight percent did not want) is - given the fact that the right and left voters are split among themselves anyway -
going to be an impossibility (that the referendum was a record turn-out applies to both sides of the vote).

A problem (given all the splits) could be the politically - inspired obfuscation of the negotiations as they proceed.

My own guess is that Farron`s wish for the deal to be put
to a second referendum (although not very popular at the moment) will win the day in the end.

Comment is about 'Righty-tighty, Lefty-loosey'! (blog)

Original item by John Andrew Nield

Gentlemen, I'm so encouraged. Of all the poems I have ever written (and there are a lot!) this may be the one in which I most find 'myself'. Not in relationship to someone else - like daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, pupil, teacher etc. etc. and etc.! Just 'me and existence'.

I'd like to have it in my coffin when I die, recycled, returning 'idea' to basic creation. And, 'No', that is not morbid, more like rejoicing.

What is the power of 'blue', do you think, John? Colour is hugely influential upon us.

Raj, I think they do 'speak', just not in the same way humans do. Surely you have kissed a petal - many times?

Comment is about The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Amen

Comment is about Quote stealing! John 1:5, the bible (blog)

Original item by rseed

Отлично - Mikhail :)

Comment is about 'As if the song would come again' by Mikhail Smith is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Beautiful Cynthia. The last five lines say it all.

Losing our connection with nature makes us weak and tired and spiritually impoverished. If only they could speak they would nourish us in a myriad ways.

Time to go go bare feet in my garden and take it all the undiluted energy there.

Raj

Comment is about The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I like this lots Candi although I feel my understanding is only scratching the surface. I would be interested to learn more about oblivias, Ms Morales, the spectacles etc. All the best, Colin.

Comment is about Oblivia (blog)

Original item by Candi

I'm always appreciative of your comments Cynthia. Your inquiring mind is a delight to interact with.

That last line is simply a tribute to one of life's very special sons.

(Yes, I do remember your encounter with a particular sheikd many moons ago?)

Raj

Comment is about When you're in pain, thank heavens (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Thank you, Colin. I really appreciate your thoughts!

Comment is about The Constant Sometimes (blog)

Original item by Jake Vincent Belmont

Tom, great poem. I especially like the line "making a martyr of the garden".

Paul

Comment is about A Day Such As This (blog)

Original item by Tom Harding

all, thank you some exceptionally kind comments here.

Cynthia thank you for taking the time to review in such detail. The poems come out quick so often grammar suffers as I find revision the difficult bit. I take your comments particularly on the first repetition of the two 'ing' words and think the change to 'poured' is better.

thanks again all

Comment is about A Day Such As This (blog)

Original item by Tom Harding

I think your missing it my father is the man he is the reason and cause for the restless nights and fear of the dark

Comment is about The Man In The Dark.. (blog)

Original item by Alec Saputo

Thank you so much for your comments on my poems. It really inspires me to continue writing.
I find your work interesting and the themes touch me deeply.
Thanks again for taking your time to offer comments.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Keith-give your Nan a respectable BOO! from us ferreting-bath coal filling Labourians.

we love the poem and god love her!


P&S xx

Comment is about Election Time again (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

A plant does not begrudge our plucking fingers.

It’s we who must respect the tongueless gift

I loved this Cynthia. Economy of word and image to reflect economy of shape and colour. I like blue flowers:cornflowers, forget-me-not, grape hyacinth, delphiniums. John

Comment is about The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

LCPTB - welcome to the debate. ?

Comment is about The Remoaners (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

These lines brought back my own memory of the worst
nightmare I've experienced. I was a ten or eleven and
was in my room with the head of bed nearest the door.
My nightmare was the presence of a black hooded faceless
figure about to enter the room from the landing beyond.
The very real desperate fear of knowing what was there
forced me awake and I took ages to settle down again
and fall asleep. Whatever sprung from my mind that night was the manifestation of evil. The cause is still unknown
and it was the only time I suffered such a truly
terrifying nightmare.
No "dad" to appear and console me that night!

Comment is about The Man In The Dark.. (blog)

Original item by Alec Saputo

DB - the point, insofar as it applies to the EU, is that
are those of a political persuasion who consistently and
persistently challenge the status quo under the guise of
"caring" and if one avenue doesn't yield dividends, then
they dig another. It is not about "parroting" anything from my POV but (too borrow from your NB) MY concern
about the dubious priorities that seem to exist in the
minds of the "remoaners" which make EU membership &
obeisance to the will and whims of twenty seven other
lands (with their own aims and ambitions) as somehow preferable to proper self-regulation of our ancient laws,
rights and customs, not to mention our borders. The UK
is one third the size of France yet now supports a comparable population, increased by the dogma of
borderless socialism eagerly embraced during the recent Blair/Blunkett years....
utterly unsustainable from any point of view in any small
country that values and seeks to preserve its hard won freedom and national identity.
And war has not been prevented by the existence of the
EU (go East!) - it is NATO who have the onerous task
of stepping in to keep the peace, and thank heavens
for that.
Future trade will arrive if we show determination and
application - from the rest of a waiting world looking to
benefit from our famous creativity backed by a historical
world-wide trading record.
Adaptability is always the secret of success and I remain
a perennial optimist!
Cheers
MC

Comment is about The Remoaners (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

I love this Kim ? I was intrigued as soon as I read that you were an astronomy lover too. Great last line. Pow.

Comment is about Solar thoughts or To our mistress, the sun (blog)

Original item by Kim Whysall-Hammond

The last line gets to me, how exactly do you mean it? I really like the style of this poem, it's captivating in a sense of wonder and odd uniformity (but also different).

Love the assonance (is that what it's called?), and I really think highly of the consistency in your writing.

What was the purpose of the poem though? If I had to guess it was to demonstrate the beauty of emotional nackedness and the shame of it? Maybe that's just the meaning I drew.

Comment is about Girl in a Lake (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Of course, I respect your feelings and intent with this poem. Of course, I do.

But I still have a question. I am intrigued with your final line. It's a very enigmatic conclusion, bursting with diverse interpretations. Purely coincidental because it is a fact? Or pushing deep ideas?

I was reminded of the famous 'blue-eyed sheik'.

Comment is about When you're in pain, thank heavens (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Thanks for sharing, Andy. Very eloquently put. I'm hoping the writing itself has played a major part in your personal 'adjustment'.

Cynthia

Comment is about From 1996 to 2017 (An emotional history off tragedies in Manchester looking at things from the outside) (blog)

Original item by Andy N

Tom,this is a great poem, very evocative, fabulous ending.

May I make a suggestion to a master of words? Your first three lines have two prime words which end in 'ing', always an iffy problem. Since 'poured' and 'rained' convey exactly the same idea, would you consider:

'All day long
the sky poured down
making a martyr of the garden' etc.

which would get the poem started with a slightly smoother flow. Also, it's always the pits using a singular or plural possessive with a pronoun
like 'someone'. TBH, I'd use 'people were' which doesn't take anything away from the poem, except dicey grammar.

Always with respect.

Comment is about A Day Such As This (blog)

Original item by Tom Harding

Welcome from me, too. You have great flair which is only possible with ideas worth sharing. And many of them. 'tittle tattling' is an art in itself, widely practised through all cultures and all ages.

Comment is about John Andrew Nield (poet profile)

Original item by John Andrew Nield

Ikenobo and Ikebana can be confused; I think the former is particular, and the latter general, but both dealing with arranging leaves/flowers/branches in Japanese vases.

Non-Japanese cultures now tend to use many types of containers, but still follow some basic 'rules' which I find excellent to best enjoy 'picked flowers'.

If I've posted this before I'm sorry. I can't remember, and I'm too pushed for time to backtrack. It came to mind again when I saw that the BBC is going to highlight Japan this month.

Comment is about The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thank you Col. Your encouragement right through my journey here at WOL has been valuable.

If only I could do that trip in the hot air balloon just to take my mind off things at the moment!!?

Have a good weekend matey.
Raj

Comment is about When you're in pain, thank heavens (blog)

Original item by Chakraj