Well-observed RBK.
we say we walk freely,
but the road has already been carved.
Comment is about they thread between us (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Thanks, Martin for that sighing sussuration, very poetic!
I have to say, I just can't stand the smell of weed, makes me want to throw up-that and bitter that's off.
Comment is about Fragment From An Oddly Remembered Dream #10: At The Barricades (blog)
Original item by Martin Peacock
Thanks Y’all for your comments and likes.
Nigel Astell
hugh
Stephen Gospage
Aisha Suleman
Holden Moncrieff
Auracle
Yanma Hidayah
Kenny West
I know my humble scribblings aren’t up to the standards of a potential Poet Laureate, a Shakespeare or a Wordsworth, for that, I offer grovelling apologies.
The term “Rant” is all too frequently used as a put down, to belittle the opinions and work of the author. Definition of a rant? well, my poem isn’t “uncontrolled” and doesn’t say “confused or silly” things. Yes, I’m writing in a “shouty” and “angry way” - and my poem isn’t a debate about whether the BBC is “right or left wing”.
It’s about what are now undisputable facts – the suppression of which requires the harrassment, murder and imprisonment of journalists, poets and peaceful protestors.
It’s about the decades long, systematic genocide and ethnic cleansing of innocent civilians, literally on an industrial scale, known in some circles as “Mowing the Lawn”.
All that, with the help of UK armed forces, (the USA, using Irish airspace), the complicity of UK political leaders and a corrupt propaganda machine paid for by UK citizens’ “tax- pounds”. If that doesn’t warrant anger, then what does?
Fortunately, I do have access to adequate suppllies of loo roll and so don’t have to rely on likes of the Daily Heil or the Torygraph - not very kind to my nether regions – and for some years now, I’ve been unable to rely on Auntie.
Remember Auschwitz? Amnesia’s easier.
Comment is about Propaganda (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
As am I, Graham. Thank you so much for being so supportive of my work. It’s a wonderful thing to be acknowledged by your contemporaries. I appreciate you very much. 🙏🏻
Comment is about Real. (blog)
Original item by Clare
As you maybe aware from my poetry I am a big advocate for short lines.
This is very effective Claire.
Comment is about Real. (blog)
Original item by Clare
Oi! Did you steal my line!😂😂😂
I loved your poem. 🤗
Comment is about Butterflies Alight (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thank you to all of you who've read, liked or commented upon this ''ere pome-a-penny-each. Perhaps the birds have known/Since the beginning of time. P'raps.
Comment is about Butterflies Alight (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Higher Clare, please. Father Ted explaining perspective to Father Dougal McGuire.
The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Comment is about 10,000 Hours. (blog)
Original item by Clare
Your words deeply resonate with the sentiment I aimed to convey in the poem and your understanding Rolph is beautifully articulated.
Thank you
Comment is about SOUL OF MY SOUL (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Thanks for all your likes
Uilleam
Red Brick Keshner
Hugh
Ruth
Holden
Stephen G
and
Aisha.
Comment is about To Please or Not to Please (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
Thank you very much for reading, and the lovely comments.
Comment is about The 'Perfect Son' (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Very perceptive and disturbing, Rolph. The idea of peace being 'locked behind a plastic smile' is rendolent of much that is going on at the moment.
Comment is about Vine* And Punishment (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
This is really beautiful, Aisha.
Comment is about To My Wonderful Son On Your Birthday (blog)
Original item by Aisha Suleman
I’m happy that the BBC is considered right-wing by the Left and left-wing by the Rught.
Comment is about Propaganda (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
I enjoyed this poetic rant, Uilleam, although my instinct is to be more nuanced. Out of fashion at the moment, but what can you do?
Comment is about Propaganda (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Thanks Rolph.
Then let's not be silent:
those of us who can, get out there and give 'em "what for", as they say in these parts!😡👍
Comment is about Vine* And Punishment (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
One of the reasons that I was in favour of keeping the TV licence, was that I thought it would ensure the accountability of the powers that be.
Couldn't have been more wrong: a whole Corporation bought and paid for.
We, the public are paying for evil-doing.
Comment is about Propaganda (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
I love the sweep and ambition of this, Clare.
Comment is about 10,000 Hours. (blog)
Original item by Clare
One of your best, John. Great poem.
Comment is about Butterflies Alight (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thanks for the likes:
Hugh and Kenny West.
Comment is about Propaganda (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
A very powerful poem, Olivia. Thank you.
Comment is about I hope it rains in hell (blog)
Original item by Olivia Remsangpuii
Flying is what one's imagination is for....you're fine!
Comment is about 10,000 Hours. (blog)
Original item by Clare
Thank you both for the response. I have posted this poem before, but it seemed timely yesterday. I was three years old in 1945. Some memories just stay with you.
We lived in Southport, so the bombers circled round from Liverpool docks. On VE day the tradition of lighting the trees up on Lord Street was celebrated. It was as famous as the Blackpool Lights before the war.
Comment is about In the End (blog)
Original item by Freda Davis
Thank you both for the response. I have posted this poem before, but it seemed timely yesterday. I was three years old in 1945. Some memories just stay with you.
We lived in Southport, so the bombers circled round from Liverpool docks. On VE day the tradition of lighting the trees up on Lord Street was celebrated. It was as famous as the Blackpool Lights before the war.
Comment is about In the End (blog)
Original item by Freda Davis
RBK,
I have read this many times. I believe you can never go wrong by speaking the truth from your heart. What you have done here gives added dimension to the strength and impact of this poem.
Marla
Comment is about scaling ivory veils (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
This is stunning! I haven’t seen your work for a while and this poem reminds me of why I fell in love with your work. So glad to have come across this. Beautiful!🫂
Comment is about Butterflies Alight (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thanks Rachel.
You don't ask for permission because you don't need it.
Comment is about "Silent Revolutions" (blog)
Original item by rachel brown
I can't begin to comprehend what your experience must have been like Freda, but you paint a vivid picture.
I particularly like your line:
In case the careless light was spilling out.
Put that light out!😉
Comment is about In the End (blog)
Original item by Freda Davis
RTÉ stands for Raidió Teilifís Éirean, Radio and Television of Ireland.
Auntie and BEEB are affectionate names for the BBC, British Broadcasting Corporation.
The title "Propaganda", and the phrase “ideology of fear” came from an article I was reading about Noam Chomsky’s views on propaganda.
Comment is about Propaganda (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Thanks John.
Lovely words and lovely song.
Comment is about Butterflies Alight (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Mon 5th May 2025 17:56
Hello Mike,
In your words, you reveal such honesty and vulnerability, and it is through sharing these thoughts with the world that you have already proven yourself to be a good son. It is clear that your heart was full of love and care, and that you lived with integrity and kindness—those are the things that truly matter. You need not worry whether your late father is proud of you, because it’s evident that you’ve done more than just chase achievements and medals. You've lived your life in a way that speaks to who you are as a person, and I’m certain your father would consider that more than enough.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The 'Perfect Son' (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Mon 5th May 2025 17:40
Hello Hugh,
Your poem Alcohol hits hard with its stark reality. The way you outline the destructive nature of alcohol, from mental to physical harm, brings attention to an issue that is too often brushed aside. You capture the complexity of how something so embedded in culture can be so dangerous, and the urgency in your words is striking. It’s a wake-up call to reconsider the true cost of what we often see as harmless.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Alcohol (blog)
Original item by hugh
@Freda, you made me feel like I was traveling through time and space. I felt as if I were right there with you, walking through memories that are both tender and haunting. Your poem is so evocative, full of vivid little details and such a strong atmosphere. Thank you for sharing such a captivating piece. I truly enjoyed it.
Comment is about In the End (blog)
Original item by Freda Davis
Dear Rolph,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. I completely agree with your phrase, “spiritual alignment that makes love worth the risk of pain.” I've heard stories that in marriage, the feeling of being in love might only last for four or five years. After that, many couples stay together—often for the sake of their children and the possibility of one partner falling in love with someone else can be quite real.
Personally and I believe many people feel the same, we often hope that marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime commitment. To preserve that, I believe we need to anchor it in a higher purpose. Sharing the same desire to be in the same heaven is the kind of ultimate goal that can transcend emotional ups and downs, temptations, and the wounds we may encounter along the way.
By viewing love as a spiritual journey rather than just a temporary emotion, we create space for loyalty, mutual growth, and the hope of an eternal reunion in the life beyond. From that perspective, love is not only about being happy in this world, but about completing the soul together.
Thank you once again, Rolph.
Warm regards,
Yanma
Comment is about When I Choose You (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Mon 5th May 2025 17:01
Dear Olivia,
Your poem "I hope it rains in hell" is deeply moving—raw, compassionate, and unflinchingly honest. The way you hold space for both hurt and humanity is powerful. It’s rare to read something that speaks so directly to grief, love, and the ache of seeing someone’s potential lost to their own ruin. The closing lines stayed with me—how rain becomes not forgiveness, but memory. That’s a truth that resonates.
Thank you for writing something so brave and tender.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about I hope it rains in hell (blog)
Original item by Olivia Remsangpuii
Mon 5th May 2025 14:48
Dear Yanma,
The journey from doubt and fear to the brave act of choosing love—thorns and all—is so poignantly expressed. I was especially moved by the line about sharing the same heaven; it captures the deep, spiritual alignment that makes love worth the risk of pain. This piece speaks to the courage it takes to love fully, even when we know it might hurt.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about When I Choose You (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Thanks for your likes:
hugh
Holden Moncrieff
Yanma Hidayah
It would appear that the Conservative Party leader harbours a grudge against Kneecap, because they won their case against her efforts when she was a minister, to withdraw an arts grant of £14,250 from them, who have since donated the money to good community causes on both side of the politico / religious divide.
Seems like the snowflakes are melting because of a few hurty words: meanwhile two million 2,000,000 Palestinians are being deliberately starved in a genocide and ethnic cleansing. Why isn’t the Tory Party calling out Labour on this?
Please remind us again, Dear Leader,
1. which Tory donor was it who said that a black female MP “made him want to hate all black women” and that “she should be shot”?
2. which Energy Minister was it who warned against “cancelling anyone who ever said anything”?
Bitter and twisted, or what?
Comment is about MO SHEACHT MBEANNACHT ORT, KNEECAP ! SAOIRSE CAINTE ! (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Mon 5th May 2025 11:50
Dear Marla Joy,
The tension between relying on tomorrow and the fear that it might not always be there is something so relatable. The way you describe that "odd place" where hopes and dreams live, constantly shifting yet always present, resonates deeply. It’s a simple yet profound reflection on the nature of expectation and the fragility of the future.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about A Very Odd Place (blog)
Original item by Marla Joy
Mon 5th May 2025 11:24
Hello Red,
"Scaling Ivory Veils" is indeed a hauntingly evocative poem. The tension between truth and concealment, the quiet desperation in the search for meaning, and the visceral imagery of wounds that both scar and illuminate are deeply compelling. The way you capture the fragility of time, the weight of unspoken truths, and the tension of holding onto ideals while struggling with their reality is powerfully felt. The ivory form of lies piercing through, despite our best efforts to hide from them, leaves a lasting impression.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about scaling ivory veils (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Mon 5th May 2025 10:54
Dear Naomi,
Your poem "Soul of My Soul" is again beautifully profound. The imagery of two streams combining and becoming one is both powerful and moving, expressing a deep sense of unity and connection. The idea of being defined through another, as an echo and a shared breath, speaks to the sacredness of love and the profound bond between souls. It’s a poignant reflection on the intertwining of identities and the wholeness that comes with love.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about SOUL OF MY SOUL (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Mon 5th May 2025 09:32
Thank you Hugh and Red for your kind appreciation!
Have a nice day,
Rolph
Comment is about Vine* And Punishment (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Mon 5th May 2025 09:31
Thank you, John — your sharp honesty is always appreciated. It’s important we continue to call out tastelessness when it masks deeper disrespect. I’m grateful you took the time to reflect on the piece.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Papal Masquerade (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Mon 5th May 2025 09:30
Thank you, Uilleam, for your thoughtful and candid reflections. You’ve captured the deeper tragedy — not just in the actions of one man, but in the silence of those who should know better. When reverence is cast aside in the pursuit of power or wealth, the damage ripples far beyond politics. I'm grateful, as always, for your clarity and your voice.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Papal Masquerade (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Mon 5th May 2025 09:27
Thank you, Uilleam, for your thoughtful and powerful response. Your words cut to the heart of a painful truth — that tyranny is not only a relic of history but a present threat sustained by silence and complicity. I deeply appreciate your willingness to speak plainly and stand firmly in conscience.
Regards,
Rolph
And thank you to Naomi, Stephen, Uilleam, Hugh and Red who took a moment to read, reflect on, or like the poem. Your quiet support matters more than you might think. In times where darkness can feel overwhelming, even a silent nod of recognition is a spark — and sparks, when gathered, can become light.
Take care,
cheerio,
Rolph
Comment is about When Tyrants Fall (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Mon 5th May 2025 09:12
Hello Red,
As a loyal reader of my poetry: thanks again for your "Like".
Comment is about Unparalleled Chaos In A Hundred Days (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thanks, Uilleam. Yes, I had a cap gun as a boy but for me it was fantasy, comic book stuff. Not the same for many kids, sadly, as you say.
It was one of those poems which comes and you're not entirely sure what it means. Who is the gunfighter? Jack Palance, Anthony Quinn, Clint Eastwood?
Or....no, it couldn't be HIM, could it?
And thanks to all who liked this poem.
Comment is about Dogsbody (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Wed 7th May 2025 07:52
Thanks, Rolph.
To hope we must dare,
all they have's despair.
Comment is about Uncharted Light (blog)
Original item by Rolph David