Good to meet you at the magma 69 launch and how interesting that we were both at this and the amazing night at the Sage
Marilyn Longstaff

Comment is about Land of Three Rivers anthology launch, Gateshead, 2017 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Superb. Keith

Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Martin, what magnificent use of the English Language. Descriptions beyond comparison. I was transported directly to where it was happening. Well done and thank you. Keith

Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Tommy, I enjoyed this as it has a lot to say. From a child I have always had a fascination for lifts and the accompanying voice which says Going up or Going down. Seldom are there places where such intimacy is permissable amongst strangers. Well done and thank you. Keith

Comment is about Excuse my hand (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Miranda, this is so very well composed and a poem which I believe will resonate with many who read it. Thank you. Keith

Comment is about I Know Who I Am (blog)

Original item by Miranda Fegan

I quite like this poem, Dave, although I groaned when I first saw the word 'Bees' in the title. I see the poem as making the point that bees are better at working together, co-operating - as ants are, too. Would bees have voted for Brexit? Ah, forget I said that.

Comment is about 'Bees had radar in their wings and brains that humans could barely understand' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks, Trev. I confess to feeling a bit hypocritical about it.
It is unquestionably wrong but why?
Like millions of others I have put my savings in PEPS, TESSAs, and ISAs; I received redundancy and pension lump sums free of tax; I gift aid donations to charity etc. So the only difference as far as I can see is degree.

Comment is about TAX EVASION (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi Martin,

Your poem, especially the end, reminded me of this song from way back when I was still at school.

Lovely descriptive imagery in your poem too. Nice one!

Suki

https://youtu.be/UjUkjpJa6bY

Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Sadly, it's all so true. And what's worse, we know about it but still it goes on. Great write.

Comment is about TAX EVASION (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Wow! This is beautiful

Comment is about Relationship karma (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

The title is 'Bees Were Better'. Hard to disagree given our limited flying and home seeking capabilities, and inability to make honey. I don't think a poem like this takes us very far although I'm the first to agree that I don't always see the light. Someone explain what the first eight lines have to do with the next fifteen lines of diary entry. People are bad at some things (relationships?), bees are good at some things(flying?).

Comment is about 'Bees had radar in their wings and brains that humans could barely understand' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks, Beno.

Comment is about TAX EVASION (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Awesome! LOL.

Comment is about TAX EVASION (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Kevin,

Yes I fully agree hence ‘we’ve all got things wrong’ reference. However some of the latest things being suggested like banning winking I think takes too much away from just being human. Cheers.

Comment is about Political Correctness (blog)

Original item by Rick Varden

Thank you! Namaste and hugs x
Parul

Comment is about David T Jones (poet profile)

Original item by David T Jones

I love the flow and the rhythm of this poem, like Keith I'm going to have to keep pondering on your words to get the depth in them

Comment is about salvation (blog)

Original item by DESMOND CHILDS

Desmond, these words, for me, encapsulate so much bordering on the anguish of the human soul and deliverance. I shall ponder on this poem for some time to come. Thank you. Keith

Comment is about salvation (blog)

Original item by DESMOND CHILDS

Great poem. Really well described Connor.

Comment is about Beyond the Plastic Pole. (blog)

Original item by Connor Lannes

I can totally relate to much in this poem.
Made me so happy as I read.
Beautiful.

Comment is about southdown road (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

I read this last night and again this morning and enjoyed all the sounds, smells and noises evoked in your powerfully descriptive lines. I work quite regularly with wood - coppicing, felling, chopping, splitting - as well as reconditioning the tools themselves - axes, billhooks, mauls, shaves, loppers etc - so my senses tuned into this poem quite quickly. For the most part it is a timeless piece of writing but the final twist adds an unexpected dimension. All good for me Martin. All the best, Col.

Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Another fabulous poem Martin! Reminds me of happy times when I was younger, walking through local fields and woods, my weapon of choice being a bulrush which I imagined to be a mighty spear.
I've read this through a few times. A lovely read mate.

Comment is about Tramping (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Hi Martin
I really enjoyed reading this poem. Very atmospheric and vividly described.

Comment is about The bells they ring (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Hi Martin
This poem is really well described, and I felt quite sad seeing the images that came to mind as I read it.
The tree seemed human, especially when you describe it submitting to 'blow after blow' and you refer to the tree as ' this father of the wood'.
Really well written though. Graphic and unsettling.
Thanks for recent comments too.

Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Thank you Keith. I was trying to create some kind of subtext involving the narrator and their lover, but I'm not sure it actually succeeds. I was toying with changing the last line to "While you were sleeping". I'll probably change it and change it back 15 times and still not be satisfied ?

Comment is about A Storm Was Raging (blog)

Original item by Eric Maynard

Congratulations of winning PotW Ralph. Hope you aren't too disappointed with the new London Stadium..

Cheers,

Suki

Comment is about 'Leaving Upton Park' by Ralph Dartford is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Robert & Martin, thank you both for your kind comments. Keith

Comment is about Enveloped in Darkness (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

I liked this one Fred, because it was nice and snappy, and rolled of the tongue.
But I'd hate to go back to the days before PC. Here in Doncaster we once had a mayor who promised to stamp out political correctness. When he got in he was vile and bigoted in every way you could imagine. Even cancelling the gay pride parade. He got away with it till he chopped down trees on the racecourse
No i know people think political correctness has gone mad, but it would be a horrible place without it.
Cheers Kevin

Comment is about Political Correctness (blog)

Original item by Rick Varden

The passion of sport - brilliant.

Congrats for being POTW.

Comment is about 'Leaving Upton Park' by Ralph Dartford is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

You bring to life in this poem the tragedy and violence against a living entity, a tree.
I always feel sad when I hear the electric saws against trees.
You reveal here so graphically the assault on nature by humans.

Hannah

Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

As always I love it Tommy succinct and to the point, conveying so much.

Comment is about Nowhere to go (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Keith - I sensed the military background in this piece (before I confirmed it on your profile). The need for solitude, away from the madness, sought as release from the 'white noise' and man-made hum and buzz, speaks of having seen and heard too much. Plus, some of the terminology is as recognisable as a cap badge. I liked this piece a lot, and will echo Martin in saying that your work gets better and better.
Rob

Comment is about Enveloped in Darkness (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

It is amazing how many memories can be evoked just from one piece of furniture and all that it contains. Fantastic poem Jon

Comment is about The Dresser (blog)

Original item by Jon Darby

I truly felt this..nice work thank you for sharing.

Comment is about Home (20/11/2017) (blog)

Original item by Miranda Fegan

Martin - 'I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK'. I liked this piece, but the lack of punctuation did make it difficult to read the first couple of times. I try not to be a pedant, but I feel that for the sake of a couple of commas and full stops, both the impact and flow would benefit. You know I'm a fan, so I hope you don't mind me saying.
Rob

Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Amen to that Nigel.
Nice to see you haven't lost your edge Linda
As Nigel says we are missing you.

Comment is about Zimbabwe, November 2017 (blog)

Original item by Linda Cosgriff

I am totally with you with this Keith, wonderfully put. It is such a pleasure to watch your poetry go from strength to strength
Nice one

Comment is about Enveloped in Darkness (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Jon and Ryan, thank you both for your comments. As always they are much appreciated and valued. Keith

Comment is about Destiny (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Perfect. That was "gold". Well done mate

Comment is about Destiny (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Hi Keith,
Really well worded poem this. A sad but true ending conveys the pointlessness of treasure when the end is near. Nice one mate. Hope you're doing well. ?

Comment is about Destiny (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Thanks Keith, yes like the poem you wonder just where it’s going to end really.

Comment is about Political Correctness (blog)

Original item by Rick Varden

What do you mean "if only"? I retired over 4 years ago! ?

Thanks Colin.

Comment is about Another Day (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Alem, the best poems are borne out of personal experience because deep wthin us there is a treasure of stories yet to be told. Keep writing as I look forward to reading more of your work. Thank you. Keith

Comment is about Like a moth to a flame (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

Eric, thank you for this poem which I found relaxing and fresh. I particularly like your words ¨black baguettes crouched low to the horizon ¨. Beautifully descriptive with a charm of its own. Keith

Comment is about A Storm Was Raging (blog)

Original item by Eric Maynard

Wife has gone
under house arrest
stubborn evil dictator
has to go!

We are all missing you at Stockport W O L hope to see you soon x

Comment is about Zimbabwe, November 2017 (blog)

Original item by Linda Cosgriff

Fred, The challenge posed by being PC and upholding free speech is a topical issue which, in this poem, you have clearly brought to light. Thank you for this. Keith

Comment is about Political Correctness (blog)

Original item by Rick Varden

Can relate to this one Sidra. The questioning, the frustrations and emotions involved, in self acceptance are described really well. I can feel the struggle in the words.

Comment is about Am I the worst one You have yet made?! (blog)

Original item by Sidra Shahid

Hi Sidra
So much to love in Gradual Descent. The simplicity of youth melts away and here we are, adults but lacking the optimism and fun we once had. 'Life doesn't work this way, the colours always fade away'
Loved this !

Comment is about Gradual Descent in Life (blog)

Original item by Sidra Shahid

Great poem, really love your work Jon. ?

Comment is about The Dresser (blog)

Original item by Jon Darby

?. Lovely.

Comment is about HUGGED (blog)

Original item by Eunice Gulapa

Well said Linda.

Comment is about Zimbabwe, November 2017 (blog)

Original item by Linda Cosgriff