love that opening verse Paul and the Hillman Imp! I wonder have any survived or did they all just crumble into rusty piles of dust? I'm in catch up mode this morning so have only just come to read this one. Hope the packing is going well and you have more than a Hillman Imp to travel back in. Cheers, Col

Comment is about Inevitabilities (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

good poem, and just like poetry, it's not for everyone.

Comment is about uneven (blog)

Original item by medamorfisis

these great mega-dams bring environmental and population problems both up and down stream not just for the country in which they are constructed. But it seems from reading about it on Wikipedia that this might be an exception and that the benefits will outweigh any short term negatives. I hope so. It's great to read poetry from different parts of the world. Often the way it is written, the language used, is so different from ours in the UK. Thanks for posting Alem.

Comment is about Distilling from the past making tomorrow bright (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

Excellent celebration, John. My own favourite is Earl Grey, black, no sugar. But I never thought of liquorice as a flavour. I did a short-term contract at Tetley's where I made myself unpopular by bringing in my own tea bags, Earl Grey, of course - Twining's

Comment is about Camellia (blog)

Original item by John Garbutt

love the title in relation to the content of the poem. I'm tempted to cut your longer lines up and make them more uniform in length - the pie doesn't sound too appetising but I like the unusual analogy. Look forward to reading some more from you medamorfisis - great name btw.
Colin

Comment is about uneven (blog)

Original item by medamorfisis

Neil, this poem's heart is in the final line; i reckon you could condense it a bit, and sharpen the effect.

Comment is about The Stream (blog)

Original item by Neil Robertson

Beautiful and succint.
Addictions can take on many forms.

Well done Nicola. xx

Comment is about Smoulderings (blog)

Original item by Nicola Byrnes

roundabouts have too many flowers..
That's such a brilliant line it's disgusting!

Fab poem.

Comment is about ON THE OTHER SIDE OF READING (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Amen, Stu.

Suki

Comment is about the only answer we will ever need (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

As a fan, I noted your reference to Steeleye Dan. Not too long ago, with Ken's permission, I happened to record his performance at a Poetry and music night here in Perth.
Enjoy.

140512 MondaySupperClub - Ken Nicol : 'Stratford':
https://youtu.be/ZO3tvd7HLWs

140512 MondaySupperClub Ken Nicol - "Initial Variations":
https://youtu.be/k6b3THztBwk

Comment is about a glimpse through the side door of paradise (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I'll tell you the truth, Juan, the "sideview" comes from the print on the sideview mirror of us automobiles which states, "objects in mirror are closer than they appear".

Yet, the inspiration comes from the recognition of dark spots upon one's past that recur, inexplicably, throughout one's daily life.

elP

Comment is about sideview (blog)

Original item by nunya

I must admit that this piece is very lovely but it still went over my head...what I mean is that I am trying to create a sideview using my mind's eye and I just can't.

Comment is about sideview (blog)

Original item by nunya

The analogy of being, with that of a flower, is so entirely apt to me. We are such moody creatures and could not deny that our faith (in whatever form it exists) waxes and wanes in cycles. It seems all doomed to death and cyclical resurrection.

elP

Comment is about the only answer we will ever need (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

I have a sister who's a nurse, and to hear her tell it, there's nothing all that romantic. But, I must admit, my ears perked up a bit when the chocolate lab began to pay attention.

elP

Comment is about Inevitabilities (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Stu, you always encourage the urge to write and for that I
thank you. For me to get a like with my skewed style always gives me great pleasure.

Paul, i'm really glad to hit the G spot, thanks a lot. Welcome to this mad club.

David, you make an astute point - I was aware of the dichotomy but you can't get one on the NHS.

Cheers all. Ray

Comment is about ON THE OTHER SIDE OF READING (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Juan we are not always meant to understand the outcome, I'm so glad you compared my poem to Narnia Xx in light ?

Comment is about Winds of Change. (blog)

Original item by Nicola Byrnes

Thank you x I am really glad it tells the story I wanted it to x

Comment is about An Old Note Hidden (blog)

Original item by Samantha Howard

Thank you Frances, I'm pleased you liked this.

And David, thank you so much for your comments, and for the truly kind and generous compliment you have paid me. I also enjoyed the bastard remark, btw! Thank you again, kind sir.

Paul

Comment is about Inevitabilities (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Yes.
?Also very sweet and romantic.

Comment is about Inevitabilities (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Thank you for the feedback!

Comment is about A Black Empress's Legacy (Taytu Betul ) (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

Thank you Andy for your kind comment, much appreciated. I hope all is well with you.

Paul

Comment is about Inevitabilities (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

The historical alliance between Scotland and France vies
with the other between Scottish nobility and the Crown,
and even as late as WW2, the activity of Scottish Nationalists seeking a deal with Nazi Germany via the
latter's consul in neutral Dublin, indicates that the
situation is still far from resolved...up to and including
the present mixed messages involving the European Union
with its Franco-German leadership alliance and the wish
via a popular vote to remain a part of the UK. It is
stimulating to wonder how this will feature in the contributions to this particular festival.

Comment is about Hitting the heights: 60 poets lined up for five-day Stanza festival at St Andrews (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

This was encouraged by a remark from one of the TV
weathermen about how the 1st March was their first day
of Spring because they liked things in neat "threes".
Elsewhere, lines from the old David O. Selznick movie
sign came to mind: "Do not squander time, it is the stuff
that life is made of." I think that we can have different
appreciations of the seasons and often be happy to see
the back of one to welcome the next - something perhaps
to do with the idea that it is possible to have too much of
a good (let alone a bad) thing!

Comment is about SPRING TO ATTENTION! (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Perhaps those wishing to become performance poets should join Equity so that their rights were protected correctly. There seems little difference to me in an actor's recitations and a performance poets work. Worth considering?

Comment is about 'It's depressing': Luke Wright's 'old-fashioned rant' about spoken word on TV ads (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Lovely Paul, absolutely lovely.

Comment is about Inevitabilities (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Hey you can't ask for a better pick me up. Another espresso please -- a double shot!

I'm glad you like it Nicola. XX

Comment is about Don't call me (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Cheers.

We tend to forget about little things like saying sorry or showing gratitude. They mean a lot as you well know.

Raj

Comment is about Building bridges, healing hearts (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Thanks Ray and Stu, I loved reading your interesting comments. Much appreciated.

Paul

Comment is about Not Quite 8½ (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Quite so, Laura. But I would go even further.
As worldwide fans know I specialise in cerebral poetry of a worthy type which addresses complex issues of the human condition. If anyone, however, would like to slip me a bob or two to write something a little less thoughtful I would reluctantly accept. Please form an orderly queue.

Comment is about 'It's depressing': Luke Wright's 'old-fashioned rant' about spoken word on TV ads (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Stu, how wonderfully well the range of your writing takes us from deadly dark and mysterious to delicate and beautiful, which this poem is. You old romantic you ?

Paul

Comment is about the only answer we will ever need (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Your warm human heart always shines out of your writing Raj.

Paul

Comment is about Building bridges, healing hearts (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Great stuff Ray, brilliantly creative and wry.

Paul

Comment is about ON THE OTHER SIDE OF READING (blog)

Original item by ray pool

this is fantastic alex, just my cup of subversive poetry tea. have you missed a word off the end of line 4?

brilliant stuff, to write like a child thinks is no mean feat.

edit - perhaps you havent missed a word now i read it again. my apologies.

Comment is about Jessie (blog)

Original item by Alex Smith

What we think makes us ashamed, Stu; what we feel makes us laugh.

Comment is about INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S WEEK (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I got a very real sense of openness and the beauty of past, future - and present - when I read your poem, Christine. Keep scribbling! - Dorinda

Comment is about Christine Turner (poet profile)

Original item by Christine Turner

Thank you Stu. I'm glad you like it.

Comment is about Building bridges, healing hearts (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Thank you one and all for all of your comments.
This is based on a street that I regularly walk down once a week being a locality in a much bigger borough where I see the same patterns of existence and as you say Paul it has become a familiar pattern throughout many parts of the U.K.
As you say Colin there are certain small towns and villages where the more well to do people have been able to keep alive a number of different local business's In Ditchling I believe they formed a co-operative in order to keep the local grocers open.

David I am glad that you picked up where the piece was going, strangely when I started it that was not my intention but that's the way it ended up. It is the dichotomy between the old and familiar and the garish and modern, not that have anything against the modern. What struck me the most about this particular street in a low income area was that it was alive, not just the shops, the cafes (one or two of which are community cafes) but the people out on the street, going in and out of the shops including the old lady who looked somewhat confused every week when she had her hair done.
I agree with you about the mistaken pride.

Thanks Stu and Raj for your comments, I think that which captured me most was the fact this is a living breathing place, full of colour and texture.
Stu I totally agree with you about those videos, I can feel like those people walking down that street sometimes. 'Unfinished symphony' has got to be one of my favourites.
Thanks again guys, I am honoured by your comments

Martin

Comment is about High street (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

oh john. so much hope and brightness laid bare in that last assault!

(i laughed several times but still, we should all be ashamed)

Comment is about INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S WEEK (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

one of my favourite fellini's, pushed back only by the obvious (but still immensely wonderful) la dolce vita. you do his vision justice, an excellent piece and there are real touches of his warmth and humour throughout. bravo sir.

Comment is about Not Quite 8½ (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

pretty staggering stuff really harry. beautiful flow throughout, i read it all then read it again and i (almost always) dislike rhymed verse. but you capture so much light and vision in the words, something you should be extremely proud of. a beautiful piece.

Comment is about Carol (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

perfect freda. 2 lines, a huge painting in my head. what more could one ask for.

Comment is about untitled (blog)

Original item by Freda Davis

yes, very excellent. you conjure up first a raging sea, then an exotic taste and cap it off with a soupcon of history. i can taste the tobacco.

Comment is about Cigarettes and Rum (blog)

Original item by Neil Robertson

lovely stuff ray, especially the cow line which is extremely clever and reinforces the sadness which is so subtly placed throughout the dry humour and witty writing. always a pleasure to read one of your poems.

Comment is about ON THE OTHER SIDE OF READING (blog)

Original item by ray pool

very lovely, quietly hopeful and spiritual, well written and deeply human. lovely piece.

Comment is about Building bridges, healing hearts (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Let's look at the facts. Nationwide is a mutual building society. It's not a bank, an arms dealer, Exxon/Shell, right-wing, 'ist' of any kind, is not exploitative, has no shareholders, and is paying poets - not to get up there and go 'wow isn't Nationwide BRILLIANT?', but to write their own words based on an idea. They're commissioning poetry. None of us start out with the aim of making money. That's not why we wrote our first poem, and it isn't why we continue to write. In the last couple of weeks I've been asked to write a poem for a wedding, and one for a political organisation. I'm happy to do both, and I write all kinds of different stuff, not just subversive/political. I LOVE writing. But I now also do a certain amount of gigs that mean if I didn't get paid, I would end up paying to perform. Is that right? No. Of course not. Obviously, benefit gigs are different, and you take the paying ones when you can.

I am delighted that poetry is to the forefront here. National telly exposure for poets and poetry? That's worth celebrating imo. We are usually viewed as the scum of the art world, 'anyone can do what we do', what do you want money for? But then folk will happily pay bands or singers to perform.

I know some of the poets who have done the ads, and they are people of integrity. I know for sure that if the commission came from an unsound source, they simply wouldn't do it. Seems there is no credit being given here for people's choices or intelligence.

Comment is about 'It's depressing': Luke Wright's 'old-fashioned rant' about spoken word on TV ads (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you for your kind comments. Im sorry it took me so long to respond. Have a blessed day!

Comment is about Juan Pablo Lynch (poet profile)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

Neil, I like the analogous aspect of this. I think you need a 'y' on the end of the first 'the' in the fifth line though.

Comment is about Cigarettes and Rum (blog)

Original item by Neil Robertson

thank you for your feedback Ray and Cynthia - much appreciated. Karen

Comment is about 'Echo and Narcissus' by Karen Izod is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I couldn't help but see the (PG) tips of those teabags as shark fins bobbing in a golden liquid of soup - a slightly ghastly re-write of your delightful two line poem perhaps best suited to a haiku. All the best,
Colin.

Comment is about untitled (blog)

Original item by Freda Davis

Morning coffee filled with remorse, u know coffee, I'm not giving that Up! Xx

Comment is about Don't call me (blog)

Original item by Chakraj