John
Mon 2nd Oct 2017 23:08
This is a lovely masterpiece!
?
Comment is about STOP AT NOTHING (blog)
Original item by MANISHA SAINI
Sorry, not used to commenting on WOL, but loved Sometimes. I can relate to that. In the last "verse" I might leave it as a 2 liner - skip the top two lines and leave the rest. But, if you are like me, you will ignore this anyway. It's my poem so eff-off anyone else! (me speaking here!). Loved it anyway. Well I did Sometimes... ?
Comment is about Andy Smyth (poet profile)
Original item by Andy Smyth
This one was written from my own personal experience... i left out other experiences of no electric, flea infestations... i could go on... hey ho... what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger or in this case... inspires you put pen to paper
Comment is about The Bedsit (blog)
Original item by Phils Words
I certainly agree with that M.C
.. i think the problem with this guy was that no matter what he tried it didnt work.. so he became disillusioned, its that thing of some peolple dont know any better and if at one time they did it was lossed... thanks for reading MC
Comment is about Is it any wonder (blog)
Original item by Phils Words
Great interview, Dave, and review, too. Thanks very much for this.
Comment is about 'The more painful and scary to write ... the more important it is to communicate' - Henry Normal (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I can see the connection between doing and enabling,
tho' I have a concern about HOW you can teach creative writing and what is being taught along the way...with
today's repeated restrictive references to "young"
poets and whatever experiences of life they have
acquired. My comments about faculties and positions
embrace the aspect of obtaining income, in addition to
which there are the welcome entries of Nationwide and
other business interests into the world of poetry. The
comments about getting out there and making contacts
are certainly worth commending - and the best of luck
to those who follow that sound advice. In a sense, it
is a form of self-publishing...and so the wheel turns.
You have to speculate to accumulate!
Comment is about Can you earn a living as a poet? Discussion offers advice on how to pay the rent (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Understood. But many have had bitter beginnings and
were determined (and successful) in rising beyond them.
So, whilst there is understanding, there is a sense of loss
for the individual concerned that this was not the case.
Comment is about Is it any wonder (blog)
Original item by Phils Words
Wonderful poem, and brings back fond memories of Glasgow. Including trying to translate between a local and an American visitor!
Comment is about Glesga (blog)
Original item by Helen
Many thanks Cynthia, praise indeed! It's all a balancing act I hope you agree.
Ray x
Comment is about CRYSTAL BALL (blog)
Original item by ray pool
The fact that I feel 'squirmy' after reading this poem must say volumes about its construction and intended effect. I'm glad it's here, because I missed it earlier. Congratulations.
Thank you for your 'poetic honesty' about 'linnets' and 'flinch' Yes! A craftsman works.
Comment is about 'CCTV' by Tony Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I so enjoy your comments on all WOL works. I'm sure you know that, but I'm saying it anyway. Cheers.
Comment is about Chakraj (poet profile)
Original item by Chakraj
Nice stanza, ever thought of lyric writing as I think this would fit well to music?
Comment is about i know! (blog)
Original item by Adriana
A splendid gig it was too. Great venue. Really have to thank Henry, Danny Middleton, Paul Neads and Flapjack Press for the organisation and cake.
Comment is about 'The more painful and scary to write ... the more important it is to communicate' - Henry Normal (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Wow. I was lost in that familiar picture, reminiscing. Then boom. Very powerful, Cynthia.
Comment is about Playing With Baby (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
my current favourite poet and a stunning collection. the best book of poetry i have read this year. awesome to see it reviewed here and this is an excellent review, you have picked up on his positives and negatives really well. thanks.
Comment is about Night Sky with Exit Wounds: Ocean Vuong, Cape (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (13762)
Mon 2nd Oct 2017 08:48
thank you Anna, I'm glad you enjoyed. Check out the film if you get chance. All the best, Colin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u6pg8fuSB4
Comment is about 'At the sink' by Colin Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (13762)
Mon 2nd Oct 2017 08:38
Congrats on POTW Tony - good to see another 'Hill' poet headlining the WoL front pages. And good also to be prompted to read this excellent poem once more. I'm also jealous of the fact you have linnets visiting your garden. Lucky you! All the best, Colin.
Comment is about 'CCTV' by Tony Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
dense, wonderful writing tony as ever. i am but a linnet flinching compared to your resplendent peacock of poetry.
Comment is about 'CCTV' by Tony Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (18118)
Sun 1st Oct 2017 20:59
Very powerful, drives the message home.
Hannah
Comment is about Playing With Baby (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
A reatelling of an individual's story who had certain ideologies...
Comment is about Is it any wonder (blog)
Original item by Phils Words
I'm not sure that you've read this piece closely enough, MC, even though you have written at some length about it. These poets are not saying that they can earn a living through their poetry alone, but from work associated with their poetry. That's the crucial difference.
Comment is about Can you earn a living as a poet? Discussion offers advice on how to pay the rent (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Historically, poets - like composers of music - would have sponsors to support them and their work, not only hoping
for commercial profit but in the wider context of adding to
the quality of life and artistic endeavour. It was thought
socially and morally worthwhile, and benefitted both
the patronised and the patron. But it can be argued
that poetry is the poor relation and that the best - and
best remembered - poetry was not the product of any
financially orientated employment, until relatively recent
times when faculties and positions were in place - and
the likes of "Poet Laureate" became established.
Much of what is likely - and perhaps most deserving - to remain is the result of self-publishing, when a writer has
enough faith in his/her product (and if income is your
aim, then it is to be seen as a product!) to pay their
way to get it "out there" and, hopefully, become known
and even "memorable". As things stand, there is the
existence of a type of poet that exists in a rarefied
world of creation, writing stuff that is mutually agreeable
and acceptable, whilst looking with haughty and dismissive mien upon anything that might be "popular"
- and thus "unworthy" (in a sort of reverse rendition of
what went before) of being promoted into perpetuity.
Occasionally, the likes of Ayres and others break through
and become commercially successful...but it's not
something that is seen that often via the poetry press
and its satellites, collective and individual.
It's nice to get paid for a poem but as for a living...?
Hardly a realistic prospect for most in the real world,
even for the most deserving.
From Houseman to Larkin, the evidence is self-evident
- so, when a Betjeman appears and reserves a place
in posterity, we should be grateful but not necessarily
assured of repeated instances for either today or the
future.
Comment is about Can you earn a living as a poet? Discussion offers advice on how to pay the rent (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
The jack-boot never caught on here. You see more of the
bovver boots favoured by the rioting leftie mobs. There
was a notorious front page photo of one such individual
kicking a (held) Pc in the head during the Grosvenor Square
demonstrations of yesteryear. They're still out there,
eager to express their differences of opinion in similar ways under the guise of "protest".
Comment is about Is it any wonder (blog)
Original item by Phils Words
Sun 1st Oct 2017 17:03
Hi Cynthia,thanks for your comment on my poem. I have read your poem today and agree there is a similarity of thought in both poems.
Comment is about The day they died (blog)
Original item by DESMOND CHILDS
You can find more of my poetry on line including performance videos simply by searching on DAVID SUBACCHI.
Comment is about PALM TREES (blog)
Original item by David Subacchi
Powerful Cynthia. Man's inhumanity to man continues.
What's worse is that there is universal evidence in this day and age of fledgling lives being take away.
Thanks,
Raj x
Comment is about Playing With Baby (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Hello Tony, I really enjoyed 'CCTV' and the 24/7 invisible eye tour of your immediate neighbourhood! I especially liked the parallel comparison between God and the camera, seeing "the world at one remove, observable from every angle," and there's the hint of the authoritarian 'big brother is watching' scenario, which, to me, is wrapped up with perfect menace and the suggestion of no escape, in the last two lines "as if I were already dead behind these walls, like snow in a prison yard."
I am relieved to learn that I am not the only one who finds the process of writing poetry frustrating and unenjoyable. Its like a 1000 piece jigsaw to me! Once you start, (and oh, the idea has formed, so you have no choice but to find the first line!) you get no satisfaction until its all finished! CCTV must have given you great satisfaction in the end Tony, and I am glad that it has earned Poem of the Week. Its fab! Anna.
Comment is about 'CCTV' by Tony Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Yeah motored along a good vehicle for your poetic prose.. i enjoyed the journey
Comment is about The No Through Road Trip (blog)
Original item by Anna Ghislena
Not homeless but homeless people... and everyone has a story that brings them to that pavement cafe
Comment is about Pavement Cafe (blog)
Original item by Anna Ghislena
I haven't seen the film behind the inspiration for this poem, but the stanzas contain vivid imagery and I love the feel of the underlying explosive tension. Poem of the Week for sure! Anna.
Comment is about 'At the sink' by Colin Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thank you for your positive comments Colin and for taking the time to read it all the way through! I was a bit concerned that it may have been a bit too epic in proportions to lure any readers but I am very glad to know that you enjoyed it. Hopefully Hamford Water will be as inspirational to you as it was for Mr Ransome! Congratulations btw on your Poem of the Week last week too!
Comment is about The Tidal Man (blog)
Original item by Anna Ghislena
Good to see you here Tony. You have been lifted up on the shoulders of unknown admirers. I can only repeat what I always say, that you have a wonderful style, and in this poem we see through the animated eye of the camera in its Orwellian role . Lots of heavy implications come with it. Thoroughly engrossing. I still treasure the football poem, and I don't even follow the game!
Ray
Comment is about 'CCTV' by Tony Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I think this is excellent, a fine perspective well written. I hadn't seen it before today. If you care to, you might read my posting of today, Sunday. I cannot believe the similarity of thought.
Comment is about The day they died (blog)
Original item by DESMOND CHILDS
Congratulations, Tony. You may be only an occasional visitor here, but your contributions are always valued. A serious poetic craftsman.
Comment is about 'CCTV' by Tony Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Welcome to WOL, Linton. I'll try to catch up with more of your work. I'm not on-site constantly. Hurrah for a first, brave step.
I hope a word of advice will be taken as sincerely as I offer it. Be careful not to flood the venue with too many poems at once. Sometimes it works, but not as often as it doesn't. This I have noted from experience.
Also, these September poems are now 'past tense' so to speak, off the main 'monthly' line. Some readers check back; some don't.
I had an uncle called 'Linton'. It's not a very common name, but a splendid one.
Comment is about Andrew Donachie (poet profile)
Original item by Andrew Donachie
Superb 'story'. Very atmospheric ... including 'all' the characters involved ... last line an excellent conclusion. IMO- the whole idea is masterful. You set a fine standard.
Comment is about CRYSTAL BALL (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Well ... what to say? If unsure ... then nothing.
But I do wonder what exactly IS the UNIVERSE.
Comment is about Playing With Baby (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
<Deleted User> (18118)
Sun 1st Oct 2017 12:46
<Deleted User> (13762)
Sun 1st Oct 2017 07:51
Not long now Graham and the knickers will be off ?
Comment is about 'At the sink' by Colin Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I liked this piece Lan. Most of all these two lines:
I find the sacred
Inside myself
That was the turning point in my opinion. That was rebirth in a way, allowing you to bear fruit again.
Beautiful.
Raj
Comment is about Seamstress (blog)
Original item by Lan
Thank you for reading and for the comments
Comment is about The Bedsit (blog)
Original item by Phils Words
Hi Cynthia. Thank you for welcoming me back. Life has kind of got in the way of writing. I miss it though. When inspiration comes, I feel happy again. I hope you are well.
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Lovely that you're coming through with poems and commenting Hannah, appreciate it.
Thanks Tony, you read it right of course. Funny that line, sometimes a word just pops in and I took what I thought to be a chance using it, so i'm happy you like it.
Kim, that's so kind and complimentary cheers for that. It was balanced on the head of a mood.
David, this was done in a self pitying frame of mind. There was a really weighty silence next door , it felt like a body blow. Glad to say, on the same day, a lovely young couple moved in and all seems well ! If you can love spiders that's real progress. Cheers.
Col. I hate people that know too much and that guy must be one - but I do like your gentle title. The programme could start with the tune "In an English Country gaaarden"
"I'll show you mine if you show me yours" at the start of the line. I'll get my coat.
Love to all for making my day as always.
Comment is about IN THE GARDEN (blog)
Original item by ray pool
<Deleted User> (18118)
Sat 30th Sep 2017 18:08
This is so sad but true. Governments have not come to terms with the idea that everyone needs a decent home to live in.
Thank you for writing this .
Hannah
Comment is about The Bedsit (blog)
Original item by Phils Words
<Deleted User> (18118)
Sat 30th Sep 2017 18:01
Philip Stevens
Mon 2nd Oct 2017 23:11
I could smell and feel that new born baby ... atmospheric and when the bomb hit...
Comment is about Playing With Baby (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas