oh this is so good Anna, it deserves several readings and I promise I will return for more. By coincidence I am planning a trip to Essex to explore the area around Hamford Water where Arthur Ransome set his Secret Water book. Hopefully I won't get stuck in the estuary mud and meet the Tidal Man. For some reason I had the main character down as a girl not a boy, I don't know why. Thanks for posting. Colin.

Comment is about The Tidal Man (blog)

Original item by Anna Ghislena

some great lines and images in here Duncan - particularly like 'Anthropological sardines' in their 'overstuffed closet'. Thanks for posting. Colin.

Comment is about Sob Story? (blog)

Original item by Duncan McKenzie Ross

yep, as Martin said, keep on keeping on David and I wholeheartedly agree that you are a talented writer. I often find a strong connection with your words as I'm sure many others do too. I fully expect your next post to be a belter. No pressure then ?
Col.

Comment is about Brief desperation, with apologies (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

never felt quite comfortable with the term 'gastro pub' - reminds me too much of gastroenteritis which was hopefully not on the menu at your birthday celebration. Oh how I sympathise with you Martin. There's nothing more obnoxious than triple fried chips served in a tiny metal basket on a piece of slate with a carefully crafted radish and a piece of foody whatever. I'm shuddering at the memory of one such encounter. Sounds like you left with a hollow feeling in your belly not a full satisfied tum. Well put Martin. Col.

Comment is about Another birthday (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

great idea for a poem Philip. I'm imagining this piano on top of a mountain, left there after some drunken prank. Thanks for posting. Colin.

Comment is about G C D7 G (blog)

Original item by Phils Words

"you're all afraid of me, the tinker's daughter"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg11cLO_KS4

love this poem Desmond.
Col.

Comment is about JIG (blog)

Original item by DESMOND CHILDS

Thanks for your comments Martin ?

Comment is about Forgetting the air (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

I love the honesty in this poem.

Comment is about Another birthday (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

That's beautiful Raj. Your patience will be rewarded I'm sure. Its Karma after all.

Comment is about Sweet Surrender (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Phew!

Final version...just in time for National Poetry day!

....(Thanks God)

Comment is about Aubade (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

yes Beeching has a lot to answer for in destroying the railways system as was and building more and more roads which become increasingly congested. Ironically there are some railways that Beeching shut on old local lines, such as the Bluebell line which have been reopened by volunteers and seem to be working.
A good rhythm and pace to this one Ray.
Nice one

Comment is about THE VIADUCT (blog)

Original item by ray pool

This is up to the usual standard that can be expected from you Ian, fantastic. Will this be a contender for live performance? I must admit that I am always put off Apple products by the kind of underlying exclusivity that seems to accompany them as well as all the hype
Nice one

Comment is about Bait (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

This is quite beautiful Cynthia. I can't say that I have ever seen a firefly but your description brings them very much alive. Like Raj I like the thought of the on off on off feeling.
Hope you are keeping well
Martin

Comment is about Fireflies (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

In Homeric terms she might be described al most as a siren of the sea. Nice one Mark

Comment is about HEAVEN SCENT (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I always enjoy your poetry Tom and this is no exception to the excellent work that you produce.
Wonderful

Comment is about The Big Sleep (blog)

Original item by Tom Harding

Thank you for your comments Martin, with a bit of encouragement from someone else who has struggled I can persevere ?

Comment is about Brief desperation, with apologies (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

I know exactly how you feel with this. where has the muse gone indeed. There are times when I ask myself why do I bother. But I am can see from reading your work that you have a definite ability. Keep on keeping on

Comment is about Brief desperation, with apologies (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

Love this David, it is a real slice of reality. Another of those days that can be all to frequent at times.
Nice one

Comment is about Forgetting the air (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

This has really made my day. We're hoping to get to the festival at some point.?

Comment is about Marsden's Poster Poems competition - here are the winners! (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I was walking to my local surgery when the girl in question
passed me in the opposite direction. She seemed to float
by with a waft of perfume that stayed with me and
certainly brightened up my need to make the trip.
Moments like that are worth writing about.

Comment is about HEAVEN SCENT (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Yes, I sniff them too, MC.

Comment is about HEAVEN SCENT (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

how lovely to find your comment here Cynthia after coming in from a very busy day. I would apply the same sentiment to your good self as I love reading your comments to other poets here on WoL - they are always so full of enthusiasm and good advice. Thank you for your continued support. Colin.

Comment is about 'At the sink' by Colin Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks Greg
thinking of doing one for the Marsden Festival

Full Print

My name is jazz
blow my own horn
when out of tune
please tap on shoulder
quick nod for pint
now to try again
right back on track
till glass empty again!

Comment is about Write Out Loud Stockport's open mic away day - in Marple (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

A dynamic and inspiring work, Adrian. You have much to offer the world. Your last line denotes the ultimate 'thinking man', and is outstanding in concept and honesty.

Sorry to be so late in commenting, but all is well with me now, and I'm trying to do 'catch-up'.

Comment is about 'Transient Beauty' by Adrian Metcalf is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

The insightful-ness of this piece - just kind of 'racketing along' - is outstanding. Just like life!

Comment is about 'Unpopular Music' by Robert C Gaulke is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Sorry I missed this, Stu. It is hugely interesting, and demanding of scope, like most of your works. All your poems - sometimes baffling, always challenging, and therefore, very worth reading.

I had a bit of a bad period for a few weeks there, but all is well now. I missed September's SALE WOL entirely! And somebody was guesting whom I really wanted to meet - can't remember who. But I'll sort it out in due course.

You are an erratic but inspirational writer. I like the scope of your ideas and imagery, the bizarre connections of ideas. Exactly like LIFE! Nothing exists in limbo.

Comment is about 'Behind the shadows' by Stuart Buck is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Congratulations, Colin. Keep on writing. And commenting. People like you are the soul of this site.

Comment is about 'At the sink' by Colin Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

They won't let go of me, Graham. They're like the bloody Jesuits.

Comment is about HATS OFF TO HARRY (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I think you should send him a copy JC. It could become the new anthem for the new ground! Keep the faith.

Comment is about HATS OFF TO HARRY (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Very, very pleased by this news and can't wait to see the poster poems. I really hope the poetry and jazz, two of my favourite things in life, help lift the Marsden Jazz Festival to new heights. Exciting times. Thanks so much to the competition organisers.

Comment is about Marsden's Poster Poems competition - here are the winners! (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Wow, am chuffed. Looking forward to visiting Marden and seeing my poem.

Comment is about Marsden's Poster Poems competition - here are the winners! (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

You really drew me into this one Cynthia. Beautiful.
Seems like I was there as well. Wonderful imagery -- so real.

(Look there goes another one... on-off, on-off, on-off)

Raj

Comment is about Fireflies (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

WRITE ANGLE SEPTEMBER REVIEW - OPEN MIC AND TOLU AGBELUSI

“What is poetry?” asked a newcomer at our September gig. 'It could be anything', someone responded. Even after ten years of hearing all styles of poetry, Write Angle regulars find it difficult to answer.

One dictionary described it as 'literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature'. (Do you agree?)

Each month brings a different professional poet (or musician) – either recommended, or they apply and Write Angle researches them – the aim being to continue having high quality guests that entertain and broaden your experience of poetry as well as give you the opportunity to get up there at the mike and share your own talents and skills with an audience. We can't please everyone all the time but it won't stop us trying!

Tolu Agbelusi, Nigerian poet, Playwright, Author and Lawyer, had made such an impact on the audience the first time with us, she was asked back as the head-liner to perform in September.

Unexpectedly, she brought her accompanist, Shadé Joseph, who played the keyboard with some of Tolu's poems – it worked beautifully and added a poignancy and emphasis. But, with or without the background provided, Tolu's voice has a musicality on its own. She shared a wide range of her experiences, emotions and ideas.

Her poetry deals strongly with relationships and she started with 'My Mother Says Our Relationship Feels Official which set the tone, ending with “I love my Mother. My mother loves me. We just rarely speak the same language.” In 'The Gift', about the meal her mother taught her to make and which she then proudly served to over 20 people, “She was admiring the gift she spent years pushing into my hands.” (the meal being the art of preparation – not just for a meal but for 'life'. There were many more but the poem 'Museum of Women' struck an important chord as it talked of all the influences that had made her: “This body is a monument of many women”. Being a lawyer also led her to speak of some of the cases she'd had to deal with.

At the open mic, Colin Eveleigh's 'Amazing Grace' , a very moving poem, continued the relationship theme about his daughter Annabel who died suddenly, at 24, of epilepsy – he found her, and desperately tried to save her but it was too late - “It's so real, so vivid ~ this hell hall of mirrors reflecting everything that happened.”. Something not easy to put to words. Then Jilly Funnell's 'Song for My Mother, Waltzing Matilda' told how her mother was taken to a far country - “Loving and hating Australia....her heart split in two.” and “Just one song made her cry..”. In 'The Marriage Song of The Land Girl', Jilly told how the land girl “went to work in (her) wedding dress, the day (she) married you.”

Leah's 'The Gal is Gorgeous told of two cousins, jealous of each other -”she'd pay by the dozen to be born her cousin....”. Then, 'In My Search' “We're descended from machines...” Then, 'Living in Cocoons', about life in an oasis of peace while the world crumbles: “. Phyllida Carr, once again showing her ability as a poet (and good, at that!) described her close relationship with her trusty steed, in 'A Bicycle Ride'. She told humorously of an early morning adventure including the puncture and the welcome cup of chocolate.

Shadé Joseph's Lovely Day by Bill Withers waxed lyrical about the singer and his song: “An epic type of romance that begs to be plucked from his ribs...”. First time at the poetry mike, and co- member of Leah's playwriting group, Sue Shattock spent the weekend on a poetry retreat, and read 'The Bench' - “Autumn gilded leaves and blooded feathers.....All things must end.” And The Poetry Course, with “My younger self came visiting.....”. Sue is a 'natural' on stage, and her delivery did justice to some very creative ideas! Write Angle hopes she continues writing poetry and returns with more.

Richard Hawtree's 'Oh Poem' told what he wanted a poem to do, among other things: “I want lovers to forget each other's names in the manic flush of reading you.” And your reviewer, in 'Idea for a Poem', told how, “In the night I have my finest thoughts, creative cohesive, practical.” In the day, “All is erased, all is undone.”

Was it her beginner's luck that won Sue Shattock the £50 raffle voucher, sponsored by the excellent French style Cote restaurant, Chichester?

We hope to see you all again and do bring your gifted friends along as well, next month when we have Jimmy Lee, excellent and very memorable guitarist with his pleasing style of song.

Review is about WRITE ANGLE POETRY & MUSIC +OPEN MIC on 19 Sep 2017 (event)

And in Castleford, 5 Towns Radio has been having a poetry week, not just a measly day. All presenters have been either reciting or playing theirs and others poems. Poems from Talking Zebras, Pontefract Family Centre Adults with learning difficuties, Rose Drew, Alan Gillott, PP Hartnett, Andy Humphrey, Chris Nosnibor, Trev the Road Poet, Susan McCartney, Jane Steele, and may more and this goes on until Saturday. www.5townsradio.com the little radio staion tat makes a big effort. Who neds a day when you can have a week?

Comment is about Hold on to your hat, Sir John! It's National Poetry Day (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks ray, too kind as usual!

Comment is about First Snow (blog)

Original item by Tom Harding

Colin David Karen Desmond and Richard thanks so much for the likes. This is not an easy comment rider really so I appreciate the ticks! Right up there on the virtual viaduct Colin pun and book in hand as always . Beeching made continuous strides. Yes, I still miss that toot toot. Thanks.

Ray

Comment is about THE VIADUCT (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Wonderfully lyrical Tom. Wraps the reader in a mood and the idea of "plain soup" is almost hermetically religious as if a certain humility has gone into the writing. You have aligned the human condition with a season beautifully.

Ray

Comment is about First Snow (blog)

Original item by Tom Harding

Highly original Ian. The idea like lunacy itself is appealing and is contrary in an ironic way to all that commends the iPhone itself - anti matter almost. Thousands of fishes can't be wrong though can they?

Nice poem. Ray

Comment is about Bait (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

I'm converted Connor. I think you're in the John Belushi zone here. Wonderfully tragic.

Ray

Comment is about Infomercial (blog)

Original item by Connor Lannes

I certainly wear the trousers in our house and I've got Our Gert's permission to say so.

Comment is about TIPS FOR THE NEWLY MARRIED MAN (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

How could anyone say no after that? Heartfelt, moving.

Comment is about Forgive me (blog)

Original item by Silverrust

Twilight magic, love this poem.

Comment is about Fireflies (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Men would rather be out on the piss
Than discover the joys of domestic bliss...but let me ask:
So who makes the bed in your house?
But remember the old saying...
you make your bed or you lie about it. ?

Comment is about TIPS FOR THE NEWLY MARRIED MAN (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

my eyes are alight also, how wonderful! i love the immediacy, the dark and the light and all the while the little pinpricks of light dancing through the air. lovely stuff and a great backstory.

Comment is about Fireflies (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

thank you Paul, your continued support is very much valued. See ya around the net buddy. C?L

Comment is about 'At the sink' by Colin Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

My husband asked, 'Why are your eyes so alight?'

'I have just written a poem,' I answered, 'And I like it.' I had the script in my hand.

'All that!' he said in amazement.

'Well, yes. It just came. It just came. Can't help it. Didn't ask it for it. Had to write it down. No idea why. Doesn't matter. But I feel better inside my head. Breathing is easier.'

And he just smiled and shook his head.

Comment is about Fireflies (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Your book arrived safely, and I do look forward to enjoying it in full.

Many thanks.

Comment is about Karen Ankers (poet profile)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Hi Ian, after reading your poem this morning, this came to mind. I thought you might like it.

Fat Mans Hook

I’m an old fat carp
That should know better
But them lures
Just keep getting better
All shiny and knew
With a big sharp hook
I’m caught again
On that fat mans hook.
He reels me in,every time
The big fat man
With his spiel and lines..

Comment is about Bait (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Hi, David.
Just read "The Fox" in your Samples (above).
It's a great poem that jogs along very well and can be read as a light, bouncy narration.
However, it also seems to me to be full of very well crafted - and very subtle - metaphors, which lifts it up into a higher league altogether.
An excellent poem!
Richard

Comment is about David Lindsay (poet profile)

Original item by David Lindsay

C?L, Congratulations, worthy winner of POTW. Another crafted, creative and cheeky ? piece of writing from that inventive mine of a mind of yours.

Well done my friend, richly deserved.

Paul

Comment is about 'At the sink' by Colin Hill is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman