Thanks Ray, Nat, Randy, Col, Stu and Patricia for comments and thanks to Desmond for liking
Ray this guy that I saw certainly had attitude, he didn't give a monkeys

Nat
I know what you mean about people watching. people are fascinating ad good material for writing. I would have love to have met some of the characters that Dickens mentions in his books.

Randy
You are right about no gaps to small , plus some people are just chancers anyway

Colin
I saw a programme a while back about some bikers in London who seemed to take it as a sport to ride wherever and whenever they want to abandoning any sense of danger , through red lights etc. As ray points out reminding us of the recent episode when a guy on a fixed wheel killed a woman crossing the road

Stu
I think that there is something voyeuristic about us all at times we just don't like to admit it

Patricia
now you are bringing back memories of not only choppers and they way they were ridden but also space hoppers.

That said folks I am a regular bike rider and have to confess to riding on the pavement at times as it is a lot safer than some of the roads as some motorists view cyclists as the enemy. I am always careful to watch out for pedestrians I might add and tend to give way to them. I do not condone in any way any sort of reckless behaviour.

once again thank you all for taking the time to read and comment. very much appreciated
Cheers
Martin

Comment is about cracked (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Love this one Col. There is as you say a kind of unspoken knowingness between the unseen figure that she is pointing at her and the daughter has no idea what went on the night before. Congratulations on POTW mate

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 think you are right about my version being "dung dung dung dung dung". I have re-recorded the audio since my original. I thought I'd take advantage of a cold to replicate Lenny's low-pitched grumble.

Comment is about CROSSROADS MOTEL (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Really liked this poem. Haven't seen the film, but it brings Sillitoe's Saturday Night, Sunday Morning to mind. Well done Colin. Good stuff!
JH : )

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

from carpet bombing to carpet selling - I can see a thread here. Thoughtful as ever Ray and certainly suitable for Sunday morning. Have a peaceful day good sir. Col.

Comment is about BUYING A CARPET (blog)

Original item by ray pool

In fairness, the Marshall Aid Plan was intended to be the
basis for the regeneration of a cooperating Europe and
went to 16 countries including the UK. Russia feared its
intention was to exert and extend US influence/power
and refused to participate - using its own influence to
affect those lands within its grip to play ball with its
own policies. The aid was a mixture of grants and loans
and Germany was seen by the US as essential to the
ongoing political and industrial security of Europe. The
Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC)
and the European Coal and Steel Community (which
excluded Britain) were the forerunners of the EU, and
in 1953 Germany obtained a 50% debt reduction payable
over 30 years - not too onerous as its industrial rebirth
was going well. It's reported the UK had a direct loan
total of 4.6 billion USD, together with its Marshall aid in
post war Europe, and Ireland faced a debt repayment
obligation on its economy that was still running into the 1970s.
In short, the US considered its interests were best
served by bolstering the recovery of the countries most
affected by WW2 in Europe via pro-active financial
muscle amounting to over 140 billion USD in today's
values. How these were allocated and on what terms
had varying effects on the countries involved and most
in need.

Comment is about JUDGEMENT DAY (blog)

Original item by ray pool

very good. can really relate to this.

Comment is about At first I thought we'd meet again.. (blog)

Original item by chris stevenson

Stu, thanks for your most recent comment. I've changed the'poem' a bit, and I'm only hoping I've not spoiled what you liked.

It refuses to be 'categorised' as any 'type' of form. It just fights back. And so I let it be what it is. I'm not sure it's 'poetry' at all.

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Cheers Martin - I like to do weird ideas - i'm pleased it was well received.

Natasha, thanks a lot. Well spotted - slight feeling of shoehorning but if read with that in mind I hope I got away with it. Be a fan always!!

Thanks Col. Yes, at it again as usual. Can you make that pounds though?

Nice to have you look in Stu. Stir in a little mad imagination and apply liberally! Hope you're doing ok..

Philip, you flatter me . Welcome to my wacky world where anything is impossible.

A nicely rounded comment David. That makes you a reprobate and cad sir. I think a nice piece of graffiti verse is just the ticket. I recall a trumpet player who ended up in a psychiatric unit scribbling music (a complete score of jazz all round his room. It was photo'd and transcribed by enthusiasts and was faultless. (What does that say about musicians?)

You're very kind Karen. I appreciate any comment from a scribe such as yourself.

Love all round. Ray

Comment is about MUSIC POEM (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hazel,
I like the metaphorical possibilities of the `harbour` figuration in this. And also the reality of `letters` needing to `nestle up against each other` before they can make enough sense to embark on an understandable voyage.

I think I like most that it is a `natural` metaphor which - unlike so much of the strained `metaphor-icity` which is so fashionable these days - is so much more `traditional`.

For instance: the wideness of the sea and the`cogitative` closeness of the harbour are more universally (and also poetically) accessible to the human heart.

Comment is about Message in a bottle (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

When anyone today holds forth about "Freedom"
What they mean is "Me, me, me-dom"!

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

Interesting, the author lives in the Bronx and the words apply to young people everywhere.
This poem does improve each time you read it.

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

wow. beautiful words and story. I love this so much, thank you!

Comment is about Mortal Curiousity (blog)

Original item by Duncan McKenzie Ross

Lovely poem. Was thinking of the man I love the whole time I was reading it. Beautiful words and expression of love.

Comment is about For Nick (blog)

Original item by iesha washington

I love how the poem flows and I think it has a great message.

Comment is about Fair Game (blog)

Original item by Mark Mr T Thompson

I love this poem, it's a great metaphor for depression and i know what that's like. It's just so beautifully written and honest. You're very talented.

Sarah x

Comment is about colorblind. (blog)

Original item by m.k.

Fantastic poem.

Comment is about Tai Chi (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Fabulous. Love it.

Comment is about MUSIC POEM (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Beautifully lean, well chosen imagery.

Comment is about Leaving for Work in the Early Morning (blog)

Original item by A.M. Clarke

Beautiful. Love "deaths the bitterness". Great idea to use death as a verb. Love it when people play with language and this really works.

Comment is about Death poem (blog)

Original item by Lan

Thank you for your comments. Yes I had quite the time writing this. Did not want it to end.

Comment is about Ram It In! (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

A good point there Mark about regeneration - I didn't know about the Marshall Aid so thanks for that. I certainly have read the Scourge of the Swastika years ago - in which Lord Russell highlighted the death camps. Knights of Bushido i'll have to make a note of for the future. My wife and I just got back from Blenheim and are run through with Churchill and his exploits. I might consider a Churchill voice impression online soon - to invent a modern twist to current threats!

Ray

Comment is about JUDGEMENT DAY (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I love this,reminds me of my brother riding on his chopper,he did not give a flying shit about anything when he was on that bike,a beautiful act of defiance.
Gorgeous poem.

Comment is about cracked (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Changing lives is why we write...if only to help a little

Comment is about Still (blog)

Original item by Shaakiera Schroeder

@terry believe it or not that is by far my most favourite poem next to our greatest fear. Thank you for your kind words.

Comment is about Everything self; Beneath the surface (blog)

Original item by Shaakiera Schroeder

Heartfelt, strong poem.

Thank you for your comment on my poem 'Angel'.

Comment is about color (blog)

Original item by iesha washington

I put this poem on repeat read it again and again and again and....again

Comment is about MUSIC POEM (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thank you Hannah for your comments. Much appreciate.

Comment is about The Last Leaf (blog)

Original item by DESMOND CHILDS

Another lovely trippy rhyme with hints of Alice. I like the steady counting that builds and runs underneath the overall rhythm.

Comment is about Red (blog)

Original item by MyDystopiA

ah laura, a tug at the heart strings and away we go. sad and happy, serious and funny. what more could we want.

possibly chutney

Comment is about Tai Chi (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

excellent rhythmic fare ray, full of passion for music, less so for decorating!

Comment is about MUSIC POEM (blog)

Original item by ray pool

i agree with nat, like a voyeuristic people watch and as well written and picturesque as usual.

Comment is about cracked (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

i love the structure and the contents. its brilliant.

Comment is about WAR KIDS (Prime Parental Reproofs) (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

interesting piece this. i disliked it on first reading, but it drew me back in and i have now read it about a dozen times through. very much like a song that doesnt strike you at first but then becomes your favourite, while the instantly catchy piece fades to the background. i now find this to be fascinating and well constructed. a bit like jarvis cocker writing a nursery rhyme

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

The news about the hurricanes is distressing. I am so pleased you wrote this.

Comment is about Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (blog)

Original item by terry l shuff

There is an under-appreciated irony that Germany was
to be helped back on its feet via the gift of Marshall Aid
- surely reaching its present state of prominence
largely due to it, whereas this old country was required
to repay what it borrowed to lead the way in the fight to
preserve freedom in the world, only recently freeing
itself from that onerous debt.
Two books: "The Scourge of the Swastika" and "Knights of Bushido"
(author: Lord Russell of Liverpool)
remain essential reading to remind today's world of humanity's capacity for inhumanity.

Comment is about JUDGEMENT DAY (blog)

Original item by ray pool

This poem's subject is close to my own heart and I love the way Robert has achieved huge depth using simplistic vocabulary. Music has the power to provide a sense of belonging to many young people trying to discover themselves and the world they are in. Robert has captured this view perfectly. I enjoyed this very much!

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

You're in fine fettle, Kealan. Hard lines abut hard truths, eh?
The imagery is quite - engaging. You enjoyed writing this, I am sure.

Comment is about Ram It In! (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Autumn, the dreamy season. The end of summer. Love this poem.

Thank you so much for your comment on my poem 'Angel', really appreciated.

Comment is about The Last Leaf (blog)

Original item by DESMOND CHILDS

Three years later! I'm back on line now with more time again. I'll try to catch up with more of your work. Always sincere intentions.

Comment is about A.M. Clarke (poet profile)

Original item by A.M. Clarke

Lovely, imaginative imagery,a sheer pleasure to read and think about.

Comment is about Leaving for Work in the Early Morning (blog)

Original item by A.M. Clarke

An unusual entry maybe, but one in my heart for a long time.

It did not transfer from my computer to this arena at all well. I may get back to some restructuring. But, today, it stands as is.

Comment is about WAR KIDS (Prime Parental Reproofs) (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hi Colin,don't think anybody can get enough of theses ? So thanks, and here's one for you C?L. Have a nice day.

Comment is about The Last Leaf (blog)

Original item by DESMOND CHILDS

Thanks very much everyone. I'm glad people like it.

Raj - it's about my Dad. There was nothing funnier to him than farting or fart jokes, it would crease him up laughing every time, and of course he was at that age where it would often just happen accidentally ?

Comment is about Tai Chi (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

you need one of these ? Desmond.

Comment is about The Last Leaf (blog)

Original item by DESMOND CHILDS

nice one Ray - a musical poem from our resident busker of words. I throw my pennies in your hat mate. Go buy a beer and some nosh for the dog. Have a nice day ?

Comment is about MUSIC POEM (blog)

Original item by ray pool

topical also for the groups of youngsters riding in packs through city streets pulling tricks and wheelies. I know it's dangerous but it looks kinda wicked too. I remember fitting them big wide handle bars to our bikes in the 70's which made us feel like we were in Easy Rider but they were too easy to snap if you pulled too many wheelies. In the end I think we had bars welded across to give them extra support. Those were the days. But I'm not condoning any of the unruly practices in your excellent poem Martin.
C?L

Comment is about cracked (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Interesting poem. I happen to think sin is important. Often, the worse the better. If it weren't for sins like indulgence we wouldn't have so many beautifult writings such as Bukowski and Hunter Thompson. Anyway, a well written piece. The only problem i saw is that part regarding 'destined to hell in which we already live' How can u be going somewhere u already are? Unless this was intentional? Nice piece overall though.

Comment is about Sins which we are (blog)

Original item by Silverrust

I like the idea of writing poems about / to your sleeping child - a theme that could be easily developed into an illustrated book. When it's published send me a copy ?

Comment is about Do you (blog)

Original item by yannahnorth

I would be impressed to find anyone in England who finds "no gap too small to fit"! Very evocative.

Comment is about cracked (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder