I think you are right MCN I was one of those kids.

In those days you had to listen again and again before you had managed to write down all the lyrics to each song correctly.

If you read the Nobel acceptance speech that he wrote (delivered on his behalf) he clearly states that he never would have dreamed that his words would make the transition into literature, let alone win such a coveted prize.

However it is undeniable that he defines the Cold War generation's hopes wishes dreams and fears!

To me, everything else at the age of fifteen sounded peurile.

Comment is about Absent Dylan 'panned poetry gold', says Swedish critic at Nobel awards night (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Beautifully written soul-baring. Loved it.

Comment is about Things I'll Never Tell You (blog)

Original item by Louise Alden

This gave me a good giggle. Great stuff. ?

Comment is about Mothballs n Piss (blog)

Original item by Jeff

I bought one of the earliest Dylan albums (was it called
"Freewheeling Bob Dylan"?) back in the sixties and didn't
feel inclined to repeat the outlay in his direction. His
style clicked in with the Greenwich Village/protest/
fashion at that time, becoming somewhat "cultish"
with the younger generation for that reason. He had
something to day but whether his lyrics are worthy of
a Nobel Prize for Literature (considering the worldwide
wealth of competition in the literary field) will remain
contentious; but not perhaps in the minds of those
who were young when he was young and for whom he
put to music their concerns and need to be heard in an uncertain atomic-age world.

Comment is about Absent Dylan 'panned poetry gold', says Swedish critic at Nobel awards night (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

This is so sweet, I love this one Trevor.?

Comment is about Blast From The Past (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Vinyl's back in town! Love it.???

Comment is about I WANT TO BE LIKE ELVIS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

mmmMMM - good one Steve ?

Comment is about these winter days (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

One for the EP fans! I recall a young work associate from
Liverpool way back who was one and whilst I confess to
liking some of Mr Presley's songs ("The Girl of My Best Friend" was high on that list), I was already a huge fan
of Fats Domino, not to mention Little Richard and Jerry
Lee Lewis! That said, these lines do their job admirably
and those with their own memories spanning the years
will smile and nod as they read and remember.
And yes - the little dog at the phonograph was the HMV trademark...listening to "His Master's Voice", of course.

Comment is about I WANT TO BE LIKE ELVIS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks Ken. Likewise. It has the real advantage of
actually bringing about feelings of good will and charity to
one's fellows. And the pleasure of watching the youngest
among us discover wonder and joy for themselves...as
we did before them. Take what you will from the occasion,
it is that rich in its range of what is on offer.

Comment is about CHRISTMAS IN MIND (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

That's one I never heard before elP. An early one and quite raw in the backing - but so distinctive. I'm glad it sparked off a memory ! I loved to see the RCA dog and horn, I think that was HMV , not sure now.
Thanks a lot.

Comment is about I WANT TO BE LIKE ELVIS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

About feeling sorry for yourself some days.

Comment is about The Quick & the Dead (blog)

Original item by Jeff

Inspired by John Cooper Clarke.....what a guy!

Comment is about Mothballs n Piss (blog)

Original item by Jeff

There's an interesting essay about Dylan, poetry and literature in the latest edition of the online magazine The High Window https://thehighwindowpress.com/category/essays/

Comment is about Absent Dylan 'panned poetry gold', says Swedish critic at Nobel awards night (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

This would be a great poem to read at a wedding reception. Congratulations on winning POTW Natasha.I hope this gives you further encouragement to carry on writing. Cheers!

Comment is about 'Forever and a day' by Natasha Bowman is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks everyone your comments bring me so much joy. This is why I love the WOL community. You guys are awesome. I'll definitely keep writing good poems and not so good poems.???

Comment is about 'Forever and a day' by Natasha Bowman is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I used to sing this one as a lullaby to my one and only. My goodness, those sleepy eyes will always be a sight to remember..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8kQs91fj-w

Thanks for a good memory, Ray.

elP

Comment is about I WANT TO BE LIKE ELVIS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hey, Natasha! Claire has it right--so much promise. It's good to see your writing recognized here. And, I hope it serves as further encouragement to keep writing and to keep sharing.

You've got great style.

elP

Comment is about 'Forever and a day' by Natasha Bowman is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hahaha...True!!!! I worked in an office for a soul destroying 5 months then went back offshore. Yes it's the mad the bad & the dangerous to know, but st least it's real. Jeff......

Comment is about Inspired (blog)

Original item by Naomi Hefter

Love the line "crack in its box is on display"... Really well written verse. Jeff.

Comment is about Done again (blog)

Original item by Naomi Hefter

Totally intrigued. I know blood tastes coppery & sweat tastes of salt, & freedom demands both. This is what I get from this. Jeff.

Comment is about Have a bite! (blog)

Original item by Chunks and Marrow

Perfect....Jeff

Comment is about It's their fault, darling (blog)

Original item by Chunks and Marrow

Epic and intensely moving , the reader's mind wriggling on a line without escape from the unfolding light and shade of emotion. A real classic, beautiful.

Ray

Comment is about DRAMA QUEEN (blog)

Original item by lynn hahn

Thanks Trevor - you're right , but ironically Elvis is larger than life itself and so the point is rather open to question I suppose. Just joking.

David, as always you have probed into the underbelly of my thoughts and I think Christmas is as close as most come to a warm furry sensation which is a bit like Elvis himself. I do like doing Elvis poems (what the hell is happening to me?). I think in the American view he attained the dizzy heights that the absent deity expected of his flock. After all, Graceland is a sort of shrine.
The indent was a sort of step into the higher realm (or the boot). Thanks, mate.

Ray

Comment is about I WANT TO BE LIKE ELVIS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I have to say my first (rather irreverent) thought when I saw the title was "What, dead?"

That aside, a nice nostalgic piece, and the King was a pretty fair warbler.

Comment is about I WANT TO BE LIKE ELVIS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Your writing is really good, and has so much future promise. Great to see you recognised on WOL.

Comment is about 'Forever and a day' by Natasha Bowman is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Its very cute ?

Comment is about Blast From The Past (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

I am so pleased you have been chosen for POTW Natasha. I love seeing younger writers venturing onto WoL and finding it a positive enough experience to stick around. It's even nicer when their work noticeably improves and grabs more attention from readers through the comments box.

As far as I'm concerned I have only just turned 18 (in my head) too (lol I wish!). But I hope you get what I mean. Writing helps keep my mind young, seeing the world around me in different ways, interpreting those ever changing emotions, always always questioning. I probably feel as nervous as you every time I post a poem here.

Good luck with reciting this at your brother's wedding reception. All the best, Colin.

Comment is about 'Forever and a day' by Natasha Bowman is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I think its unique and beautiful ?

Comment is about burning out (blog)

Original item by ella m

This is both a beautiful story and poem. I was totally captivated by it.

Comment is about DRAMA QUEEN (blog)

Original item by lynn hahn

Lynn this is lovely, but I cannot help feeling the rhythm of it lends it more to a song, which would be great. It's still a lovely piece either way I look forward to more. welcome to WOL

Comment is about lynn hahn (poet profile)

Original item by lynn hahn

Hi Karen, I gather you've had flu. So sorry, and to have missed you at the 1000 Monkeys. I checked out the planning permission online and note that some hoardings were applied for not sure if that was for protest station or demolition, but it was turned down , so it was probably the former I imagine. I'll keep you updated.
Life changing days - sadly a friend I made there just passed away - we did everything together in the sixties, photography, music cycling. My poem about him was poem of the week (last day). Called Schoolbuddy.
Funnily enough, I took photography City and Guilds at Twickenham Tec.

If you fancy the joint poem please kickstart it and i'll follow , a line or two each whatever.
No I didn't marry until I was 42. A lass from Kingston!

Ray x

Comment is about karen izod (poet profile)

Original item by karen izod

THanks Suki: Your poem has a very strong image and packs a lot plenty of description and yes, they seem most to have attitude.
I'm not sure about the cyclist/bikers rapport. I've been around long enough to try all modes but I suppose its first come first deserved. "Moloch eye" is excellent for a start. I wrote a poem called Recumbent on the horizontal bike equally scary recently.

Cheers, appreciated.

Comment is about BIKERS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Cheers Tony,
The Diana one was off the charts. This one was inspired by Amy Winehouse's passing. Actually it was a small piece I caught on Sky News at the time. There, in the background, behind the reporter, this weird totem of beer cans, flowers and so on. It said so much. Oddly affecting, paradoxically. Appreciate your feedback. Many thanks.

Comment is about Cracked Symbols (blog)

Original item by Suki Spangles

I wrote a poem on a similar theme last year. I'm with ya man!

Here it is

As Angry As A Pavement Cyclist

he's as angry as a pavement cyclist
because he is a pavement cyclist
his lycra'd bollocks hanging inimitably like
only lycra'd bollocks hang
revolting neon slalom pilot
a face as puce as spam

he's as angry as a pavement cyclist
because he is a pavement cyclist
his recording moloch eye
a protein-fuelled protean spy
pedestrians he can prang
his birthright in a can

his legs, muscular violent toothpaste
the treetops drop-ship pigeons' bubble spaceships
billy the kid rides on oblivious
handlebars sculpted for fists
goggles for piranha fish
eyes like charles bronson in death wish

if you're in the bus queue you must die
pedestrians on pavements learn to fly
traffic lights it seems are always green
cross the road safely? in your dreams
pavement cyclists own everything
and they are always very angry
very angry indeed

Comment is about BIKERS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Nice one MC.

Christmas is the one time of the year I can still work up a little enthusiasm for. (Pagan style)

Comment is about CHRISTMAS IN MIND (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Ray,just nipped on to tell you that the Van Gogh film-Lust for life-is on BBC2 at 1-30 today.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

I couldn't get this until I read the memoriam explanation and now I think it's rather good if a touch wordy and repetitive in places. Mirrors are good for reflecting and this mirror seems somewhat prophetic - as if your friend is still speaking to you from somewhere beyond. It's an intriguing image that could no doubt be expanded. And perhaps this has a seasonal and personal significance with your shared involvement in Christmas productions? Thanks for posting Claire.

Comment is about Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (blog)

Original item by Claire

Grace is a great word, Ray--one not understood fully until we seem to find ourselves without it. And, with mutual exclusion comes a freedom that can't often be expressed outside it's domain. Though, it's funny to me that you mention the quality of the poem (ie, sadness, etc) because it seems that the quality of a relationship is also subject to change with perspective. Maybe the only thing we can truly expect is change.

Your perspective is much appreciated, truly.

elP

Comment is about freelance (blog)

Original item by nunya

To me this feels like a kind of duty but deeper than that, a mute exclusive sharing that could be thought sad, but not really as it almost a state of understood grace. Quite moving actually. I get it elP

Ray

Comment is about freelance (blog)

Original item by nunya

Hey, David,

I try to express emotion without being overt. So, I'm glad you picked up on that. This was meant to reflect a sort of incongruous ongoing exchange between two people--neither fits neatly into the world of the other, yet each contributes something that is absent in the other's life. And, yeah, they probably do behave like magnets sharing the same polarity, at times. Truthfully, that could be developed into a very insightful idea about human relationships.

Thanks much for sharing your thoughts.

elP

Comment is about freelance (blog)

Original item by nunya

Thanks Colin and Tony - the hills are alive! -
I just got the idea when watching three older guys arrive and immediately got talking like old friends and stayed around looking rather lumpy!

Ray

Comment is about BIKERS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks Cynthia for the great compliment. Feels good.

Ray

Comment is about 'Schoolbuddy' by Ray Pool is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Well done, Ray. It has done what poetry is meant to do - engage and inspire other people.

Comment is about 'Schoolbuddy' by Ray Pool is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks Tony. I tend to be a story telling poet. Do you do open mic? Your poems are wonderful. Seems like great 3 minute length for that venue. I hesitate to put my longer poems on here as of yet. I am brand new to this site. I'll get braver I hope.

Comment is about WORDS (blog)

Original item by lynn hahn

crackers!

Comment is about The Young Lad At The Ritz (Radio Edit!) (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Martin, thanks for more re-inforcements of praise. I think my ego must have swollen this week with all the comments which are quite humbling actually. I find I can't read this now without breaking up a bit, so must be doing something right.

Ray

Comment is about 'Schoolbuddy' by Ray Pool is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I love the almost incidental nature gentleness that this seems to infer among all the apparent ephemera of everyday life. Like Mark I have read this poem several times to grip more and more of its richness.
Let me add my hearty congratulations Ray a very worthy POTW.

Comment is about 'Schoolbuddy' by Ray Pool is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hear-hear! Well said.
Rhyme seems to chime
With the passing of time,
To last down the years
In our laughter and tears.

Comment is about I Rhyme (blog)

Original item by Mrs Claire Baldry

When Disappointment tells Sorry to Go Away

Sincere best intentions
is answered abruptly
with I've heard
it all before.

The theme for Monday is - - - Disappointment!

Comment is about Write Out Loud at Stockport art gallery tonight (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

alas there is no master plan - just over inflated egos and buttocks astride testicular throbbing engines.

'crustaceans of kevlar' is a great line - except kevlar always reminds me of Robot Wars - that must have protective coating - useless when entering a slippery corner at high speed and encountering a lamp post or tree - the dream over in a trice (holds back from writing LoL)...

Comment is about BIKERS (blog)

Original item by ray pool