Sounds like a very interesting night, Julian! Good on the Wordsworth Trust for taking their show on the road, even if the locals have mixed feelings about "their" poet. It's true that Dorothy's entry in her journal about the daffodils they both saw arguably reads slightly better than the finished product. On the other hand, my father drew great strength from a line in that poem - "that inward eye" - that he had had to learn by heart at school, when he was a prisoner far from home in the second world war. When I was studying Wordsworth at A-level I wrote an essay that was highly critical of 'The Leech Gatherer'. I was told it was well-written - i think the teacher agreed with my sentiments - but that it wouldn't get me many marks in the exam. I kinda lost heart after that.

It should not be forgotten, though, that one of Wordsworth's claims to fame - boring or not - is that he wrote verse in language that was regarded as revolutionary at the time, in that it was simple, and, dare I say it, accessible. Boring some of it might have been - but you could certainly understand it!

Comment is about Irascible, ill-mannered, worthy but dull? An evening with Wordsworth includes his bad points (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks fellas. Much appreciated xx

Comment is about format (blog)

Once Viewed

To inspire a poem
the eye must first
see sight of what
the artist has captured
inside each painting viewed
then and only then
a poem to inspire.

Comment is about IT WAS 50 YEARS AGO TODAY (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

intense transmogrification oila!

Comment is about Genese Within (blog)

Original item by Juhi Gupte

I was certainly one that shifted uneasily a couple of times during the discussion, Joan, having written a number of poems about my mother's declining years. On the whole I have not tried to have them published, yet. Is it intrusion? Is it exploitation? Recently I was at a workshop where we discussed a published poem that depicted a family deathbed scene in tender but frank terms, at length. I did feel that that poem was intrusive, but most people at the workshop did not.

Comment is about Shall I compare thee to a selfie stick? Dos and don'ts of first-person poetry (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

How I wish I'd been there.I'd welcome expansion on the discussion of 'theft' and 'intrusion', raised by Liardet and Villanueva. Am currently resisting writing poems on (or for?) a. isolated elderly relative b. young autistic friend inappropriately on remand in a high- security prison.

Comment is about Shall I compare thee to a selfie stick? Dos and don'ts of first-person poetry (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks, belatedly, for the kind words on Ode to Cobalt, Cynthia. I've been in Dubai for a month and away from the computer.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thats so ironic i do not dislike it but it soooo soft....nontypical of sharred black chicago brutha.. but.......most compliments stem from softer experiences.... ironic..

your words mean much

Comment is about POOF (blog)

Original item by GeeProcessor

T

Comment is about NEEDY (blog)

Original item by GeeProcessor

Bahahaha, yeah I couldn't think of any way to lengthen it to copy the rhythm of the line two up from it, and so, in lengthening it with "darkest of nights" I disrupted the rhythm at the same time. This bothered me a bit, but I figured I'd let it slide

Comment is about The Journey's Just Begun (blog)

Original item by Eric Berard

I don't blame Laura

the world isn't always as we would like it

https://youtu.be/2Qvqezt7jiY

in neat parcels - for neat people to dismiss -

https://youtu.be/hxoNSCuQGpM

cognitive dissonance is often a comfort for those who wear badges

Comment is about Poet reprieved from execution but still faces 800 lashes and long jail term (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I really like this Gee

Comment is about NEEDY (blog)

Original item by GeeProcessor

I absolutely love the last 13 or so lines of this. Especially I CAME I SAW I'M SORRY

Comment is about POOF (blog)

Original item by GeeProcessor

I am all on my own,
Wounded by iron weapons and scarred by swords.
I often see battle.
I am tired of fighting.
I do not expect to be allowed to retire from warfare
Before I am completely done for.
At the wall of the city, I am knocked about
And bitten again and again.
Hard edged things made by the blacksmith's hammer attack me.
Each time I wait for something worse.
I have never been able to find a doctor who could make me better
Or give me medicine made from herbs.
Instead the sword gashes all over me grow bigger day and night.

What am I?

Comment is about February 2016 Collage Poem (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Sorry you had to leave early last night Maggie and that you are feeling better!

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Yes! - I felt the same when I first saw my doughnut shirt - although not the Starman and Noel Fielding thoughts.

Comment is about I can't take my eyes off those silver boots (blog)

Original item by Anna Ghislena

Hi M.C.

as long as you breathe it in,
in the 'right' parts of the world
which,as you are no doubt aware are becoming fewer by the day.Keep your mask handy!

Best to you.

Patricia and Stefan.

Comment is about FUEL FOR THOUGHT (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

lot of power in your sample poem, Nicole.

liked it a lot.

will have to have a peek at your poems when i get chance as this was top notch.

well done x

Comment is about Nicole (poet profile)

Original item by Nicole

I think what's stopping many people deciding, Graham, is that they haven't been told what to think.

Comment is about WITH DAVE ON OUR SIDE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I enjoyed this too, Eric.
My only minor gripe (I'm contracted to complain) is the rhythmic hiccup in "The darkest of nights". Another beat, "dark nights" or "your nights" might help.

Comment is about The Journey's Just Begun (blog)

Original item by Eric Berard

It also seems that so many of my fellow leftie chums on here and on Fb bemoan some getting bigger gulps of air than others.

Comment is about FUEL FOR THOUGHT (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Just watched the vid, Thomas.
The poem translates brilliantly into melody but I think you underestimate its ability to stand alone as poetry.
The message is enhanced by the simplicity of the melody. If I were you I'd be tempted to pay an A in the bar before the D in the 4th line.
I like the concept of the confusion being with "you" and also the final rebuff.
Besides YouTube you can also post audios on here using MP3.

Comment is about Nonbinary song (blog)

Original item by Marnanel Thurman

"A groan, a stretch and a chance fart heralded the day,
As the dust fairies spread their wings".

Perfect, it could be us all

Comment is about Henry & Lucille (blog)

Original item by Jim Trott

Your poems are amazing. You are very talented :-)

Comment is about Eric Berard (poet profile)

Original item by Eric Berard

The fear campaign has already started John.

None of this bloody lot dare talk down immigration, much less try to control it sensibly.

I think we're half way out already

Comment is about WITH DAVE ON OUR SIDE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Hahaha, thank you very much :)

Comment is about The Journey's Just Begun (blog)

Original item by Eric Berard

Zach, contentment is a well hidden place. Sadly it tends to come as one ages. Perhaps it's genetic and is only switched on as we see less ahead of us than what's been left behind.

Comment is about goldenrod monologue (02/97/2016) (blog)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

Ah! the muse can be either a nymphomaniac or an estranged lover. Ideas cannot be easily ordered I think.

Comment is about Poets Anonymous (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Mark - I couldn't agree more, which can be seen in my piece from yesterday 'Spin on This'. Never believe a word they say!
Rob

Comment is about AUSTERITY (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Mark - unfortunately, because I usually like your work, the third line seems forced and ill fitting for a man of your capabilities. Sorry!
Rob

Comment is about FUEL FOR THOUGHT (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Welcome Shirley, love the villanelle!

Regards,

A.E.

Comment is about Shirley Bunyan (poet profile)

Original item by Shirley Bunyan

A beautiful poem. I especially love the last stanza.

Comment is about 'Our small talk numbing as a dial tone, serious as prayer' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Another fine tale from you Jim! Enjoyed every line of this - bloody marvellous!

Comment is about Henry & Lucille (blog)

Original item by Jim Trott

Hahaa - I bloody love this!! :D Magnificent toying with language, and hilarious to boot :D Bravo!

Comment is about Poets Anonymous (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Ooo red hot!

I think I know exactly where this is coming from, ahem, if you'll pardon the pun ;)

pranking cinders
kinder kind


This is a pretty spectacular poem Mr Pool. 'flaming suction' - well I never! ;)

Comment is about FIRE BABY (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Jeremy

I've read and re-read your post several times now, and can safely say that my main reaction is one of bewilderment. It's like asking someone if they like jam and them replying "the earth is flat". I don't get it. Not only do I not get it, I am loath to turn this into some kind of surreal bunfight, so the only response I can offer now is to walk away and wish you well in your parallel universe.

Comment is about Poet reprieved from execution but still faces 800 lashes and long jail term (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

very very good john. enjoyed reading them back as well as been involved in writing them last night. possibly my favourite two of them every done.

top stuff guys!

Comment is about February 2016 Collage Poem (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Hi, Jim,

I have much appreciated your comments. I fully intend to scope your work in detail; didn't want you to think I was ignoring you, especially since you're making an effort to participate wholly.

Cynthia

Comment is about Jim Trott (poet profile)

Original item by Jim Trott

Katy, I also feel that if I enjoy my own poetry, then chances are someone else will too. And I do like my own work, as if it is not even mine, just another writer entirely. Otherwise, I either adjust a poem to my own satisfaction, or jettison it. Harshly.

It's hard to know whether this is narcissistic or fairly common among poets. What think you?

Comment is about Katy Megan (poet profile)

Original item by Katy Megan

What about giving the collage poem the title Twice Broken?

Still liked the poetic current flowing in your poem John!

Comment is about February 2016 Collage Poem (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Well read Andy
look forward to when we team up at the Art Gallery
should be a good night mate.

Comment is about The Pusher (blog)

Original item by Andy N

A poem I can agree with. Best one I've seen today. Well done. :)

Comment is about The Journey's Just Begun (blog)

Original item by Eric Berard

I am sorry for your loss Nicole. Suicide leaves behind so many unanswered questions, neverending psychological pain. Much love and peace. Emer

Comment is about Richard (blog)

Original item by Nicole

Thank you both for your comments! Greatly appreciated!!
When I'm not writing or making music I work for a homeless charity here in B'ham called Crisis - I teach percussion, & technical theatre, life skills, &  build confidence. 'My boys'  humble me on a daily basis - this is my tribute to them based on their stories. Homelessness is an increasing problem - most of my chaps aren't addicts (although some are) they are educated, intelligent, amazing men who fell through the gaps in the system & are viewed by a lot of people as scum.

Comment is about In Crisis (blog)

Original item by Pixievic

Thank you. I wrote this after a friend of mine killed himself.

Comment is about Richard (blog)

Original item by Nicole

Thank you so much Emer :-)

Comment is about Nicole (poet profile)

Original item by Nicole

hi laura

it's disrespectful because your logic is false

"and they follow a fundamentalist branch of Islam that is intricately linked to ISIS."

it's 'intricately linked' because it is mainstream islamic jurisprudence - I doubt you'll find anyone who has a serious and respectful opinion of islam that would argue that it is not

so the point is moot

yet consider what mr fayadh says

"look up to yourselves from the bottom of the river;
those of you on top should provide some pity for those underneath..
the displaced is helpless,
like blood that no one wants to buy in the oil market! "

or

"night,
you are inexperienced with Time
lacking rain drops
that could wash away all the remains of your past
and liberate you of what you had called piety..
of that heart.. capable of love,
of play,
and of intersecting with your obscene withdrawal from that flabby religion
from that fake Tanzeel
from gods that had lost their pride.."

or

"your mute blood will not speak up
as long as you pride yourself in death
as long as you keep announcing -secretly- that you have put your soul
at the hands of those who do not know much..

losing your soul will cost time,
much longer than what it takes to calm
your eyes that have cried tears of oil"

http://monakareem.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/ashraf-fayadhs-disputed-poems-in.html

obviously one needs to consider the context of the unspoken history of the 'palestinians' - the inverted comma is deliberate - and of the way in which the 'palestinian' issue is used - none of which fits particularly neatly in narrow confines of media debate - hence why mr fayadh phrases his criticisms and accusations as he does - and why it is so important to the saudis that he renounce his poetry

none of it has anything to do with allies - or the implication that 'we' are colluding with terrorists - or that the saudis are no better than terrorists etc

Comment is about Poet reprieved from execution but still faces 800 lashes and long jail term (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Harry, We in Britain fail to understand that Europe is Germany-France. I think our leaving/staying in the EU must arouse as much interest in Europe as if Spain or Poland were having the referendum.

Comment is about WITH DAVE ON OUR SIDE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

All I can say about that is - wow!!!

Comment is about February 2016 Collage Poem (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

I'm very pleased you like this Stu. Where do ideas come from? A mystery. But what isn't a mystery is that it is my birthday today - a birthday fire baby!

cheers Ray

Comment is about FIRE BABY (blog)

Original item by ray pool