Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

Preeti Sinha

Wed 1st Apr 2015 09:34

Perfect ! So, so true :0

Comment is about The way to learn fuckall (blog)

Preeti Sinha

Wed 1st Apr 2015 09:31

I love that you are so openly vulnerable...great writing

Comment is about Don't. (blog)

Profile image

jeremy young

Wed 1st Apr 2015 04:53

oh well I shan't applaud again

Comment is about Left Behind (blog)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

Johnny Tafulu

Wed 1st Apr 2015 04:40

Its getting old...Conspiracies are set to destroy sell outs honey.

Comment is about moon is shining bright as day (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

Johnny Tafulu

Wed 1st Apr 2015 04:34

the secret CROWN

Comment is about suffer little chldren (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

Profile image

UInk

Wed 1st Apr 2015 04:00

Lol thank hun I'm glad you enjoy the kinky appeal.

Comment is about How I Want You (blog)

Original item by UInk

Profile image

John Bastard

Wed 1st Apr 2015 01:21

your diction is fantastic.

Comment is about moon is shining bright as day (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

Profile image

John Bastard

Wed 1st Apr 2015 01:12

/shrug

Comment is about Left Behind (blog)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

Profile image

jeremy young

Tue 31st Mar 2015 23:45

bravo.

Comment is about Left Behind (blog)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

Profile image

Shirley-Anne Kennedy

Tue 31st Mar 2015 20:43

"Spent cartridges of fellow men" absolutely LOVE this line!

Great write :)

Comment is about THIS GALLIPOLI (blog)

Original item by Jacqueline Phillips

Profile image

Greg Freeman

Tue 31st Mar 2015 16:42

Many thanks to Michael for taking such time and trouble with this interview, at a time when he is obviously also preparing for the Easter superjams to celebrate his 80th birthday. Much to my regret, owing to family circumstances I won't be able to get to any of them. But I would certainly aim to be at the 11 June gig at Kensington town hall.

Comment is about The 'Grandfather of Albion' at 80: Write Out Loud interviews Michael Horovitz (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Ian Whiteley

Tue 31st Mar 2015 16:32

well done Laura - keep up the good work

Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Laura Taylor

Tue 31st Mar 2015 16:11

Ian

I would hazard an educated guess that it is a paid opportunity, as there will almost certainly be gigs on the horizon, unless of course the artist is planning to never play in public, or only intends on playing for free, forever.

So you do believe that a job ad is equally comparable to a poetry competition then? Interesting perspective. As I mentioned - best you contact the organisers involved, if you believe their practices to be discriminatory.

As a long-term member of the Write Out Loud team, it is part of my responsibility to keep an eye out for such things, but thank you for your kind offer.

Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Ian Whiteley

Tue 31st Mar 2015 15:26

it depends whether this is a paid opportunity - who knows? If it is someone trying to get a few lads together to form a band - then we've all done it and I would say UK employment law has nothing to do with it.
I would guess that if any females would like to be in his band - that they would be treated fairly when it came to whether they could sing like Bon Scott and Jim Morrison - but that's just a guess.
As for the poetry competitions - there may be more money in it - discrimination, in any form, is still discrimination.
I'll keep an equally wary eye open for any future breeches.
Cheers

Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Laura Taylor

Tue 31st Mar 2015 15:16

Ian

Would you agree that a job ad, which is what this is, in essence, should comply with such employment laws as still exist?

Following on from that, do you believe that a job ad is equally comparable to a poetry competition?

Do you not think that such a public site as Write Out Loud should be aware of potential legal implications relating to content on the site, and act accordingly?

Finally, if 'female only' poetry competitions DO discriminate, in your opinion, I suggest you contact the organisers, rather than pull that issue into this particular thread.

Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

leah

Tue 31st Mar 2015 14:43

Write Angle 'Marches' On with AF Harrold as Special
Guest – But Where Was our Usual Crowd

When I apologised to one of our 'seasoned' guest performers a few months ago, that the audience was smaller than usual, (about 20) he said he often performed with audiences of 3 or 4! 'You do the same as if it was a full house! After all, they came to see you. They deserve your best shot!'

Thus, AF Harrold (Ashley), last night's third-time, guest, also faced a smaller crowd than he deserved– as audi maserati said, 'It's too bad. He's a great performer' – however it didn't stop the ginger bearded giant reading and performing some wonderfully clever and imaginative poetry from his collection of books! Laughter was heard throughout from the moment he stood up. And a smaller audience made for an intimate and relaxed evening, allowing for more than usual interaction with the guest, who happily took advantage of the chance to improvise, leading to: 'okay..stop talking, everyone!' ...all in good humour! The audience loved it!

An 'original', with a soft voice (beware sarcasm), AF started with 'My mother always encouraged me to talk to strangers. You never know when one of them might have some sweets.'

He went to a mirror exhibition....didn't see any mirrors but lots of pictures of himself!' He talked of, 'finding a lady bug in jam means it's going to rain. Finding a horse in jam means your luck's gonna change. Dogs are cats in dog suits. Ants can only count to seven'. (Loved the story of the tunnel of love). 'All action happens in the car in front....as his girlfriend pointed out on her mobile phone... from the car in front'....his timing is perfect. Then, onto the meanings of the star signs. Gemini. Shoot one twin through the head. Empathetically linked, both drop dead'...'Pisces. Dining alone. Chokes on a bone'

He makes fun of audiences...'they don't understand my humour'..in a loveable, acceptable way. Talks of his many books. 'Harold', a 'simple ordinary man...who, got a job as a tree surgeon. All went well till his first day! .. He worked on a submarine but on his first tour of duty, he confused periscopes and horoscopes. So thrilled to be a secret agent, he told all his family and friends. On love, Harold wanted to write a diary so he could meet a woman but had nothing to write. Finally he meets one, tells her about his diary. But, thinking he kept a dairy, she was no longer interested when there were no cows, only a diary. – But now, Harold had something to write. 'Today I met a pretty girl but it didn't work out.' On ducks, 'a duck in the hand makes the glove moist; A duck who makes honey is actually a bee; No duck is a quack..a duck in the hand is worth two in the sack..a duck in the pond makes a lot of ducks ponder....his mind quickly travels from one thought to another. AF is a ginger bearded wonder, and a delight to have as a guest!

Maria Hewitt, at the open mic, read poems about depression, 'The Black Hole', 'I like the idea that I'm at the centre of the milky way'. On January's 'The Prophet Mohammed', 'where does that leave God? A very moving poem about her father who nearly died after breaking his pelvis. Chris Sangster, playing that wonderful Appalachian mountain dulcimer, did a poem to rival last month's guest's 'I'm a good screw'. His, I'm an extremely good lover, (thought maybe not so great at other things). Then, a lovely song, 'Sometimes I wonder', on the mandolin. 'What's it all about..then sees the sun...'

Richard Hawtree read of the Isle of Inish-more. Beautifully visual, 'This is the Irish of Doubting Wisemen'. A land of Christian and pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. The ever loved audi maserati – (after a long nature walk) did the poem 'I want the rhythm, I want to feel the buzz of being here..and, from his dada notebook, 'The peach speaking to the piano'...got many laughs. He played 'Mountain Winds' on the mandolin, creating a spiritual sound of wind blowing. 'It's a duet sung by one person', he added. He sang a song about Lancashire, where his roots are. 'I love it because it lets me yodel!' Again, laughter. 'Imagine the moon tumbling into your hand'. (lovely).

Phyllida Carr then played the harmonica, adding to her repertoire of songs, The Irish National Anthem and other familiar songs. It didn't take long for everyone to sing along. Chris' voice shining out! Imogen Thompson spoke of 'suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 40.' Then, a very moving poem about her brother who'd hung himself. 'Take me away from this moment'...very powerful. Then, two love poems. 'Alice', 'Bring light to my embers and let me burn'. Very strong, emotive poetry.

Jezz and Matt then got up singing and playing guitar. A great team, their energy and style brought the end of the evening to a treat of wonderful music starting with 'an Irish style song'-. The very talented Jezz playing on the mandolin he'd made, himself! Quite an achievement!

The Raffle prize was two free Thai meals (all inclusive) at the Hamilton Arms.

If anyone has ideas on how to get the audiences we used to have, please share them with us.

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 17 Mar 2015 (event)

Profile image

Ian Whiteley

Tue 31st Mar 2015 14:05

OK - I wouldn't have felt discriminated by it - better?
Is this the same discrimination that allows for submissions to 'female only' poetry competitions - for example?

Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Jackie Phillips

Tue 31st Mar 2015 12:29

What great descriptions. I have read this poem through a few times now and each time I do I find new meanings.

Comment is about long light (03/29/2015) (blog)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

Profile image

Jackie Phillips

Tue 31st Mar 2015 11:46

I very much enjoyed this poem Judi - Thanks for sharing it

Comment is about Bed (blog)

Original item by Judi Strega

<Deleted User> (9882)

Tue 31st Mar 2015 09:27

cool! bugs me when anyone advises you to forget the past-

yeah right! x

Comment is about The way to learn fuckall (blog)

Profile image

Laura Taylor

Tue 31st Mar 2015 09:09

It's not about 'being offended' Ian - it's about discriminatory practices.

Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

<Deleted User> (13516)

Mon 30th Mar 2015 21:38

I wanna too Natalie. Love this x

Comment is about I Wanna (blog)

Profile image

Steve Higgins

Mon 30th Mar 2015 21:37

Look forward, not back, and like me you'll just carrying on making all the wrong moves . .short but sweet: I like it, Steve

Comment is about The way to learn fuckall (blog)

Profile image

Steve Higgins

Mon 30th Mar 2015 21:35

You want it all don't you - I love this, Steve

Comment is about I Wanna (blog)

Profile image

Steve Higgins

Mon 30th Mar 2015 21:24

. . . and thats just the chat up line I use in Wetherspoons on a Saturday night!

Comment is about In The Shadow of Your Smile (blog)

Original item by Steve Higgins

<Deleted User> (6895)

Mon 30th Mar 2015 20:48

W.W.J. have you been watching too many crappy progs?we ask that in case those cranium contents have melted down the back of the sofa.Good 'un! xx

Comment is about I've Lost My Mind (blog)

Original item by wrestledwithjimmy

<Deleted User> (6895)

Mon 30th Mar 2015 20:42

oh!you smoothie Steve! xx

Comment is about In The Shadow of Your Smile (blog)

Original item by Steve Higgins

<Deleted User> (6895)

Mon 30th Mar 2015 20:27

Cheers Natalie.xx

Comment is about Shit brained angel (blog)

<Deleted User> (9882)

Mon 30th Mar 2015 18:21

pass me that joint! ace! x

Comment is about He Inhales (blog)

Original item by Michael Napoli

Profile image

Julian (Admin)

Mon 30th Mar 2015 15:57

Sorry Ian, I find it a challenge to listen carefully, take notes and get it all right. And take photos. Heigh ho. Pete Seeger was a lion of a man, politically, artistically, and in terms of his humanity.

Comment is about Not retro but metro: Write Out Loud Sale displays its range of poetic styles (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Mon 30th Mar 2015 15:54

Infused from elsewhere, the country's full -
With less room and time for old John Bull!
It's plain to him (not exactly skittish)
That Blighty now seems more like "Blitish"!

Comment is about For old John Bull`s tombstone (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Profile image

Julian (Admin)

Mon 30th Mar 2015 15:26

Winston, this is what it is all about. I take my hat off to you sir. Spot on. Well done! Let's see more of it. please come to my granddaughter's school and do the same.

Comment is about 'It's about what comes from your heart and soul': how 'amazing' project helped pupils learn to love poetry (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Ian Whiteley

Mon 30th Mar 2015 15:11

given the bands influences - isn't it fair for him to pitch the ad at what he sees as the line-up? none of the bands mentioned have a female vocalist - I wouldn't have been offended if an all girl band stating the Go-Go's, Crucified Barbara and the Runaways had pitched for a female singer
just saying

Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Greg Freeman

Mon 30th Mar 2015 15:05

That's a good point, Laura. I think I will amend the job description on Angel Rivers' behalf. Technically this is a news item, rather than an ad, but I see what you mean ... Hmm, a woman poet that sounds like Leonard Cohen ...

Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Laura Taylor

Mon 30th Mar 2015 14:27

Why 'male' exclusively?

Does that not count as discrimination then, given it's in essence a job ad?

Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Lynn Hamilton

Mon 30th Mar 2015 10:30

Thank you Martin for your lovely comment on Take Away love.

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Profile image

Harry O'Neill

Mon 30th Mar 2015 00:37

What brought this on` was was reading again (on a coach trip
with my fellow old halt and lame) Leigh Hunts famous lines
/Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)/ awoke one
night from a deep dream of peace/ ...and someone`s (I think
Chesterton`s ) skit: /Abou Ben Adhem, may his tribe decrease
/by virtuous birth control and die in peace/...together with all
this UKIP stuff about immigration...and Western (and Chinese!)
ageing populations...and the fact that no one ever seems to ask
why there is room for all these immigrants.

As the grandson of Irish settlers who owes more than I can say to
someone who came over from Barbados many years ago to nurse
us, my own position is gratitude.

Comment is about For old John Bull`s tombstone (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Profile image

Martin Elder

Sun 29th Mar 2015 23:07

The description in this is beautiful,'Fluids mixed in a cocktail of haste a curdle of raspberry ripple we did create'
wonderful stuff

Comment is about Take Away Love (blog)

Profile image

Ian Whiteley

Sun 29th Mar 2015 20:40

aye up Martin :-) thanks for the kind comment on 'Dockery Plantation Blues' glad that you liked it. Agree, it was good to meet up at Sale and have a chat - hope to see you again on the circuit somewhere
Ian

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

<Deleted User> (6895)

Sun 29th Mar 2015 20:16

Thanks Rose and Michael.I get your point (no pun intended)Rose,but 'dick' is likely to have been used more in that era I think if you get my meaning.I know a lot of modern day Americans also use the word 'pecker'-that definitely wouldn't have suited.

Cheers both-Stef.xx

Comment is about Shit brained angel (blog)

Profile image

Ann Foxglove

Sun 29th Mar 2015 19:24

Thank you guys! x

Comment is about eclipsed (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Profile image

Andy N

Sun 29th Mar 2015 18:49

last stanza particularly rings well with me but good stuff emma

Comment is about Thinking About Talking in Bed (blog)

Original item by Emma Roy- Williams

Profile image

Andy N

Sun 29th Mar 2015 18:49

lot of i's in the lines here Nat, but it works. your work is really developing. good stuff again

Comment is about Don't. (blog)

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Sun 29th Mar 2015 18:45

Good to see you on the blog again Ann, it's been too long!

As a father and father-in-law with two grandchildren under one year old, there's been a lot of breast-feeding talk in our family for the last few months.

The eclipse reference is a lovely viewpoint. these babies may well be mummies when the next real eclipse comes by. A tender fleeting glance. Wonderful, well done!

Graham

Comment is about eclipsed (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Profile image

Greg Freeman

Sun 29th Mar 2015 18:40

Profile image

maggie sawkins

Sun 29th Mar 2015 18:33

Thanks for taking the time Greg. This is a wonderful record of the evening, and that last line is a real tear jerker.

Comment is about Far from a comfort zone: Maggie Sawkins on a scary journey, and the friends she found along the way (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I am lost

Sun 29th Mar 2015 13:40

Thanks for taking the time to read "Undecided." I'm glad you liked it.

Comment is about wrestledwithjimmy (poet profile)

Original item by wrestledwithjimmy

I am lost

Sun 29th Mar 2015 13:33

Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you liked it.

Comment is about Undecided (blog)

Original item by Clive

<Deleted User> (13516)

Sun 29th Mar 2015 03:51

You can tell your poetry comes straight from the heart. Time helps a lot, so don't give up on that hope. And I hope you keep posting here, you write with real authenticity.

Comment is about (blog)

Original item by kaluw

<Deleted User> (13516)

Sun 29th Mar 2015 03:40

This is lovely, I like how although things seem so dark at times, you still hold onto hope, it takes great courage and bravery ....I know :)

Comment is about kaluw (poet profile)

Original item by kaluw

More Comments

◄ Prev123 … 292 … 584 … 876 … 1168 … 1460 … 1752 … 17971798179918001801 … 2044 … 2336 … 2628 … 291229132914Next ►

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message