Just wanted to say thanks for your comments on 'Her Scent On Silk'. It's a poem about my mother and a memory that had been locked away for many years.

Also, I am a bit addicted the formal stuff lol I don't mind a bit of free verse but unlike you, I enjoy the restrictions of formal and I find sonnets in particular a bit addictive.

Can I ask though, do you hear much formal stuff being performed?? That worries me a bit. I've only just started reading my poetry at open mic nights but have yet to read a sonnet lol.

Helen

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Very poignant without being maudlin, Emma.
My own dad shook a six a few months ago. I think about him when I hear the song "The Living Years".

Comment is about 28 Years Later (blog)

Original item by Emma-Jane Stradling

Welcome to WoL Leslie Joan. I hope you find both inspiration and a platform for your talents!

Comment is about Leslie Joan (poet profile)

Original item by Leslie Joan

Love this

Comment is about matrix (blog)

Original item by Zachary

Lovely review Judy, thank you.

After attending the enjoyable workshop with John in the afternoon I was sorry to have missed this. I do not recollect John smiling much during the afternoon event either. Thankfully his words do :)

Comment is about Camels, guillemots - and a singalong that almost made John Hegley smile (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Yes I did intend for it to switch. The delivery would've been understood a little better through audio. Thank you for your feedback.

Comment is about matrix (blog)

Original item by Zachary

Thank you both. Brought a smile to my face.

Comment is about 28 Years Later (blog)

Original item by Emma-Jane Stradling

Emma-Jane this is beautifully expressed. I love poetry that comes from an honest, lived place. Thank you for sharing.

Comment is about 28 Years Later (blog)

Original item by Emma-Jane Stradling

This is so beautiful. Your loss is palpable without the overuse of drama or forcibly making words work for you.
Preeti

Comment is about 28 Years Later (blog)

Original item by Emma-Jane Stradling

Normally I don't get through this type of poem before switching off. However, this has got something and some very clever phrases.

The thing that bugged me was that it seems to start off in a sort of rap style and then morphs into a narrative. Did you mean that consciously or not?

I would prefer a fully narrative style perhaps with the rap bits like...

Dope, coke, broke, choke, toke. this is my life.nothing but a joke.......

interspersed, meaningful but not overdoing the rest.

Comment is about matrix (blog)

Original item by Zachary

Thank you Cynthia! Good to see you are still active on WOL. I've had time out from writing but getting back into the swing of things now, best wishes, Katy : )

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thanks very much Cynthia.

Comment is about NOT REALLY A STRANGER (blog)

Original item by David Subacchi

This feels like an interesting little sketch, Cynthia.
I wonder where you could take it?
There are a few different ideas packed in but not fully worked out perhaps, imho.
Not cold feet, please, but a second look to see how much it could grow?

Comment is about Moon Storm (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

really moving poem Darren(you look very much like him too!.) And how common and how destructive is that-

'wasteful divide'....... UGH! xx

Comment is about DAD (blog)

Original item by THE PEN AND THE PAGE

Cheers chuck! look out 2020! xx

Comment is about jumper on? jumper off? (blog)

'help us not meddle with our sacred souls' beautiful line-
beautiful poem! keep writing please Henrietta.x

Comment is about THE PRAYER (blog)

Original item by Henrietta Atsupi Gborgblorbu

Hi again all.Considering the latest gloomy forecast for the ice shelves etc,confirms as you state-

'the bandages over her wounded mouth
are allowing only mufflings'

MY 'lack of surprise' to that gloomy news
won't find-MY-lack of surprise off guard either!

Good one chaps!

Thank you.

Rose.x

Comment is about jumper on? jumper off? (blog)

no cold feet necessary Cynthia, beautifully atmospheric x

Comment is about Moon Storm (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I like the simplicity, words unhindered by punctuation

'and suddenly'

splitting the poem in two with a sharp intake of breath as we feel the cold rain drops.

x

Comment is about Moon Storm (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I don't find writing poetry relaxing, more like tearing my hair out. Not everyone who enjoys your work will respond in writing. Reciprocity is excellent.

Comment is about Michael W. Lankford (poet profile)

Original item by Michael W. Lankford

It is a good poem. I'm presuming the essence and basic imagery is age 15. It's hard to resist editting, but it isn't totally fair to the original. These were deep insights for a mid-teen, with a feel for fine imagery already.

Comment is about Fearful and Trembling (blog)

Original item by Michael W. Lankford

It's fast, funny and well-rhymed - with a picture to die for - what's not to like? Is this a specific poetry form that has slipped off my radar?

Comment is about Fire and ice-cream (blog)

Original item by Marnanel Thurman

You're deep, young man, you're deep. Farming should suit you excellently - the clearest philosophers come from the textbook of the soil.

Comment is about Process (blog)

Original item by Alex Smith

Like Rose, I have enjoyed this so much - in a sort of awe that increased with every line. I will reread this many times to give it all the attention it deserves.

You are one chameleon woman! More power to you.

Comment is about Masquerade (blog)

Original item by Katy Megan

Perhaps the Oxford position should follow on from being the Laureate every five years. It would certainly throw up some interesting names. However, I do believe it is considered cool, trendy, relevant, call it what you will, to appoint foreign names to these prestigious posts

Comment is about 'Self-schooled poet' Simon Armitage bids to become Oxford professor of poetry (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I always consider one alliteration enough, two at a stretch unless it is the main theme of the work.

Comment is about Moon Storm (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I often regret posting a very new work, but I'm chancing it today. I may get cold feet tomorrow.

Comment is about Moon Storm (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Geoffrey Hill can try to stipulate all he likes but poetry and for that matter poets will not be defined by his narrow criteria. Whoever Oxford choose, it will be for the better.

Comment is about 'Self-schooled poet' Simon Armitage bids to become Oxford professor of poetry (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hello everyone, i'm pretty unsure about the structure and the diction used that is why i have two poems on about the same theme: Valentine....please feel free to alert me about any changes i should make or clarifications.....Thank you

Comment is about THE EPITOME OF VALENTINE (blog)

Original item by Henrietta Atsupi Gborgblorbu

Helen,

I love the imagery in 'Beneath the Clouds' set up by very clever and thoughtful use of rhythm and rhyme. One of the best I've read for a while.

Keep up the great work.

Rob

Comment is about Helen (poet profile)

Original item by Helen

Thank you for your extremely generous comments. I am thrilled.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

This is beautifully put.

Comment is about The Lych Gate (blog)

Original item by Roy Chetham

Hey thank you everyone :) Glad you enjoyed it.

Lea - not sure if this was caught at a gig on Saturday night but if it was I'll deffo post it :)

Comment is about Majority (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Thanks Cynthia, 'tender' wasn't the first choice, but i'm glad i settle on it; it seems fitting.

Comment is about SELL BUY DATE. (blog)

I'm not sure you ever let go - but it's more of an apology to my father as now I understand - Larkin's this be the verse in reverse if you will

thank you all for your kind words

Comment is about father forgive me (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

This certainly touches a nerve; ''or the wasted time spent trying to be friends with your friends'' - it's an acutely resonant phrase; it seems like yesterday when i was wasting just this kind of time and effort. I knew no better.

Comment is about you have to be fair (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

Jeremy, that disparity in understanding is an unbridgeable gap. Like you say, hold tightly to their hand, until it's time to let go.

Comment is about father forgive me (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

Thank you for appreciating this piece...love you all xoxo....can't wait to look out for your excerpts

Comment is about Revenge (blog)

Original item by Henrietta Atsupi Gborgblorbu

Jan hi, If I may disagree with your assertion that "poets do not forget their poems" just a little, I have forgotten a couple of works owing to brain haemorrhage 2009. It not only effected my output but also my recollection of some items. But again I agree whole heartedly with the sentiment. (if you get my gist ) :) Tommy

Comment is about Poet apologises for 'appropriations' as poems are withdrawn and book is pulped (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

falling out with the crows...bad move.

thanks for your comments. that is the best stanza. it is good to be writing again.

might get chance for a read soon. i ve missed reading here. one week left of exams then yayyy. just got to be careful not to fall out with the crows. fall out with anybody else..but not the crows. x

i am always welcome in the black. you black, are always welcome to comment here :)

additional stanza

i had at once taken heroin
beneath trees
had come round
to be surrounded by the cold dead of dusk
and without realisation
i had taken that one wrong turn
into Addiction.
It is not as obvious at it seems
The dead of night
anytime.
It didn't strike until
a lot later.

Comment is about A crow landed on the rail. (blog)

Original item by Rachel Bond

Cynthia
Thanks for your comments on How dark and all that you said. Much appreciated. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday at Sale

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Evidently, MC.
I like the ambivalence of who is being told to "FU2"

Comment is about QUESTION (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Katy-if ever I was blown away,it was after reading this epic masterpiece.

Thank you.

Rose.x

Comment is about Masquerade (blog)

Original item by Katy Megan

Well spotted Greg. Some may take offence, but I hope not, as we all share life , some more equally than others no doubt..!

Comment is about BEDOUINS AT LARGE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

He's right! But then, if you'd have done it perfectly, what memory does that leave for him?!

Great moment captured x

Comment is about The Egg (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Ha ha Steve yes, I did think to myself 'you're being a smart arse'

thanks Cynthia just corrected that- grammar is like an annoying little brother to me; tripping me up when I try and show off.

But in case you didn't know Cynthia- applause in sign language is hands up in the air waving (kind of like 'jazz hands')

This is a version of a set of seasonal haikus I am doing for a public art commission.

Comment is about Summer Awhaikuing (blog)

Original item by CathyLCrabb

when they are taking a break from knitting Shreddies, yuk!

Comment is about Graffiti Grannies (blog)

Original item by Daniel Hooks

Imitation might be a form of compliment but there is a
marked difference between derivative work and lifting
stuff wholesale from the lines of others. Once might be
coincidence; more shows a policy of deceit that deserves
to be challenged and exposed in open forum so that
all may put their case and be judged accordingly.
I recall reading paragraphs in the work of a certain
biographer that seemed familiar - only to discover they
were virtually lifted from another author's work. The
former was subsequently brought to book (no pun
intended!), his activity identified.

Comment is about Poet apologises for 'appropriations' as poems are withdrawn and book is pulped (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks Rose - at the very least, politics owes us a chuckle!
MC

Comment is about QUESTION (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I'm accepting this as a true situation. Either way, the poem is very good, thought-provoking.

Comment is about Missing Words (blog)

Original item by David Lindsay