I'd comment 'hear, hear' but think that may be copying!

Comment is about Stain (blog)

I keep coming back to read Eye-Toothed. The first two lines have created an image in my head which I cannot shift!

Comment is about Eye-Toothed (03/26/2015) (blog)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

''...tupperworn...''. Perfect.

Is there a rogue 's' in ''...hedgesrows...'', 1st line 4th verse?

Comment is about To Tenby (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

Hi Preeti, I love the title of this one, and it's great subject matter too - great to see you asserting the need we all have for appreciation, and hope you are able to accept the praise xx

Comment is about Stain (blog)

Hey Sharlie, wow, I can relate to this one at the min, got a spare ticket for that plane? :)

Comment is about I need a holiday. (blog)

Original item by Sharlie

Love the sound of this when I read it - all those lovely 'l' and 'y' sounds xx

Comment is about Emote Me (blog)

Hi Nat, I like this, really powerful imagery x

Comment is about Phantom (blog)

Hi I an
This is another cracker. I love the line 'choking the blues out of a guitar. It was good to see you at sale recently.

Comment is about Dockery Plantation Blues (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

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)

Hi Preeti.A really nice honest to goodness poem.I'm just sorry that I did'nt come on-before 'now'.

Kindest regards.

Rose.x

Comment is about Stain (blog)

audience comments at the end were rapturous

'Gobsmacked'
'speechless'
'It touched me'

Review is about 'Prometheus'Performance on 13 Mar 2015 (event)

The room was full with extra chairs squeezed in at the back with an audience not Knowing quite what to expect.
Phil Knight performed poems in a highly physical style to the haunting accompaniment of Mike Goslings Guitar The effect seemed to mesmerise the audience who sat without a shuffle until they erupted into loud applause at the end the silences were palpable and one audience member described being 'lost for words' another being 'gobsmacked'. This was an unusual and unique performance of poetry and deserves to be seen again.

Review is about 'Prometheus'Performance on 13 Mar 2015 (event)

Thank you so much!

FYI, "wairy" should be "wary", but the WriteOutLoud blog won't let me edit my entries right now.

Comment is about Threat (blog)

Original item by Alex Smith

Perfect summation of an event hyped up beyond belief !

Comment is about 2.5 minute lasting&93 million miles away smile (blog)

Hello M.C. Many thanks for your comment on "Violation". I am sorry it has taken me so long to answer, but I thought it best to answer on the poem itself. Your interest is appreciated.

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Great little poem, MC, I enjoyed this.

Comment is about TREES - a re-post to welcome Spring (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hello, M.C. Firstly, many apologies for my severe lateness in answering your comment.

I would agree that when checking online, the disabled look to be catered for in law, and I find it inconceivable that they would have lost all rights in society.

However, I did read in a couple of blogs that their protection had been removed from Section 149 of the equality act. The only official record of this I could find was from the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, and it is this committee that have stated, “We are concerned that a part of the Law on treating people equally and fairly (Equality Act section 149) does not say anymore that disabled people should be involved.”

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/joint-committees/human-rights/087%20EasyRead%20Ind%20Liv%20substantive.pdf

There are a whole host of benefit reforms that have adversely affected the disabled – unfairly set work care assessments, retraction of money while awaiting appeals, and the under occupancy penalty, hence the UN inquiry.

At the announcement of the inquiry, a UN spokesman said the UK had been given time to put the matters right, but had failed to do so, and the violation has to be grave and systemic for the investigation to be going ahead.

Regarding the term “British”, personally, I have no problem calling myself British. I do find it is PC gone mad, however, if we cannot use the word “English” in other situations. In fact, I seem to remember writing a poem on this one! :-)

Thank you very much for your comment, MC, and thank you for your time.

Comment is about Violation (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

thank you for your kind comments

here is a reading - https://soundcloud.com/jeremyyoung-7/to-tenby

Comment is about To Tenby (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

Great piece of work Sharliey

My indoctrination into Christian society from birth, then brought up a "Christian soldier". Was (with hindsight) I now believe. to have been, a gross violation of my human rights.

Now as a committed conscientious objector to all forms of these brain shackling superstitions,

I object most strongly to this, State encouraged, abusive mind setting of innocent children from birth. Perpetrated by zealots in silly clothes.

Comment is about Has God Gone Crazy? (blog)

Original item by Sharlie

Thank you very much. Your words meant so much to me only if you knew

Comment is about My Melanin Pleasures (blog)

Original item by Luna Lov3

Firstly, welcome Luna.Secondly, what a calmly constructed piece. I really like the soothing tone and how that reflects the good vibes you exhale into the world. Nice work, look forward to more.

Comment is about My Melanin Pleasures (blog)

Original item by Luna Lov3

thanks for the comment on @ménage A Trois' John - glad you got to see the eclipse - there was a hazy cloud across it here - which made viewing it a little easier from behind the woollen hat pulled down over my eyes - Yorkshire adaptability you see
cheers
Ian

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Glad you liked 'Menage A Trois' Harry - thanks for commenting again - much appreciated
Ian

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

I thoroughly enjoy hosting this night, this month's event was a particularly good one. Just for the record, and not wishing to take undue credit, a Firm of Poets was founded by Ralph Dartford and Matt Abbott, I joined the fun later on. Thanks for your encouraging review Julian.

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

Yes, I love this one...

Mysterious and sinister.

Comment is about Exile - March Collage Poem (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

just to clarify Julian - 'Serendipity Spangle' is the name I gave to the 'spirit' of American Folk music and how that spirit has spread across the world and been used to 'pacify the soul' in numerous conflicts throughout the ages. The poem was written 'for' Pete Seeger on his passing last year, as he was one of the best at that particular trait. The poem is actually called 'Walkin' Man' and I posted it originally as a poem and then as a song, having co-written a folky type tune to it that I would like to think adds something of Pete Seeger in it's delivery. It isn't meant to suggest that Pete Seeger took part in any of the conflicts or activities mentioned.
A nice review of a really enjoyable night by the way - and some great photo's too.
For anyone who would like to read the words or listen to the song, here's a link to it that I posted last year:
http://www.writeoutloud.net/public/blogentry.php?blogentryid=41994

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

Yes it was the way your poem Shadow sent me thinking of my little Grandson who would have been five years old on the 11th April and the dark shadow it cast over me.

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Thank you for your welcome and comment Martin.

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Short but very sweet! Nice . .

Comment is about I Am God (blog)

Hey Harry, many thanks regarding your comment on "I'm Dead Inside". To answer the proposition raised in your comment the beauty of the whole process is ironic. Some can the beauty in the self decay and how complex the whole idea is. For me the beauty is born from the retrospective love and relationships that are born from the idea of self loathe; and how those rally around the individual to help deal with the problem. Hope this sheds some light! x

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Yes, MC. My dad shook a six a few months ago. He had dementure which we both found funny and infuriating at the same time. I gave him a folder of some of my poems to read. He didn't need many because he could never remember whether he'd read them or not!

Comment is about 20 YEARS FROM NOW (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Humour in adversity. The saving grace of mankind: thank
heaven for it.
My own mother who passed on to join the great majority
never quite lost her sense of the ridiculous and the
ability to laugh at the pitfalls of life, despite her 90 year
existence and advancing Alzheimer's Disease. The sound
of laughter in a lounge full of decrepit "oldies" was proof
of that. A joke against oneself via a common situation is the most worthwhile proof of defiant humanity giving
"the bird" to irascible unforgiving old Mother Nature.
Far from being immature, it is the complete opposite.
I recall the pals of a serviceman who had lost both lower
legs visiting him in hospital and eliciting a huge laugh
from him with the good news that they had managed
to sell his shoes!
Keep 'em coming, J.C.

Comment is about 20 YEARS FROM NOW (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi Nigel
wow that last piece you sent me is amazing, it seems like it has a personal note for you. i don't quite know how to follow that.

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

I reckon these will be fab. One of our regular poets at Marsden Write Out Loud waxes lyrical about Gaia's inspirational workshops. Get the youngsters to these workshops!

Comment is about Writing workshops for youngsters in Calderdale with Gaia Holmes at Phoenix FM (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

It's a thumbs up from me!

Comment is about I'm Dead Inside (blog)

Original item by Sharlie

I like that piece very much Alex

Comment is about Threat (blog)

Original item by Alex Smith

thanks Rose.Might polish this one up at some point.xx

Comment is about After you chucked me (blog)

Thanks John. I hope they still do and you don't have to revert to any other substances!

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

I really enjoyed this Tom, a love poem with a twist and you really managed to convey that love with those descriptions of the small things which come to mean so much, such as hands brushing against each other.

Comment is about I'm Not Here (blog)

Original item by Tom

Super writing, you sent me back in to my rose hued childhood. Thanks :-)

Comment is about To Tenby (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

A very poignant moment for you, Maggie. Please accept my condolences. Greg

Comment is about Why I love Larkin - by Grayson Perry, chair of Ted Hughes award judges (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Wonderful! I love the flow of this poem; it really gets at the fugue state of childhood. It reminds me of a poem my friend just sent me for the first day of spring: In Just- by E.E. Cummings. Anyhow, great stuff!

Comment is about To Tenby (blog)

Original item by jeremy young

in total agreement with Patricia and Stef.Beautiful! x

Comment is about Following your steps... (blog)

Original item by Noris Roberts

went back peddling.Came up with this real gem of yours!


x

Comment is about After you chucked me (blog)

This woman likes Larkin. One of my favourites is The Mower:

'Next morning I got up and it did not.
The first day after a death, the new absence
is always the same; we should be careful

of each other, we should be kind
while there is time.'

Quite poignant right now as I heard this morning about the death of my first husband and the father of 'sunny girl' in Zones of Avoidance.

Comment is about Why I love Larkin - by Grayson Perry, chair of Ted Hughes award judges (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Many thanks to The Rev'd Richard Stamp of Victoria, Australia for asking permission to include this poem in his Bird of the Month newsletter and for supplying some excellent photos - one of which is included as an illustration. To any of the newsletter readers who may have checked this out - welcome and thank you. And thanks to Julian for this website which makes this sort of thing possible. Dave

Comment is about Not a tit at all (blog)

Original item by Dave Carr

Thank you Arquious for sharing this.Surprised that there hasn't been more interest shown.Some wonderful descriptions! xx

Comment is about World Poetry Day (blog)

Original item by arquious stotious

The eyes and smile always did for me, Lynn. Love the running analogy of drugs.

Comment is about Narcotic Lips (blog)

Hi Preeti. Thank you for your kind comments about my words. Still finding my way around the site and not sure why everything is coming out twice and not quite right (think that's due to fat fingers when commenting by phone)!

Comment is about Idols (blog)

Powerful to the extreme.

Comment is about Breasts Gone Wrong (blog)

Original item by Jacqueline Phillips