Excellent philosophy in a thimble. A bit 'Oscar -ish' I am a HUGE Oscar Wilde fan.
Comment is about Raineth (blog)
Original item by CathyLCrabb
Excellent philosophy in a thimble. A bit 'Oscar -ish' I am a HUGE Oscar Wilde fan.
Comment is about Raineth (blog)
Original item by CathyLCrabb
the structure here is excellent. very, very clever. enjoyed this a lot.
Comment is about The Undies Moment (blog)
Original item by Candice Reineke
Your most recent commentary is expansive; you have done your homework.
And the drama of the fleeing family plays out; the media looking ever worse after their dramatic publicity whipping. Thankfully, more facts are emerging in the family's defense. Surely any thinking person must have thought all along: this just does not compute.
Comment is about Commodities (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Thanks so much for the comments you three. I am reflecting back on a brilliant time, I know people get fed up of hen do's in the village these days, but girls know they can be free with themselves there- and I guess that says a lot about society.
Cynthia- it is tea bag yes, a la Right Said Fred, as was the regalia of the time for some friends of mine.
Comment is about Fairy Tail (blog)
Original item by CathyLCrabb
<Deleted User> (12751)
Mon 1st Sep 2014 05:15
Msny thanks, MC. As a Spurs fan I have learned to cope with the disappointment; it's the hope I can't bear.
Comment is about Heartbreak Hotel (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
No problem Anthony
Comment is about Alexandra K. Parapadakis (poet profile)
Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis
Thank you for reading my poem AND responding. I really appreciate all comments and feedback
Comment is about Alexandra K. Parapadakis (poet profile)
Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis
I love the way you have structured this, it strengthens the our ability to picture the exchange between the two characters
Comment is about The Undies Moment (blog)
Original item by Candice Reineke
This is beautifully written and extremely thought provoking
Comment is about Shooting Angels (blog)
Original item by Twilbury Wist
My brother-in-law (an Arsenal fan) would
relish this!!
Some amazing things happening at Man. U.
these days.
Comment is about Heartbreak Hotel (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hi Andy - thank you for your comments re "force of nature " most kind of you to remember me - your piece is so very important - in that it highlights the need for truth. As an ideal we should all be striving towards it and of course it maybe assumed that it resides within our justice system - but not always and this is so sad .
Comment is about For Stefan Kiszko (blog)
Original item by Andy N
leah
Sat 30th Aug 2014 16:32
AUGUST'S WRITE ANGLE BRINGS THE CARIBBEAN TO PETERSFIELD
August brought a packed house to the Square Brewery's newly decorated room upstairs, boasting mushroom and cream walls – a big improvement over the previous dark maroon!
With Jake and Leah on holiday in the States, Speech Painter compered, keeping things afloat with supporters; Tash Finn, David Stone, Chris Sangster and Jackie Winsor - and of course, the wonderful mix of open mic poets and musicians, plus the brilliant Maggie Harris, Guyanese and Caribbean performance poet (in from Wales).
Guest Performer, Maggie Harris began by focusing on her Caribbean childhood images – a basic simple life which she compared with that of her daughter and grandchildren in this country. In a way, it portrayed a lament for Guyana – tempered with 'thanks' for a better life for her family. 'Alphabet Shanty' and 'Dancing the Words' recreated her early learning experiences at age 4, with a 'patient writing teacher' – helping her celebrate the use of words through children’s songs – “words can shape the destiny”.
Maggie’s lilting Caribbean accent waxed and waned with song-like delivery in 'Shadows', a piece she'd written to accompany dancers exploring their ancestry. 'Onwards' painted wonderful imagery of the efforts and struggles of fetching water, the beautiful images of walking through the forests – a strong desire of striving for better things, - also depicted in 'Tourist Market', - various stall holders and touts (all read in different accents) trying desperately to ply their various trades and goods – one could hear their cry, “please don’t walk away from me”.
She was joined by her 16 year old grand daughter Kanisia, in an adapted “Way down upon the Berbice river”, to celebrate the visual and activities of that river – with over-lying, under-used buildings, and lack of work opportunity. Overall, Maggie painted a fast moving and multi-faceted word picture of a colourful, if slightly backward world, beautifully expressed.
Maggie Harris performed 'Through Blue Eyes to Marley', with granddaughter, Lily, joining in for 'Dylan is playing the Djembe'. These conjured memories of her father playing guitar, 'singing the old songs'. She then read from her latest book, “60 Years of Loving”: 'Cleopatra in All her Glory', 'I Had a Lover Once' and '60 Shades' – “There’s something about an Affair”, (wondering if it was wise with her granddaughter in the audience). Then, 'Changing times', (highly visual) – 'Stop All the Clocks' and 'Time line – Winstable' – reviewing traditions and changing lifestyles in Wales. Also 'Time line, again joined by Kanisia. Maggie proved herself a unique performer with a varied programme.
The evening began with Speech Painter juxtaposing words and music in his rendition of 'Who Put the Bop' – a real triumph - from the audience's reaction. He then asked each poet for their favourite animal and type of music. These became the evening's themes.
JeanAnne Naumczyk, an ardent fan, paid tribute to Elvis, reading with great feeling; not quite the same 'positive' strokes as her one about technology and its associated problems, leading to 'good old letter writing'. Sven served up his usual style of intensely written and performed poetry – a powerful poem 'Shore Leave', conjuring images of his father drowning his mother – the final image of the family returning home from the seaside (psychologists would love that one!)
Richard Hawtree read ''Risk from the Past', memories of an ominous city he'd known in his life. Graham Brown, newcomer, all the way from the Isle of Wight, presented a monologue 'You know it's summer when...' followed by a clever poem about breeds of dogs, entitled 'The Rover Dance', with images of Terrier Tango, Pug Jitterbug and Labradors grabbing the floor.
Speech Painter did a poem about a young man – strongly hoping he get himself sorted out – 'easier to read when he's not here'! Dave Allen, always a WA 'favourite', expressed his frustrations in the poem 'Hate Today' - “Don’t tell me who to hate today”, about the ways that bad news, accusations and fluctuating “concern” is fed to us through TV and newspaper news. Audi Maserati sang and perfomed, using his wistful imagination to create vibrant images of nature, sea, rivers and sunsets – “Something special is going down”.
The open mic continued with two newcomers. Stephen Boyce reading 'Go Figure', a clever, numerically-based view of the life and death of James Dean – “How does that add up?” Then, 'Underground Movement' focusing on sights and sounds of city living –“We try so hard to stink of experience”. Janet Turner, all the way from New Forest, read an amusing poem about clocks ticking in hospital wards – creating growing stress for patients. (her)!
Maria Hewitt read, 'I Wish' following the stages of growing up; and 'His Wish', a war destroyed city wishing for the future as “his golden city”. Then, how her garden was threatening to take over her life in 'The Tyranny of the Garden' – “I do love my garden but does it really love me?” Sorrel Wood, third new comer, did a real report of the theft of a snowman, and 'An Accidental Armchair Anarchist' “they’re Eton clones!', two hilarious poems. Chris Sangster then did 'Teaching an Old Dog' and 'Hear the Sound of the Drum'.
Bruce Parry added beautiful music on a hammered dulcimer., as well as sharing a thought-provoking poem about a couple drifting apart – Speech Painter, returned with guitarist Will B to perform songs about the Road – their latest writing project. “There is no Hope in Hell” – The second song, inspired by Didling church near Minstead had some ominous images of scarecrows and burning stubble – “Don’t stop at the crossroads”. The evening ended with an explosive piece of theatre poetry by Carolyn Blackburn entitled 'The Female Symbol', which elaborated graphically on the male/female role.
The raffle sponsor was the fabulous Italian restaurant, La Piazzetta.
All in all, a varied and fast-moving evening, with a welcome injection of “new poetic blood”, talented regulars and a truly earthy and great guest poet! What more can one want?
Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 19 Aug 2014 (event)
Clever, high-spirited poem, and the final two lines, always very important, are wonderful: "teetering on the bank's slimy lips, / holding the chips." Thanks for posting, Cathy.
Comment is about Fairy Tail (blog)
Original item by CathyLCrabb
I have to admit defeat.It seems an elegant rant against a loved one, introverted, lovely in sound and image, but just too personal.
Comment is about Eyas (blog)
Original item by Marianne Daniels
Oh and thank you Andy and Isobel. Appreciated :)
Comment is about Commodities (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Hey Cynthia - thank you for all of your considered comments - always appreciated :)
Mmm, well, I'm wondering why so much is being made of the race/heritage/culture aspect, and nowhere near as much attention (if any) is being focussed on the fact that the Council had contracts with one or more taxi firms who were known to be involved. There were two formal police operations, Chard and Czar, in 2010 and 2011, and although taxi licences were revoked in some cases, these firms continued to be used by the Council. The taxi drivers were in constant contact with the children. Names were supposedly not taken, no one knew which driver would be collecting etc. Shaun Wright was head of Children's Services slap bang in the middle of the time period of the report. What does it tell us that he still refuses to resign or take any responsibility at all?
Read Section 8 of the report about the taxi stuff - in fact, read the whole thing. Eye-opening. Gut-wrenching.
Add all of that to the total incompetence, moral bankruptcy and, in my opinion, criminal behaviour of the South Yorkshire Police (architects of Battle of Orgreave and Hillsborough) and you end up with continuing trafficking of children for sex, their evidence destroyed, their complaints turned into 'No Crime', and thousands of lives and futures destroyed.
Did you know that a senior CID person claimed that a 12 year old girl had "100% consensual sex" with at least 5 men? This is a person employed to uphold the law, with the legal age of consent being 16. What they are saying is illegal. She CANNOT give consent under the law. Anything else is classed as rape.
Sorry for epic post - there's so much involved here, and I am utterly incensed and distressed by it.
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Hey Cynthia - thank you for all of your considered comments - always appreciated :)
Mmm, well, I'm wondering why so much is being made of the race/heritage/culture aspect, and nowhere near as much attention (if any) is being focussed on the fact that the Council had contracts with one or more taxi firms who were known to be involved. There were two formal police operations, Chard and Czar, in 2010 and 2011, and although taxi licences were revoked in some cases, these firms continued to be used by the Council. The taxi drivers were in constant contact with the children. Names were supposedly not taken, no one knew which driver would be collecting etc. Shaun Wright was head of Children's Services slap bang in the middle of the time period of the report. What does it tell us that he still refuses to resign or take any responsibility at all?
Read Section 8 of the report about the taxi stuff - in fact, read the whole thing. Eye-opening. Gut-wrenching.
Add all of that to the total incompetence, moral bankruptcy and, in my opinion, criminal behaviour of the South Yorkshire Police (architects of Battle of Orgreave and Hillsborough) and you end up with continuing trafficking of children for sex, their evidence destroyed, their complaints turned into 'No Crime', and thousands of lives and futures destroyed.
Did you know that a senior CID person claimed that a 12 year old girl had "100% consensual sex" with at least 5 men? This is a person employed to uphold the law, with the legal age of consent being 16. What they are saying is illegal. She CANNOT give consent under the law. Anything else is classed as rape.
Sorry for epic post - there's so much involved here, and I am utterly incensed and distressed by it.
Comment is about Commodities (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
I appreciate your intellectual scope and related associations. And those final two lines are dynamic - to be receptive. It is humanly amazing what we deny ourselves of individual understanding.
Comment is about Water and sand (blog)
Original item by Twilbury Wist
I have not read the comments below. So - I'm influence free. And probably so far in left field I'm out of the ballpark.
I think this poem is terrific - a topic targetted with empathy and superb gear control of poetic craft. Your imagery is outstanding - like 'stone age suitors...''lavender-laden longing for lads', just as one example. I just fell through the lines. Hilarious title.
Did you really mean 'tea bag tea shirters' instead of 'tee shirters'? Only curious.
OK, now for the other comments, including your own. I shudder.
Comment is about Fairy Tail (blog)
Original item by CathyLCrabb
Renown is yours. It has to be. Your rocket is flying - and deservedly so. It's the phony high-fliers who get my ass. Whatever the idiom, it isn't brains and content that launches them.
I like that this poem could be directed to anyone in your life, even yourself. Perhaps to a mother? That works most for me.
Comment is about Ward 3D (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
This is excellent, a strong, sour, current topic brought vividly forward.
What I like here is that you haven't pointed fingers at individuals. You have expressed the cold situation which is not acceptable in our current British culture, nor, in your opinion, as human beings in any culture. I agree.
Also, through this whole 'story', runs the fear of being labelled 'ethnically opposed' or 'racist'. That is a chilling factor too, very potent, and needs to be taken into consideration. Perhaps fear as well.
But the unacceptable age of the girls is a very western cultural thing, fairly recent in fact, and not agreed upon by men and women themselves in other parts of the world. This conflicting attitude is divisive.
Of course, we must support the culture we choose to live in. This 'story' is way too big to be 'simple', as the vigilante media so stridently insists upon - black or white -right or wrong - hang somebody! I hate being treated like a stuffed head puppet!
Comment is about Commodities (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
This is really engrossing. I think writing poetry is like 'harvesting', very much as you so eloquently put it right here. You know - the personal, often unintended, exposure of the conscious and unconscious. IMO, I read a fine metaphor here. But metaphors work according to experience. Someone else will read an entirely different scenario - life and death and sin and - and - and - . IMO, such versatility of meaning is the mark of a great poem.
Isn't writing absolutely glorious! Like your brain goes into gears you never dreamed of. And then, you appreciate so much more the experiences of other writers.
Comment is about Twisted Harvest (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Hello Michael,
Welcome to Write Out Loud, we hope you are enjoying the site and we're really looking forward to reading some of your work. I know that you will be warmly welcomed by other WOL-ers too.
It would be great if you could upload a picture of yourself, it’s really good to see what our fellow poets look like.
Have a good look around, there’s always lots going on and if you have the time to make some comments about the work of other poets please feel free to do so, it’s often the best way to get some constructive feedback about your own work too.
There’s usually somebody who’ll help you out with any problems that you might encounter, so just ask and someone will get back to you.
WOL is a friendly, creative and unassuming place, so welcome from all of us once again.
The Write Out Loud Team.
Comment is about Michael Dennis 'The Black Cab Poet' (poet profile)
Original item by Michael Dennis 'The Black Cab Poet'
Hi Cathy, stick up for your poems, this is a good piece of work and if you love it that's good enough for me. (-:
Comment is about Fairy Tail (blog)
Original item by CathyLCrabb
Raw and so painful to think about - you nail it Laura. Everyone who knew and turned a blind eye to this needs sacking from the top down.
Comment is about Commodities (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Thanks for your comment on my poem Laura - forget who I've thanked and who I haven't! x
Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Brilliant review - dry, funny, thought provoking and not too reverent... just what you'd expect from DT, really...
Now someone on here needs to write that poem about 'the three empty seats'!
Comment is about Is Billy Collins still at the top of his game? A fan's view from Edinburgh book festival (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
hi shirley - anne; thanks for the comment on my poem for stefan. wasn't thinking about that when i wrote it, but i think you are right. it does make you wonder considering what has come to light since. glad you liked it.
Comment is about For Stefan Kiszko (blog)
Original item by Andy N
hi shirley - anne; thanks for the comment on my poem for stefan. wasn't thinking about that when i wrote it, but i think you are right. it does make you wonder considering what has come to light since. glad you liked it.
Comment is about Shirley-Anne Kennedy (poet profile)
Original item by Shirley-Anne Kennedy
lovely, sian. has a very lyrical feel to it. nice to see you back but with such a lovely poem.
Comment is about Force of Nature (blog)
Original item by sian howell
you work that well to the last line cynthia. top stuff.
Comment is about The Blessed Man (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
very raw here jolene. totally agree with cynthia here but i did really enjoy it.
Comment is about Awoken (blog)
Original item by Jolene94
i'm in the process of writing something about this too, laura as i am sickened by this.
however, i loved this (if this is the right word) as its excellently wrote for such a horrific topic.
Comment is about Commodities (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Hahahaha, but I guess one would prefer one with less rust however, one cannot control the weather!!
Comment is about Raineth (blog)
Original item by CathyLCrabb
Thanks for your comment Dominic. I love this poem myself and will be keeping it exactly as it is. It isn't that I don't value your opinion, I really do! It's just that it is an ode to a specific place and time that I loved, and I love how it looks, and sounds and the words I've used. It's about a time when I used to escape to Manchester's gay village with friends of mine, dress in very little with the freedom that no one was going to think I was doing that to attract them, and dance and drink the night away, only by the end to be holding the chips for one of my friends as they would be getting on with someone at the far end of the canal, as was the popular cottage of the time. I use Macbeth and fairytale and myth and legend because is seems so long ago, and bullshit to reflect the ill thought through excuses of those who wanted to get off with men, but be secretive about it. I like it. It makes me happy! Hope you don't find this er...shirty, it's just me sticking up for me poem xxxx
Comment is about Fairy Tail (blog)
Original item by CathyLCrabb
I think styles are mixed here Cathy, and I didn't understand it all,[ eg. the situation of a girl friend left holding the chips... what ducks? ... are they after the chips, where are you taking us with the bank's slimy lips?] But this is strong writing, and the cement pun is a good one. Not for me I guess, but funny I'm brought up short not by the smoking swords of the first stanza but the too lazy "bullshit" of the third. You're on to something though, best wishes Dom.
Comment is about Fairy Tail (blog)
Original item by CathyLCrabb
congratulations on the Pilgrim's Trail Frances and thank you for a very good article on poetry. "Read the dead white males" doesn't exactly sing to me, but your approach is spot on and a good reminder of the how and why of it all. Best wishes for the collection, and launch night! Dom.
Comment is about Read lots of poetry, listen and learn: the road to publishing your first collection (article)
Original item by Frances Spurrier
What a grand review Darren! At once both prosaic and wh... No, only kidding, or showing I was listening. This was one of those occasions when I had wished I could have gone to Edinburgh just to see the man, so was delighted and very grateful to have your review as the next best thing; or perhaps even better, given your knowledge of his work.
And you it was who introduced me to his poetry. So, thanks twice.
Comment is about Is Billy Collins still at the top of his game? A fan's view from Edinburgh book festival (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Great poem Joseph, especially the last last line. I'd love to see what explorers found atop Mt. Ararat for myself one day. If it truly is Noah's Ark, what a find!
Comment is about Poem: Show of Hands (blog)
Original item by Joseph J. Breunig 3rd
Thank you, Frances! - I very much enjoyed what you had written. I shall re-read it, learn from it; take it with me as I labour with a difficult word or phrase - and hopefully rejoice at the eventual and beautiful birthing of my very own creation!
Dorinda (MacDowell)
x
Comment is about Read lots of poetry, listen and learn: the road to publishing your first collection (article)
Original item by Frances Spurrier
Thank you Greg.
Comment is about Read lots of poetry, listen and learn: the road to publishing your first collection (article)
Original item by Frances Spurrier
Thanks for this really valuable insight into the amount of groundwork involved, Frances. And congratulations, of course. I'm looking forward to reading the collection. See you at the launch night! Greg
Comment is about Read lots of poetry, listen and learn: the road to publishing your first collection (article)
Original item by Frances Spurrier
Thank you very much Jonathan.
Comment is about Read lots of poetry, listen and learn: the road to publishing your first collection (article)
Original item by Frances Spurrier
Philipos
Wed 27th Aug 2014 23:49
Oh Yes. A jolly good topical poem and well thought out into the bargain I might add. Will this begin a torrent of like-minded muse I wonder, and what would Robbie Burns might have to say about it all.
Comment is about THE LATE DEPARTED (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Hello Jeremiah
Welcome to Write Out Loud, we hope you are enjoying the site and we're really looking forward to reading some of your work. I know that you will be warmly welcomed by other WOL-ers too.
It would be good if you could upload a picture of yourself, it’s really good to see what our fellow poets look like.
Have a good look around, there’s always lots going on and if you have the time to make some comments about the work of other poets please feel free to do so, it’s often the best way to get some constructive feedback about your own work too.
There’s usually somebody who’ll help you out with any problems that you might encounter, so just ask and someone will get back to you.
WOL is a friendly, creative and unassuming place, so welcome from all of us once again.
The Write Out Loud Team.
Comment is about Jeremiah Vintage (poet profile)
Original item by Jeremiah Vintage
Hello Anthony
Welcome to Write Out Loud, we hope you are enjoying the site and we're really looking forward to reading some of your work. I know that you will be warmly welcomed by other WOL-ers too.
Its good to see that you've already uploaded a picture of yourself, it’s really good to see what our fellow poets look like.
Have a good look around, there’s always lots going on and if you have the time to make some comments about the work of other poets please feel free to do so, it’s often the best way to get some constructive feedback about your own work too.
There’s usually somebody who’ll help you out with any problems that you might encounter, so just ask and someone will get back to you.
WOL is a friendly, creative and unassuming place, so welcome from all of us once again.
The Write Out Loud Team.
Comment is about Anthony Kasazkaja (poet profile)
Original item by Anthony Kasazkaja
<Deleted User> (9882)
Wed 27th Aug 2014 21:04
oh!and heres silly me,thinking there are no rules to poetry.
Only chain pulling Graham-nice one-Sir!
Comment is about The Rules (blog)
Original item by Graham Clifford
Graham Sherwood
Mon 1st Sep 2014 17:58
Hello Paul,
Welcome to Write Out Loud, we hope you are enjoying the site and we're really looking forward to reading some of your work. I know that you will be warmly welcomed by other WOL-ers too.
It would be great if you could upload a picture of yourself, it’s really good to see what our fellow poets look like.
Have a good look around, there’s always lots going on and if you have the time to make some comments about the work of other poets please feel free to do so, it’s often the best way to get some constructive feedback about your own work too.
There’s usually somebody who’ll help you out with any problems that you might encounter, so just ask and someone will get back to you.
WOL is a friendly, creative and unassuming place, so welcome from all of us once again.
The Write Out Loud Team.
Comment is about Pauliegreg (poet profile)
Original item by Pauliegreg