cheers chuck! xx

Comment is about Clarity (blog)

Concentrated and committed in its portrayal of a life
lived with the trials of illness and age - in which a bed
can be a refuge from both, allowing the mind once again
to live and roam free.

Comment is about DREAMS OF A LIFE (blog)

Original item by THE PEN AND THE PAGE

This is good Natalie. Nice imagery, nice tight rhyme scheme. One point; as there is some punctuation, i think you could get away with a semi colon at the end of the second line.

Comment is about Judgements (blog)

Nice one Nat. These are lines that you could revisit and play around with again and again. x

Comment is about Judgements (blog)

Thank you Mr Black :) I'm sure I'll be able to find a use for more power ;)

Comment is about Performance Medley (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

I remember the original. Great update! The rhythm in this is excellent, good to see obvious performance material on here.

Comment is about If Cameron came to my house- post election update (blog)

Original item by dazzer

please send me the 'how to do this' instructions Patricia!


Stunning piece !

Rose.x

Comment is about Clarity (blog)

Bravo! A good and funny take on "stuff"

Comment is about If Cameron came to my house- post election update (blog)

Original item by dazzer

I Didn't mean to seem huffy Cynthia, I realise context is key, and often lacking.

It doesn't sound daft Harry; I like the way you test a poem, as though it needs to be able to stand on it's own two feet (or however many feet it happens to have).

Thank you both.

Comment is about TITLE. (blog)

Absolutely agree - city centre horticultural haven!

Comment is about Ruthie Adamson (poet profile)

Original item by Ruthie Adamson

Yes the Bluecoat. The rear garden quite lovely in this weather.

Comment is about Ruthie Adamson (poet profile)

Original item by Ruthie Adamson

as always M.C. your comments make food for thought.And yes it is so unfair to expect the police to carry the 'undeserved brickbats for perceived failure'
thanks for both comments.Our thanks to you also Cynthia and Rose.xx

Comment is about To serve and neglect (blog)

Nice epitaph, MC.
Just googled him and read the Herald Express report of his death.

Comment is about FAREWELL BRIAN CARTER (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi Tommy. Thanks for the welcome. If you mean the Bluecoat volunteer Agnes then yes I know her, she's a lovely lady.

Comment is about Ruthie Adamson (poet profile)

Original item by Ruthie Adamson

Hi Ruthie, welcome. As an aside do you know Agnes? Tommy

Comment is about Ruthie Adamson (poet profile)

Original item by Ruthie Adamson

Hi Cynthia,

Thank you for your recent comments on my poems. I admire your work very much, in fact a line in one of your poems really inspired me to write a poem on a similar (or perhaps not so) subject.

I really appreciate your take on things.

Helen x

p.s. the poem in question was 'Six Fifteen on a Rainy Evening' something about the curve of a thigh ;)

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

points taken, my point writing this was to vent a considerable discomfort ive felt for years. i suppose the bottom line was i was naive enough, even at 18 to believe that stuff like this happened on tv and in lands far from home. the reality was that i'd been probably bee sheltered from this kind of thing as my life was pretty secure and comfortable.

i have no doubt that the miners would struggle given the green approach now, but as far as i know we imported coal for years.

once again cheers for the comments, im off to read some more and try to avoid bizarre conspiracy theories.

Comment is about Workers Unite (A British folk song-30 years too late). (blog)

Original item by dazzer

As you probably guessed, MC, my own view is that anyone found guilty of child sex offences deserves all they get under the law. Inappropriateness is a bit greyer. And it was certainly tolerated and practised 40 years ago.
I watched recently a programme about inappropriate 70s TV programmes with suitable affronted commentary. I found it a cheap shot for TV to show titillating stuff which would be frowned upon nowadays. Not that I minded much; I think I'm old and ugly enough to enjoy smut.

Comment is about "How Much Is It To Oldham?" (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

There are substantial differences between cultures
over what constitutes a female of marriageable age,
perhaps due to the disparity in life-expectancy and
the need to bring offspring into the world during a life
span than allows maximum fertility and corresponding
child care.
As for investing previous eras with our own ideas of
morality, we need to be careful. This is something of a
two-edged sword where social values are concerned
and while we love to believe that "today" has a right
to proclaim its superiority over other ages in many
spheres, this can be unsafe ground from many
perspectives.
With regard to the old accusations against well-known
figures (with no shortage of money?), these need to be
investigated/tested with the utmost care and rigour.
The term "victim" is in danger of being debased in
today's world when it is resorted to at the drop of a
hat for all manner of reasons - with the likelihood of a "bandwagon" result lurking among the genuine
complainants who just seek justice for what was
done when they should have been protected by the
law and proper adult behaviour from those who had
their care in their charge.

Comment is about "How Much Is It To Oldham?" (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Interesting and noteworthy for its commitment to the
miner's cause. In retrospect, one wonders whether the
mines "as were" could have survived current obsessions
with clean air and the environmental changes that are
constantly in the news.
As for going down the pit - why would any man regret
being "freed" from such a life - and where was the
ballot to give a certain Arthur Scargill the authority to
act as he did?
As for Mrs Thatcher, she could have sought court
restraint against the miners' leaders for acting unlawfully but instead, politician that she was, she chose to use
the police as a very visible sign of her determination to
avoid the ignominious defeat suffered by Ted Heath.
Even the public at large - with memories of other union
muscle flexing in a loss-making motor industry as well as
3-day week power failures with the resort to candles
- became less than impressed with what they were
witnessing and enduring.
The times they were a'changing.

Comment is about Workers Unite (A British folk song-30 years too late). (blog)

Original item by dazzer

Thanks for your comments on Teeny Tiny Heart and good catch on "stumble".
J. OtisPowell‽ (with interrobang)

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thankyou Cynthia.
I rather expected a bit of a backlash to this.
As an example of your thoughts, I believe Jerry Lee Lewis married a 13 year old. A bit shocking until it's pointed out that it was perfectly legal in that state.

Comment is about "How Much Is It To Oldham?" (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

You are absolutely right. This is a very difficult scene to navigate. The debasement of children was/is never acceptable. But what constitutes a 'child' is still highly contentious between cultures. On an ever-widening global scale, we all have to be fully informed, and not presume to force particular mores on other cultures. Calling a girl of fifteen a child, a menstruating female, is a very recent development from the historical perspective. So who's got it wrong? Social times change faster than physical advancement of the human creature.

And what about the female attitude that thrived on being whistled at, courted being whistled at? Oh, it's a messy business, this whole thing. You are so right.

Comment is about "How Much Is It To Oldham?" (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

This has many clear ideas and expressive lines. Would you consider paring off some words that, IMO, your intent doesn't really need?

'delicate dawn', 'gentle misty breeze' are expressions very over-used, which doesn't make them wrong, but avoidable if possible.

Just keep writing, with a thesaurus at your elbow. Mine is dog-eared and scrungy with usage.

Isn't the photo upside-down? Never mind; it's very eye-catching.

I have a poem in French. Perhaps I'll post it and you can enjoy having a go at me.

Comment is about Stillness (blog)

Original item by Marie-Anne

I enjoyed this, winding my way through at casual, face value, like a free-for-all conversation with a friend. There was much to interest me upon many topics, and there were a lot of topics. The opening lines were very catching.

I did wonder about 'stubble', wondering if 'stumble' was intended, or is this is a word newly used and not yet in my experience.

Very impressive bio.

Comment is about Teeny Tiny Heart (blog)

Original item by J. Otis Powell‽ (with interrobang)

Certainly for myself. I don't know about other people - have to assume getting-up blues are similar with us all, regardless of clock time.

'the glooms of age' can be any age; a 14-year-old can sure have the 'glooms' big time; or a twenty-something etc.

Comment is about Morning Mantra (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Laura, thank you for taking the time to read and comment on M-e-n-U. It is very much appreciated

Graham

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

i think with my preamble before i perform it the point comes over better. ie i was 18, i was from a working class family but i'd never seen this sort of thing before. it stuck with me.

(btw i didn't really think she was just wandering around yorkshire all troubled and worried)

it is more a potted description of what i saw on tv and read afterwards, meant for those who don't know or just forgot. i'm glad that you have all taken time to read it and comment, nothing worse that posting stuff up and getting no response.

what is encouraging is that my kids have read it and were shocked when i told them the fuller details, going away to read more and ask questions.

thanks again for your comments
dazzer

Comment is about Workers Unite (A British folk song-30 years too late). (blog)

Original item by dazzer

Well yes John has a point, however, the usual way to approach a narrative/protest poem/song IS to generalise and romanticise a little, it's kind of traditional isn't it? You can't put every tiny detail into there, you have to make a point, and you've made yours very well with this.

Have you ever read GB84 by David Peace? If not, you should.

And I assume you know about the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign? I once wrote a poem to Thatcher the day after she died, and it was published in Citizen32 mag, on the anniversary of the strike, all proceeds to go to the campaign. I bloody LOVE that all the shit she put us through eventually ended up as art that goes towards helping to achieve truth and justice! :)

Well done, enjoyed this.

Comment is about Workers Unite (A British folk song-30 years too late). (blog)

Original item by dazzer

Fantastic article Greg, really enjoyed reading this. I find it massively heartwarming that three female poets won top awards - brilliant, and thoroughly deserved!!

Hoping Jackie's health only improves, too.

Comment is about Heartwarming night as Jackie Hagan, Jo Bell, Hollie McNish win Saboteur awards (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

cheer tommy, it was always intended as a song, bit too sing songy for a serious poem. years on and it still doesnt sit well with me and i was just an observer. thanks again for reading it an sharing your thoughts.
dazzer

Comment is about Workers Unite (A British folk song-30 years too late). (blog)

Original item by dazzer

but keep on writing and posting for us to enjoy. x

Comment is about I Don't Want To (blog)

shadows from the past just keep trying to pop up now and then!

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Bloodletting by pen never ends
her failure to obey, or comply to his game.

I can read again and again - - -

Comment is about The Quickening of Azreal (blog)

Original item by Katy Megan

Hi Chloe
Welcome to WOL! Thank you for your comment on my poem, much appreciated : )

Comment is about Chloe (poet profile)

Original item by Chloe

Hi Darren, your work inspired memories of those events. I was involved in the strike (as a supporter) and I believe your poem to be an honest account of events your Honor! I agree with John this has potential as a musical piece. Tommy

Comment is about Workers Unite (A British folk song-30 years too late). (blog)

Original item by dazzer

cheers for the comment john. i know what you mean about it being a bit romanticized. i try to introduce it as a lad who isnt an expert, i just saw what was on the news and it looked 'wrong' and it stuck with me. i'll upload the audio as soon as i do it, it's pretty new.

Comment is about Workers Unite (A British folk song-30 years too late). (blog)

Original item by dazzer

A bit romanticized, Dazza (I was there) but nonetheless an enjoyable poem which I'm sure would go great to music. Can you add an audio file?

Comment is about Workers Unite (A British folk song-30 years too late). (blog)

Original item by dazzer

a 'skit' Harry - surely you realise this is no mere skit ;-) this is an ancient and forgotten language. There was much more but I cut it significantly - and I keep being tempted to go back and right further chapters. Oh My Crow - what have I done?????
Thanks for your kind comments again - always a pleasure for me to know I've piqued your interest
Ian

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

thanks for your kind comments Rachel - I love Crows too - hence the name of my music recording project ;-) you don't suppose there could be some hidden message in that ancient text do you?...surely not....
Ian

Comment is about Rachel Bond (poet profile)

Original item by Rachel Bond

It would be more like 'Scumbag College' Cynthia (Young One's reference). I'm waiting for someone to identify the root language of 'Crow Tongue' it is based on a very specific form - but has been manipulated. Intrigue eh? Thanks so much for your kind comments again - I appreciate them greatly
Ian x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

The "the" in line three is superfluous as is the "that" in line seven.

I like the idea of a morning mantra. The older I get the more I have to talk myself out of the bed in the mornings but I'm not quite sure Cynthia whether this one is for us or one you use yourself?

Good to se you posting more regularly too!

very best regards,

Graham

Comment is about Morning Mantra (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

What, exactly, has disappointed you? I've no idea. Have I been dozing?

Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Jackie is one of my favourite persons in the world. What a woman!.

Comment is about Heartwarming night as Jackie Hagan, Jo Bell, Hollie McNish win Saboteur awards (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Nice piece, Greg. An excellent way to raise the profile of poetry, of writing generally.

And encouraging those coming in on the ground floor. (Odd, that both occasions I've been to the venues were in cellars.)

Comment is about Heartwarming night as Jackie Hagan, Jo Bell, Hollie McNish win Saboteur awards (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I'm afraid that in that part of the world, where most of this is going on, it was forever thus. While they keep coming unstopped they will keep coming.

Wars and conflicts are all about ideologies built on ignorance and called religion. Whichever way you dress it up, religion is a tribal thing and tribes have always fought one another.

In the developed world religion fights with words, still doing much damage but a battle nonetheless.

All religions are based on reward, a hereafter, where better conditions exist. Atheists don't buy it!

It reminds me of the old adage:

If the grass is greener in your neighbour's garden, don't invade it, ask him what he uses and sort out your own lawn.

Here endeth the lesson etc etc!

Comment is about BELIEF (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Apologies that I won't be at June WOL; it's our eldest grandson's 20th birthday, and we'll be celebrating with a meal that evening. Have a great meeting!
Love, Dorinda x

Comment is about June Meeting (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

In a world where the number of unbelievers is estimated to be about only sixteen per cent it is hilarious to observe
how our atheistic evolution-fixated West re-acts in horror
and misunderstanding when a few armed fanatical real believers in the East thoroughly upsets their parochial apple-cart...........

(and re-populate Europe with more and more refugees across the Mediterranean)...I mean, without going in and stopping them physically how do we stop it...(just let all those boatloads of `refugees` drown???)

At least we are beginning to get their message that belief is a doing word.

Comment is about BELIEF (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Ian,
Ignoring Meekings for a minute, This could be a skit on some of Ted Hughes` one note attempt to terrify the poor
old sons of soft hearted Albion.

Comment is about Dha Kro’z Ov Al-bi-an (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Hello MC,
I like the line "shuttered mind and open gob".
Having lit the blue touch paper I think you might have to stand well back!

Comment is about THE SOCIALIST SHIRKERS PARTY (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry