Indeed, Stephen. Although I fancy it would have been Sarah Millican.
Comment is about CARAMAC ! (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I hope a million times again )
Joyous spring is like reprieve, every year so far without fail--what a gift...
Comment is about Bang (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
Thanks to Nigel, Graham, Holden, Blackrose, Russell, Tom, Hélène, Bethany and Pete.
I should say that these poems are in the public domain, so anyone is welcome to use them.
Comment is about Two Years On - Poems on the War in Ukraine (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Fantastic, John. I bet someone's got a few bars stashed away. My money's on John Prescott.
Comment is about CARAMAC ! (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Good to hear from you, Rasa. A poem that's anything but mundane!
Comment is about The Magic in Mundane (blog)
Original item by Rasa Kabaila
Thank you for your reading and likes.
One rather strange posted and subsequently removed comment, but thanks for reading.
I have had friends and colleagues who for various reasons have succumbed to the bottle in a manner which resulted in their death. In all cases the picking up of the bottle was not the origins of their ultimate demise, in all cases tragic.
The often invisible and silent battle that precedes the picking up of the bottle is worth considering when we see the more apparent damage first hand. That many are unable to articulate and speak of their tribulations is part of their added torture.
I speak with some knowledge although not yet drowned or drowning (I should possibly reserve that judgement for those who know me well enough)
There is humour even in tragedy, keep smiling.
Comment is about Bottle (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
Thanks, maám...I am doing fine...Hope for the same🌷💖
Comment is about Ghazala lari (poet profile)
Original item by Ghazala lari
Thanks, Keith, for your like..💐
Comment is about I am not responsible (blog)
Original item by Bindu Trigunayak
Thanks, Pete.
Where ya gone, Bethany?
Comment is about CARAMAC ! (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
A powerful poem on this desperately sad war Stephen. I felt uneasy from the beginning about how long it could last and how many lives it would claim. The one glimmer was when there was a direct internal threat to Putin (albeit from a brutal mercenary group leader), but once that was extinguished he was more powerful than ever - and if and when he does finally go there doesn’t appear to be much hope for anything better. It’s so important to keep reminding people about what is happening - watching Ukrainian soldiers training for trench warfare on the news whilst knowing how unequal the resources are was chilling.
Comment is about Two Years On (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
This was the first poem I read this morning before breakfast. It gladdens my spirit to read such words. An uplifting poem.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about Everything is precious (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
I’m glad you can appreciate. The time we do not plan on is a gift to reflect and feel for those around us. Our time is precious but at least it is still ours.
Comment is about On the line (blog)
Original item by Wordseffectbrew
John,
Thank you for this poem as it endorses the very reason I had to get out of the UK and rid myself of an intolerable environment. As Uilleam says we have money for foreign military adventures but fail to see our own house in order first. This poem is a litany, a summary of what ails Britain. A country mismanaged by mediocre politicians whose salary for sitting in parlaiment is augmented by second and third jobs. I thought there were at the helm of the nation to represent us and not moonlighting.
Excellent poem and thank you for putting it so eloquently.
Keith
Comment is about AUSTERITY (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Ah, "Give it to me", Bethany. That was The Troggs as I remember.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9VEeV_am8w
Comment is about CARAMAC ! (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Many thanks, Keith. It's on the way.
Comment is about Two Years On (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Stephen,
Congratulations on your latest book. I am a fan of yours and would appreciate a PDF copy if at all possible.
Thanks,
Keith
moganero_22@outlook.es
Comment is about Two Years On (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Brought back memories of those great days of rugby - sidesteps and all. One of the greatest. Thank you, David.
Comment is about HE DID THE REST (blog)
Original item by David Subacchi
Carlton,
Thank you for the information contained in your response to my comment. It's a wonder our paths never crossed as I worked in Oman for close on eight years. Whilst there I visited a few of the Gulf States. My experience of the Holy Land was in the main leading pilgrimages and raising funds in the UK for orphanges on the West Bank.
Whilst working in Oman I learned Arabic from a Palestinian gentleman and came to know many other such people who carried Jordanian passports but came from Palestine originally. I was made very aware of the situation in Palestine and this was supported by a Rabbi friend of mine in Jerusalem.
I used the words 'A Noble People' in a very general sense of the word. I found most Palestinians to be erudite people with an unusually high proportion who were University graduates. I also found them to be articulate and well travelled.
I understand and support your views on the use of term 'hitleresque'. I now live in Spain and have done so on and off since 1967 when I was stationed in Gibraltar and frequently hear the expression 'Francismo' referring to Franco the erstwhile dictator.
Your explanation of this poem and the historical facts you raise, I believe, are worthwhile especially for the benefit of fellow members who do not have a good knowledge of history. I thank you for taking the time and trouble in addressing me on the issue of Palestine. Incidentaly I enjoy your poetic style. Thank you again. Keith
Comment is about On The Ner River (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
So much of modern warfare is anonymous, Keith, absolving participants from guilt if they choose not to have any. I think your poem illustrates this perfectly.
Comment is about The Bomb Aimer (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Bravo! This gentleman is a most worthy member of a vital and
deservedly respected profession with his message of the
importance of instilling basic humanity in the business of
caring for others. The same message is equally relevant
to poetry itself.
Comment is about Just what the doctor ordered: Portugal's poet-surgeon adds poetry to medics' training (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I am no expert on these events but certainly see their value and
appeal for the performing ranks in poetry. In passing, I wonder
if they ever see anyone secure enough (and brave enough) to
get up and say something positive from a Tory perspective-
with a poem called "Red Wall" perhaps? 😋
Comment is about How to succeed as a poetry compere: Born Lippy’s Donald Jenkins delivers a masterclass (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
HM/AS and SA...thanks for the "likes".
Comment is about FAREWELL LADY ENGLAND (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
UOC - I guess that time will be the ultimate arbiter about that.
Faint heart never won fair future! As for the parlous state of
Parliament these days, there can be no better (worse?) example
than the farce seen there yesterday as a result of the Speaker's
decision to override accepted convention and fiddle with the
voting process - essentially letting the Opposition leader escape an embarrassing revolt in his own party ranks. Impartiality
took a dive that day!
Comment is about FAREWELL LADY ENGLAND (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
An excellent illustration with a poem to match.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about If you cry my sister (blog)
Original item by Pushkar Bisht
My brief period of City commuting was peppered with suicide's causing track delays. It's one of the reasons I decided more dangerous places were safer for me.
Commuting nearly killed me, souless, life sucking drudgery. And yes we cursed those who delayed our homecomings, how utterly despicable.
Good poem, escape as soon as possible, my advice.
Comment is about On the line (blog)
Original item by Wordseffectbrew
Tribute to Welsh and International rugby legend Barry John.
Comment is about HE DID THE REST (blog)
Original item by David Subacchi
Clare - I have just found a poem by Paul Celan: Line the Wordcaves, which you may like!
Comment is about Twixt Pen and Eye (blog)
Original item by Chris Armstrong
This poem is a statement to wake up humanity. Everyone should read it.
Thank you,
Keith
Comment is about I am not responsible (blog)
Original item by Bindu Trigunayak
Thank you for the recent likes.
Reflecting on the comments I made yesterday and reading them this morning has reminded me of the vulnerabilities people expose themselves to when they actively seek to support others, irrespective of their own allegiances and beliefs.
Knowing the realities of situations having had first hand experience of them is burdensome, especially when attempting to describe honestly what you have seen and learned.
Of course many might say there is no necessity for anyone to unburden themselves on this forum. I say why not?
I'm pleased with my poem and am continually motivated by the thought outlined in its final stanza. Thankyou.
Comment is about On The Ner River (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
This surely qualifies as fast fiction.
Comment is about SONG OF SUCCESS (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Thanks John.
We've money for bombs and bullets to kill poor folk in faraway places, but not for crumbling NHS maternity units, beds and staff, and our childrens' schools.
Good to see that we "civilised" folk in the UK have our priorities sorted out.
Comment is about AUSTERITY (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Yeah, who needs principled stands eh Reggie’s?
let’s get rid of laws against terrorism, rape and murder.
Comment is about Just Another Day at Elbit (blog)
Original item by Steve White
A very well-crafted poem with a strong message, Steve. So many of us are cogs in a wheel, possibly without even realising it.
Comment is about Just Another Day at Elbit (blog)
Original item by Steve White
And thanks Reggie's Ghost.
Actually I'm pretty comfortable that my employment choices haven't contributed to the murder of other people but that's not the point. The point is that there are human beings with human emotions and human inconsistencies wherever you look, in this or any other story, and sometimes those people will help you understand the story better.
Comment is about Just Another Day at Elbit (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Thanks Keith!
I've been doing a floor spot at Poems Not Bombs in Walthamstow quite regularly so the poem will no doubt get an outing there.
The band are gearing up for the music festival season and we'll be announcing our appearances as and when the stages publish. Gig announcements usually end up here: https://protestfamily.com/live/ (We could always do with more of them if there are any promoters reading this...)
Comment is about Just Another Day at Elbit (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Thanks JD.
Just because...you're worth it.
Comment is about Cherished Canine (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Beautiful and sobering, Hélène. Puts life into perspective.
Comment is about Breathe (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Cheeky little number and good fun, Ray. Reminds me of Gary Bloke from Private Eye!
Comment is about SONG OF SUCCESS (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Thanks, Greg. A dreadful anniversary indeed.
Thank you, John. Yes, there seems to be too much wavering on this crucial matter in the West, while Putin seems horribly implacable.
And thanks to Rob, Tim, Hélène, K Lynn, Holden, Stephen, Steve, Graham and RG for liking this one.
Comment is about Two Years On (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Wed 21st Feb 2024 16:27
A well constructed piece Steve with a strong message.
There are probably not too many jobs that don't have some sort of impact on things we find unpalatable, which could be environmental, military, health etc. If we all took a principled stand then we will indeed be jobless and queueing at the foodbank.
Comment is about Just Another Day at Elbit (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Very well put together and to the point. A poem worthy of being disseminated as it would gather quite an audience. Do you have any gigs lined up Steve.
Thanks for this,
Keith
Comment is about Just Another Day at Elbit (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Thanks Uilleam.
Funnily enough it'll end up in a series I'm writing called Songs From World War Three.
Comment is about Just Another Day at Elbit (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Thanks Keith.
I often contrast in my mind the slight sense of insecurity, that feeling of "adventure" in a foreign land, which I experienced whilst backpacking, with the plight of those forced to flee their homes under threat of bombing, only to be killed whilst on the road.
We should be bringing the whole of London and our cities to a standstill in protest at the abomination being perpetrated in our name, and expelling the ambassador of that fascist government reponsible.
Comment is about Under Canvas (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
MC - Gerry Fitt was the last of the SDLP which got squeezed out of the middle ground by Sinn Fein. He famously refused to support the Callaghan government on a vote which ultimately brought it down and ushered in the Thatcher government of 1979.
Comment is about THE CHURCH OF THE HECTORING ZEALOT (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Steve White
Fri 23rd Feb 2024 20:10
Now with added chorus:
https://youtu.be/DK6rXNxhkcQ
Comment is about Just Another Day at Elbit (blog)
Original item by Steve White