The last two lines are stunning, David. An anthem for our times!
Comment is about Shared Songs (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
A very fine and interesting poem, Rolph. It is obviously an unacceptable term. I remember that many people of my parents' generation used it, thinking it was a polite and respectful alternative to more extreme racial insults which, sadly, were (and still are) part of common speech in many places.
Which doesn't mean that it's right, of course, nor, as you poem points out, that it makes any sense.
Thanks for this.
Comment is about Who Do You Call Coloured? (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Many thanks Joanne for your nice comment. 🙂
Many thanks Rolph for your detailed, perceptive and positive comments. Much appreciated. 🙂
Thanks for likes: Red Brick Keshner, Aisha & Naomi. 👍
Comment is about Dink Until I Die (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
Thanks to RBK and Holden for the likes.
Right I think that's enough of flowers and birds for now, back to reality.
David RL Moore
Comment is about Shared Songs (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
Now part of an experimental/ambient/electronica project with Identity Known:
https://identityknown.bandcamp.com/track/the-king-of-lockdown
Comment is about The King of Lockdown (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Fascinating observations there.
Comment is about Multiverse. (blog)
Original item by pallavitryingthings
Thank you for those lovely words, Yanma.
Comment is about Holding On (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
I feel so sad for the good people of the USA, Rolph, and for those military veterans who were deceived by Trump's lies.
I've got the very place for the orange horror...buried in a bunker on that well-vandalised turf in bonny Scotland, so players can thwack seven bells out of him!
Comment is about Deported by His Own Decree (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Knock them down, and free yourself, Rich!
Comment is about These four walls (blog)
Original item by Rich Brewer
Thanks, Steve.
Methinks
yon stink
comes from that ink
which tells
a tale
'bout certain
cunning stunts.
(and thanks for the mis-spelling, Stephen G 😏)
Comment is about A Letter From The King (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Thanks kindly, 🌷Rolph David. Not just a good writer but the kind of reader any poem or book would desire to have. You are superlatively appreciated 🙏🏻🕊🌷
Comment is about Presents from Penzance (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Thanks, Steve. I think your poem sums up what a shabby, dspiriting litle stunt this is. Let's hope he doesn't get to address parliament. For who these days will have the courage not to go?
Comment is about A Letter From The King (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Thank you so much for these interesting and kind comments, Rolph.
Comment is about Kryvyi Rih (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Mon 10th Mar 2025 20:54
Thank you so much, Graham, for your kind comment, I greatly appreciate it, as always! 😊
Thank you, Rolph, for such an in-depth analysis of the poem, it means so much that you take the time! And I'm so grateful for your beautiful words of encouragement! 😊
Comment is about On the road... (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
Thank you for your comments, I am always appreciative of your kind words and the understanding of my verse😀
Comment is about Special relations (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
"I was once travelling in the desert in India. I travelled for over a month and always found the most beautiful landscapes before me, beautiful lakes and all that. One day I was very thirsty and I wanted to have a drink at one of these lakes; but when I approached that lake it vanished. Immediately with a blow came into my brain the idea that this was a mirage about which I had read all my life; and then I remembered and smiled at my folly, that for the last month all the beautiful landscapes and lakes I had been seeing were this mirage, but I could not distinguish them then. The next morning I again began my march; there was the lake and the landscape, but with it immediately came the idea, “This is a mirage.” Once known it had lost its power of illusion. So this illusion of the universe will break one day. The whole of this will vanish, melt away. This is realisation."
--Swami Vivekananda
Comment is about telos mundi (blog)
Original item by Landi Cruz
yep...
..too much noise.
That's why I don't leave home without my hearing protection, literally.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, David )
Comment is about telos mundi (blog)
Original item by Landi Cruz
Don't apologize for being a very good poet with a deep empathy for those who suffer injustice. It is a talent that I have huge respect for.
I do tend to take things seriously and act impulsively before I digest what I am reading.
I think your poem is brilliant and should be discussed in depth as a school subject.
Comment is about Who Do You Call Coloured? (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Mon 10th Mar 2025 17:30
Dear Flyntland,
No, no, I'm not personally hurt at all. That came out wrong with you. I recently read a poem by a PoC about the burden of one's skin colour in a world dominated by white people. I put myself in that person's shoes and tried to empathise with what it would be like if I had to endure that pain, that prejudice, that insult just because of a skin tone. This made me extremely angry and I put it into words, based on the statements of an Aboriginal woman. It is more than upsetting that there are still people who prejudge, shun, hurt, humiliate and degrade others just because of their skin tone, just because they feel they are better than others, which in my eyes they are not at all. No one is better than anyone else.
But thank you for your words of encouragement and sympathy, even if they were based on a misinterpretation I am sorry for.
Take care,
regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Who Do You Call Coloured? (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Mon 10th Mar 2025 17:19
Stephen,
Your poem Kryvyi Rih sharply exposes the shame of both Washington and the Kremlin, whose actions have perpetuated the suffering of innocent civilians. The "wannabe gods in Washington" reflect the indifference of political leaders, like Trump, who once stood in support but now choose to turn their backs, abandoning those who need help most. Meanwhile, the Kremlin’s actions speak to the brutal aggression and disregard for humanity that has fueled the violence in Ukraine. Both sides, in their own ways, show a shameful detachment from the reality of the conflict, leaving people to endure unimaginable suffering. Your words cut through the political noise, forcing us to face the moral failure of those in power, whose decisions have left lives shattered in the name of politics and pride.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Kryvyi Rih (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Mon 10th Mar 2025 17:12
Happy,
"A letter to my 6 year old self" is such a heartfelt and beautiful reflection. The way you express gratitude to your younger self is both tender and inspiring. It’s a lovely reminder of the pure joy and authenticity we often lose as we grow up. I love how you celebrate the small, everyday things—like laughter, embracing the present, and rising after setbacks—because they truly shape a meaningful life. Your poem encourages a return to simplicity and joy, and it really touched me. Thank you for sharing such a warm and uplifting piece.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about A letter to my 6 year old self (blog)
Original item by happy
Mon 10th Mar 2025 17:07
Trevor,
It is a soft day is a truly wonderful poem. The way you portray the quiet beauty of a grey day and transform it into a moment of peace, warmth, and connection is extraordinary. I love how you use the soft, reflective atmosphere to highlight the strength of shared memories and the comfort of being together. The imagery of the burning turf, the golden summers of the past, and the promise of moving forward as one creates such a feeling of serenity and hope. Your poem beautifully reminds us that, even in moments of gloom, there is always warmth and light in the bonds we share. Just great stuff!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about It is a soft day (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
Mon 10th Mar 2025 17:01
Hi Red Brick Keshner,
For me, Presents from Penzance beautifully captures the essence of adventure, mystery, and the legacy of storytelling. The figure of the privateer, with his treasures and daring spirit, seems to breathe life into the town, inspiring those around him to dream beyond their everyday lives. I love how the gifts he leaves behind are not just physical objects but symbols of possibility, igniting imagination and hope. Your poem transforms the ordinary into something magical, showing how one person’s legacy can spark countless stories and journeys. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring and vivid piece.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Presents from Penzance (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:59
Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful words, Rolph. ❤️❤️
Comment is about Shadow & Sun (blog)
Original item by Yasoda
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:56
Dear Flyntland,
It seems like UKRAINE - - ? GAZA - - -? -- and all places in-between may be exploring the overwhelming, almost suffocating nature of depression through the image of Churchill's "BLACK DOG." The way you describe its grip—unrelenting and powerful—suggests a force that isolates and tests one's strength, much like the struggle with mental health. The connection to global turmoil, like the situations in Ukraine and Gaza, might be hinting at how personal anguish mirrors the broader suffering seen in the world. It’s a haunting piece that made me reflect on both personal and collective struggles. Thank you for it.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about UKRAINE - - ? GAZA - - -? -- and all places in-between (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Thank you, Aisha and Holden, for liking my poem. I am not sure if I got the punctuation right on this one—I think it is a bit of a tongue twister.
Comment is about UKRAINE - - ? GAZA - - -? -- and all places in-between (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:49
Jeff,
Last Leaf is a beautiful and heartfelt poem. The imagery of the "last leaf" as a symbol of fragile hope is both powerful and moving. I love how you blend compassion and selflessness into the poem, especially with the promise to stay by someone's side in their darkest hour. The reference to O. Henry’s story deepens the message of your poem, reinforcing the theme of sacrifice and the power of unwavering support. It’s a beautiful reminder of the strength we can offer each other when hope feels out of reach. Thank you for sharing such an emotionally resonant and compassionate piece.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Last Leaf (blog)
Original item by Jeff Bresee
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:42
Manish,
I’m truly moved by Art. The way you weave the imagery of chaos and healing through the ceramic glass and Kintsugi is incredibly powerful. The contrast between the tumultuous world outside and the quiet, restorative act of poetry captures the transformative power of art beautifully. Your poem reminds us that even in our most broken moments, there is the potential for healing and beauty. The metaphor of the "survived heart" finding solace in poetry speaks to the strength of creative expression in times of strife.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Art (blog)
Original item by Manish
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:38
Yasoda,
I love how you highlight the interconnectedness of light and dark—how shadows, often seen as negative, are actually a confirmation of the sun’s presence. Your poem carries such depth, reminding us that even the challenges we face in life give meaning to the moments of joy and clarity. It’s a powerful and uplifting perspective, teaching us to embrace both the shadows and the light.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Shadow & Sun (blog)
Original item by Yasoda
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:27
JD,
I found Special relations to be deeply evocative. The way you use "the sun" as a symbol of hope and unity, only to have it fade away amidst the storm, really struck a chord. The contrast between light and darkness, both natural and human-made, creates a powerful reflection on the challenges and divisions we face in the world. Your depiction of political figures as "bullies" in the shadows emphasises the loss of collective hope and the hardening of our society. It’s a poignant and emotional piece, and it makes me reflect on the need to fight for that lost light. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt message.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Special relations (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:16
Rick,
I really enjoyed reading I’ll Take That! The way you weave humour with life’s little compromises is both clever and relatable. The repeated phrase "I'll take that" captures the essence of settling for what's manageable, even when things aren't perfect, and you’ve done so in a way that’s playful yet insightful. I especially love how you balance lighthearted moments—like the sat-nav mishap or the diet struggles—with the deeper, unavoidable realities of life, like taxes. Your ability to find humour in the everyday challenges people face makes your poem both entertaining and thought-provoking. Keep writing—you’ve got a knack for turning the small moments into something special.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about I’ll Take That (blog)
Original item by Rick Varden
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:13
Uilleam,
I'm still deeply moved by your poem World Book Day March 2025 [Palestinians Excluded]. The way you juxtapose the innocent joy of your family’s experience with the brutal realities faced by Palestinian children is both powerful and heart-wrenching. Your ability to capture the humanity of your daughter’s simple, loving moment and then forcefully draw attention to the horrific suffering of children like Hind Rajab is a stark reminder of the disparities that exist in our world. The vivid imagery you use, especially with the newborns freezing and rats feeding, cuts straight to the heart, and the sharp critique of the political indifference towards Palestinian lives is deeply impactful. Your poem is not only a reflection of compassion but also a call for awareness and action. Thank you for sharing this raw and necessary truth.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about World Book Day March 2025 [Palestinians Excluded] (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:07
Tom,
I absolutely loved how you captured the pure joy and energy of pickleball in Dink Until I Die. The way you’ve made the game such a central part of your life and expressed that passion through your words is both inspiring and fun to read. The repetition of “I’m gonna dink until I die” gives the poem such a strong, catchy rhythm, and it really shows how much you live for every moment on the court. I especially enjoyed how you brought in the excitement of the game and the thrill you get from playing, making it clear that pickleball is more than just a sport for you—it’s a way of life. Keep sharing that enthusiasm; it’s truly contagious!
Cheers,
Rolph
Comment is about Dink Until I Die (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
Mon 10th Mar 2025 16:03
Aisha,
Your poem Dreams is such a beautiful reminder of the power of perseverance and self-compassion. The way you highlight the importance of taking small steps and staying true to ourselves, regardless of the outcome, is truly inspiring. It’s refreshing to see a message that encourages embracing the journey, not just the destination. The line “Whatever the outcome, you are truly blessed” is such a comforting thought and a perfect reminder that effort itself is something to be proud of. Keep sharing your wisdom—it’s much needed and deeply appreciated.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Dreams (blog)
Original item by Aisha Suleman
OK! where have you been hiding then. You were mentioned in dispatches and we nearly sent out a search party!! 😂
Comment is about World Book Day March 2025 [Palestinians Excluded] (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Mon 10th Mar 2025 15:58
Holden,
I just wanted to take a moment to praise you for your poem On the Road. The way you capture the delicate balance between struggle and resilience is truly powerful. The imagery of the asters blooming despite the fiery bridges is so striking—it speaks to the persistence of life, even in the face of hardship. Your exploration of the emotional road between despondency and acceptance is both poignant and relatable. And the question of an epiphany lingering in that space feels like a hopeful reminder that clarity can come, even when we least expect it. You've written something that resonates deeply and beautifully. Keep sharing your voice—it's a gift.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about On the road... (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
Thanks to Marla, Aisha, Tom and Graham for the likes on this one.
David RL Moore
Comment is about Shared Songs (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
Mon 10th Mar 2025 15:40
The brevity of this piece is in essence its strength. Love V1
Comment is about On the road... (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
Dear Rolf,
You sound so hurt, it makes me sad and I am sorry for your hurt.
You also have a point, I am even more sorry for that.
Please, please believe that we are not all so insensitive, I can't think that any member of WOL. would ever use that term.
Keep writing
Comment is about Who Do You Call Coloured? (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Your free phase is a wonderful time to write.
Comment is about pallavitryingthings (poet profile)
Original item by pallavitryingthings
Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Tue 11th Mar 2025 19:29
'And the slaughtered contained in body bags
Become part of some staged event.'
You see, we need all that stuff, so the complicit ones have an excuse to parade around our town-hall steps at Remembrance time, to preach at us about how awful war is.
Comment is about Upside Down (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage