The three empty seats were set aside vicariously for you (Isobel), me, and Alvin! Duh... ;-)

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

Many thanks C, I and J for the comments/feedback. :)

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

Good one, Pete.

Comment is about CHASING DRAGONS (blog)

Original item by Pete Slater

You knew I would really enjoy this, didn't you?

Bazzing :)

Comment is about NORTHERN CHARM (blog)

Original item by Daniel Dwyran

Thanks Daniel.

I am some photos to go with it. Might get around to uploading them later to day :)

Comment is about Northern Soul (blog)

Original item by Shirley-Anne Kennedy

Thanks Daniel for your comment on my offering "Multi Coloured Change" It is much appreciated. Always glad to get comments from fellow poets. Cheers.

Comment is about Daniel Dwyran (poet profile)

Original item by Daniel Dwyran

So eloquent. I can almost see it.

Comment is about NORTHERN CHARM (blog)

Original item by Daniel Dwyran

Enjoyable review/read Darren.

I also like Billy Collins. I thought it odd that I could only read a little of his work at a time despite enjoying much of it. Maybe there is something more universal in that.

Regards,

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

He did indeed, Daniel. Looks like vG's got his work cut out.

Comment is about Heartbreak Hotel (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi John Thanks for comments on Ali poem.

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Love your first line "A sky for a blanket"...beautiful poem and picture!

Comment is about Eternal Moment (blog)

Original item by Ad Astra

Glad you got it, Daniel :) Aaaah, life's simplest moments.

Comment is about The Undies Moment (blog)

Original item by Candice Reineke

I could never comment on Dempsey, Louis or Marciano, but he was certainly the best I have ever seen. The Rope-a-Dope fight with Foreman was legendary.
At one time he was probably the most recognisable man in the world.

Comment is about Lines for a Fighter (blog)

Original item by David Cooke

Some truth in this, MC.

Comment is about LONELINESS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thanks for reading my poem and for commenting.
The last line is meant to be puzzled over.
By it I mean we spend all our time worrying about things that don't might whilst destroying the world and not giving that a second thought

Comment is about Noetic-fret! (poet profile)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

"Hardened not beaten"
It still has a heart... it will always have a soul. ;)

Comment is about Northern Soul (blog)

Original item by Shirley-Anne Kennedy

Take a bow Pete... brilliant take and a wonderful lesson in musical culture. Like this very much.

Comment is about MULTI-COLOURED CHANGE (blog)

Original item by Pete Slater

He knew when to jump ship SAF.... no more Fergietime in the Old Trafford Jungle Book.... although they now have a King Louis!

Comment is about Heartbreak Hotel (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Such warmth from an innocent and awkward moment. This gave me a great big smile. Nice one.

Comment is about The Undies Moment (blog)

Original item by Candice Reineke

Thank you very much, I appreciate this feedback.

Comment is about In the name of God and Satan (blog)

Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis

Hello Cynthia!

I like the elegant rant idea...t'is so .. taken from Wuthering Heights when Heathcliff traps the bird nest.

Comment is about Eyas (blog)

Original item by Marianne Daniels

Oh, and yes, I always do my homework ;)

And yes - about time that that family is now being treated as caring parents rather than abusers!!

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Reads like an old fairy story this, which is comforting in itself.

Can I ask why you've capitalised each line?

Comment is about The Blessed Man (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Alexandra, this is quite a thought/opinion forming piece.
I'm not sure I like all the "ands" but the content is very cleverly written. I like the premise of the holy trinity and the idea of multi-personalities. Original stuff, well done,

Graham

Comment is about In the name of God and Satan (blog)

Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis

Hi M.C. and thanks for comments on my Ali poem. I think Ali's response to his call up was entirely honorable, though, because, like Elvis, he would have been given celebrity status and have had a pretty cushy time doing exhibition bouts and signing autographs. As it was he had the full force of the establishment lined up against him and was lucky to have ever resumed his career. Whatever about all that he sure was a charismatic character.

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I admit to some ambivalent feelings about this
famous pugilist. I am old enough to remember
Elvis Presley answering the call of his country
to serve - a call that Clay/Ali avoided.
But his fame as a fighter was fresh air in a sport tainted by corruption and sharp
practices and this has managed to serve him
well in the "legend" status that has defined
him since retirement from the ring.
But what a shame our 'Enery cut too easily!

Comment is about Lines for a Fighter (blog)

Original item by David Cooke

I like your sample poem Cathy; pithy.

Comment is about CathyLCrabb (poet profile)

Original item by CathyLCrabb

Hi,

I really enjoyed this poem. I am though a bit confused about the final line.

'we busy ourselves with the burden of carrying nothing'

I understand this line as that of a populous that should have nothing to worry about. That what we are worrying about in your verse means nothing. I understand that. Yet, I am drawn to the very real possibility that many are carrying the weight of destruction we are causing this world.

One of the better reads though.

Best wishes,

x

Comment is about The Burden (blog)

Original item by Twilbury Wist

Only in parts, Lad. Only in parts ;)

Thank you for the comment Graham. Appreciated.

Comment is about Northern Soul (blog)

Original item by Shirley-Anne Kennedy

Is it really this grim up north?
Very bleak, concise observations Shirley-Anne.
Good work.

Graham

Comment is about Northern Soul (blog)

Original item by Shirley-Anne Kennedy

Hello Ad Astra,

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.

I've noticed that you've already posted several pieces on the blog page. Just a word of caution, only the lastest one posted will remain open on the blog for people to read. The previous ones will have to be searched for. It's always best to stagger your entries or else post a link to another site where you store your archived work etc.

very best regards,

Graham

The Write Out Loud Team.

Comment is about Ad Astra (poet profile)

Original item by Ad Astra

To Candice: It is about finding ourselves and being truly happy with who we are.

Comment is about Awoken (blog)

Original item by Jolene94

Thanks Alexandra and Andy :)

Comment is about The Undies Moment (blog)

Original item by Candice Reineke

I read the collected poems, halfway into it I concocted this number, less than a tribute, but, the murmur of a following. A life's work, certainly of poetry, shouldn't be taken up in one go. But if the question arises I'd submit this man is far and away the best of our Thomases.

On RS Thomas, Collected Poems

Half way through the collection
and it is ample, ample,
almost excessive really R.S.
is more than generous
in handing out life’s coin
and still to learn he’d more to say
and better when younger
I see he has met God in the
grounds of the mind,
in the mind’s eye. Speaking
professionally,
Thomas knew Him and no doubt
the cup of love passed back
and forth between those two
and they have had their share
of moods, which is, of course,
the common thing but, if God
is also then isn’t everyone
a Welshman? And if there is
a machine, so to speak,
God is in that too.

Comment is about Poems to Elsi: RS Thomas, Seren (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

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

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

Very well written.

Comment is about Odin vækker mig (blog)

Original item by Rollo

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

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