I absolutely agree wholeheartedly with Uilleam. What a lovely experience for you Helene and how beautifully you have poetically translated it. Thank you and may God Bless that lady.

Comment is about Songs of Joy & Wonder (blog)

Original item by Hélène

What a guy indeed Martin. The rock upon which so many of us today should build our lives on I say. Thank you.

Comment is about Wise guys (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Thank you all so much for the likes and very kind comments. 😊

Comment is about Aftermath (blog)

Original item by Clare

Took you long enough to comment on four lines! 😉
The words "long term" seem anathema to minds these days,
Ask why "trade" with EU countries requires a political entity
that produces edicts on our everyday lives here in this
historically known world-wide trading nation. Power is the
name of the game played across the Channel - and has been
for many years under the deceit of "trade". Politics is about
Power and its bedfellow Ego. Look there for causes and
culprits. And also ask how and why we can allocate a hundred
billion pounds GBP (and rising) on a superfluous rail ;link - and
where that money might be better spent.when our economy
has been "locked down" to its grievous cost. So easy then
to blame Brexit for the immediate effects of political mis-management..

Comment is about GOODBYE TO THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Perfidious Albion? Did that emerge from France - perhaps when
Napoleon was trying to win his match with most of the rest of Europe?
Opinions anyone?
Besides, we all know that we should "Play up, play up - and play
the game". - from the days when "That's not FAIR" resonated
in British lives. 😇.

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Having spent thirty years dealing with the widest range of
society, its strengths and weaknesses, I came to understand
the importance of keeping an open mind about the variety of
attitudes put forward while trying to sort out which version of
the offered reality was actuality. People love to have their
opinions, convictions and prejudices validated by belief and praise, don't they?
My approach to sexism (and other familiar "isms" of today) is
certainly as valid as your own. If that makes me "ill-informed",
should I assume I'm in good company?
Compliments of the Season.

Comment is about From PhD thesis on everyday sexism to award-winning poetry collection: Kim Moore wins £10,000 Forward prize (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Pussy Riot and the England Women's Football Team,
what a combination to be reckoned with!

Comment is about Путин научит тебя любить Родину (Official Video) Something Even More Beautiful for You (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Hi Stephen, was away from the site for about a year - is good to find you still here upon returning. I enjoyed your elegy for the Queen - and have just bought a copy of your book - so hopefully that will arrive soon - but I just wanted to say it's really good to see you on the rise. John 😎

Comment is about Woodchip (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Cheers Leon.
Not sure if me getting into Heavy Metal's a good idea at 70 odd, but I'll try anything ONCE, like mushrooms!😈
Best wishes.

Pussy Riot seem to be an appropriate choice... given the state of Europe. If they're good enough for Simon Schama they're good enough for me!

Comment is about Something Beautiful for You (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Over recent years I've come to the conclusion that there is a distinct difference between "religion" and "spirituality" and that the two have been erroneously conflated.

For me, the word "religion" means quite simply: "that which binds us together"...be that football, the stock markets, drugs, our book club, or WOL😊!

I'd argue that "blind faith" in any religion and "barbaric ignorance", are one and the same thing, which can, but not necessarily, lead to "Murder and marauding" in the name of whoever or whatever our "GOD / religion" may be.

Whereas true spirituality, be we aetheist, whatever, is a deep connection with all around us, opening the eyes of our hearts and minds...

Speaking of religion...my brain hurts now, so I'm off to the Monday club at the pub.

Best wishes.

Comment is about Redemption song (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Ahem U-me no likey haughty taughty tonsil ticklings me like songs such as ' Vicious traditions' by the Veils or ' Thunderstruck
by AC/DC something to blow the grim cobwebs of the past year away-dothest thou getteth the idea? but ta loads anyway 👍

LS

Comment is about Something Beautiful for You (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Blogging this offering Mr E. can be considered as your God deed of the day 👍

LS

Comment is about Wise guys (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

I suspect that in many cases, what accentuates the anguish of both carers and patients these days, is the physical distance between our families / communities.

There's a saying that "it takes a village to raise a child";
I think that's also true with regard to our senior citizens.
💓

Comment is about Woodchip (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Thanks for this John. Some very profound truths here.
I saw your post, meant to comment but it "disappeared".
I'll get back to it when I've properly composed my thoughts.

Comment is about Redemption song (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Amazing. That story can always be applied to any age, anywhere.
A Prophet never welcome in his own country, because he's a threat to the elites, speaking truth to power.

Comment is about Wise guys (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Self-doubt can be a powerful enemy, as I know to my cost.
I wish you courage!

Comment is about MAYBE (blog)

Original item by Rick Varden

The solo singing, the words, the choir, the orchestra, are sublime. We need more beauty like this in the world.

Comment is about Something Beautiful for You (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

What a beautiful story,
What a beautiful song
of joy and wonder,
and of hope.💓

Comment is about Songs of Joy & Wonder (blog)

Original item by Hélène

Thank you all for your warm thoughts and likes to this poem. I appreciate each and every one of you that has taken your time to give to myself as well to have given to others.

Warm wishes to you and yours during these cold months, and
Peace to All

Willow

Comment is about The Harshness of Winter (blog)

Original item by New Shoes

A truly beautiful poem, Clare; it powerfully conveys the pain of loss, yet ends with hope!🌷

Comment is about Aftermath (blog)

Original item by Clare

The book of proverbs it is then Keith. I could certainly use some wisdom! 😀
Thanks for this 👍

Comment is about Wisdom (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

A very neat analogy both familiar and terrifying. We sometimes welcome change, as your protagonist does, and then regret the consequences. Terrific poem. Great! 💪

Comment is about Funfair (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thanks Stephen G and Stephen A . Yes we're just considering the same, ironically, considering my poem. How do you check, diplomatically? 😂 Thanks for the like John C

Comment is about The Christmas Card (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

Thanks all for taking the time to read my post.

I really need to lighten up now, and stop being angry, or my head will explode! 😡

Move over William Wordsworth, here goes!

Comment is about Claps Won't Pay Bills (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

I think on balance football spectators are worse than rugby fans, Stephen. I went to an England match at Twickenham a couple of years ago. One of our group was a big Nottm Forest fan. He’d never been to a rugby match before. He couldn’t get over the crowd being quiet when there was a kick at goal.

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Holden & Stephen. Unlike most of my poetry, this poem is strictly autobiographical. If I ever started feeling sorry for myself, I'd go into the Young Oncology ward at the Christie..

Comment is about The Blues (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Well said, I'm not a tiktoker and never want to be

Comment is about A young man from Leeds (blog)

Original item by JD Russell

Great stuff, Uilleam. Good to see a real political poem.

Comment is about Claps Won't Pay Bills (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Outstanding, John. Cannot praise this highly enough.

Comment is about The Blues (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Very funny, John. I'm now having the same thoughts about some on our list......

Comment is about The Christmas Card (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

Very atmospheric and well written.

Comment is about RUNNING THE GAUNTLET (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Well written, John. I used to referee football when I was younger and never minded witty comments from the sidelines. 'Send him off, ref. He's a disgrace'. Pause. 'Hang on, he's one of ours'.

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

As if poetry or UK teachers would or could stop Putin using nuclear weapons if he wanted to.

Comment is about Peace poet Antony Owen reads Nagasaki poem at Westminster (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Certainly, John. It's now recognised as a serious condition!
Cheers, Rudyard.

Comment is about 'Well, you know' (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

I too often wonder that, John

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

"Serves 'em right for neglecting Brexit!"

Brexit has been an utter failure.
40 years of international co-operation thrown down the drain.
Not 1 single Brexit benefit to the UK.
An economic and social catastrophy for the UK.
The UK-the only country in history to impose upon itself economic sanctions.

Comment is about GOODBYE TO THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

A very interesting poem that draws the reader's attention to the fact that there is never a complete end or total destruction. The poem reminds me of the Biblical concept of there being a remnant, the survivors who despite being defeated are still present and able to procreate.
I enjoyed this.
Thank you Adam,
Keith

Comment is about What's Past Is Prologue (blog)

Original item by Adam Whitworth

Who'd be a referee, John. Some kind of masochist... Fine poem, John. "
" Respect the po-et-ry! "

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Perfidious Indeed JC.

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Having seen some of the sewage that passes for tik tok "content",
I've come to the serious conclusion that

A. society is indeed mentally ill,
B. that youg people/children are being brainwashed/groomed by such insidious drivel.
C. The mental health services will be increasingly inundated by the victims of online abuse.

Comment is about A young man from Leeds (blog)

Original item by JD Russell

I wonder where the phrase “perfidious Albion” came from, Uilleam.

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

We remain in their debt.
I appreciate those internal rhymes, MC.

Comment is about SQDN. LDR. GEORGE "JOHNNY" JOHNSON DFC MBE - R.I.P. (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I too, have said many times that I would willingly pay a higher rate of tax to fund the NHS.

Comment is about Claps Won't Pay Bills (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

I think it’s legitimate to be Bowist Stephen.

Comment is about 'Well, you know' (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thank-you Helene for your comment.

Unfortunately, 2000 UK doctors wrote to the Prime Minister in 2019, pleading with him that the NHS was "on its knees"....despite that, a wilfully ignorant/blind electorate voted for the Tories.

The Tories' policies -as I have outlined at the beginning of my post- are now taking effect. Corrupt private companies who are well-known for dodgy dealings are now running parts of my local hospital.

Comment is about Claps Won't Pay Bills (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

I have said many times that I would be prepared to pay a higher rate of tax to fund the NHS properly.

Comment is about Claps Won't Pay Bills (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Yes JC, the Englishman's sense of "fairplay for all" is a well-known international phenomenon, especialy concerning the African / Indian continents.

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

The ethnicity/nationality of a match official would be the least of my worries these days.
Given the potential for obscene amounts of money to change hands in the world of football sponsorship, I would be much more concerned about the ability of betting companies and their "sponsorees" to throw a match one way or the other.

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Really like the contrast between the clouds (floating feathery vs storm gathering) & the last 2 lines are powerful (self destruct vs tempered steel). Thanks for this poem...many of us can relate to the described experience dedicated to the fellow you named.

Comment is about RUNNING THE GAUNTLET (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

So would an Englishman reffing a match involving a former colony such as India or Kenya or Canada be “a worrying connection” MC? Or maybe we English are just more intrinsically honest.
And thanks for the Like, Raypool.

Comment is about RESPECT THE REFEREE (A VILLANELLE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey