Excellent effort again Ian. The final stanza, as you'd expect, made me re-read and re-assess the piece. Just one of those poems that rewards with each reading. Keep up the good work!

Comment is about Beneath The Watch Tower (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

I love this Chris. Good work!

Comment is about Life (blog)

Original item by Chris Co

That's alright. Thanks for looking at it!

Comment is about Angry Autumn (blog)

Original item by David Blake

Thanks for the kind words Frederick. It's not my photo, no, I just searched for a photo of the area that this poem is based on, due to my memories of the place.

Comment is about Way Out By the Rapeseed Field (blog)

Original item by David Blake

JC - I didn't succeed in locating YB's page to
leave your message - either by clicking on one
of her comments or by inserting her name under
"search". I left that problem with Isobel.
Now I notice that Julian( WOL) has left her
address above. I'll leave that to you.
Cheers.

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Without going over the top about the sentiment...
Hugh - your view is humane and KM deserves the
respect we would all hope for in a similar situation.

Comment is about Kate Middleton.........Leave her alone ! (blog)

Original item by hugh

Hi Kath.

I just happen to have a self made dvd. with some poetry and a couple of rants. I Googled the advertized web site without success.

So would you please mail me a postal address
where I can send it. ken2000@live.co.uk

Comment is about Chance to get your work heard (blog)

Original item by Kath Hewitt

thanks Ann. I know a lot of people who use writeoutloud and really like it, so well done on a great site.

Mike :)

Comment is about Michael Clift (poet profile)

Original item by Michael Clift

HIYA, 'Underground' this was based on a chance browse at Waterstones. If I remember next time I go in, I will make a note of the actual title & get back to you.

Thanks for commenting.

Comment is about c byrne (poet profile)

Original item by c byrne

Hi Mike, thanks for your comment, glad you enjoyed it. :)

Comment is about Mike Hilton (poet profile)

Original item by Mike Hilton

I'll give it a go. Petersfield isn't too far from Farnham. Pop Up Poetry is the night in Guildford: https://www.facebook.com/PopUpPoets

Comment is about c byrne (poet profile)

Original item by c byrne

Sorry, I can't offer anything near a metre. I'm OK with rhythm though - for a short while at least . . . no limit on entries and "you can come at it from whichever direction you like." Rings a bell in the dim and distant past . . . I'm sure Mr Coopey could do something with this.

Comment is about 'Mildly erotic' anthology issues strict rules on metre (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi Chris, thanks for the kind words.

I've not really thought about putting it to music, despite being in various bands over the years. It's a good idea though.

Do you perform much in Guildford?

Comment is about c byrne (poet profile)

Original item by c byrne

I wouldn't chuck her on a fire
Or hang her with piano wire
The worst we can do is just ignore them
And, even that will merely bore them
So, let's rejoice, not moan and mope
At least we've got rid of the pope!

: )

Jx

Comment is about Kate Middleton.........Leave her alone ! (blog)

Original item by hugh

I see they are only asking for submissions, but not dominance. Seems a bit partial to me!

: )

Jx

PS Isn't 'mildly erotic' one of the least erotic phrases you can imagine? It's almost oxymoronic.

Most erotic verse is crap
I get more kicks from bubble wrap.

Comment is about 'Mildly erotic' anthology issues strict rules on metre (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Utter tosh, awful sentiment. 'Nation' what do you assume consists of a 'Nation'?

The Abolitionists?
Those dying in hospital?
Those dying alone?
The homeless?

are they part of your 'nation'?

Those without work?
Those soon to be without work?
Those seriously ill?
Those that couldn't give them a toss?

are they part of your 'nation'?

What about those unaware of the event?
What about those that are against marriage?
What about those that think it is a poor match?
What about those that are on holiday?

are they part of your 'nation'

Who commissioned the 'national' survey?
Just who are and what is the 'nation'?

Comment is about Kate Middleton.........Leave her alone ! (blog)

Original item by hugh

Hi Cynthia: I took another pass at Skin Deep. Check to see if it makes more sense to you now.
J. Otis

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

What a brilliant piece. Couldn't stop wanting to read the next line and didn't want it to stop either.
Excellent read

Comment is about Banksters (blog)

Original item by Wez Jefferies

It's always sad and regrettable when such a venue has to close. Times are difficult but it can also be said that "art" needs to be vigorously funded by those most closely involved, whether it be music, poetry, painting or whatever. Local interest is essential and it comes down to putting money up front for local benefit. If I, as a pensioner, can spend money on sponsoring music, then surely - multiplied by ???? - money can come from others in support of their special interests and a valuable multi-purpose asset like a theatre. Good luck to the "campaign group" and may its efforts be rewarded. Apathy is the biggest enemy of such endeavours and a large cachement area like Taunton should have its door knockers rattled vigorously!!

Comment is about Somerset poetry group finds new venue after theatre closure (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

The old term for a Western movie was "oater"!!

Comment is about Cereal Killer (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

For some time now, there have been duplicate listed entries of posted poems...can't offer an opinion on "triplicate" though.

Comment is about ALERT (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hear hear!
Another example of the media pack
Looking for someone well-known to attack!

Comment is about Kate Middleton.........Leave her alone ! (blog)

Original item by hugh

It was the vertical hold that sorted the up and down roll, and the horizontal hold that stopped the image separating sideways - when the top might be on the right and the bottom half on the left of the picture. Like cars, "they" have taken the control of things from us mere mortals and given it to "the machine". E.G. we now have the old manual wind-up lever for a car window offered as an "extra" on one make of car!! And who can tune today's carburettors with a little dexterity between finger and ear, like we could then? Is this really "useful" progress?

Comment is about Progress and The Diggy Box (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I've no idea what you mean Cynthia - but you've got my attention :)

Comment is about ALERT (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Again, mint.

Comment is about Meg Green's Freight (blog)

Original item by Neil Fawcett

Mint.

Comment is about Past Midnight (blog)

Original item by Neil Fawcett

Hi guyz - thankz for your comments. This crunchy nut has definately had his oats lol.

Comment is about Cereal Killer (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

When I say Stilton it was just some home made stuff my dad made from milking the cat.

We used to get terrible problems with the horizontal hold. Just getting to the jackpot in Double Your Money and Hughie Green's head would be below his body. Then the screen would start rotating till you twiddled the knobs.

Comment is about Progress and The Diggy Box (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

How to tell a joke
Advice to be given to a Lady

Know your audience
Know your subject

Write out your joke in full
Read it aloud many times
Remove all diversions
Check for confused references
Ensure you have a command of the required terminology
Try not to get out of your depth
Avoid sporting, scientific or technical references
Limit your choice to sex and fashion
Political issues may only result in your being confused

Practice brevity
Remove 50% of what's left
Remain calm

Practice eye contact
Learn to lower your vocal pitch
Avoid staring continually at the same person
Remember to blink

Do not wear checked shirts, dungarees or men's boots
Do not mumble
Do not rush delivery
Remember to breathe

Practice brevity
Remove 50% of what's left

Ask a chap about posture
Ask a chap for advice
Ask a chap for his approval

Turn off your mobile 'phone
Do Laugh at other peoples's jokes before attempting your own
Get the round in before attempting your joke

Try to relax

Avoid tearing-up beer-mats
Do not under ANY circumstances cough - burp - stammer- pass wind
or giggle hysterically during the performance
Do not fidget


Try not to look nervous

Do not apologize for your effort
Do not sweat
Do not show signs of fear
Do not cry
Do not attempt an encore.

Comment is about Cathy Crabb (poet profile)

Original item by Cathy Crabb

oh Tom! you could have 'popped' in a 'tart!!'x

Comment is about Cereal Killer (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

lovely!x

Comment is about when roses bloomed (blog)

Love this. Well done. Take care, Tony.

Comment is about Things Half Said (blog)

Original item by Tom

Monkey Poet? I wonder what he's getting paid . . . ?

Comment is about Monkey Poet to warm up Huddersfield literature festival (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Like it Tracey, great last 3 lines Jeff XX

Comment is about As it flows (blog)

Original item by Tracey Bucknell

Like the intense atmoshpere of this mate

Comment is about Almost from the beginning (blog)

Original item by Andy N

Really well written Dave. Thank you. The poem is many many things but the word at the top of the pile for me is 'truthful'.

"He took the can, contemptuous, unhurried
and cleared the nozzle and prepared to sign
the UNITED sprayed where mam and dad were buried.
He aerosolled his name. And it was mine."

That was a reminder of Doppelganger by Dory Previn - 15 or so year's previously. A sung poem in which the writer is dismayed to find she is the source of obscenities in her own bathroom. It's got something to do with fascination with one's shadow side....how it reflects and interacts with the dark side of the world around us.

But perhaps one shouldn't be too cerebral about it. Maybe the emotion, the anger, the longing, the ?love are the most important elements of a v v complex poem.

Comment is about Tony Harrison's v. and the commodification of outrage (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi Cynthia

Many thanks for your critique...I was very mindful whilst writing this short sketch that it was musical ...almost visual..

once again many thanks

Gus x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

thank you for this interesting article. nice one.

Comment is about Tony Harrison's v. and the commodification of outrage (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi John

I think your little bobble is well buried beneath the sepia shadow of yesteryear. As ever thank you for reading....

Regards Gus x

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks John and Cynthia....

John I think your little bobble is well buried beneath the sepia shadow of yesteryear. As ever thank you for reading....


Cynthia many thanks for your critique...I was very mindful whilst writing this short sketch that it was musical ...almost visual..

once again many thanks

Gus x

Comment is about My Cousin Rosebud (blog)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

Crumbs, that was a hell of a long poem to read, with so many layers to it. I think Harrison could probably have made his observations more concisely - but then I don't suppose it would have been the same poem :)

This is a wonderful article Dave. It took me a long time to read and think about the poem. Reading your review afterwards was affirmation of some of my thoughts, plus extra ways of looking at it.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Comment is about Tony Harrison's v. and the commodification of outrage (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks for this excellent article Dave. Much to adsmire and consider.

Comment is about Tony Harrison's v. and the commodification of outrage (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I heard Tony Harrison read V at Bradford Library years ago. One misses his intellect.

In the poem he depicts both violence and lyricism at the same time. It makes art eternal.

Alan Pascoe

Comment is about Tony Harrison's v. and the commodification of outrage (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Really enjoyed reading this Mr Morgan. Thanks for sharing.

Comment is about Tony Harrison's v. and the commodification of outrage (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Really interesting and thought provoking review in regards to how v could be considered today.

The children playing football, kicking the Hawthorn tree both joyous and heartbreaking.

I had never read nor listened this poem before but will be revisiting as there is so much to take in consider and possibly respond to.

Comment is about Tony Harrison's v. and the commodification of outrage (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi Andy
many thanks for your kind comments regarding ' Beneath The Watch Tower' much appreciated mate
cheers

Ian

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Hi John
many thanks for your kind and insightful comments on 'Beneath The Watch Tower'. I hope I do know what I'm doing, but day by day the doubts grow :-) I notice you give very positive feedback around the whole of WOL and it's a genuinely commendable gift that you deliver
cheers
Ian

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

They sure do! Still stinging now as you can probably guess!!

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

I see your point Andy and I will experiment with it, thanks.

Comment is about Quieter (blog)

Thank you Tony, I had fun writing it.

Comment is about Polishing a Turd (blog)