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Noetic-fret!

Sat 19th Jan 2013 22:04

Hi Anne, a great poem I feel. It does also fill me with a little sadness too. In my younger years and later in life I have always been around the plastic christmas tree. I have never experienced a pine one. What fills me with sadness though is that I am unlikely too experience a pine one because of my own ethics concerning the chopping down of trees. When we were younger I suppose we could take these things for granted but now, we cannot without a certain amount of guilt.

For some reason, because of the poems sense of history, it gives me the impression of a time where there was space and innocence to life. I guess along with the plastic tree, we feel more artificial in this world these days.

A very moving touching poem.

Stay well.

Mike

x

Comment is about january fairy (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

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John Coopey

Sat 19th Jan 2013 21:42

Nice to put a voice to the words.
I expect you know (but just in case you didn't realise) whenever you post something on here it deletes your last post from the main blogs; hence Malthus has gone.
(I mention this because I Malthus was only shown for a short time).
Keep posting.

Comment is about Pop Up Poetry video (blog)

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Isobel

Sat 19th Jan 2013 21:18

Your 40 rat poem is opening now Rachel, though you may want to reblog it cos it's pretty far down the blog list.

Izz

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John Coopey

Sat 19th Jan 2013 20:35

Nice syllabic management, T.
I love it when you can't help but read it in its metre.

Comment is about Thomas Malthus (blog)

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David Cooke

Sat 19th Jan 2013 19:24

Hi Cynthia Thanks for the comms on the two postcard poems. You were spot on with 'Rouen' That's where the English burned Joan of Arc. I've been getting a bit addicted to these little poems. They usually start of with some little memory that has been at the back of my mind for years, but then open up other themes which link up with others in the series. I've done 15 so far. Not sure where it will end. Maybe 20? Maybe more!

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

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Isobel

Sat 19th Jan 2013 18:34

I'm not sure I'd enjoy reading to an all woman group. I like the mixture of styles and subject matter that you get with mixed groups. I like personal stuff but wouldn't want a whole evening of it. You can't generalise too much about men though - I know plenty who write about their emotions too. And I know women who do humour really well.

I've never understood free masonry either - why anyone would want to go to an all male environment like that - other than as some sort of social climbing exercise. Still - if they get something out of it and it is't hurting me.

I've come to the conclusion that everything is ok so long as it isn't hurting anyone else. It only gets annoying when non inclusive groups get arts council funding, where large all embracing ones can't. There is something fundamentally wrong with that.

Comment is about Loose Muse: redressing the balance for women writers (article)

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Julian (Admin)

Sat 19th Jan 2013 18:30

Hi Leon

Welcome to Write Out Loud. It is great that you are in touch all the way from Tirana.

I look forward to hearing more about you and reading some samples of your writing.

faleminderi

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Leon Qafzezi

Sat 19th Jan 2013 17:45

Greetings!
I wish you Happy New Year 2013!
Thanks for my page.All the best!
Leon Qafzezi
Tirane/Albania

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Graham Sherwood

Sat 19th Jan 2013 17:29

Anyone remember Horniman's tea?

Comment is about Honduras (blog)

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Graham Sherwood

Sat 19th Jan 2013 17:25

Nicely written Ann (Happy New Year by the way). I wonder how many of us have a special Christmas tree decoration that only sees the light of day for a short time each year. How clever to document the changes (in people and things) that she is witness to.
A lovely idea. I wished I'd had it! Very best wishes, Graham

Comment is about january fairy (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 19th Jan 2013 17:14

I marvel that there's rarely a smidgen
To be seen of a deceased pigeon;
I'll allow, if you will,
The occasional road kill
But no trace at any place of religion!
........................
Does anyone know where birds go to die?
I'll bet no one does - and neither do I!

Comment is about Thomas Malthus (blog)

Original item by Marnanel Thurman

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fiona sinclair

Sat 19th Jan 2013 14:39

thank you for your great comments I have in fact edited it see what you think

Comment is about Clock (blog)

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Cynthia Buell Thomas

Sat 19th Jan 2013 14:04

An excellent write-up. Thank you for your skill and your time.

Comment is about Countdown to TS Eliot prize: how the contenders performed (article)

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Julian (Admin)

Sat 19th Jan 2013 12:39

I do remember Flags of the World bubble gum as well as the Brooke Bond cards. I even had cigarette cards of the pre-Munich United team, though the only one I can still picture is Duncan Edwards.
So, which city is the UK football capital? Unless one of them starts flagging.

Comment is about Honduras (blog)

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Cathy

Sat 19th Jan 2013 11:56

It reminds me of 'The Tell-Tale Heart'. And 'How much for the curtains' made me laugh. I really like this poem, it has great imagery. The story of the owner has a fairytale quality too and with the sounds and images it could be a great short film.

Comment is about Clock (blog)

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David Cooke

Sat 19th Jan 2013 09:48

Hi Yvonne Thanks for comment on my postcard poem. My days as a teacher seem a long time ago now. Don't know how I did it for so long!

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Tommy Carroll

Sat 19th Jan 2013 00:16

I am currently an airline pilot and play bassoon in the Royal Liverpool Philomonic Orchestra and am chef-du-'file at various restaurants and still find time to chuck empty beer cans at gulls that land too close to my caravan.

Comment is about Yvonne Brunton (poet profile)

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John Coopey

Sat 19th Jan 2013 00:15

Wow! Look what I found.

http://www.brookebondcollectables.co.uk/cardlist.htm

Comment is about Honduras (blog)

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Yvonne Brunton

Fri 18th Jan 2013 23:23

Aha So they've found Shergar at last!

Comment is about Tasty Equine Segments,Customer Outrage !! (blog)

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Yvonne Brunton

Fri 18th Jan 2013 23:21

hey not so sexist JC I collected all the Brooke Bond sets of card and like MCN pored over them like treasure. Yes I too wonder what became of them. I guess mum discarded them along with my 6th form tricorne hat (black trimmed with emerald green) when I deserted Manchester for Doncaster - serves me right!!! I so mourn the loss of my tricorne!.

Comment is about Honduras (blog)

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Yvonne Brunton

Fri 18th Jan 2013 23:00

Ah the treasure of the ritual. When seen through the eyes of the fairy the passage of time does not dim the memories of christmas' past. And the sadness of the 'familiar face' that is missing adds a poignency to her immortality - until the threat of a artificial tree highlights her vulnerability.
Lovely poem. xx

Comment is about january fairy (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

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John Coopey

Fri 18th Jan 2013 22:27

I loved it Thomas, but I couldn't keep up!

Comment is about Horatius (blog)

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Yvonne Brunton

Fri 18th Jan 2013 21:57

HI Tommy,
caravan and sea are so me!

Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)

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Yvonne Brunton

Fri 18th Jan 2013 21:54

Hi Steve
thanks for the link to your piccies of Dylan'sbooathouse. I am so jealous that you have been there I love his work too.xx

Comment is about Steve Higgins (poet profile)

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<Deleted User> (6895)

Fri 18th Jan 2013 21:43

worx for uz dude!xx

Comment is about Ma Third Eye (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

<Deleted User> (6895)

Fri 18th Jan 2013 21:39

more than deserving of a lot more comments.

ah well..heres to instigating...xx

Comment is about 2012 (blog)

Original item by Ludo

<Deleted User> (6895)

Fri 18th Jan 2013 21:20

this poem IS talking to me.It is probable that
my eyes need to listen harder with each read.xx

Comment is about Tools of the Trade. (blog)

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Freda Davis

Fri 18th Jan 2013 21:17

Oh good grief, I have just checked out the two poems more carefully. He has just messed it up in little changes, substituting Like for as, making the rhythm clumsy. What a plonker!

Comment is about Christian Ward's plagiarism 'mistakes' : is this no 4? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

<Deleted User> (6895)

Fri 18th Jan 2013 21:13

a 'once-under-a blue moon poem'.
beautifully rare.xx

Comment is about Clock (blog)

Original item by fiona sinclair

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Fkx

Fri 18th Jan 2013 21:11

It indeed is a beautiful, memory-laden ritual-of-sorts. A splendid poem that rings warm and true. It's also a sign that we step closer to Spring! Thanks for sharing.

Comment is about january fairy (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

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Freda Davis

Fri 18th Jan 2013 21:10

I sort of agree with you Chris here. I have been to women only poetry events and the atmosphere is very different from an event with a gender mixed audience and those taking part. Even reading to an audience of 50% women feels very different to reading to a mainly male audience. I really enjoy all different audiences and hearing poets in those different contexts.
The argument for a women only event varies. Women are not more scared of reading their work than men. But individual women may well be put off reading their work in a mainly men group, especially if they are writing very personal stuff. They may be encouraged to start reading if they feel it is a receptive audience who will share their experience. An audience where men are in the minority might be more reassuring. Once people have read a few times it matters less, unless they only want to address their work to women.
It is part of the nature of gender politics that men do not fear reading to a female audience more than to men. Also they do not tend to read really personal stuff, at least until they have got used to their audience. I say that from 15 years of sharing the running of Puzzle Poets, not from knee jerk assumptions about gender.
I would encourage all writers to read to audiences as mixed as possible, to see how they respond. I do really enjoy reading to an all women group though. Its the sisterhood thing.

Comment is about Loose Muse: redressing the balance for women writers (article)

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Freda Davis

Fri 18th Jan 2013 20:46

At least he didn't mess this poem about, just straight copy. What do they teach on creative writing MA's?

Comment is about Christian Ward's plagiarism 'mistakes' : is this no 4? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

tony sheridan

Fri 18th Jan 2013 20:30

I have still got a plastic Father Cristmas that is over 60 years old. My nana gave it to me when I was a kid. Every year He takes pride of place! Take care, Tony.

Comment is about january fairy (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

bianca emberson

Fri 18th Jan 2013 16:28

such a good description of all these prize-winning poets and their work, I would just like a few lifetimes to catch up with reading them all !

Comment is about Countdown to TS Eliot prize: how the contenders performed (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

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Nigel Astell

Fri 18th Jan 2013 15:48

White or Browne
Don't mind either
As long as
The name called
Fits on the
Fine horsehair sofa.

Comment is about Recycled Prophesies (January 2013 Collage Poem) (blog)

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Greg Freeman

Fri 18th Jan 2013 15:42

And well done for tipping the winner, Frances!

Comment is about Countdown to TS Eliot prize: how the contenders performed (article)

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John Coopey

Fri 18th Jan 2013 15:24

From the comments, collecting these cards was obviously not a girlie thing to do. Brooke bond, greg? You may well be right.

Comment is about Honduras (blog)

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Frances Spurrier

Fri 18th Jan 2013 15:01

Oh go on! I bet you say that to all the girls.

Comment is about Countdown to TS Eliot prize: how the contenders performed (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 18th Jan 2013 14:47

Some far flung folk devour their doggies
While close to home they eat their froggies.
Let it NEVER be a matter of course
That here in Blighty we eat a horse!

Comment is about Tasty Equine Segments,Customer Outrage !! (blog)

Original item by hugh

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kerry fisher

Fri 18th Jan 2013 14:40

cheers tony, and hope you liked it phillip, its very close to home.........teenagers eh!!!

Comment is about Skull Candy!!! (blog)

Original item by Kerry-Marie Fisher

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kerry fisher

Fri 18th Jan 2013 14:39

cheers Tony!

Comment is about soul scorcher!! (blog)

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kerry fisher

Fri 18th Jan 2013 14:38

thank you for that, its much appreciated, kerry

Comment is about No No (blog)

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 18th Jan 2013 14:37

I remember those packet tea cards...your post takes me way back! Then came the "Observer" series of books. I still have two of them in front of me as I tap this out. One is "British Steam Locomotives" - and the other is "Freshwater Fishes"...with its inscription from my brother for "Christmas 1957". Instant memories!!! Coincidentally, I've just signed an online petition from Avaaz about the genetically modified salmon the USA seeks to introduce and which could pose a threat to the present wild salmon stocks. Avaaz refer to it as "Frankenfish"!! The dark side of progress perhaps?

Comment is about Honduras (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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Greg Freeman

Fri 18th Jan 2013 14:33

Ah, freshwater fish! Tench, char, dace, and all the others. Funny I never became a fisherman. Brooke Bond tea, wasn't it?

Comment is about Honduras (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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Julian (Admin)

Fri 18th Jan 2013 12:21

The row has put us on the (plagiarism) world's stage. I do feel sorry for him not having the confidence to write his own stuff, which woudl doubtless, with a bit of guidance, have been better than plagiarising.
I now worry about my satirical takes on others' poems.
This be Worse:
He fucked me up did Philip Larkin, etc.

Now the question is, has anyone managed to write any (original) poems about plagiarising?

Comment is about Christian Ward's plagiarism 'mistakes' : is this no 4? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

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dorinda macdowell

Fri 18th Jan 2013 08:14

I have a feeling
That Mrs BrownE
With an 'E'
Was a sad attempt
To appear
Better than
You
And Me.........

I bet she
Was Plain old
Mrs Brown
She who
Always
Wore
A
Frown

And I
Am happy
To say:
"Mrs BrownE,
Adieu
Adieu
To Your
Horsehair Sofa
And to you..........."

(Actually I could not recall the real lady's name, so I used Mrs Browne as it fitted: poetic licence?!)

Comment is about Recycled Prophesies (January 2013 Collage Poem) (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

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Tina Ford

Fri 18th Jan 2013 01:45

Absolutely bloody brilliant :D

Comment is about The Plays of William Shakespeare (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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Dave Bradley

Fri 18th Jan 2013 00:23

British Wildlife, Birds of the World and Freshwater Fishes! The years roll back. I had the albums and used to pore over them. Haven't thought about them for ages. Whatever happened to those albums.....

Comment is about Honduras (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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M.C. Newberry

Thu 17th Jan 2013 22:21

Harry - Perhaps mankind has been brainwashed into using religion as an "excuse" or "reason" for its actions and feels justified for base acts by using it is a shield. The bible is all about interpretation, is it not? Full of contradictory guidance, its sheer age - from woefully ignorant times - is another reason for being extremely circumspect when proclaiming any "faith" and using that faith for a guide for human conduct. As for "pious"...I never thought of that in terms of piety. The former (for me) conjures up eye-rolling hypocrisy and holy-joe humbug, whereas the latter seems very much closer to the real saintly thing that is so laudable because of its genuine rarity. The Church in Ireland lost much real influence when revealed to be partial in areas of political violence. No piety there then, but plenty of pious performers in the pulpit for sure!!

Comment is about MAN MADE RELIGION (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

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Francine

Thu 17th Jan 2013 19:50

Merci beaucoup Ann !
xx

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

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