I prefer to turn the old adage on its head:
"In the midst of death we are in life!"
And what better time to celebrate that thought?

Comment is about THOUGHTS AT CHRISTMAS - a repeated post (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Harry
thanks so much for your kind and observant comments regarding 'Christmas Eve' - as always, your suggestions for changes are spot on the mark and I've edited accordingly. So glad you liked the poem - here's wishing you and yours a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year
cheers
Ian

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Andy - thanks so much for your kind comments regrading Christmas Eve - glad you liked it - best wishes for Xmas & The New Year mate
Ian

Comment is about Andy Ainsworth (poet profile)

Original item by Andy Ainsworth

Hey Starfish :-) - thanks so much for your kind comments regrading Christmas Eve - glad you liked it - best wishes for Xmas & The New Year mate
Ian

Comment is about Starfish (poet profile)

Original item by Starfish

Andy - thanks so much for your kind comments regrading Christmas Eve - glad you liked it - best wishes for Xmas & The New Year mate
Ian

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Amen!
Dorinda
x

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

First weddings then Christenings. At a certain age you move on to funerals I suppose.
Nice one MC.

Comment is about THOUGHTS AT CHRISTMAS - a repeated post (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

WRITE ANGLE PAINTS CHRISTMAS 'SPECIAL'
In spite of the cold, wet weather, Write Angle managed to pack the house and provide enough savouries and sweets - including some takeaway! Truly a 'Chrismassy' evening with a lot of familiar faces returning- John Smith, ('is it possible to plagiarise your own work?') Dave Knight, ('An eye for an eye' and 'Wasting Time' – dialogue with friend who stopped being..., a very 'happy' Lysander White, (love poem and Spread the mockingbirds everywhere) Michael Usuwana, ('Faces & Places' and 'Ashes to Ashes & Dust to Dust' ('.. too fast last time') David Roberts, 'Natasha' and 'The Wedding', Leah, 'The Kids who fell from the sky', Bill Wood, guitar/singer ( 'At the court of King Arthritis') as well as newcomers; singer/guitarists, and poets, Davy Byrons, (Irish folk music) 'Belfast, the town I love so well', David Gillingham, 'Crying at 56'; meeting the mum he lost at 5, Jimmy Lee ('Night of the Cranes' and 'Written in the Sand') and Andrew Barker, (2nd time) from Spain ('Why The Turkey'..and The Ghosty Donkey) – Christ's birth.
Also, Turi Thomas-Millard, (Why I put you on speaker-phone' – 'I can pretend you're still here' and 'Dominica' (highly visual), Ron Jamieson, 'Sleigh-ride', Molly Karn, (from Canada) - 'Iridescent Frustration' (waiting for the plane) and 'Writer's Block'. .not to mention the 'regulars', Dave Allen, 'Why Do Salmon Die After Sex?' - think of the 1000 mile upstream swim!- Sven Stears, 'Satan is Angry' and 'This Girl' (I want to tell her she's beautiful but that would only be scratching the surface)'. Steve Tasane (February 2014's guest) did 'Alphabet Rap', and 'growing up with anger management issues', JeanAnne Naumczyk, .Maggie Rhodes, and Graham Sims.(visiting from Cheltenham)..Cliff Oakley and others.
Jake was a bit concerned he wasn't going to fit everyone in as half the audience (20) was all geared to get up and perform! Apologies to Chris Sangster (he'll be first, next time).. Dave Roberts and Leah remained un-videoed as David Stone's videocam ran out of battery. (first time!) Suffice to say it was a 'full' and 'joyous' occasion with laughter and good spirit thriving throughout!
Audi Maserati, as ever, in tip-top shape, had everyone laughing from the moment he got on stage. 'Think of my performance as a book with a cover in front, a cover in back, and in the middle is another cover'. He did 'Crosseyed Guitar'.(hillbilly)..'I'm sticking with you cos I'm made out of glue';, the bloke who had a conversation but did all the talking 'You aint nothin' but a hound dog!' (no end to his repertoire) His 'natural' spontaneous manner is always cause for applause! He played guitar and Appalachian stick zither. Sven Stears did hilarious haikus that were and those that weren't.
GUEST PERFORMER SPEECH PAINTER was great, with familiar, but always a joy to hear 'All you can buy on Ebay', 'You can spend a pound or a hundred grand, get 'The face of Jesus on a jalopeno, a human kidney, pictures of (his) ex-wife...'), 200 lbs of cocaine; then, 'Jehovah Baby', 'a confessional love poem'; the stresses of Christmas ending in misunderstandings 'Who put the Bump in the Bumpety Bumpty Bump'...you put me in a mental institution. I put the cape in escape...'. Then, the adult Dr Zeuss, actually started by the original author but never completed. 'The Cat in the Hat', now 'The Twat in the Flat' – a fabulously funny, clever take-off; followed by 'Will I Am', 'The Songs of Wam' – done with an energy that lit the room!
Afterward, he introduced his band – Will B (guitarist) and Kylie Earl (singer). He hadn't sung since age 12 when, doing an imitation of Elvis, he 'fell flat on his face'. However, Speech Painter, determined to get back to music, agreed when Will convinced him he could 'talk' the songs and he agreed. 'What's my theme?' he asked. 'The Road' he was told. 'Okay, and what else?' 'The Road', Will repeated. Hence, between Speech Painter's lyrics, Will's music and Kylie's lovely voice, 'The Road Project' was 'born'! Speech Painter even managed to add 'Rhododendron' to the collection, saying the flower was the first form of chemical warfare. In Asia, they put hives next to Rhododendrons and it intoxicated the honey. Other songs, 'Hit and Run', and 'It was the wrong turn' – plus far too much more to mention -. . He's such a joy to have as a guest. A much loved performer! From the enthusiasm and applause of the audience, it was a memorable evening – a good ending to another successful year!

Review is about WRITE ANGLE POETRY & MUSIC +OPEN MIC on 17 Dec 2013 (event)

I trust the winner (whoever he/she is) realises
how fortunate their success may be under the
circumstances of time and opportunity.
But congratulations nonetheless to the winner
and especially the WOL runner-up. Poetry is
the main beneficiary and that's what is so
important.

Comment is about Write Out Loud's Julian Jordon nominated for 'unsung hero' award (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Clive James - whose wide-ranging talents made
the likes of Stephen Fry possible.

Comment is about Clive James talks about poetry, Dante, and illness on Radio 4 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

You opened the door and invited us in - and bid us
welcome.
Much appreciated!

Comment is about Poetry is our beating heart: a very happy Christmas to all (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Cheers Andy and Merry Xmas.

Comment is about Compaction (blog)

Original item by Neil Fawcett

Oh, my God! Clive James is just great! As for me his English is so perfect. It was so pleasant to listen to his voice, to his English, to his poetry... Let him live forever and more! Let us store his beautiful poems! They all come from his heart and my soul alams.

Comment is about Clive James talks about poetry, Dante, and illness on Radio 4 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Merry Christmas Team.

And success in everything you attempt.

Comment is about Poetry is our beating heart: a very happy Christmas to all (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi M.C.

Thanks for those nice words, much appreciated, and a very merry Christmas to you.

Oh and congratulations on your departure, (poem)success, really deserved.

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi Mike. Thanks for that thoughtful comment.

A very merry Christmas to you and yours.

See you in the New year. Ken

Comment is about Mike Hilton (poet profile)

Original item by Mike Hilton

Congrats, MC. I wouldn't have rated your chances in a photography competition, though.

Comment is about MC Newberry's 'Lycra' poem in anthology to mark Le Grand Depart (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

...and the same to you all, whoever your God is.

Comment is about Poetry is our beating heart: a very happy Christmas to all (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Strewf! Me comment were longer than me story.

Comment is about Aggie the Elephant (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks for the comments, girls.
Starfish - Aggie the Elephant is a Marriot Edgar monologue about a train of elephants passing over a level crossing. The last one, baby Aggie, gets hit by the train.

"Joe thought she were dead when he saw her lyin' there,
With the back of her head on the line
He knelt by her side, put his ear to her chest,
And told her to say " ninety-nine."

She waggled her tail and she twiggled her trunk ;
To show him as she were alive;
She hadn't the strength for to say "ninety-nine,"
She just managed a weak "eighty-five."

Poetry indeed.

Isobel - It is rather nice to be free of the kids (once you get used to it). But one drawback is Christmas. Both of ours are spending Christmas Day with their boyfriends' families (it's their turn). So Our Gert and me are off to Le Raj for a 5 courser.

Comment is about Aggie the Elephant (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

lot of detail here, neil in such a short piece. feels like not a word is wasted.

excellent. best piece i've read on here in a while.

Comment is about Compaction (blog)

Original item by Neil Fawcett

Thanks for welcoming me to the site. Sorry it took so long to respond. Happy Christmas!

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

A lovely winter poem evoking so many sights, feelings and sounds. I particularly like the knots of wood cracking like imploding stars

Comment is about Christmas Eve (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Season's Greetings Harry :)

Comment is about Snowman Xmas Rap (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Wishing you a Merry & spiritually satisfying Christmas Harry, all the very Best to you, Yvonne, family & friends. I'll pass on your warm words to Natalie & Glenys

Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year

See you on the other side of it lol

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Wow indeed! There's so much to think about and like in this - though I'm talking poetry/ideas not life circumstances.

'it’s so much easier to smile once
your shit has sailed, once your dream has failed
and there’s nothing left to prove'

This idea stood out for me - the fact that we can almost be released in some way by absolute failure - released from the effort and the pressure of continued expectation maybe.

Comment is about did I ever say I was “good people”? (blog)

Original item by Paul Sands

Well I can't quite empathise with this one yet John, but I'm bloody well looking forward to being able to ;)

That abrupt ending somehow works.

Comment is about Aggie the Elephant (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Ahhh, I seeeee :)

Well thank you again Harry, means a lot to me, that.

Wishing you all the very best for christmas and next year - hopefully see you at a gathering at some point :) xxx

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Thanks M.C

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I can empathise with this one, as can anyone over a certain age i.e. with children of a certain age. Aggie? It's Echo that got me!

Comment is about Aggie the Elephant (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

definitely ditto previous comments.
Well done Frederick.x

Comment is about The possible dream (blog)

Paul,this rocks!sooooo cool! and just love the 'so... ending-
-magic touch!
now I HAVE been WOWED!x

Comment is about did I ever say I was “good people”? (blog)

Original item by Paul Sands

Laura,
It was the McGarrigle poem…I liked the calmer style of it, and also the neater stanzas. I couldn`t hear you reading it in your usual `go get `em` style. It was much more - powerfully - controlled.

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

I've never had a poem written about me before. Thank you.

Comment is about BUYING GIFTS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I'll second that. Good kickings all round. Would you have a Bethlehem poem to by any chance Mr. F?

Comment is about Laureate Carol Ann Duffy's poem for Christmas (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Excellent idea Philip; and then post one of your own so we can do a head-to-head.

Comment is about Laureate Carol Ann Duffy's poem for Christmas (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Less is certainly more in this instance.
A direct little vignette of heart and hurt that
says much in a few lines.

Comment is about Restricted choices (blog)

Original item by Shevaughn Pimenta

In my own way of seeing things, I believe that
poetry is "encountered" and this encounter can
encourage one's own expression through the
medium in whatever style that is chosen or
found most appropriate. I like verse - which
requires (and develops) a command of language,
plus a sense of rhythm that can extend into
the creation of song; & finally the imagination
that creates its own worlds through words.
Serious or humorous, this use of words can find
a way to entertain a reader and satisfy the
author's wish to make a point or "paint a
picture".
Master the use of the tools that do the job
and let your mind make others see something
they find intriguing, interesting or inspiring.
Remember - "In the beginning was the Word..."

Comment is about Shevaughn Pimenta (poet profile)

Original item by Shevaughn Pimenta

A timely reminder of the transference of love
and how its importance of interaction remains
constant - and vital.

Comment is about Love Unimagined (blog)

Original item by Roy Chetham

Ho-ho spelt backwards is Oh-oh! Probably the
more accurate reaction from many out in the shops
during the approach to Christmas.
Curmudgeons of the world unite - Ebenezer Scrooge
as President Emeritus!
Bah humbug!!
(But I like it really).

Comment is about BUYING GIFTS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thank you for your comment and the correction. :)
Best wishes
Ankita

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi Harry
Thank you for your comments on 'White winter'.:) Hope you are doing well, have a nice a winter.

Best wishes
Ankita

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Hi Steve.

If you Google "The dark side of Nelson Mandela"

You will find that The A.N.C.are carrying out a Mugabe type agenda in South Africa

Comment is about Steve Higgins (poet profile)

Original item by Steve Higgins

Thanks for your comments, Frederick.
As for myself, the man I could have been was a pale shadow of the colossus I've become.

Comment is about I Miss The Man That I Used To Be (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Yes, this certainly accurately but artistically describes the mayhem. So sad that most often the giver likes the present better than the recipient!

Comment is about BUYING GIFTS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Point of view is everything. Excellent poem, best wishes, Steve

Comment is about Nelson: good cop - bad cop (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

You capture well the pace of activity.
(For some reason it reminds me of "Night Mail")

Comment is about BUYING GIFTS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I think every organiser works hard to create a good poetry event; this helps to do just that by avoiding the bad experience of travelling to cancelled events. Thoughtful - emailing all organisers.

Good work on this!

Comment is about Christmas and New Year cancellations: organisers, please let everyone know (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

i'm glad u liked it harry. thanks :)

Comment is about yellow (blog)

Original item by Lory Gaur

Both the collection AND this article deserve a wider readership. A superbly crafted review of the type that is sufficiently interesting in itself, regardless of its subject. Excellent work.

Comment is about On Euclid Avenue: J Fergus Evans, Flapjack Press (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman