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

Strangely sinister.

Like the `translucent vision` through the `heavy eyes`

Comment is about yellow (blog)

Original item by Lory Gaur

Merry Christmas Tom!

Comment is about Snowman Xmas Rap (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Lovely, evocative account of a snowy winter night highlighted bythe comfort of the open door.

(But that maelstrom is too violent for it...and
maybe hushed instead of `dull`)

Sorry for messin`...but it`s good!

Comment is about Christmas Eve (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Thanks, Isobel, for your holistic response. It is a very potent yet varied dynamic and each person will have, I imagine, their unique experience and position in the wide range of possibilities. You are much appreciated: 'The possible dream.' Frederick

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

thanks for your comments on my poems "yellow" and "the music turns away". its really inspiring.

Lory

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

I can see this from both sides - the parent's and child's. As a parent you do want your child to buckle down and make the most of themselves - it's such a hard life otherwise. There has to be a balance though - some space left for dreams.

I'm quite horrified by the way children from Asian cultures are led by the nose through the whole education system. They might well be highest in the world league tables, but at what cost? It must be absolutely soul destroying to go through such discipline if you are a free spirit.

If things beyond reach are like that moon;
then teach me to dream the possible dream

I find your last two lines incredibly sad. x

Comment is about The possible dream (blog)

thank u andy..

Comment is about yellow (blog)

Original item by Lory Gaur

oh yes i realise that violin is spelled incorrectly. i guess i typed in haste. anyway, thanx a lot :)

Comment is about the music turns away (blog)

Original item by Lory Gaur

Excellent poem! For myself I miss the man I could have been and never was. Maybe stuff for another poem. Have a pleasant holiday season. Frederick.

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

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks for the open feedback, Shirley. You are much appreciated. I guess my onus for the poem was a query as to why we are raised on ideals of aiming for the unreachable and then shot down to a compliant existence. I guess I believe that there are possible dreams if we go about them the right way. Thanks again. Frederick

Comment is about Shirley Smothers (poet profile)

Original item by Shirley Smothers

balancing small stones or a column of water on my chest

x

Comment is about Lilac (blog)

Original item by Marianne Daniels

I do like the way there's a little "X" over the anus rather like a No Entry sign.

Comment is about Hey There, Vagina (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I had 3 assignments as Santa this year, MC. Fewer than last year but I didn't make anybody cry this year. Getting better.

Comment is about In The Grotto (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

MY HEART beats for love,not only for the fulfilment of a dream but also for a person.That is my feeling and is mine to decide.

Comment is about J F Keane (poet profile)

Original item by J F Keane

This really speaks to me. It is so close to home. I too sometimes feel my dreams have gone astray.

Well written.

Shirley

Comment is about The possible dream (blog)

Hello M.C.

Thank you for your comments on my
"Difficult Haiku". Sorry to hear your Dad passed away when you were so young. I treasure the years I had with mine.

Thanks
Shirley

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi Dave,

Thank you for your kind comments on my haiku
"Difficult Haiku".
My Father passed away on Dec.9 2009" Sixteen days before Christmas and Eighteen days before his birthday.
So this time of year is a little depressing.

Thank You,
Shirley

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Hello Ged,

Thanks for the kind comments on my "91 Word Story of My Life." It was a little difficult to get the story in 91 words. But I tried.

Thanks again,
Shirley

Comment is about Ged Thompson (poet profile)

Original item by Ged Thompson

Hello John,
Thank you for the nice comments on my "91 Word Story of My Life".
It was a little hard to get the story in 91 words.

Thanks again
Shirley

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

I'm afraid you've hit the nail on the head, Ken.

Comment is about In The Grotto (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Julian Clary?
That's kind of scary
There's no semblance
Of any resemblance!

Comment is about CHRISTMAS IN LONDON TOWN (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Blotto in the Grotto? This appeals to the
curmudgeon in me!!

Comment is about In The Grotto (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you. I try :)

Comment is about where there are fish you will often find bicycles (in six days god did what?) (blog)

Original item by Paul Sands

Thanks Andy

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

lovely. can relate to this a lot.

Comment is about Unfinished business (blog)

Original item by Shevaughn Pimenta

made me shiver lory big style. lovely.

Comment is about yellow (blog)

Original item by Lory Gaur

beauitfully wrote, lory. you may want to check your spelling a little but i would be sending this out to magazines if i was you, it's worth it.

Comment is about the music turns away (blog)

Original item by Lory Gaur

Thanks for the comment on my poem Fulfilment. Much appreciated, glad you enjoyed it. T

Comment is about Starfish (poet profile)

Original item by Starfish

Thanks for the comment on my poem Fulfilment. Much appreciated, glad you enjoyed it. T

Comment is about Noetic-fret! (poet profile)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Thanks a lot Lynn

Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)

Original item by Lynn Dye

I urge you all to listen to this. Her take on writing poetry is so refreshing - I mean, starting with a title! - and her choices of gramophone record: Treorchy male Voice singing the classic Myfanwy, a simple recording of a blackbird singing, Seamus Heaney reading The Blackbird of Glanmore, and Leonard Cohen, whom Clarke had effectively stalked by booking herself into the same Cardiff hotel in an attempt to meet him. Or perhaps it's just me.

Comment is about 'I begin with the title': Gillian Clarke on Desert Island Discs (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Your Haddlesey Santa seems
to be having trouble bridging the generation gap.Not you is it?

All the best.

Comment is about In The Grotto (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Nice poem,nice sentiment,
I too enjoy wallowing in aloneness.

Merry Christmas.

Comment is about CHRISTMAS IN LONDON TOWN (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Wonder will I live to see the topplers of the A.N.C.

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thanks for the comment John.

No ones perfect I suppose.

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi Shevaughn, thank you very much for your lovely comments on my profile, much appreciated.
I have just been reading your work and am well impressed, you have a good way with words, and I am looking forward to reading more from you x

Comment is about Shevaughn Pimenta (poet profile)

Original item by Shevaughn Pimenta

I enjoyed this very much, Shevaughn. Truthful, well worded and I like the unexpected twist at the end.

Comment is about "Let bygones be bygones" she said (blog)

Original item by Shevaughn Pimenta

Comatose/Alex; Looks like you've disapeared again! If you happen to look in have a super Christmas, best wishes, Steve :-)

Comment is about Steve Higgins (poet profile)

Original item by Steve Higgins

Many's the time I curse the careless towels and cups and plates - but I really wouldn't be without those footprints - would that every person had such a home - and when you think about it, this could apply to more than children.

Very sad Cate - but real. I love the way you express yourself. x

Comment is about Unwanted (blog)

Original item by Cate

Hi Stef & Patricia. Well, there may have been a time - but more years ago than I would care to remember! Haha. (And we didn't have a boat then...) Thanks for comment, hope you are both well.xx

Comment is about Secrets of the Willow (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Thank you Cynthia. That's a good question. I think it's because "screened" never occurred to me, but I expect it would be more appropriate!

Comment is about Secrets of the Willow (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

julian clary?

Comment is about CHRISTMAS IN LONDON TOWN (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

is this what happens on the banks of the river when you moor up with Colin?,and...
did you get any pikkys? haha.xx

Comment is about Secrets of the Willow (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

The same to you JC!
You also share some illustrious initials at this
time of year!!!

Comment is about CHRISTMAS IN LONDON TOWN (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Whatever you do and wherever you are - have a good one, MC.

Comment is about CHRISTMAS IN LONDON TOWN (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Good point you made on 'Do the best you can' Harry. I've replied on the blog but thanks for looking in,
Steve

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Thanks for commenting once agin Starfish.:-))
Best wishes and have a lovely Christmas,
Steve

Comment is about Starfish (poet profile)

Original item by Starfish

I would just like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and I am looking forward to the first get together in 2014.

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Interesting and educational, whether one is of a
religious persuasion or not. I also admire the
"hit" of yesteryear "Deck of Cards" - an equally
creative and clever interpretation of the mundane
as a tool of spirituality.

Comment is about Poem: The Partridge in the Pear Tree (blog)

Original item by Joseph J. Breunig 3rd