I know. I was that pig.

Comment is about Cheeky Swine (blog)

Original item by Starfish

Thanks again Cynthia for your recent comments. I've not actually been writing much poetry of late and it's surprising just how quickly the 'writing joints' stiffen.

Would be great if you can make it to the next Tudor night too.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hi Cynthia

I enjoyed this. I agree with MCN about the last line. I think there is already a sense of enigma before you get to that final line. Reinforced by -
"free to navigate hidden channels
lacunas of slippery Truth".

I re-read it too without the personal pronouns and the piece appears to be able to accommodate it - and now I'm not so sure about that last line!

Such is Mystery, indeed!!

Comment is about Sleep (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

It can be anything you want Cynthia. The saying originated with 19th century coachmen apparently. If the wheels touched (a frequent occurrence) but they could carry on, then all was well. There had been a moment of danger but it had passed. It was also used by sailors in respect of a ship touching bottom but not running aground.

I'll look forward to seeing your offering!

Comment is about Competition Reminder. Touch and Go (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

I enjoyed this. Will you ever tighten it up to an actual poem?

My best memory is of the freedom to take my own sweet time, and to choose exactly what I wanted, without suggestions. One day, about ten I was, the checking-out librarian asked me: 'Who supervises your choice of books?' I was affronted, and clearly remember skewering her with disdain: 'I choose MY OWN BOOKS.' Because I HAD A PLAN when I chose my weekly reading material of 5 volumes: contemporary novel, historical novel, biography, poetry and natural science. In retrospect, I did realize it was really a compliment. The LIBRARY was an adventure that never palled.

Comment is about The Demise of the Library (or, Xanadu Deceased) (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

What an accomplishment, in four languages! And as nearly as I could judge, each skillfully handled. To the best of my speaking ability, I even enjoyed the spoken resonance of the Italian and the French.

Plus the thought content is very engaging.

Comment is about Tell Me About Love (blog)

Original item by Ian Beckett

Hi Cynthia

How about dropping "is" in the last line and for mystery, mysteries. A happy compromise. last line reduced to 50% of the original.
I also like slumbering brain without the "the" as opposed to "endless"

Comment is about Sleep (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I've been out of the loop entirely. Touch and Go, eh? Interesting. I'm presuming it can be as innocuous as 'It's touch and go whether it will rain today' to as serious as 'It's touch and go whether Syria will survive as a country.'

Any idea where the saying originated? Like maybe 'touch the red button and go to smithereens'? Just wondering. I'd better get cracking if I want to be a part, and I do. Less than a week!

Comment is about Competition Reminder. Touch and Go (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Thanks for the encouraging comments. I am indebted. 'mad' was certainly OTT, even tripping up the rhythm. 'winnowing' can be used poetically meaning 'to stir the hair' as in a breeze, or the 'slow beating of wings' (which I sang as a child about 'angel wings winnowing the air', an imaginative idea I enjoyed back then.)

Also, the last line was much too intrusive in signposting interpretation. I had considered 'Mystery' and I do like it. Next week I may still scrap the final line completely.

I think I've been reading too many Romantics lately - they can become addictive - a bit like 'angels' maybe. I mock nothing. Substance can be embodied in any kind of 'figure' to approach enlightenment.

Comment is about Sleep (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hello MC,
Although I only consider myself "soft left" I must say I find it hard to justify lending customers money out of money lent to the bank by other customers (savers) and making profit on the difference. I do not see why any profit made should not be the taxpayers ie the process be nationalised. For one thing, like energy, it seems to me to be too strategic to leave in private hands.

Comment is about Royal Bank of Scotland (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I think Folk are maybe put off by the incorrect advertised entrance fee of £3. It's always been £2 at the Ring O Bells

Review is about Write Out Loud - Middleton on 24 Nov 2013 (event)

This show will take the Poetry in the Basement year to a full circle - the whole thing started off with '59 Shades of Night' on the 17th of November 2012, and we've gradually built a good reputation and a reliable following. Each show has a different theme (so far we've done sex, death, zombies, life and confessions), and there is always a competition with a prize. Fun night, not to be taken too seriously - this show's best known as a welcoming performance platform where it's acceptable to play around and risk self-humiliation with a supportive and loving crowd. Some deep and painful confessions were made in the Confession-themed show - I'm looking forward to seeing what sorts of things everyone will be ready to reveal about their bad romances this month.
xx
Irina

Review is about Bad Romance, Bad Poetry on 15 Nov 2013 (event)

Enjoyed this poem Steve,but hey!let that smile come out from behind the shadow(in your new pik).x

Comment is about Where The River Flows (blog)

Original item by Steve Higgins

Many happy returns - personal and poetical!
Briefly returning to your "gate" poem - it also
brought to mind the Tennyson poem about
"Crossing The Bar" - an additional reason for
liking it.

Comment is about Mikhail Smith (poet profile)

Original item by Mikhail Smith

The last line seems superfluous with such a
strong image in the preceding words. If any
other ending is sought then a couple of lines
came to my own mind:
"A prisoner yet at liberty
When sleep holds the key"
Regards...
MC

Comment is about Sleep (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I remember years ago, trying manfully to fund
a one-man business from my current account, how I
was taken to task for an unauthorised overdraft
of a few quid by some young assistant manager
of a bank where I had held an account for many
years. No award for customer devotion even then.
I wonder if that eager young money-grubber was
one of those who frittered away huge sums on
careless loans to big business in more recent times.

Comment is about Royal Bank of Scotland (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Sorry I forgot to critique the whole thing.

I don't like the alliteration in L3 Mind's machinery is fine on its own.
Winnow seems the wrong word for what you are suggesting here too.

regards, as always

Graham

Comment is about Sleep (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Cynthia, the answer is in the title. What's wrong with the "wonder of sleep"?

Comment is about Sleep (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Cynthia,regarding the last line.
I agree with your 'not to use at all.'

As usual,another sample of real poetry.x

Comment is about Sleep (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Such a poignant poem. Well done!

Comment is about REGRETS (blog)

Thank you Nigel! : ))))

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Thank you for your comment on Crest, hope you are well! : )

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I was never really close to my step-father, so at first I could not fully engage with the words you have written here. Then I thought some more. I am a father myself now, and I thought, if these words were written by my time travelling son (who is only 3 now, but it could be possible in his future), then I would be in tears. in fact I was fighting back the tears as i read these words when i thought of that. I am not the best of dads, but I not the worst. there are things i could do better I'm sure. but if one day in the future my son wrote such words, I would rest well, in hopefully a better place than this.

Brilliant piece of writing and very very touching.

Nice one.

Mike

Comment is about REGRETS (blog)

Hi Cynthia

I think the end is fine,
It's the "me" after bind that could be done without. (or maybe "mystery" replacing wonder)

Either way very nice.

KED

Comment is about Sleep (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Touching sentiment
well done.

KED

Comment is about REGRETS (blog)

Nice work

KED

Comment is about The Futility Of War (blog)

Always a great theme, and well-handled here in a fast but clear little ditty. I totally agree with all you propose, but, oh, some more 'money' would be such a boon, especially for supporting 'the Arts' which is so expensive.

Comment is about EQUALITY (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Any strong opinions about the final line? I am very ambivalent about it: whether to use or not to use at all. Comments on any part are welcome, but I'm really keen about feedback on that last line.

Comment is about Sleep (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hello Ste,
Glad you liked Ikea. No need to try to sing along - the audio sample is yours truly crucifying it.

Comment is about Ste J Bee (poet profile)

Original item by Ste J Bee

Hi Thomas - thanks for your kind comments. Checked out your work, very perceptive.

Comment is about Fall Into Autumn (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Thanks guyz for your nice comments

Comment is about Loveontheline (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Hi Dean - Thanks for your input and comments. Music seems very manufactured now days. Lou was one of a kind. Like your Top Ten Non Movers. Cheers Tom

Comment is about Perfect Punk - Perfect Day (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

A lot of deep thinking hard work here Micheal.x

Comment is about On Isolated Ground (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Thanks for the comment on our school was haunted, only posted this afternoon in a rush, forgot to change a line, anyway done it now, thanks for bringing it to my attention. Just read the ikea poem , very clever, can't help but sing as you read.

Ste Bee

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

I could cope with most of that but "brussel sprout pizza"? Oh no!

Comment is about Our School Was Haunted (blog)

Original item by Ste J Bee

Although I don't see myself as a particularly religious person (despite being a verger at Selby Abbey) I have a deep respect for the convictions of others.
Keep posting.

Comment is about Poem: My Soul Now Sings (blog)

Original item by Joseph J. Breunig 3rd

Hello M.C .. thank-you .. it's my b'day shortly, and 'beyond the gate' suddenly dropped into my mind .. let's not dwell on it M.C . The clock and all the relevant atoms are fading away.

4th Nov. yes I looked at Mr Tennyson .. I was at sea for five years so crossed a few bars .. everything links together ..

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

It amuses me that those who would seek a redistribution of wealth always see "the cut" as above themselves and therefore beneficiaries, never below - as indeed it would be if the redistribution were worldwide.

Comment is about EQUALITY (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Harry - thankyou for your thoughts. Yes, the word works in two ways; firstly, as the swearword and secondly as a description of the activities of the "whore" as the slasher sees her.
MC - Yes, brutal indeed. I have performed it once and despite my telling the audience in advance that it was shocking, you've guessed - they were shocked. And, yes, I suppose Maggot embodies my man.

Comment is about Minor Sin (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

thanks for taking the time to read and make comment on my stuff Cynthia - nothing is black and white especially so when we zip through this life without knowing

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

The "other worldliness" is very appealing.
I especially like the use of the "gate" metaphor
for what might wait beyond this mortal life.

Comment is about ".. beyond the gate ?" (blog)

Original item by Mikhail Smith

Brutal! And the terrifying thought is that there
are minds that have killed with the same evil as
virtue motivation.
On a fictional level, I'm reminded of the
character played by Telly Savalas in "The Dirty
Dozen" - chillingly named "Maggot".

Comment is about Minor Sin (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I once read a text about innovation and national achievement. One piece of research it referenced argued that eras of great national achievement are often presaged by an explosion of heroic literature, which indirectly inspires subsequent achievements. Many American rocket scientists involved in the Apollo missions claimed that sci fi writers like Heinlein and Asimov directly inspired them to take up science or engineering as a career, for example. So literature might well have an impact on the world, after all.

Perhaps Auden really meant that the twee, upper middle class poetry he churned out had no effect on anything...

Comment is about Poet Tim Wells to stand as Class War candidate at general election (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

It is a sign of the dispassionate approach of
law in the UK that - abortion aside - it
categorised the loss of infant life by
separate definitions...according to its perceived age.
Murder
Child destruction
Infanticide.
Much is made of abortion - an interesting
anomaly in an increasingly secular world and no
doubt the arguments for and against will continue to rage about terminating life from
within a body without which it cannot survive.
At least, unlike some other sentient creatures,
eating one's offspring is not an issue!!

Comment is about We protest (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Whatever your religion (or lack thereof), it's
rewarding to see such positive thoughts expressed
on WOL.

Comment is about Poem: My Soul Now Sings (blog)

Original item by Joseph J. Breunig 3rd

The language of love. Love it.
Like the shape of the English one.

Comment is about Tell Me About Love (blog)

Original item by Ian Beckett

Many thanks for your comments on Schizophrenic on a Mission, I appreciate it. The piece is in fact autobiographical, the facts of the poem actually occurred nearly twenty years ago, after a vendetta I had against a company I worked for.I thought it would be interesting to write about it as a poetry piece. I've also included a piece about a day in a psych ward, which is in fact an older piece.
Thanks for your compliments it's encouraging to get feedback.

Cheers Dean

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

I agree. It's a sad day for music with Lou's death. Along with Iggy he was one of the founding fathers of punk in attitude as well as in music. While the rest of american music at the time was upbeat and pretty. The Velvet Underground associated with themselves with the underbelly of society,singing about the darker parts of life. They also helped the scene develop in New York of pioneers like Patti Smith and Television the precursors to punk in America. The poem spoke wonders.

Cheers Dean

Comment is about Perfect Punk - Perfect Day (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Grief Harry! Is your compass busted? Shouldn't that be abortee OUTTAKE? But that's not important right now. Any chance you might sonnetise it? We all know God is dead, but that Ma Nature is a bra-burning feminist, ranks with the Santa rumour.

Comment is about We protest (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Hey Harry! A chap who applies 'lithely' with such aplomb even panache nay consummate elan, while probably creating a new part of speech (?)
constitutes a formidable (said Frenchwise) opponent! I yield! Apart from that; it's a cracking composition.

Comment is about Nature`s `revenge` (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill