Good morning Stephen,
What struck me most about Lines of Love is how gently you capture devastation. There’s a quiet ache running through the poem—the way war creeps in and unthreads not only the world but the warmth between two people. The image of the once-sweet lines of love now lying in tatters is especially powerful; it says so much about the fragility of hope when placed beside something as brutal as war.
Your use of repetition gives the piece a haunting rhythm, almost like a lullaby turned elegy. It made me feel the closeness that once was—and the chill that now surrounds it. Thank you for giving voice to a kind of grief that often goes unsaid: the slow fading of intimacy under the weight of fear and distance.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Lines of Love (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Good morning Uilleam,
Your haiku "Bigots [No.19]" struck me with its sharp brevity and biting wit. The red initials G, B, and N didn’t go unnoticed—they instantly brought GB News to mind, and the clever wordplay in Great British Numpties made the critique land all the harder. It’s a perfect satirical twist on the kind of nationalist branding that so often goes unchallenged.
The image of "snouts in troughs of ignorance" is both grotesque and poetic. It paints a vivid picture of willful blindness, of people who not only accept ignorance but gorge on it—nourished by fear, prejudice, and media that panders to their narrow views. That you managed to distill this into just seventeen syllables is a testament to your craft.
The final line, "Sweet summer of bliss!", reads to me as beautifully sarcastic—there’s peace, sure, but it’s the peace of those lulled into complacency by their own misinformation. It’s as if ignorance has become their vacation, their reward. That tension between apparent calm and underlying decay makes the haiku resonate all the more.
Thank you for this piece—precise, political, poetic. A small poem with a loud voice.
Comment is about Haiku for 2025 [No.19. Bigots] (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
A strong, moving piece, Rob. It made me think, 'I feel your pain', although I was fortunate enough not to have a childhood like this.
A tough read, but more than worth it.
Comment is about Echoes of Childhood (blog)
Original item by Rob J Mann
Very well written, Uilleam.
Comment is about Call Yourself a Poet? (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Enjoyed this very much, John. Top class stuff.
Comment is about THE LEGEND - JACKSON LAMB (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thanks @Rolph David🌷🕊️🙏🏻 it was good to be able to word the feelings in some way. 🌷
Comment is about unrelenting horizon (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
I think I must be missing something - almost a thousand pieces entered and these are the chosen few? How bad must the others have been?
Comment is about Di Slaney wins Write Out Loud’s ‘Echoes’ competition with ‘Dolly Parton’s wig’ - in memory of a ‘dear friend and inspiration’ (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Sun 1st Jun 2025 16:08
“Hem of your dress”- God’s
Comment is about Prayers Everywhere (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
Hi Larisa,
What do you mean by "gammer" in your third stanza?
For me, a gammar is an old lady, a granny, but it makes no sense here.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about I Get Up In The Morning Before The Dawn ... (blog)
Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska
Hey Rick,
I just read Unrelenting Horizon and wanted to say how much it really hit me. You captured that heavy, restless feeling of waking up trapped in the endless cycle of routine so vividly—like the weight of everything presses down before the day even begins. The way you describe the morning sun exposing the quiet surrender felt deeply honest and raw. It’s a powerful reminder of how exhausting the chase can be, even when we barely notice it. Thanks for putting those feelings into words so beautifully.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about unrelenting horizon (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Thank you so much Rolph & Uilleam for your brilliantly astute comments. I was a bit unsure to whether the sarcasm would be fully realised! I find it absurd that I felt that I had to write something like this, it shouldn't be happening! 😢
And, R.G. basically, yes, that's Trumps vision: they'll love it! He once said... Now there's sarcasm! 😳
And thanks for all the 🌷
Comment is about If only Hitler was as nice (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
That’s a very moving thought and thus worded as to remind me of my late grandfather who could only describe his ailment as a niggling “dull ache.” A most appreciated visit and comment @DRL Moore🌷🕊️🙏🏻
Comment is about unrelenting horizon (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
I like this Uilleam. Just remember that among the flowers thistles may grow! Tread with careful steps.
Comment is about Call Yourself a Poet? (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Hi Marly,
A lovely poem which captures the necessity of living in hope.
Many say that hope is a dangerous thing, personally I feel there has to be a balance. There is too much of surrender in living without hope, too much cynicism...too much decline.
Poems offering and suggesting hope are very necessary in times of despair.
David
Comment is about Yes, I'm Blind (blog)
Original item by Marla Joy
Hi RBK,
This is a feeling very well expressed.
I suspect many feel similar but would not be so well able to express that dull ache, as you have here.
David
Comment is about unrelenting horizon (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Hi Uilleam,
Maybe a nod to Robert Frost there.
I think this is a great summation of a more satisfying way of living. It certainly makes for a more interesting and colourful journey, even if that journey is sometimes arduous.
Nice one.
David RL Moore
Comment is about Call Yourself a Poet? (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
I've often seen the question asked "how do we know we're not dreaming?" What's "reality"?
Perhaps leaving your mark on a piece of paper or a screen which someone else can see and respond to, is a successful enough description?
Comment is about Among the leaves (blog)
Original item by Alita Moore
An interesting poem.
The phrase “he / she produces more heat than light” is often used in a disparaging way.
But, you say that you “can feel the light”, which suggests to me in a positive way, that someone is producing a warmth which is guiding you?
Comment is about Yes, I'm Blind (blog)
Original item by Marla Joy
I get up in the morning before dawn,
I watch the spring in a beautiful gown.
I open my door very wide,
To watch the summer like a bride.
The moments of love and peace,
The moments I'd love to increase.
The dear moments of happiness,
The bad moments of sadness.
I walk together with summer,
I watch nature's colorful gamma.
I feel myself to be in a fairy tale,
I have the greatest wish to sail.
In the ocean I sail and dream,
My feelings look like a sunbeam.
I go through the strings of my heart.
The color chart has broken apart.
The reality has left my dreams,
Monsters have come, it seems.
And now I should bitterly weep.
It could only be better to sleep.
©Larisa Rzhepishevska
Comment is about I Get Up In The Morning Before The Dawn ... (blog)
Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska
It's the richness and variety of life that makes our planet unique and supports all living things
Thought provoking poem Naomi.
Comment is about BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (blog)
Original item by Naomi
well crafted poem about the strength of being able to grieve and accept. Nicely done.
Comment is about They're a No for Today (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Very nicely done and touching. I wonder about switching from her to your in last line, however, you paint a picture that can be seen and felt.
Comment is about Prayers Everywhere (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
Thankyou, Graham. I shall cherish the moniker.
Comment is about THE LEGEND - JACKSON LAMB (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Sat 31st May 2025 20:32
I find that existing is impossible to describe. I try to with a lot of my poems, but I always fail. There is an innate discrepancy between not existing, the realities in our minds, and the rythme of reality. There are indescribable aspects to each of these states of being. I do generally believe in the soul, but I can't describe it.
Comment is about Among the leaves (blog)
Original item by Alita Moore
I appreciate the comment, Uilleam.
I've enjoyed countless hours of treasured solitude staring over the sea between passages of a good book just letting ideas wash over me like water--there is no more peaceful sight in the world to me.
Thanks all for reading and for the evidence that my entry made an impression 🌷
Comment is about on the waterfront (blog)
Original item by Landi Cruz
John you’re not called’ Limbo Coopey’ for nothing 😇
Comment is about THE LEGEND - JACKSON LAMB (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Many thanks, Graham. It helps that I set a low bar.
Comment is about THE LEGEND - JACKSON LAMB (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I have to agree with David. One of your best JC
G
Comment is about THE LEGEND - JACKSON LAMB (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thanks to Stephen, much appreciated.
Thanks for all the likes.
David
Comment is about Shifting Sand (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
Thankyou, David, Uilleam and Telboy. And for the Likes, Redbrick and Holden.
The books are brilliantly written by Mick Herron and there are 7/8 in the Slough House collection. “Slough House” is about the 7th, the first one being “Slow Horses”. They are stand alone stories but you get a better understanding, Telboy, if you start at the beginning.
Also I would recommend watching the TV series of “Slow Horses” first. No-one could envisage the characterization of Jackson Lamb from the novels better than Gary Oldman.
Comment is about THE LEGEND - JACKSON LAMB (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I'm not a great reader but do read a book whilst on holiday. Someone gave me a book almost a year ago which I will take when I go away in a fortnight. It is Slough House, and after reading your piece John I amlooking forward to meeting Jackson Lamb.
Comment is about THE LEGEND - JACKSON LAMB (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I confess to never having heard of him, John.
Sounds like a good number of the British establishment belong in Slough House!
Comment is about THE LEGEND - JACKSON LAMB (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hi John,
Great books, great show and a great tribute poem.
David RL Moore
Comment is about THE LEGEND - JACKSON LAMB (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Rolph, I truly loved every line you wrote, but the one that struck me the most was, "But night unveiled what day disguised." The way you conveyed that message felt so delicate yet powerful! I really admire it.
As for the final lines, "For what endures, through age and pain, / Is love that's honest, raw, and plain."—I do believe in that, truly. But in this day and age, I must admit, I still have my doubts. Even so… I hope I get to find one.
And @Uilleam, your comment felt like a short poem in itself—the satirical tone is wonderfully clever. It instantly reminded me of one of my earlier poems. I think it has the potential to become a really interesting piece if developed further.
Comment is about Some Assembly Required (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thank you Uilleam for your reading and comments.
David RL Moore
Comment is about Shifting Sand (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
I preferred the highly-commended pieces but the winning poems all offered something.
Comment is about Di Slaney wins Write Out Loud’s ‘Echoes’ competition with ‘Dolly Parton’s wig’ - in memory of a ‘dear friend and inspiration’ (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
"Enter my heart, there you finally will be safe".
Thank you, Hiba Abu Nada.
Comment is about Poets add voices to writers’ call for immediate Gaza ceasefire (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
My thoughts go with all affected.💗
Comment is about 'Bertie (The Liver Bird) Saw It All (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Mona Lisa's not going to be very happy with you, Rolph; turns out she's ditched polyfilla and spent an absolute fortune on something called sfumato; and now she's getting her lips siliconed!😐
Comment is about Some Assembly Required (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thank for your likes and comments:
Stephen Gospage
Holden Moncrieff
Rolph David
I remember with great affection the Liverpool accent of a work colleague from my youth, which was and remains, music to my ears.
Liverpudlians, like many other working-class populations, have borne the brunt of many injustices and deprivations; from that, is born a sparkling wit which cuts through all the bull and lies they’ve had to endure over the years.
Comment is about I Love ye Scowsers! (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Thanks, Landi.
I consider myself fortunate in living close to such a healing place...I shouldn't take it so much for granted.
Comment is about on the waterfront (blog)
Original item by Landi Cruz
Your line:
"Its realm is soul, not scripture, nor your throne."
really sums things up, Rolph.
As for:
"Your temples rot while love builds something more—"
Those who constantly wail "Oh woe is us, this used to be a Christian country" in order to justify their own bigotry, appear to never ask themselves WHY their "temples" are rotting.
Comment is about Let Them Choke On Our Amen (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
David RL Moore
Mon 2nd Jun 2025 11:23
Thanks for the like Aisha
David
Comment is about Shifting Sand (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore