Isabella
all her dreams
have come true
Moonlight footsteps
into peace
into love
into hope
into God
All forever standing strong
spirit can only grow
into something so special
clear mind
warm heart
kind soul
sets forth
to send
her onward
never stopping
only going
one way.❤❤❤
Comment is about Life worth living (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
Prussian author von Clauswitz noted in his famous tome "On War" that
what cannot be won in war is to be won in the peace (and vice versa).
War has been an integral part of historical human existence,
whether we like it or not. Like an extended family quarrel,
certain parts of the human family seem all too ready and
willing to "battle it out", with reasons that vary from the
righteous under perceived threat to the aim of achieving ascendancy for gain of land, wealth or religious belief. And
nothing much has (or will?) change on present evidence.
But then under the sky, humans attack other humans; animals attack other animals; insects attack other insects; and viruses attack other minute life
forms in their turn.
What does that tell us - except that only Man has the ability
to use reason to effect change. But reason is subjective in
many minds, so often to a hugely detrimental and ignorant degree. That perhaps is the fundamental ongoing problem.
We continue to be the hostages of self-obsessed brutish ignorance from somewhere in this world even while seeking to
improve this existence we are given.
Comment is about HEAR THE SILENCE (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thu 11th Jan 2024 14:26
thank you Stephen
Comment is about What you need to know about me. (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
A fine, moving poem, JD, which never loses its pace.
Comment is about What you need to know about me. (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
A lovely poem, Mike. You convey so beautifully your love for the place and the happy times that you all had there. And Ken Dodd living just around the corner! Life moves on, as you say, but you will always have these memories, sad though the parting has been.
Comment is about Brookside Avenue...Knotty Ash (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Thanks Keith. Yes I think meeting in the pub for a pint would probably be my preferred option.
Comment is about Full circle (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Thank you for your kind comments, Uilleam, Manish, Greg, Russell, Keith and U-Scribe.
It is difficult for most of us to imagine dictatorial societies where there is no freedom of speech and where everyone is brainwashed into believing that the leader is the fount of all wisdom, until one day the scales fall from in front of their eyes. There are one or two places like this I can think of........
Thank you once again for all your comments, which were most appreciated.
And thanks to Nigel, Tim, Holden, Graham and Jon for the likes.
Comment is about Chemistry (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
No need to apologise, Carlton. Your responses have been fascinating and have added to the poem. Thank you.
Comment is about Big Break (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Ruffian on the stair, I like it
Thanks for looking in M C
Comment is about Death Comes Without Warning (blog)
Original item by Steve Higgins
Very good Stephen.
I will reiterate all that Uilleam has said because he says it in such a great way and I'd be just making it up.
Comment is about Chemistry (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Martin,
A truly magnificent poem which is very appropriate for the 'after glow' of Christmas. I can't promise to meet you in the gym but we might collide in the local as we edge our way to the bar for that last pint.
A poem to be treasured. I thoroughly enjoyed this,
Thanks,
Keith
Comment is about Full circle (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Thanks for your response Stephen,
I think I interpreted your poem as was intended, I hope so.
I was a little unsure if some of the respondents had veiwed it in the same way. Of course all things are open to interpretation and rightly so. My concern is with stereotypical profiling of groups of people, the military is particularly vulnerable to this.
I used to keep my mouth shut but realised no one would speak on my behalf, I make a point of challenging things which seem and often are unfair or incorrect.
Thank you for your poem.
I apologise if there is a perception that my responses have detracted from your work, it was not my intention. Rather the opposite.
Comment is about Big Break (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thank goodness we are not aware of the thoughts of others.
Thanks
Keith
Comment is about Chemistry (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thanks John.
In "The edgeless landscape where words cannot begin,
To echo the depths of each mood’s sway," ....I glimpse aspects of my own struggles with fear and uncertainty.
Nelson Mandela was right.
💓
Comment is about FEAR IN A HANDFUL OF DUST (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
I recall W.E.Henley describing Death as the "ruffian on the stair".
The image has stayed with me up to reading these lines..
Comment is about Death Comes Without Warning (blog)
Original item by Steve Higgins
Audenesque, Steve. Another who made sharp political points, and still rhymed.
Comment is about Chemistry (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Nigel's poetic responses providing solution or consolation to your poems are really adorable. Thanks Moonlight and Nigel. Keep up the good work!💪
Comment is about Bridging the gap (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
Thanks Uilleam, it is a lovely, sinuous thing 😊
Comment is about Time Travellers - 1775 (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
Such an impactful poem, Stephen. It reminded me of this beautiful and tearjerker film that I watched - "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas". That showcased how people (kids) of Germany were deceived by the good side of Hitler, until the boy found out what really was happening with the Jews in the camps.
Thank you.
Comment is about Chemistry (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thank you Stephen.
As the old saying goes: "There's none so blind as those who will not see"; there's a lot of wilful ignorance around, which has a way of biting one on the bum.
Comment is about Chemistry (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
A beautiful, thoughful poem, Moonlight. Thank you.
Comment is about Bridging the gap (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
Definitely Nigel. 👍
Comment is about 2024 - "Year of love and light" (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
Thanks Manish and Nigel.
Manish, solution to the problem you have mentioned, is given in the comment here by Nigel.
Comment is about Bridging the gap (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
A well-written and provocative poem, Keith, even if I do not take quite such a dim view of politicians and the system. We can always do better, or worse.. In Belgium we have a multiplicity of parties and usually end up with frustrating, compromised coalitions. And in Russia and China your vote simply doesn't count at all.
Perhaps societies just get the politicians they deserve.
Comment is about Donor or Voter (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Thank you, Carlton and Uilleam.
Carlton, I salute and admire your service in the military and would agree that it is usually non-combattants and well-connected chancers who exploit conflicts for their own benefit. I hope that my poem reflected, or at least hinted at, this.
It is a matter of shame that our society treats soldiers and ex-soldiers so badly while others move in and cream off the profits made from wars.
Comment is about Big Break (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Wed 10th Jan 2024 05:19
This reminded of my sister who loves to dance. And she always tells me that dance gives her immense happiness, and at the same time relief from mental stress. A very good poem!
Thank you.
Comment is about I love to dance (blog)
Original item by Ornella. Bushell
Wow! Such a subtle subject described brilliantly, Tim. I could relate a lot with this poem, and I particularly loved the ending lines -
"As an observer of such cerebral events, I glean what’s worth decree
Shall I keep it to myself or put it down on paper for all to see"
Bravo, my friend!
Comment is about Thoughts (blog)
Original item by Tim Higbee
Such a wonderful and crucial concept, Moonlight. Barriers or walls between relationships, friendships, or any kind of connection for that matter only creates more problems.
Thank you for this.
Comment is about Bridging the gap (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
Building a World
Love will flourish
Keep secure walls
Each a secret
Door to open
Knock only when
Trust and honesty
Lets you in.❤
Comment is about Bridging the gap (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
Thank you Keith, Tim and Holden.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela
Comment is about FEAR IN A HANDFUL OF DUST (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Oh, how I remember the magic of dance. The rhythmic movement
of the body to therapeutic climaxes of sound and soul.
Your poem has a rhythm that makes me feel the music and want to move. What a joyous poem.
Tim
Comment is about I love to dance (blog)
Original item by Ornella. Bushell
But fear not, for amidst these trials we face,
There’s strength within us to embrace,
To gather all our fragmented selves with grace,
And rise above the darkness with a passionate embrace.
Powerful words John, powerful!
Tim
Comment is about FEAR IN A HANDFUL OF DUST (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Some clever combo's here Steve.
I thought UoC's use of the term "cretin" was rather diplomatic.
Nice one.
Comment is about Wealthy People (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Thanks for your further thoughts, Uilleam.
Comment is about SELF-IDENTIFICATION (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Just some notes to qualify my feelings on this subject.
Having served a full career in the Army I can say that on several occasions I did meet a few people I thought were fit only for the Hitler Youth and The SD, those occasions were few and some of those people were weeded out and dealt with appropriately.
It was absolutely my experience that those exploiting conflict were most often not professional soldiers but exploitative incomers in the guise of corporate businesses or illegal enterprise, often government officials, the types with power but not the courage to pick up a rifle to defend something or someone. That, and those who served in conscripted armies or paramilitary groups raised in times of war.
There is huge absence of knowledge regarding military service among those who have not served, I sometimes feel many honourable men and women are dismissed by employing lazy stereotypes conveniently replacing reality.
Yes there are thugs in the military, yes there are people with limited intelligence and low morals (whatever they are, according to anyones particular set of rules) there are no more or less than exist in the rest of society and in most part they are better regulated by their peers.
Throughout my service I spent years standing between people less able to defend themselves and those who would do them harm, even defending those who despised my uniform against others in fractured civil societies who would kill them and did when given half a chance. Hated by those who I represented and by those opposed to what I represented. If those dynamics do not cultivate and inform a mind in respect of the futility of war I'm not sure what could. A civilian watching it all in safe comfort thousands of miles away on his/her TV? convincing themselves they see and understand it so much better, and then judging, do me a favour!
And yes, there were times when I found myself on the wrong side. On some occasions it only became obvious retrospectively. On occasions it was obvious there are things a soldier can do to not support his orders, one would be to leave, the other to disobey his orders or simply not carry them out as instructed. Suprisingly some soldiers are equipped with independent thought, some armies encourage it more than others. Certainly The British Army would outshine the US army in terms of soldiers thinking for themselves.
Yes, war is futile, evil and ridiculous. Unfortunately those descriptive terms sum up mankind in general terms, until such time as we eradicate them war will continue. The absence of men and women offering themselves up to fight would be an ideal solution in many ways, but then who is going to defend you when those who do take up arms come to burn your villages and rape your women?
I cosole myself in the knowledge that I saved more lives than I damaged, I did so for no more than a working mans wage and a lifetime there-after of self medicating fragility and a shit pension. I should have been a farmer or a journalist, but hey-ho life's shit then you die.
PS, I can only speak of my experience in The British Army, I have worked with many others including The US. I despise terrorism and would agree terror can be imposed on civilians by standing armies. I believe that The British Army has been guilty of such terror in recent history. I do not support the killing of civilians who are not involved in terrorist activity. I do not believe in the casual dismissal of murder by the use of terms such as collateral damage. If terrorists/enemy hide behind civilians or in their midst it does not mean it's a free fire zone. It means you have to find another way to prosecute your mission.
I'm so glad I no longer do that for a bloody living.
Comment is about Big Break (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
John,
This piece of writing in dealing with fear also opens up many aspects of our inner being. The fear to release our emotions and speak about the unspeakable. We live in a kaleidoscope of emotions which we imprison within us. This is a burden we carry all our lives. We possess the ability, possess the resources to overcome fear but it takes a mountain of courage to stand up and be counted. This poem is rich in content. You have released something of yourself in these words.
Thank you for this.
Keith
Comment is about FEAR IN A HANDFUL OF DUST (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Well it's not that difficult to buy a home: just ask all those people on the street.
And it's not that difficult to keep a rented roof over your head; just ask all those disabled people who've been thrown out of their homes together with their carers under "no fault notices".
Cretin!
Comment is about Wealthy People (blog)
Original item by Steve White
I love the penultimate line. How true!
Thanks
Keith
Comment is about It’s Christmas in the Asylum (belated version) (blog)
A lovely first verse, Ghazala!
Comment is about Jannah or Dozkh (blog)
Original item by Ghazala lari
"And wielded his connections and his charm."
Reminds me of a few demagogic characters here in the UK; plastic patriots who would run a mile if asked to put their money where their mouths are.
Who was it who said: "...if they don't deliver this Brexit that I spent 25 years of my life working for, then I will be forced to don khaki, pick up a rifle and head for the front lines."
Incitement to riot or what!
Comment is about Big Break (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
I’ve had enough
cruelty and greed
to last me years
or, to paraphrase Winston Churchill: "...up with this we will not put". Revolution now!
😡
Comment is about Send More Tomorrow Now (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
Misinformation is indeed, the key, spread by demagogues; an increasing number of them about!
Comment is about Retribution revolution (blog)
Original item by Luke
Thanks RA.
I love "the uncoiled mahogany staircase".
Comment is about Time Travellers - 1775 (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
Sunshine
Fri 12th Jan 2024 09:05
Thanks Nigel. Your comments are motivating. 💕
Comment is about Life worth living (blog)
Original item by Sunshine