Absolutely Nigel💐

Comment is about Life's journey (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Life isn't a game, isn't it Nigel. It shouldn't be treated such. Thank you Nigel🌷

Comment is about Divide creates space (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Thank you Nigel for your constant support n motivation🌷

Comment is about Walking on egg shells (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

So true Nigel😄🌷

Comment is about I'll always be here (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Harmony love and peace to everyone. Thnx Nigel🌷

Comment is about Staying away (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Thanks Nigel💐

Comment is about Wise fools (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Tim,
This poem speaks for me as I often reflect on life and ask myself the same questions. No answers seem to be forthcoming but that is the way the cookie crumbles.
Thank you for this,
Keith

Comment is about My Allotted Time (blog)

Original item by Tim Higbee

Well done M.C., you've given a perfect example of a prejudicial attitude to gay men.

Covid-19 disproportionately affected black people in the UK. You knew that, right?

Comment is about The First Day of Boris Johnson's Evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry (blog)

Original item by Steve White

Some remarkable insensitivity in some of the comments given that the man has just died, and far too young too.

Benjamin was the best of us, a gifted poet, writer, musician and actor. Many times when I struggled to find the words to express myself, I found that he already had, with more courage and charm than I could muster.

M.C., my family history is distinctly British working class but you don't seem to like my poetry either. Maybe you should reflect on the old adage that if you haven't got anything nice to say maybe you're best saying nothing every once in a while.

Graham, Benjamin played a Jamaican-born street preacher in Peaky Blinders and he was absolutely perfect for the role.

Thanks for the poem, Uilleam.

Comment is about Zephaniah (blog)

SW - both diseases were feared for very obvious reasons: their
source and how they were spread in such aggressive fashion.
Medicos in the West had little idea of what was going on and
were almost literally feeling in the dark, with politicians in a
derivative situation and loath to be seen to be panicking - which
was in no one's interest. I'm not sure how "prejudice" applies
in Covid but with Aids it just might have something to do with
what is known to have been going on in the so-called back rooms
of big city US bars - hardly indicative of anyone's idea of "safe sex". What happened to "Prevention is always better than cure"?

Comment is about The First Day of Boris Johnson's Evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry (blog)

Original item by Steve White

History takes no prisoners but it helps to acknowledge the
advantages of being one of its "victims" in this modern life.
I am no fan of incessant resentment against the present and its
access to so much that has been hard won by so many.
I wait for poems from the British descendants of the viciously
poor, victims of disease-ridden slums and living in the feared shadow of the ultimate degradation - the workhouse. But guess what - they'll be a long time coming.

Comment is about Zephaniah (blog)

I agree with the sentiments showered on Benjamin Zephaniah although I did not like the fact that he chose to appear in Peaky Blinders (I have to admit here and now I have never watched it, albeit I'm aware of its content etc). It seemed like a very strange juxt to me considering his usual demeanour.

Comment is about Zephaniah (blog)

Thank you Steve.
"The dead can’t see the messages
You accidentally lost"

accidentally? Even I know what a "factory reset" is.

He was being advised by the most knowledgeable experts in their respective fields in the UK...and there are those who still try to justify his outright lies.
He was shown the evidence by the KC. at the inquiry and still, he tried to deny he'd said the words "let it rip"!
He should be in jail.

Comment is about The First Day of Boris Johnson's Evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry (blog)

Original item by Steve White

Poetry will stay strong
your voice speaks out
kindness with so much love
can be heard Moonlight.❤

Comment is about Wise fools (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Uilleam,
Zephaniah was a fellow poet, a man of integrity and a noble figure who knew the difference between right and wrong. There are others like him: Mosab Abu Toha from Gaza to name one, whose poetry speaks with eloquence the truth which confronts mankind.
Thank you for this poem,
Keith

Comment is about Zephaniah (blog)

I pray all your words come true Moonlight.❤

Comment is about Staying away (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Inside a heart another will always be found.❤

Comment is about I'll always be here (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Trust and faith
will act as guides
taking you far far away.❤

Comment is about Walking on egg shells (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

A Queen moves a King hides
only when checkmate arrives
that space wanted is not found.❤

Comment is about Divide creates space (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Life has no boundaries
nothing will ever stop
those who meet up
fate decides not us.❤

Comment is about Life's journey (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Taking flight to
a place called freedom
what matters most
darkness is left behind.❤

Comment is about Live guilt free (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Thanks everyone for your comments and likes.

Fascinating, M.C., that you draw parallels between the Covid-19 and HIV/AIDS pandemics as Margaret Thatcher was famously as slow to issue public health warnings as Boris Johnson was to take decisive action. Both favoured inactivity, both let the bodies pile high.

Similarly, the management of both pandemics was marred by prejudice and misinformation.

Comment is about The First Day of Boris Johnson's Evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry (blog)

Original item by Steve White

Loved the first stanza, Wilma! A nice perspective to poetry.
Thank you.

Comment is about Poetry (blog)

Original item by Wilma Gundy

A lovely poem, Hélène. In the end what matters is joy and happiness.

Comment is about Boundless (blog)

Original item by Hélène

It took me a little while to work this out, John (my fault!). A very well-made poem. I still have some vinyl lurking in a cupboard, but will I ever play it?
Maybe many other things will become obselete, morer quickly than we think.

Comment is about Record Investment (blog)

Original item by John Gilbert Ellis

Thank you John and Hélène for your comments. I must say that I continue to ponder over this poem. I have always liked it, but the meaning, to the extent that there is one, can be elusive. Perhaps it is more a poem of images than of "meaning".

Comment is about Doctors (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Hi Ruth = thanks for the comment. If you think you can use it this
Christmas season then you have my "go ahead" for 2023. Please treat this
reply as my authority for your use as
shown during 2023.
Please note that the recording is by Pete Dymond and the late
Marcie Summers (doing the kids, helped by electronic wizardry).
They deserve being credited as the UK performers if you play it.
Perhaps you would be so kind as to provide more details about
how, where and when you eventually intend to play it.
Thanks.
Seasonal cheers to you.
MC

Comment is about SANTA'S SATNAV (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Ha,ha Love this M.C more ppl need to hear this! Shall I play it on radio for u? I'll download it with your permission 👍

Comment is about SANTA'S SATNAV (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thankyou, MC and Stephen A. “Sunny and generous disposition”!!?? MC. Bah humbug! And you’re quite right about the saving you would have made on a wreath which would never arrive, Stephen. That’s the kind of accounting that made us in the coal industry profitable for so many years.
And thanks for the Likes, JG, Redbrick and Tim.

Comment is about CHRISTMAS FAYRE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Keith and Manish, I am grateful for your comments and am pleased that the poem made an impression on both of you. As you say, Keith, we thirst for peace and recoil from the pointless violence of war, which seems to be everywhere at the moment. Your comments are very humbling, Manish.

And thanks to Stephen, Hélène, John and Tim for liking this poem.

Comment is about Birds (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Yes, John, my wife got fleeced last year buying a gingerbread man (& house) wreath for a door we didn't have...🤨 £25! I checked ebay the same one was £6.99. OK it may never have turned up, but I'd still be £18.01p up! Not fayre!
Good one 👍

Comment is about CHRISTMAS FAYRE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Even if Will Shakespeare had not written any of the plays
attributed to him, I would prize his sonnets for what they
offer us. There has been a reported connection with a
member of the nobility ("W.H." - who may have been the young
Earl of Southampton), It is hardly new for theatricals, poets et
al to obtain admirers and friendships among the privileged
classes and these can work to the advantage of all those
concerned.

Comment is about The Shakespeare Myth or "Academic Bardolatory" (blog)

Original item by leonidas kazantheos

Some fun here, but not, I like to think, totally in keeping with the
author's sunny and generous disposition! 😏

Comment is about CHRISTMAS FAYRE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Who would have been in Bojo's position, faced with what was
on his plate almost immediately when taking office? No doubt
beset by the views of his various ministers, plus a legion of "we
know best" medicos ("experts" love to have their say in matters
of control), and trying to work out how to proceed in policy
and positioning of finance to cope with the unknown. There is
a similar situation with the sudden onset of "Aids" in the USA
and other lands, also connected with the speed and facility of
current travel for many across the world. What was faced in
both of these health onslaughts was outside prevalent
medical knowledge, in terms of both origin and cause/effect.
You are Prime Minister of the United Kingdom: State your
action and give reasons.

Comment is about The First Day of Boris Johnson's Evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry (blog)

Original item by Steve White

Even the Chinese - masters of hidden meanings - admitted that
the British were adversaries to be reckoned with in diplomatic
dealings. As Teddy Roosevelt observed in other days: Speak
softly and carry a big stick, Now we have politicians who bluster
and brag but seem unwilling to possess any sort of stick at all.
P.S. I rather enjoy the sepulchral RC Received English tones of
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg. Unfailingly courteous and restrained, he
is a rarity in politics, clearly ready to put his case and give others
the chance too. I think the Chinese would be wary of him if he
were ever to become Foreign Secretary!

Comment is about An Old Etonian’s advice to his son (blog)

Original item by R A Porter

Clever & witty with a flow like a ditty.
😄 Love it 👏

Comment is about An Old Etonian’s advice to his son (blog)

Original item by R A Porter

Thank you for the kind comments John & Stephen. It's part of a collection of more local poems I'm working on at the moment. Hopefully enough to publish.
And thanks for the likes everyone! 🌷

Comment is about The Tale Of A Ragged Boy (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Indeed. And as we have been told in other days: variety is the
spice of life!

Comment is about Boundless (blog)

Original item by Hélène

a lot to like in this poem Stephen.

Inexpensive love seems a real intrigue.

Rhymes falling off the end of verses, like raindrops is a fantastic image.

Comment is about Doctors (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

This is a poem one could spend hours analyzing in a poetry class. It is intriguing, interesting, uncertain, beautiful, tragic...what the heck does it mean? (apparently even the poet is not sure, lol). It sounds like it rose from the subconscious...that mysterious repository of "memories, dreams, reflections" (Carl Jung memoir title). Thanks for the outline of meaning you gave in your comment, Stephen and for a great read! I will continue to puzzle over this poem...

Comment is about Doctors (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

This poem had my full attention until the end, Stephen. I loved it's composition and the message that it conveys. It moved me emotionally and mentally.
Thank you.

Comment is about Birds (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Uilleam,
This poem recalling the supreme sacrifice made by our servicemen and women needs to be seen with the backdrop of the present day government. Is this what our noble dead gave their all for?
Good poem and thank you,
Keith

Comment is about Betrayed (blog)

Stephen,
This poem speaks to my heart. We are so caught up in this world of terror and war that our souls thirst for peace and tranquility.
Thank you for this,
Keith

Comment is about Birds (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Ruth, I love that you posted this as a poem. I have one which was written on Christmas Day in 2011. I don't know if it drips with festivity but I'll email it over and you can see what you think 😃

Comment is about Calling Christmas Poets 🎄 (blog)

Original item by Ruth O'Reilly

Really well captured Steve.

My father who died of covid in a care home would have loved a word with Bozo and the other overpromoted, incompetent, so called leaders of this country,

Comment is about The First Day of Boris Johnson's Evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry (blog)

Original item by Steve White

Thanks Greg. I've been trying to write a few shorter poems recently, rather than the usual essays. I'll keep trying!

Thanks Stephen, Holden, Manish and Tim for the likes.

Now with audio. 👍

Comment is about On Henrietta Street (blog)

Original item by Tom

A beautifully written poem, Stephen. The pace and rhythm pulls the reader into the very moving story. Thanks.

Comment is about The Tale Of A Ragged Boy (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Thanks Greg & Stephen - yes, Stephen, apologies to Rory Stewart.

Comment is about An Old Etonian’s advice to his son (blog)

Original item by R A Porter

Thank you for this fast and telling reaction to his evidence, Steve. I think that 'oversized child' is the key phrase here; he should never have been in this job and was never up to the task.

Comment is about The First Day of Boris Johnson's Evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry (blog)

Original item by Steve White

A well written and cleverly (not that one) rhymed poem, RA. To be fair, there are some decent people who went to Eton, but the confidence and the certainty, even when one is obviously wrong, is something I recognise.

Comment is about An Old Etonian’s advice to his son (blog)

Original item by R A Porter