Another absolute belter aimed at our ruling class. Hitting them right below the belt, the only kind of blow they understand. Yaroo! I say, you fellows ...
Comment is about An Old Etonian’s advice to his son (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
Send me your MP3 file to missruthaoreilly@gmail.com make sure it's radio friendly- it doesn't need to be cheerful and it can be alternative but as long as it's somehow got that festive feel I would love to hear from you. It will be broadcast on 96.9 Allfm Cheers🙏🏼 Happy Christmas 🎄
Comment is about Calling Christmas Poets 🎄 (blog)
Original item by Ruth O'Reilly
Pantheism might well be the way forward!
Comment is about A pantheist's yuletide (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Hey Lynn, welcome back to WOL. Long time no read!! I thought they say opposites attract?
Comment is about MAN OF MY DREAMS (blog)
Original item by lynn hahn
John, that's a big compliment to my writing - a poem from the heart and coincidental with her birthday and which dare I say she would have appreciated. Such thoughts are always ready to live again, and thanks for expressing that in your comment. Sorry for your loss - It is no easy thing to be left behind and that's the way it feels at the time....
Ray
Comment is about MY MUMMY (blog)
Original item by ray pool
I think that the therapy provided by using the site for so many of us would be very expensive if it was available from any other source (eg psychoanalysis sessions) so it is of immense value in many subtle and not so subtle ways. I'll get my cat - sorry coat.
Ray
Comment is about Thanks so much for your donations so far - please keep them coming in 2024! (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Steve,
Thank you for this robust poem. The truth is never popular but your summary in poetic form has hit the nail on the head. I recall that this same individual promised us 40 new hospitals as he deceived us about Brexit. He will go down as one of history's buffoons.
Thank you indeed for this,
Keith
Comment is about The First Day of Boris Johnson's Evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry (blog)
Original item by Steve White
I'm very reluctant to criticise anyone's behaviour during lockdown, particularly as I broke the rules many times, albeit at a minor level and at a very low risk to others. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
(Though as the leader Boris should have been whiter than white, and seen to be so.)
Comment is about The First Day of Boris Johnson's Evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Ray. I've come back to your poem a few times now. It gets better - as all true poetry should. I lost my mam and dad within a year of each other recently so 'appen as I were in receptive mood. John
Comment is about MY MUMMY (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Beautiful John, the writing and the message.
Comment is about Written at a time of great cruelty and deceit (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thank you Tim, Keith and Stephen. I'm glad it got you thinking about your own experiences. Every few (weirdly, seems to be around 7) years, I somehow stumble across my old diaries and decide to have a peek - and soon myself sucked in and reading them for days and am left feeling rather strange afterwards. Thought this feeling deserved a poem...
Thanks also to Greg, Frederick, Holden, Hugh and Manish for the likes 😃
Comment is about Post Diary Blues (blog)
Original item by Tom
Poundland is an excellent source of Christmas presents, Stephen. Better still, we have a 99p Store in Donny..
It will provide quite a little cache, Graham, when she shakes her six. As for me? The kids can expect an inheritance of a few thousand of my unsold poetry books.
Comment is about CHRISTMAS FAYRE (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
So when my daughter eyed up rings On jewellery stalls I said,
“You’ll get some off your mother - Just wait until she’s dead”.
I nearly choked on my tea with this JC.
Very accurately observed sir!
Comment is about CHRISTMAS FAYRE (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Superb and compassionate, John.
Comment is about Written at a time of great cruelty and deceit (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
It's all in a good cause, John - somebody's good cause, anyway.
Good point though, I'll do a runner next time I see that word. Are Poundshops any good for Xmas gear?
Comment is about CHRISTMAS FAYRE (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thanks, Greg. I was pleased with the poem when I finished it, even though it doesn't completely fit together. There are some references to distrust of experts in it and also to a certain contempt for culture, as well as a simmering nostalgia for a time which probably never existed.
I am grateful that so many of you liked this poem - so thanks to Nigel, Frederick, John, Tom, Hugh, Michael, Stephen, Holden, RG, Purplemoon, Manish, Tim and Jon.
Comment is about Doctors (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thanks for the Likes, Stephen, Holden and Tim.
Comment is about TWO-LEGS AND FOUR-LEGS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
As it happens, Ghost, we were all set to go one year and it got cancelled. (Because of the weather, I seem to think).
And thanks for the Like, Holden.
Comment is about CHRISTMAS FAYRE (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I like your poem John.
I re-read the last stanza over and over hoping that I could agree with it. I think it reveals something of the overarching problem.
I could agree with it if the word "Humans" was prefixed by the word some. It begs the question, what is the ratio of those who prefer harmony to those who exploit conflict.
There is of course another element, and that is those who don't particularly care because they live under the delusion that none of the conflict impacts their lives.
Maybe to a large extent that is true, history teaches us that no matter how comfortable we may feel there is every likelihood that someday the big bad wolf will be outside our door. On that day most people will be looking outside themselves for assistance from others, will they recognise the irony of their own years of dismissive blind eyes? I doubt it even then.
You see it everywhere, even dare I say on poetry sites where some sneer at those writing about it, drawing attention. I agree that there must be uplifting and refreshing poetry, writing, prose, but I flinch whenever I see people dismissing the dark and difficult topics, suggesting it serves no purpose. I also question what purpose it serves because often it serves very little, especially where action is required. That said if by chance it awakens someone, anyone, just one to do something or even speak then that is something.
To dismiss and wish not to see or hear is a manifestation of the real life choice of doing nothing, I hope those people never have the wolves at their door.
Of course nothing is black and white and there is always contradiction with any searching thought process.
This morning I read how the winner of the 2023 Turner Prize displayed a Palestinian flag during a BBC interview stating that he did so "because there is a genocide going on" I believe the sculpture (if it can be called that, although that is its classification) is utter garbage, irrespective of its alleged representation. My first thought was, well if you care that much why don't you join an NGO and get your arse out to Gaza and do something, I doubt he is even able to perform CPR, but there you go. Unfortunately that was my reaction to that ridiculous statement, but was it ridiculous? who am I to say.
Although I do have an opinion on it, unfortunately we live in a world where people expect others to clean up the entrails and listen to the screams of children while they wave their little flags.
I hate how this makes me feel, because like I said It's bigger than that, not black and white.
I'm pee'd off that some might feel my remarks detract from something so trivial as poetry. The poem serves it purpose, is its purpose to appease, soothe, agitate, or is it a call to action? Of course it can be all those things or nothing, it's for us to choose.
I do genuinley apologise if I have drifted too far from your work, I recognise the element of rant in my own words.
Just a final thought. Is it those so full of hate who choose conflict over harmony who might benefit from love and understanding or is it not worth the effort.
My instinct would be to obliterate them, but that's wrong and far too simplistic, isn't it?
Thanx.
Comment is about Written at a time of great cruelty and deceit (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thanks Tim and Manish for you inputs! It makes me feel better that other people relate to this.
Comment is about Alone Again (blog)
Original item by purplemoon
Tue 5th Dec 2023 23:58
Very well written. Would like to add following :
Soul is the one which shows the light
To traverse through the tunnel
The tunnel swerves the mind sways
Soul goes ephemeral trying to align
comes back comes back with better form
Comment is about body,mercy,soul (blog)
Original item by godlucifer
You should move to Lincoln John, they cancelled their Christmas Fayre because it was too successful! I kid you not.
Comment is about CHRISTMAS FAYRE (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Wise words and an appeal for goodness. This poem sums up well a sad aspect of the human condition. We can only hope.
Thanks,
Keith
Comment is about Written at a time of great cruelty and deceit (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
I often find myself in a similar situation every time I go out or try to socialize. And like Tim has mentioned, I often think that something is really wrong with me. But looking at it positively, I guess that's one of the reasons for all of us to turn into poets. It's just my opinion, you can correct me if I'm wrong.😅
Thank you.
Comment is about Alone Again (blog)
Original item by purplemoon
RBK - thanks for the "like". It's that "wonderful time of the year",
as another seasonal song tells us!
Comment is about WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES AROUND (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
The perspective of a pitcher plant through these few lines is brilliantly put out, RBK. Loved the creativity to it as well, like I had previously mentioned.
Thank you.
Comment is about pitcher plant (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
There is beauty in stillness and simply living where your heart feels happy and at peace. I loved this poem, Hélène.
Thank you.
Comment is about Simply Being (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Sadly, I can just hear the words "Stuff that" as they fill their
faces, splurge on alcohol and fags, and roll up their sleeves
for a line-dance.
Comment is about Self control (blog)
Original item by hugh
Such a wonderful poem, Tim. Loved how you transformed a simple idea of waking up into a well constructed poem. I particularly liked the conclusion "Only one way to foretell what this day will bring
I must rise and find what lay beyond this bed".
Thank you.
Comment is about Waking Up (blog)
Original item by Tim Higbee
What happened to the Kingdom of Judaea? This stuff has been going on, with these peoples at each other's throats, since biblical times.
Comment is about Right or Wrong (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
A lot of people feel lonely in a crowd. Your just being honest with yourself. The reality of crowds is that it's where loneliness goes to hide. It's a bubble for a costume party where everyone wears a mask and hides from themselves. It's after the bubble bursts and they have to take the mask off, back to reality. I avoid crowds and often wonder if something is wrong with me because I do. 😗
Comment is about Alone Again (blog)
Original item by purplemoon
Wonderful poem, Moonlight! I enjoyed every word and felt uplifted. Thank you!
Comment is about Live guilt free (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
I loved this poem, Terri! Looking forward to reading more of your poems when you feel moved to write and share on line. Depression is no walk in the park, but the idea of calling it "friend" and recognizing its coming-and-going nature is a powerful insight I think, that you captured really well in your poem. One author wrote in a book about his journey with depression, saying he learned to hold it like a baby. Thanks for sharing your poem!
Comment is about Depression Is My Friend (blog)
Original item by Terri Brown (Parton)
Take note of what fellow poets have written and write something really different.Well done.
Comment is about Depression Is My Friend (blog)
Original item by Terri Brown (Parton)
Hi Terri, welcome to Write Out Loud! I really enjoyed this, full of insight and wisdom. To think that your 'friend' even brought you some poetry is a wonderful thing. Looking forward to reading more. Tom
Comment is about Depression Is My Friend (blog)
Original item by Terri Brown (Parton)
Thanks for your memories and confirmations, Keith and JC. I was going to mention Sylvia Plath as well, but it didn't seem appropriate ... Many others have, of course. And thanks for the Likes, Tom, Hugh, and Stephen.
Comment is about Picking sides (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
To quote Max Boyce, "I know- cos I was there!" I would have been in the last year of primary school. We lived about a mile away and I had to walk it. But I don't recollect I ever missed school because of the snow.
Comment is about Picking sides (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I could be turned myself, Lee, if the prize was the Gunners losing every week.
Comment is about Reclaiming my Voice (blog)
Original item by Lee Campbell
Marvellous addition to that long tradition of mining poetry, Stephen. It is my own background although I confess I never did a hard day's graft there in 20 years.
I particularly like the line about his icy fingers chilling your spine.
Comment is about The Tale Of A Ragged Boy (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Wonderful stuff, Tom. Worth many a re-read! 👏
Comment is about Post Diary Blues (blog)
Original item by Tom
Macmillan is surely preferable to the present incumbent. I too remember that winter which is as you describe it. I recall snow being piled high on the sides of roads and it did not melt until April.
Thanks for this,
Keith
Comment is about Picking sides (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Tom,
This is one of your best. The third stanza is glorious in the way you use the language of expression. I have kept a diary (a page a day) for close on fifty years. Seldom do I read what is contained in these volumes but when I have, I become immersed in melancholy, regret and somewhat alarmed by the passage of time. Maintaining a diary is a useful tool for self discipline and a tool to assist any writer or poet in his work.
Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Thank you,
Keith
Comment is about Post Diary Blues (blog)
Original item by Tom
I thoroughly enjoyed this transformative depiction of a moment reminiscing the past. I caught the dangling thread and it immediately unraveled as I tumbled into my own rabbit hole of memories. I had to climb back out to finish the piece. Then read it again as a whole. Isn't it amazing how quickly that fug will fall upon us, anytime or anyplace.
Comment is about Post Diary Blues (blog)
Original item by Tom
I wasn't sure about this one either, Steve. But you're right. The best poems should take you somewhere you hadn't expected to go.
Comment is about Doctors (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thanks for your comment, Telboy. Not at all - it's one of those poems which started somewhere and just wandered off. As a boy, I seem to remember lots of men who came to the door, selling all sorts of products and remedies for things. In reality, they were probably collecting insurance money, bringing parcels, or ...who knows? Imagination carries you away sometimes.
And thanks to Nigel, Stephen, Holden, Manish and Tim for liking this one.
Comment is about Doctors (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
I've no idea what you're talking about Stephen but I like the way you're saying it. Perhaps it's me being a bit thick?
Comment is about Doctors (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Stephen - I think the power source came from her because she was ecSTATIC.
MC - I’m sure Chaucer would be flattered to be mentioned in the same sentence as me.
Comment is about STICKY VICKY (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank you so much Pete, Holden, Hugh, Red, Stephen A, Stephen G and, of course, you dear Keith. The brutality of Israel's assault on the children of Gaza leaves me speechless and bereft, an indelible stain on Jewish history.
"An old man in Gaza held a placard that read: “You take my water, burn my olive trees, destroy my house, take my job, steal my land, imprison my father, kill my mother, bombard my country, starve us all, humiliate us all, but I am to blame."" Noam Chomsky: The Assault on Gaza
Comment is about Thunder storm (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Greg Freeman
Wed 6th Dec 2023 23:32
A half-a-dozen rich, atmospheric couplets. Just what the doctor ordered
Comment is about On Henrietta Street (blog)
Original item by Tom