Brilliantly put Stephen! Cold wind, cold hearts, cold blood!
Comment is about Cold Wind (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
This is one hell of a poem, Uilleam. Everyone should have the right to march, unless there's a good reason to stop them, which there isn't.
Comment is about Deathstyle Choice (blog)
Spot on, David. Not so long ago, people like this would have been considered fringe nutters. Now they're in government! (Not for long, hopefully).
Comment is about Suella Braverman (blog)
Original item by David R Mellor
I agree. Ray is a fine poet with an unmistakeable style. I will looking forward to reading this.
Comment is about Write Out Loud regular Ray launches bumper poetry collection (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
MC.
And I don'r recall "Blessed are the hostage takers"?
Benjamin Netanyahu thought the hostage takers were not only blessed, but the bees knees when he and his fellow fascists supported and enabled them, in order to undermine the imminent peace protest.
Comment is about Deathstyle Choice (blog)
Perception is everything! 😄
Comment is about "Doctor please can you give me a kiss ?" (blog)
Original item by hugh
Many thanks for the Likes, Red Brick , Holden, Helene, Pete, Aisha and Tim.
Comment is about CERTAINTY (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I like what you've done here with the tale. For me you've given another lesson. Be careful who you call your friend. We are too often the tortoise in relationships. To slow to perceive things weren't what we thought.
Comment is about The Hare and the Tortoise (blog)
Original item by Rick Varden
Thanks Tim, many important questions there.
A couple of days ago I heard a news commentator ask:
How would Netanyahu behave if Hamas were embedded in Israeli towns and cities...what kind of concern would he show for the safety of his innocent citizens?
Oh the irony; in that Netanyahu was directly complicit in enabling / supporting Hamas in order to frustrate a peace solution which he and his government are on record as not wanting...a fact not broadly aired on UK news outlets.
Comment is about What is evil (blog)
Original item by Tim Ellis
Thanks all who liked and commented on this group of poems; I really appreciate the response. Across the planet, so many of us are so fractured over the current escalation of the long unfolding situation in the mid-east; friendships and alliances splintered. Emotions are raw in the face of such immense suffering. In my mind, our poems are prayers, and I sure do appreciate all who write and participate in WOL.
Comment is about Lamentations (in 3 parts) (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Provocation is a matter of interpretation of what is seen and
read..
Calling for peace is always a laudable thing. Indeed, doesn't
the Good Book tell us "Blessed are the peacemakers". But
always easier when not directly involved via cause and effect.
And I don'r recall "Blessed are the hostage takers".
Comment is about Deathstyle Choice (blog)
You can always trust this contributor to lighten our day amongst the angst!
Comment is about "Doctor please can you give me a kiss ?" (blog)
Original item by hugh
No, not on your nelly!
😃
Comment is about "Doctor please can you give me a kiss ?" (blog)
Original item by hugh
Correct Steve W.
“The march starts
Two miles past
The Cenotaph
And ends up even further away”
Inconvenient facts the hate-mongers and those itching for violent confrontation (Home Secretary included) “forget”.
Comment is about Put Up Shut Up Britain Part Three (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Absoutely NO provocation inteded MC.
A very sad reflection on so-called “British values” and our society, when a call for Amnesty, for peace, for an end to death and suffering on all sides, including that of innocent babes and the military is now regarded as being “PROVOCATIVE”…for Christ’s sake!
As a proud Lancastrian I’m well aware of the Wars of the Roses. I was rather more minded of Rabby Burns’ “O my Luve is like a red, red rose”, reclaiming that flower -as I would the Union flag/jack and also the Celtic Cross from the purveyors of fascist hate and ignorance.
Oh, and I don’t believe everything I’m told on Gee Beebies!😆
Comment is about Deathstyle Choice (blog)
Thanks Steve.
It would of course, not be in conformity with the current "Agenda" (would it, Sir Kier Starmer?) to have hysterical headlines in the Daily Heil or GB News or the BBC etc. screaming about Jew bating Nazis honouring Mosley's Blackshirts in Lancashire at a time when British Jews are (understanderbly) living in fear!
Comment is about Deathstyle Choice (blog)
Well said, Keith. Thank you.
Comment is about Put Up Shut Up Britain Part Three (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Very well written. Full of life,
Thanks
Keith
Comment is about Dancing In the City (blog)
Original item by John Gilbert Ellis
I have nothing but the highest regard and respect for Armistice Day and in particular the main event in Whitehall on the nearest Sunday to the 11th of November. As an ex serviceman of 10 years service and holder of the Distinguished Service Medal I would be there if I could to remember fallen comrades. However, in Gaza 4,104 children have been slaughtered with an overall death toll modestly estimated at well over 10,000 along with more than 25,000 injured. A cease fire is essential. Hamas will survive this conflict no matter what Israel does until the crux of the matter is solved through a just process. I am confident that the march on Saturday would have the support of many of our war dead if they knew that children were being massacred. They fought for freedom and against injustice and persecution. Don't let anyone tell me that 4,104 children are collateral damage. This is systematic ethnic cleansing.
Comment is about Put Up Shut Up Britain Part Three (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Nicely done, Uilleam.
I must admit that a visit to the UK by a prominent neo-Nazi to address a meeting of home-grown fascists in September was something that had passed me (and presumably others) by.
Comment is about Deathstyle Choice (blog)
Beautifully written, Hélène. Thank you.
Comment is about Lamentations (in 3 parts) (blog)
Original item by Hélène
A marvellous poem, Hélène. We need to reach out to each other and sing together.
Comment is about Lamentations (in 3 parts) (blog)
Original item by Hélène
I like the idea of the city of dance, John. I always felt that I had to 'Bob and Weave' to get around in the rush hour.
Comment is about Dancing In the City (blog)
Original item by John Gilbert Ellis
Indeed, they are as children. With the short-sighted instant
violent responses found in children.
In these islands, here in the UK, disparate peoples managed
to overcome their differences and live together, and travel and
live in each other's lands. Even as over-populated as we are
here, we still manage to take in others from far distant places
with no common affinity in lifestyles or beliefs.
Now, that is taken for granted and abused. And ingratitude
rises to roam our streets and disrespect our own hard-won
ceremonials. Our historical generosity of spirit is now seen as
weakness transformed into entitlement for the eternally
dissatisfied and the disaffected,
Comment is about Lamentations (in 3 parts) (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Provocative and surely intended to be so.
History tells us that the roses, red and white, were the emblems of two sides fighting for dominance in the struggle
about who would rule the country. I'm sure there was enough
real "hate" back then to go around in that "War of the Roses".
It was real hate, launched from within a Palestinian stronghold
that set the current mess on its course. And hate accompanies
these "protests" mounted in the streets of the capital, arranged
by those with Hamas links reported to be living here (God
only knows how that was allowed!). The other side of the soiled devalued coin of modern politics?
Comment is about Deathstyle Choice (blog)
Dean - your comment resonated with me, albeit that I've been
courteously, even encouragingly treated, by those I have
recognised in the street here in London, The actor Bernard
Archard who I encountered when leaving my early turn tour of duty here in central London was affability personnified, whilst
a chance opportunity to speak to the classical composer George
Lloyd, a fellow local resident, could not be passed up. But I've
let others go on their way "unmolested". 😃 However, the fun of
knowing who they were still remains.
Comment is about Finding Van Gogh In Ramsgate (blog)
Original item by Dean Fraser
Interesting how the art of listening is now a social service offered
in the guise of "counselling". Are we now in an age when heeding other people's words get short attention span. It can
certainly seem that way. I try to keep the old adage in mind:
When you're talking, you're not listening - and when you're not
listening, you're not learning.
Comment is about Asking For A Friend (blog)
Original item by Tom
Hi again Helene: further to my note about Pete Dymond's
recording of "You Smiled". He has emailed more detailed
technical information which I can forward if there is any
interest at your end.
MC
Comment is about Hélène (poet profile)
Original item by Hélène
Tim - delighted that the poem resonated with you. Having had
my own experience of wild camping, I share your thoughts.
Comment is about A DISTANT HAZE - a re-post for Autumn (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Fantastic poem. I particularly love the line 'I park my carefree life well out of sight'. Can definitely identify with that when talking to various friends.
Comment is about Asking For A Friend (blog)
Original item by Tom
I admired this poem Tim (to answer your question whether your musings are poetry - they most certainly are - words put to measure). Your beautiful poem put me in mind of Edgar Allan Poe's story 'The Masque of the Red Death' : Poe was a famous, hardcore dancer:
“And all my days are trances,
And all my nightly dreams
Are where thy dark eye glances,
And where thy footstep gleams--
In what ethereal dances,
By what eternal streams!”
― Edgar Allan Poe
Comment is about Dancing Leaves (blog)
Original item by Tim Higbee
I agree with Manish; this poem is stellar. In this fast paced world...a friend who takes the time to listen, empathize, provide solace...is an oasis.
The poem has nice rhythm, the words flow...wonderful writing, Tom.
Comment is about Asking For A Friend (blog)
Original item by Tom
I love the thought of the smoke that drifts hazily into our memories. I have wonderful memories of campfires on beautiful fall nights. A wonderful poem.
Comment is about A DISTANT HAZE - a re-post for Autumn (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
We once encountered Carole King and James Taylor taking a break from touring to walk along the seafront in a small town in Cumbria, of course we didn't bother them.
Thanks for the comments and likes 😃
Comment is about Finding Van Gogh In Ramsgate (blog)
Original item by Dean Fraser
Hands down, one of the best poems that I've read this year. Maybe because I love the picture, maybe because I've been there, felt the same way, or maybe because I too want to be a listener, a friend to those who are in need.
Thank you for this, Tom.
Comment is about Asking For A Friend (blog)
Original item by Tom
HI John Thanks for commenting on my Joni poem.
Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)
Original item by John Coopey
Hi Graham Thanks for commenting on my Joni poem. Yes, Amelia is a grterat track on Hejira, a magnificent album.
Comment is about Graham Sherwood (poet profile)
Original item by Graham Sherwood
Hi Greg Glad that a connoisseur like yourself appreciated my Joni poem. 80 today! It's hard to believe. Did you get the two buried references to Barbra? My wife converted me to her talents much later in life.
Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)
Original item by Greg Freeman
H Hélène Glad you liked my Joni poem!
Comment is about Hélène (poet profile)
Original item by Hélène
Hi Keith Thanks for comment on my Joni poem. So far you seem to be the only one to pick up on the Barbra reference, another great singer who my wife got me into!
Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)
Original item by keith jeffries
Hi Tim Glad you liked my Joni poem.
Comment is about Tim Higbee (poet profile)
Original item by Tim Higbee
Thankyou, MC and Stephen.
I remember a quote usually credited to Plato (the Greek not the dog) "A wise man speaks because he thinks he has something to say. A fool speaks because he thinks he has to say something". It's telling that all of us think we are in the first bracket.
Comment is about CERTAINTY (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
The march starts
Two miles past
The Cenotaph
And ends up even further away
Still it doesn't show sufficient respect
Someone better tell the FA
That football really shouldn't be allowed
And the shops shouldn't take a single shopper's pound
And pubs, well that ain't quite a head-bowed crowd
After all, it is Armistice Day
When two minutes of your time simply ain't enough
Wanna show respect? You better get tough
And make a long list of things that people shouldn't do
Not just the ones that don't resonate with you
Otherwise your argument's a bit of a mess
Football? Yes
Shopping? Yes
Pub? Clearly. Rude not to, really
But a march for peace, no way
It is, after all, Armistice Day
Comment is about Put Up Shut Up Britain Part Three (blog)
Original item by Steve White
I admire the flow and the passion of this piece of writing. However, I can't agree with some of the content and I feel that denigrating a decent man like Kier Starmer will get us nowhere.
Having said that, it's always good to hear your point of view, so eloquently expressed.
Comment is about Armistice Now! (blog)
Hello Keith (Jeffries). I'm still trying to wrap my head around how they composed that photograph, hedge clippers? Photoshop? As for the poem, it is the result of a seaside musing where the clashing of images is meant to push along the inner conflict that the poetic persona is experiencing. The connotations of the individual words and phrases could mean varied things to each reader and is as such a personal journey more than a destination prepared by the author. Thanks most kindly for your visit. You are most appreciated,
Freds
Comment is about recital (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Indeed not. Your poem is 24 carat gold.
Comment is about Love on the Allotment (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
Thank you M.C. & John for your comments - John, are you suggesting I am a has-bean & don’t know my onions?
Comment is about Love on the Allotment (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
keith jeffries
Thu 9th Nov 2023 18:33
An excellent poem with words of wisdom.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about The Want for Nothing (blog)
Original item by Luke Bainbridge