John,
As I read this I felt that I was accompanying you on a personal muse along a path disjointed in time. My own thoughts often follow a similar path. I once thought of it as day dreaming but I think it holds more significance than idle thought. I enjoyed this poem and the quotation of A E Housman brought to mind the soldiers of two world wars, many of whom carried a copy of the A Shropshire Lad in their kit bags. I suppose they too, far from home allowed themselves to muse of their homes far away from Mandalay or Monte Cassino.
A good poem.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about Written near water (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
nothing wrong with a bit of rhyme to make a point. Works well here John.
Comment is about "ACCEPT YOUR FATE" (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank you for your comment Keith and thank you for your service.
Comment is about Well-mannered thug (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Fabulously descriptive in a style which I have not previously encountered. A cleverly written poem.
Thanks for this,
Keith
Comment is about Autumnal Abscission (blog)
Original item by John Gilbert Ellis
time speeds up every day I get older, so I must be catching you up, soon.
Comment is about “Getting old and 85 candles on my cake,”thoughts of an elderly gentleman (blog)
Original item by hugh
Gentle and very pleasing for the imagery it creates. We could
do with more of this in today's world.
Comment is about HAVING A DAY OUT (blog)
Original item by ray pool
I am a believer in "righteous retribution", nowadays so readily
seized upon as "revenge" by those seeking absolution. The
law remains our best refuge but even that can be wrong-footed
for various reasons. We must be careful just what we decide
when confronting wrong-doing that can reach a level that
defines the word "evil" (which itself is an anagram of "vile").
Comment is about Love he, who has wronged me (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Keith - I have family close to St. Marychurch - and now stay at a
favourite small hotel on the Downs overlooking Lyme Bay when
I visit Torbay. You are right about the "special moment". By the
time I got back I had the poem in my mind and just had to
scribble it down. I am an admirer of Hardy's "The Darkling
Thrush" and that was certainly an inspiration.
JC - Thanks. The rhythm was intentional but I have no plans to
put this to a tune. If that ever happened, it would probab;ly be
a bit of folksy "Devon ooh-arr" style.
HM - thanks for the "like".
Comment is about THE GALMPTON ROBIN - a re-post for November (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Is this autobiographical or imagination in anticipation? Either
way, as I approach my 80th, I can smile at the familiarity of some
of the content!
Comment is about “Getting old and 85 candles on my cake,”thoughts of an elderly gentleman (blog)
Original item by hugh
You’re quite right, Russell. And I should have said “than I”,
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tgC8iz_ALik&pp=ygUsbWlzdGVyIHlvdSdyZSBhIGJldHRlciBtYW4gdGhhbiBpIHlhcmRiaXJkcyA%3D
Comment is about Love he, who has wronged me (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Lovely poem, MC, with a nice meter. If your mate sings this I hope it’s not as every Geordie I’ve ever heard singing The Lampton Worm
Comment is about THE GALMPTON ROBIN - a re-post for November (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Thank you Keith...a heartbreaking subject.
When will the voices of "Jewish Voice for Peace" (USA) and "Jewish Voice for Labour" (UK) be heard in the hypocritical UK media?
Orthodox Jews in Israel who follow the Torah, claim that their faith "Judaism is diametrically opposed to Zionism", they, for their pains are beaten up by Israeli police.
The UK is complicit in war crimes and fascism...
"We shall remember them"?
It appears we've already forgotten them.
Comment is about The Abuser (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
A masterpiece of poetry in every sense of the word. I am ten years your junior and can well relate to all you portray.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about “Getting old and 85 candles on my cake,”thoughts of an elderly gentleman (blog)
Original item by hugh
An interesting poem which evidently captured a special moment in time. I once lived in St. Marychurch for three years and loved the countryside in that part of South Devon.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about THE GALMPTON ROBIN - a re-post for November (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Thankyou, MC, for your thoughts and for Keith for the Like.
Comment is about "ACCEPT YOUR FATE" (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank you, Stephen. Turning the other cheek is not appropriate in every circumstance I fully understand, but often we are quick to action and blame without first finding causality and understanding, I often struggle with my own values especially when cut up by a BMW driver
Comment is about Love he, who has wronged me (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
MC., I am well acquainted with the history of Palestine and the British Mandate not forgetting the 1904 Balfour Declaration. I have been a frequent visitor to Israel over the past twenty years. When the state of Israel was created the British and French Governments abstained in the UN Vote. The USA managed to get the majority needed. That day saw over 750,000 Palestinians flee or were ejected from their land. Thank you for your comment,
Keith
Comment is about The Abuser (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
An interesting theme. The fact remains that "we are all things to
all men" and adapt our behaviour and visage "to suit".
Comment is about Face Facade (blog)
Original item by Tim Higbee
The question of "taking another's land" is certainly one that deserves proper consideration of circumstances. The world
seemed to approve of the creation of the State of Israel and
Britain's servicemen were subjected to a terror/murder campaign
along the way....lest we forget.
Comment is about The Abuser (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Something for "Private Eye" perhaps?
I don't go along with the comment about reasons for using line-rhyming. It can be a very useful tool for making a forceful
point...as shown here.
Comment is about "ACCEPT YOUR FATE" (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
A fine poem, JD. I think of the decency of Colin Parry, whose son was killed by a bomb.
Comment is about Love he, who has wronged me (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Thank you, Keith, Manish and John. Hell seems to be all around us. These horrible conflicts stop us getting on with the job of being decent human beings.
And thanks to Hélène, Hugh, Pete, Holden, K Lynn, John GE and Tim for liking this one.
Comment is about Hell (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Just coming back to you Michael as i'm afraid I let it slip. So nice of you to pay tribute to my efforts to express what you obviously share in spirit - I definitely do agree about the persistence of her influence, a reality for me and not a bit sad as she went nineteen years ago.
Ray
Comment is about MY MUMMY (blog)
Original item by ray pool
John: Every man is better than he first thinks.
Thank you both for your comments
Comment is about Love he, who has wronged me (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Tim,
Thank you for acknowledging the comments of your readers. You draw your readers to the present conflict which rages in the Middle East. I have visited Israel on several occasions and cannot see a two nation scenario being the answer. I am more ambitious and would like to see two nations in one state. A democracy with equal rights and opportunities for all. The present situation is not conducive to an meaningful dialogue but hope must survive as continued warfare is no answer.
Thank you again,
Keith
Comment is about What is evil (blog)
Original item by Tim Ellis
Thanks for the comments Helene, Stephen, John and Keith. Yes it’s hard to write about what’s happening in the world at the moment because there’s a war and both sides are in the wrong, but I’m a poet who’s always felt a need to engage with world issues. This poem is really just me trying to get my thoughts in order, but what the solution is to the Israel/Palestine problem I have no more idea than anyone else.
Comment is about What is evil (blog)
Original item by Tim Ellis
John,
Thank you for this excellent poem. As an ex serviceman of ten years service, highly decorated, where I saw active service on two occasions I can now say that I am a convinced pacifist. Wars taught me one good lesson. We have no right to kill another person.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about Well-mannered thug (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thank you Stephen. Your generosity speaks volumes. Can you imagine the hand to hand fighting in the tunnels beneath Gaza?
Comment is about Well-mannered thug (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
An interesting poem on a difficult subject. I believe that evil is a source which is prevalent in the world, the origins of which are sinister and unclear. Evil infects people in a manner similar to a disease. I do not think people are intrinsically evil but liable to it through certain circumstances. From a theological angle I also regard evil to be the property of the Evil one whose machinations are to destroy people and create chaos.
A well constructed poem and worthy of a second, if not third read.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about What is evil (blog)
Original item by Tim Ellis
The poet philosopher speaks with eloquence in these lines. A good poem and thank you,
Keith
Comment is about Love he, who has wronged me (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
I like the structure and consonantal rhymes, Tim. But mostly I like the powerful imagery and thought gone into your assessment of a very complex concept.
Comment is about What is evil (blog)
Original item by Tim Ellis
Excellent and succinct assessment, Stephen.
Comment is about Hell (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
You’re a better man than me, JD.
Comment is about Love he, who has wronged me (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
This is powerfully written, Keith, with impactful words and imagery to what has been happening lately.
"Seventy five years of repression and occupation,
has created a situation of never ending damnation.
It is wrong to take another's land,
and expect to stay there and make a stand."
Are the lines that I liked, and which I feel is one of the main reasons of conflicts that further leads to the occurrence of a war.
Comment is about The Abuser (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Had my 1st ever book published with Iron Press, seems like a lifetime ago. Glad they are still going. Congrats on 50 years.
Paul Grant.
Comment is about Twelve hours of poetry, sea shanties, and a message from the laureate: pushing the boat out to celebrate publisher’s 50th anniversary (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I completely agree with Keith. Another superb poem, Stephen!
Comment is about Hell (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Well said. This sums up the tragedy perfectly.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about Hell (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
A cracking poem, John. War's no place to be...the ultimate truth.
Thanks for all your poetry.
Comment is about Well-mannered thug (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
A great, well- written and beautifully structured poem, Tim. We need thoughtful and reflective contributions like this at a time of so much hate and so many reflex reactions. Well done and thank you.
Comment is about What is evil (blog)
Original item by Tim Ellis
Thanks Keith
I agree , pondering time is certainly tricky
And looking at the word ‘ponder’ what an interesting word that is not only of its nuances but it’s physical appearance 🤣
Comment is about Thy Me (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
A poem to ponder on as time is, in part, our own creation. We have the seasons and night and day but the clock and calendar are the means by which we determine time. I often think of eternity, a dimension where time does not exist. More to ponder on.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about Thy Me (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
Thank you to all who read this poem and expresseed a like or wrote a comment. Peace has certain pre requisites. First justice, then peace negotiations and these should then be followed with reconciliation. Sadly nations rush headlong into war and see victory as their only goal. They do not think beyond this and all that is achieved is grief, resentment, destruction and the desire for revenge.
Keith
Comment is about A Commandment (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
It isn’t the little ones who come round with their parents that I object to, Tim. It’s the scuzzies who come later after a few cans of lager. I tell them they’re welcome to the sweeties if they come back with their mummies.
Comment is about LITTLE BASTARDS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hi Helene - apropos your interest in the recording of "You Smiled". I've had a reply from Pete Dymond who managed to
locate his reference - a few years ago now. He tells me that it
was recorded on an 8track tape machine (pre-computer use!),
with instruments that included guitar, bass, piano, brass and
string sounds from a Mirage (sampling) keyboard...vocal by
Pete himself. Hope this answers your question. He has now
scaled down his stuff in his 76th year!! 😎
Comment is about Hélène (poet profile)
Original item by Hélène
We always shut the curtains and turn off the lights in the front part of the house. They get the message.
Comment is about LITTLE BASTARDS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Powerful poem. Thank you Tim for writing and sharing this. The deep question that plagues humanity put to poetry.
Comment is about What is evil (blog)
Original item by Tim Ellis
Lucky sod! I went out onto the street with a load of other old gits. We only went out so we weren’t in.
Comment is about LITTLE BASTARDS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
John Coopey
Fri 3rd Nov 2023 22:51
Thankyou, JG.
Comment is about "ACCEPT YOUR FATE" (blog)
Original item by John Coopey