I see the point you are making Laura. I would like to live in a society that was clean and honest from the top down or bottom up. I'm not sure such a Utopia will ever happen though - it doesn't seem to be human nature. The best we can hope for is a peaceful society in which individual human rights are respected. How we achieve that we will never agree over :-)

I do take some comfort from the fact that cheating politicians have been named and shamed - many forced to resign. The police have made mistakes but are now so scared of making them it almost ties one hand behind their back. The fact that we deal with our transgressions in a public way (sometimes and eventually) probably doesn't help us in that it undermines our confidence in the system. I'm sure much worse goes on in other countries - things that never see the light of day. I do think we take for granted so many good things about this country of ours.

Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

I went to this year's St. Ives Literary Festival and met some interesting, colourful people. They offered me the chance of reading at the Frug later in the evening but unfortunately I was unable to - hope it goes well!

I'll bring the sugar.

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

It's not JUST the bankers Isobel. I am trying to show the bigger picture. The corruption which is endemic in our society now. Brought about by an overarching push towards greed, towards consumerism, to the church of the dollar. These people are above the law. The law is corrupt. Where do we go from here?

Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

I'm not disagreeing with you that bad stuff goes on in government, banking - and there will always be the odd bad copper. Our country is no different to any other country in that respect though - in fact probably better than many. Individuals make mistakes - some times large numbers of individuals. We simply can't allow the civil unrest that has just happened to keep on repeating though and holding up bankers as a reason why we should 'understand' these yobs just doesn't cut it for me.

Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Yeh - they have us by the nuts don't they? Exactly. So they get away with vast theft, the police get away with murder, the politicians have more homes than they know what to do with and STILL steal more, meanwhile they keep the courts open all night (unprecedented - oo, and spending your taxes whilst they're at it) to lock up a load of kids who are practising the exact same actions but on a much lower scale. How many shops have been shut due to the recession? Damn sight more than have been over the riots.

Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Fab - I'll have a cup of tea waiting for when you get back then

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I'm off to St Ives this afternoon, doing some poems at Cafe Frug at the Arts Centre there tonight(quick plug!) I'll leave the key under the mat!x

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Bad parenting is a major contributor to the recent chaos, in my opinion of course :-)
In past generations I think there was more parental presence at home and certainly more discipline in all areas of society - school particularly.

I'd agree that bankers loot and get away with it. Unfortunately for us, our whole ecomomy depends on them - so there is just no getting rid of them. In fact I sometimes wonder if, as a country, we survive mostly on the revenue the City of London brings in. It's not like we manufacture or mine much, is it?

Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

I always wanted a horse you know. I'll just cadge a backy off one of those women then I think :D

See you in about 6 hours then chuck - just off to catch the train ;D

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Of course you can Laura - just don't bring your horse!

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Lovely poem Ann - echo all that has been said so far. Felt a deep sense of peace emanating from it. Can I come for me holidays? ;D

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Thanks folks for reading and taking time to comment.

Dave - do you have that book? Would like to read it.

Cynthia - do you believe that I am condoning what has happened? Your comment about the American seems to imply that. My apologies if I read this wrong. I don't, for the record. I am just attempting to put forward my view, based on the times I have lived through and seen with my own eyes, on the change in the working class community and the consequences of Tory ideology. There was a time when I realised that it was changing, HAD changed, and it actually made me ashamed that these people, who were working class like myself, were behaving in this way, were holding these (to me) offensive and greedy and consumerist values. The whole ethos changed from a cohesive community life, everyone pulling together and looking after each other, to one which rejected that in favour of a ruthless 'every man for himself'. Where we were plunged into deep poverty through govt policy. Jobs gone, affordable housing sold off etc. But I thought long and hard about it, and looked at the bigger picture. I could type out an epic here, but I won't (or have I already?!). I would welcome discussion with you though in another channel.

And yes - absolutely - our entire society is corrupt. All of the authoritative structures are now shown to be corrupt - ALL of them. The police, the govt, the media, the banks etc. And the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer...same old same old.

*steps down from soapbox* ;)

Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Wow, you are all so nice! Thanks! xx

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Great observations. The noise they make is very disquieting. I like they way you liken them to us.

Comment is about Gullcry On The Harbour (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

I think this is wonderful. It has depth that resonates on every level. :)

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Great stuff Ann. I really like this one. x

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Great poem Ann would love to join you, on your rock someday.

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I think this is great!
"pure terror havok and free stuff" sums it up.
"don't tell me what your ancestors did let me guess
intuition and the gift of firey speech" are wonderful lines.

Comment is about now what? (blog)

Original item by SPACEGHOST

This is very heartfelt. It is such a sad state of affairs what is going on - not only in the UK, but around the world... : (

Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Wonderful observations... They do squeal a lot, but I love the sound because I associate it with lovely, peaceful, fun times at or near the beach : )

Comment is about Gullcry On The Harbour (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

This is incredibly beautiful in its sadness...

Comment is about Washed Up (blog)

Original item by Steven Kenny

I really love the way you express the ordinary...
Fabulous ending sentiments!
And the photo is stunning!

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Ann, you're churning out some really fine work at the minute. Can I have some of what you're on please? Just for the rub, priceless!

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

You've obviously never been to Wigan Daniel. If you were to pay us a visit you'd realise why my poetry was so lovely.... x

Comment is about Ann Foxglove on the radio (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Checked Google Maps, we're safe and it's back on.

Brilliant news. bring your poems and bring your enthusiasm, we won't let thugs take over the city!

Indigo.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I know some areas in the Northern Quarter were attacked, but I'm not sure about Dale Street since the area near the train station was all cordoned off.

I'll be ringing An Outlet first thing tomorrow morning to confirm whether it's safe and will let you know the outcome.

If there was no damage then we're still holding the festival since shops were all open today and I'm not letting a few thugs ruin what we've been planning for months.

With love,
Indigo.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

No horse
No dog
No man
Just a poetic mind.

I'd love to hear that song you invented.

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Hi Cynthia,'One wasp hidden in the gentle petals makes all the blossoms suspect and much joy is lost'

I would argue that this final stanza comes across more powerfully as a proverb because of its pithiness and wisdom of observation plus expression.

If it is a metaphor as well although I cannot see it as such, it may be of lesser metaphorical significance IOM.

That said, I would like to see it argued in other opinions as it is an interesting point. xx

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

'go like' Attila? Or one of the burial party?

I like the ending - blunt and full of meaning. An interesting subject,this famous figure. I'm very shy of such an attempt. Dave did one on Winston Churchill, if I remember correctly.

Comment is about The Scourge of God (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Surely not of a nose-bleed!

That guy in the picture is roaring at you to
rhyme the last stanza.

MUSCULAR!

Comment is about The Scourge of God (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Reverse Ozymandias

The Oblivious ignores oblivion

SHORT AND NEAT JOHN

Comment is about The Ghosts of Bamiyan (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Some very good points, Laura, and, IMO, some points that need further thought following the immediacy of the recent shock waves. Parts of this poem are too like the enraged American who, on the day of the 9/11 bombing, killed a Sikh gentleman because he wore a turban. But, while you're ranting, take up the whole pervasive, permissive society; the 'rights of children' gone completely amuck; and the total lack of caring about consequences for actions in all structures of society.

Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

I like questions in poetry. I'm personally not thrilled with answers. For me, after raising such an interesting premise, the author should stay out of the equation, allowing the reader to participate. the diction and imagery is very good.

Comment is about Gullcry On The Harbour (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

You are lucky, and the poem is superb. Your very thoughts seem always poetically turned, as you melt into your environment. Your humour is cutting edge; you are a formidable woman.

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Indigo, are there any concerns about the Friday night venue on Dale Street? Please advise.

Comment is about Ushiku Crisafulli (poet profile)

Original item by Ushiku Crisafulli

I feel so lucky to live where I do. This was my early morning.

Comment is about the rub (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

very grateful Tom
for your views on my poem
-Crepuscular-

much appreciated.

Stef.

Comment is about Tom Harding (poet profile)

Original item by Tom Harding

my gratitude Ann
for abiding momentarily(or so)
on 'Biding'
and adressing my(poorly titled)effort
so nicely.

my thanks
and best to thee.

S.W.

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

This isn't great poetry Laura but it's from the heart and I totally agree with it. People think that trying to understand why bad stuff is happening is approving of it. Not so. I've just read 'A Week in December' by Sebastian Faulks. Now there's a book to open up what investment bankers are capable of - their inhumanity and greed. But - as you say - they get away with it.

Comment is about Cause and Effect (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

So many images and ideas tumbling round in this. Cracking writing lately chuck!

Comment is about Death To The Literati (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Love this Dave.

To echo earlier comments, I really like those last lines in each stanza, those kind of asides. They really make the structure.

Tempest - 'tost' - made up word?

There's a real sense of shifting moods in this. Can also see parallels with the current
looting.

In fact there's quite a lot of comment on society within this. That kind of head-in-the-sand attitude that surrounds us, that is so
surprised by what has been happening lately.

I love that there are lots of ideas tumbling around in it that are ambiguous. Also - to camp is to make and live in a temporary abode. Very significant title.

Nice one :)

Comment is about Camped (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Cheers Dave, much appreciated

Kind of topical too, what with the various angles of reportage at the moment :)

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Alright John, I've just got your message mate. I'm on me 'olidays and won't be back till thweekend, see you next month though.
Auvoir.
Neil.

Comment is about John Togher (poet profile)

Original item by John Togher

Hi Phil. The fact that the whole idea of the struggling writer is a cliche doesn't make it any less true. It's only a few big names that manage to make any sort of a living without teaching or other jobs I think. As you say,it's only specific 'products' that have any market value.

You don't sound to me as though you are losing your marbles although I don't claim any particular qualification in that area! I think you're just exhausted like the rest of us. Don't forget to take a break - preferably with some walking boots on a nice coastal path somewhere - and don't forget society needs its writers and artists - it just doesn't realise that yet.

Comment is about The beat of our hearts: how to combat poetry phobia (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Pleased you like The Scourge of God Dave.
I tried a different format with an internal (lines 1 and 3) rhyme, but unrhymed outer (2 and 4). Still with a heavy trochaic rhythm.
I do have an interest in all things historic, so I don't suppose Attila will be my last; but no set subjects as yet.
(I do find the very readable and funny An Utterly Impartial History of Britain by John O'Farrell inspirational).
Once again, thanks for commenting.

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Alternatively, if it's less trouble (all that damming rivers etc) I'd settle for a Viking send-off. Funeral pyre pushed into the River Aire, floating downstream, archer lets fly a fire arrow and WHOOSH! Up I go.
You must have seen The Vikings with Tony Curtis and Kirk Douglas?

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

People seem frightened to call a spade a shovel.
They do it cos it's fun and cos no-one stops them.

Comment is about Brief Poem 08/08/11 (blog)

Original item by Tom Harding

Never stop singing, H.

Comment is about I`M SINGING BECAUSE… (blog)

Thank-you :)

Comment is about Foolish (blog)

Enjoyed this John. Are you going to try any other historical figures?

Comment is about The Scourge of God (blog)

Original item by John Coopey