Powerful exposition. One liberated, the other suffocated. A hard look at reality. For the Father, perhaps there is growth and eventual liberation during the long long journey of the soul. Who knows. Bravo for the Mother! She did not stay a victim.
Comment is about Wife, Mother, Self. Husband, Father, Self (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Well JC I must admit I was firmly a Bobbie Smith boy at heart but BC was a savior for England many a time!
A gentleman of which there are scarce few if any in the game these days!
Comment is about Farewell, Sir Bobby (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Warning - Unpopular Post
I’m afraid I always thought him one of the most over-rated players ever. I thought he traded on a speculative bullet from the edge of the box and not much else. And for every one that hit the back of the net ten ballooned over the stand.
There. I’ve said it.
Comment is about Farewell, Sir Bobby (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Well done on this one, Greg. I was also thirteen in 1966 and remember the collective sigh of relief when his screamer hit the back of the net against Mexico in the second match.
A dignified, if sometimes rather sad-looking, figure, he lacked the ruthlessness of brother Jack to become a successful manager, but endeared himself to almost everyone who saw him play.
Like you, the news made me stop and reflect. A generation (almost) gone.
Comment is about Farewell, Sir Bobby (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
From somewhere, anyway, Graham! I know this poem is a bit downbeat, but I was shocked at the crowd's lack of reaction at Blyth Spartans. The announcer even emphasised that he came from Ashington ... I hated Man Utd too much in the 60s to idolise Charlton, but he did win that game against Portugal, and I've never forgotten that. I don't think I really appreciated his qualities enough. Since coming up here I've been fascinated by the Ashington connection. They say his wife fell out with Cissie, and that caused a family rupture that was never repaired. They recently unveiled a statue of Jack Charlton in the park where they played as kids. Nothing for Bobby.
Comment is about Farewell, Sir Bobby (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
My joint boyhood her with Jimmy of course! Only one more left to go (Geoff) until they win the Celestial World Cup up there Greg!
We’ll hear the crowd from down here!
Comment is about Farewell, Sir Bobby (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Not exactly a gracious exit, certainly. But what can you expect from the current crop? Now it seems even the oft-mispronounced chancellor plans to eff-off before the next election. What does he know that we don't?
Comment is about Good-bye Election (blog)
Well said, Stephen. But I thought Graham’s bloke down the chip shop thought he was Elvis.
Comment is about THE OLD ONES (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
A clear manifestation of frustration against injustice. Good girl. I have been to Palestine on several occasions and can vouch for the fact that what is mentioned in the video clip relates to every day occurrences.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about The Lioness (blog)
I despair of British politics. We are ruled by mediocrity. A redundant two party state. No one in government has any vision for the future. After the second world war, in a time of great austerity, we endured rationing of essential commodities. I never thought I would see this nation in peace time with 'food banks'. Can it get any worse? the answer is yes.
Thank you Uilleam,
Keith
Comment is about Good-bye Election (blog)
Looking around, the sight one sees
Is ready resort to the word "refugees"
But perhaps the word requires "degrees" ---
From how many lands...and paying what "fees"? 😏
Comment is about The Barge (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
Unless the Tory Parliamentary Group regain their senses and
connect again with real caring conservatism via their angry grass- roots members and supporters (the concerns of middle
England rank with "the man on the Clapham omnibus") - then
they are consigning a great political party to a disappearing act
likely to last for a good while. The alternative is hardly rich in
what it offers, with hair shirts for the enterprising and hand-outs
for easy votes ahead.
Comment is about Good-bye Election (blog)
I really enjoy this sort of absurd fun...bringing to mind a male Pam Ayres, so to speak. And that's a compliment of a high order.
Good to have you on WOL.
Comment is about Kidnap in Venice - Here comes the W.I. (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
Thanks all for reading & commenting on my poem. Sometimes you just feel you need to say things & the words lead you wherever you need to go.
Comment is about The Barge (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
Fascinating report, Greg. May their voices continue to ring out loud. We need them.
Comment is about Homes from home, oil, and troubled waters (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
It would have been an interesting meeting, Greg, although I can't quite see the poet singing along with Cliff at Wimbledon. Graham - I once wrote a short story which (briefly) featured a lecherous local butcher called Mr Larkin. So there are more about than we think.
Comment is about THE OLD ONES (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
We all need that tough shell sometimes, Hélène! Thanks for another interesting poem.
Comment is about Turtle (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Well worded RA.
The UK needs safe and legal routes…who got rid of them…and why?
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/resources/safe-and-legal-routes-briefing
From the above link:
Article 14 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights generally provides for the right to seek and receive asylum from persecution “in other countries [than the person’s own country]”;
and Article 31 of the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees prohibits the imposition of any penalty upon a refugee merely by reason of her, his or their having entered or being present without permission.
Comment is about The Barge (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
John,
Words of wisdom resurrected from history but sadly repeated to this very day.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about THE RUINS OF NINEVEH (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
MC.,
Your constructive criticism is most welcome. Equality is a word banded about but seldom closely studied. I particularly liked your expression 'the unforgiving pressures of nature'. Such considerations affect a nation's growth and development but more so are those states where, following premature independence, there are presidents for life or dictators. Gabon is one recent example. A democratic nation such as ours, a member of the G7 should be able to fund health, education and welfare. I say this when I see irresponsible government expenditure on all manner of nonsense.
Thank you again for you comment.
Keith
Comment is about The Disadvantaged (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Sat 21st Oct 2023 08:38
Thank you all for your kind words!
Comment is about The beginning (blog)
Original item by pallavitryingthings
Thanks 🌷 Manish. It's good to know that the Reader felt and appreciated. 😊
Comment is about each time you leave (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Fri 20th Oct 2023 21:29
Thank you so much, Manish, your support is a great source of encouragement! 😊
Comment is about A Ulysses pact... (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
Thankyou for your thoughts, Stephen, Greg and Graham. And for the Likes, Red Brick, Holden and Helene.
Comment is about THE OLD ONES (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
One might plausibly say that nothing worth having ever comes easy! I spent many months enduring spartan accommodation
with communal washroom/toilet facilities, hard beds and limited space provided in my apprentice years for a working life in
service of this country. What I knew seems no worse (or better!)
that what is supplied for the migrants arriving on our shores
from the safe havens of the next door EU.
Comment is about The Barge (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
One could be trite and remark "It was ever thus". But that is
ignoring history and the reality of the human condition in its
various forms across the globe in the story of mankind. Can
one equate (that mischievous word "equality" pops up again)
life and its opportunities here in the UK, for example, with
lands elsewhere? Humanity. wherever it exists, has its own
struggle to survive and prosper, from both within its ranks and
from the endless unforgiving pressures that Nature imposes
on all living creatures. We can only so what we can within our
own capabilities and good intentions. Both can be painfully
limited.
Comment is about The Disadvantaged (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
I wonder what Col. Tom Parker might say. Elvis the Pelvis
(his long-ago nickname) was a product of his time, capturing
the fan base of the emerging teen market of his time. I recall a
contemporary pal - from Liverpool of pre-Beatles origin -waxing eloquently about Elvis. As for me, I always preferred the
music of Fats Domino, despite a fondness for a couple of Presley hits = "Girl Of My Best Friend" being the favourite.
Comment is about The Crown (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
It seems inescapable that war is a part of the human condition.
It was US Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman who
observed that "War is all hell" - adding that it was just as well otherwise we (humanity?) might get to love it too much.
Comment is about Thoughts of a soldier at war (blog)
Original item by hugh
A marvellous poem on many levels, Rasa. I found it a fascinating read.
Comment is about Still Here (blog)
Original item by Rasa Kabaila
A splendid polemical poem, RA. If it's not a prison, it sure does a good impression of one! And it houses people AWAITING the result of their applications!
Comment is about The Barge (blog)
Original item by R A Porter
Love this, Wilma! So glad you are sharing your lovely "way with words." I like the vibrant colors in this poem and the multiple characters...a maiden, a homemaker, a witch. It's a bit like the trajectory of a woman's life!
Comment is about October (blog)
Original item by Wilma Gundy
Thanks all for comments & likes. So appreciated! Rasa, the music I heard was a family member playing the guitar after a long long period of silence following a major mental health breakdown. It was such a gift to hear it...a tiny glimmer of hope.
Comment is about Unexpected Joy (blog)
Original item by Hélène
I really enjoyed this Wilma. It's a very evocative time of year - well captured! 😃
Comment is about October (blog)
Original item by Wilma Gundy
That’ll be the Philip Larkin who works down the chip shop then will it? 😇
Comment is about THE OLD ONES (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Cliff Richard meets Philip Larkin?! Now there's a thought, Steve ... the Beatles' first LP was a turning point for Cliff, too, as it turned out.
Comment is about THE OLD ONES (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I agree. This is a lovely, optimistic poem, Aisha!
Comment is about Pause For A Second (blog)
Original item by Aisha Suleman
A fascinating poem, Mike. I visited Gracelands in the 1990s - sad and macabre at that time. A genius consumed by the public's adulation and other people's greed..
Comment is about The Crown (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Very good, John. Cliff Richard meets Philip Larkin!
Comment is about THE OLD ONES (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Wow! This is a wonderful poem. It took me on an October journey as I read it. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you.
Comment is about October (blog)
Original item by Wilma Gundy
An intriguing concept here, Holden. I had to do a bit of research, and I found this poem very interesting as always.
Thank you.
Comment is about A Ulysses pact... (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
A beautiful yet poignant poem, RBK. I felt this one as I read it. Very rich in vocabulary too.
Thank you.
Comment is about each time you leave (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
So beautiful Hélène. You seem to really embrace the joy and beauty in life with all your poems-which I think is so important. Life is beautiful and it's easy to get stuck on the negatives. What is it that you thought you may have been hearing here? And if you don't know- it's just as beautiful-maybe even more so.
Best wishes,
Rasa
Comment is about Unexpected Joy (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Thank you Hélène for your lovely reflection. Much appreciated. Wishing you a beautiful day. I'm going to look at some of your poetry now. 😃
Best wishes,
Rasa
Comment is about Still Here (blog)
Original item by Rasa Kabaila
ThankyouGraham and MC. Yes indeed MC, I shall pretend that’s mine!
Comment is about THE OLD ONES (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Love the reply from GS - wish I'd thought of that "Saga Holiday"
connection! 😊
Comment is about THE OLD ONES (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hi Tommy. Thank you for visiting my page. I am not sure what you have written, but thank you and your poetry is amazing 😊
Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Thank you so much Keith for all your lovely comments and for always liking my poetry. It is a pleasure to read your poetry too 😊
Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)
Original item by keith jeffries
Hélène
Sun 22nd Oct 2023 10:25
Focused powerful words. Wonderful poem Nitika! Power of fire for goodness, within. I will carry and contemplate these words. An inspired inspirational poem!
Comment is about Fire (blog)
Original item by Nitika Prabhakar