Appreciate that Hélène.

Comment is about THE SPACE BETWEEN US (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Thanks Rolph! I'm glad you picked up on that. It's a feeling I think we all crave, that sense of truly being seen and understood.

Comment is about THE SPACE BETWEEN US (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Clare, what a story I am so glad I asked.

People were treated like animals, cruelty was the norm, and pity from anywhere was in very short supply. I am ashamed to say that we (the English) while not alone, were among the worst offenders. We owned them, took their land, and offered nothing.

Women were mere pawns, to be used but not supported, they were expendable. The resulting babies were their fault and their responsibility - Oh! how they must have suffered

The church did not come out well either - women who could not support their babies were forced to give them up and then sent on their way to manage as best they could.

This was even happening in living memory - the shame of having a baby out of wedlock was such that the mother was expected to give up her child before going home to her family.

A comparatively recent discovery of an Irish Convent Cemetery full of unidentified babies and small children in unmarked graves, and covering many years, was a testament to the tragic loss of young lives in mass care.

Times have changed - children count and help is available, in one form or another, to keep families together.

Your poem and its meaning are important - those days should not be swept under the carpet but used as an example not to make such mistakes again and to move on with compassion.

Comment is about Cry, Annie, Cry! (blog)

Original item by Clare

Your poetry is really really good Cryptid (imho). Keep writing. For me, poetry is therapy and prayer.

Comment is about Cryptid (poet profile)

Original item by Cryptid

England/Scotland/USA, France/Québec, Germany/Israel/Palestine....reading this poem was a bit of a wild ride for me, Stephen (I like the poem). I think it stirred up a bit of my interior cultural maelstrom (maternal grandparents = Scottish & German; paternal grandparents & father = French Canadian; mother = Californian.) My Québecois cousins have a habit of saying, "les maudits Anglais..." Right now I think much of the world is thinking, "those damn Americans." Sigh....I think of John Lennon's song: Imagine. Keep writing your stirring poetry, Stephen. The world needs your voice.

Comment is about Spare Change (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

A stirring poem, Manish. Sad, but sweet and caring. Saying goodbye, words fail.

Comment is about Final Call Depot (blog)

Original item by Manish

Gorgeous poem Naomi.

Comment is about THE SPACE BETWEEN US (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Omg Clare. Thanks for the back story. Your poem (combined w/ the back story) sounds like ancestral healing to me. This is heavy stuff. Amazing. Thanks for your brave sharing. What an inspiration. I daresay Annie (wherever her consciousness may or may not be?) is deeply appreciative of your words.

Comment is about Cry, Annie, Cry! (blog)

Original item by Clare

Thank you so much, Rolph, for your thoughtful comment, and for always being so encouraging; it means a lot! 😊

Comment is about Dreamcatcher. (blog)

Original item by Holden Moncrieff

Thank you, Flyntland, for asking about this. It makes the poet in me happy to hear that someone picked up on the mood of the poem. Annie was my grandmother. Born in Ireland in the early 1900s to an itinerant family, she lived a life of hardship that was familiar to many Irish people at the time. The end of the Irish famine (1845-1852) preceded her birth by 50 years, and the country was still recovering from the devastation. Alongside this, Ireland was struggling for independence from the British state. Annie found herself single and pregnant in her early 20s, and as was the norm for many in her position, she was forced into a mother and baby home. To cut a long, long story short, Annie’s child died in the home, and she was accused of infanticide; she was eventually found innocent, with the sudden death being attributed to the appalling living conditions at the home. (The home had no running water or electricity). Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. Annie went on to marry and continued life on the road with her husband and several children. Her husband died aged 46, leaving her pregnant and alone with an estimated 14 young mouths to feed. Annie felt she had no option but to abandon her children and flee to England in search of a better life. Sadly, life got harder, and she found herself living in a disused railway cabin with her newborn child, while the children left behind were placed into convents and priest homes, where they remained into adulthood. It is an extremely long and convoluted biography, but hopefully I have managed to provide some context for my poem.

Comment is about Cry, Annie, Cry! (blog)

Original item by Clare

Thanks for likes: Red Brick Keshner, Holden, Yanma Hidayah, Rolph David, TOM MERTON & Naomi. 👍

Comment is about Love Shone On Me (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Well said Marla: Comfort is the enemy of achievement.” 😊

Comment is about The Problem With Being Comfortable (blog)

Original item by Marla Joy

"Will you meet me there, in that quiet space between us?"—Naomi, this line speaks to the profound beauty of silent understanding and the deep connection that can be found in the spaces we share.
Great job!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about THE SPACE BETWEEN US (blog)

Original item by Naomi

This is an awesome poem, Cryptid. Compelling, painful, powerful. (I read your bio, looking forward to reading in the future if you change your pen name. Fun!) Keep up the faith in your journey, dude. Assuming this poem is about present time, a few words of encouragement: Imho, you WILL get to where you want to go. You WILL get comfortable in your own skin. It just takes alot of time and patience. I am 69 years old (old-ish lady, straight, married, open minded). My niece (age 25) is a transwoman (she is doing well, took quite a few years to get there but she has blossomed into herself). My Christian church (in California, USA) which has both politically liberal & conservative folks, has just recently voted to be "open & affirming," meaning LGBTQ+ affirming. Yaaah!!!!

Comment is about Words of dysphoric rambling (blog)

Original item by Cryptid

"Perhaps, it takes a dirge for an anthem to be birthed"—such a powerful thought, Holden. It captures the idea that from our deepest struggles, the most meaningful change can arise.
Nice work.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Dreamcatcher. (blog)

Original item by Holden Moncrieff

All well, Graham, thank you very much, perhaps just a creative block.

Comment is about Final Call Depot (blog)

Original item by Manish

Marla,
Your poetic work is a powerful reminder that true growth often lies outside our comfort zones. Great work!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about The Problem With Being Comfortable (blog)

Original item by Marla Joy

Wow, this poem packs an emotional punch, Rolph, plus perfect rhythm and rhyming. This is the prayer I send out for loneliness "May each find their tribe." So often we find ourselves "strangers in a strange land."

Comment is about Niche Soul (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Hélène,
I love how you intertwine personal history, generational wisdom, and the acceptance of imperfections—both in your home and in yourself. It’s a reminder that we can find peace in the simplest things, even when the world outside feels overwhelming. Your warmth really comes through in these lines.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Slippers (blog)

Original item by Hélène

Red,
There’s a beauty in that tension between the abstract and the real. It left me thinking about how we navigate those fleeting moments of clarity, even when they don’t last long.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about … how to get to there (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

This poem is well written, and personally helpful to me, Marla. Reminds me to stop whining about all the traumas in myself and my family, to feel them fully and accept the stuff I can't change. At least we are not numb, the poem reminds me.

Comment is about The Problem With Being Comfortable (blog)

Original item by Marla Joy

Cryptid,
I really admire your honesty in sharing that struggle. It’s clear how much you long to be seen for who you truly are, and that’s valid. I hope you find peace in expressing yourself, and remember, you’re not alone in this journey. You are who you are, and that’s what matters most!!!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Words of dysphoric rambling (blog)

Original item by Cryptid

RBK. Tom D., Holden, Marla, Naomi, and Tom M.
Thank you one and all for your kindness in reading and pressing the flower button.

Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Stephen,
I really appreciate how you captured the irony in the poem—highlighting the performative side of charity. It’s a sharp reflection on how generosity often comes with expectations, making us question the true nature of giving. Well done!

Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Spare Change (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

I’ve only always seen them after the rain 🌧

Comment is about Fairy ants (blog)

Original item by Cryptid

I can't pretend to understand this poem but there is something stark and urgent about it, I find it disturbing,
I can't read it and ignore it, I need to know the background to it.

Comment is about Cry, Annie, Cry! (blog)

Original item by Clare

Thank you Stephen, I value your comments.

Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Helene Thank you for your comment, I am passionate about the wildlife that lives on 'my patch' and the wrens are great characters.

I love the description of being "pissed off - small but free flying - creating a nest where her sovereignty will be respected.

I am rather short, a bit rounder than I would like to be, I prefer privacy but become fiercely protective over the inhabitants of 'my patch'.
We have about four acres, some grazed, and the rest dedicated to wildlife, some of which think that the 'patch' is theirs.

Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Thank you David, I think that I have shot myself in the foot.

My poem is about a wren family. They have nested for several years in the shed, and we welcome their presence and are pleased to be able to offer them shelter all year round
.
We also welcome the swallows who return every year to raise two broods in a stable (the horse does not mind)

What I have done with my poem is the absolute opposite of what I wanted to say- why did I not see that? duh!

On a very sad note, we used to have four pairs of swallows nesting here, each having two broods, we are now reduced to just one pair.

Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

What an insightful little poem Marla.
We can look around us and see so many people who live in their own bubbles and are completely blind to the world around them.
The beauty of WOL. is that poets are emotional creatures and 'feel' for others as well as themselves.
thank you

PS. I have just realized that I have been calling you Maria, I am so sorry, I only found out when I enlarged the print on my laptop. I wonder how many more people I have given new names to.

Comment is about The Problem With Being Comfortable (blog)

Original item by Marla Joy

Thank you @John Marks, you have taught me something new. I agree with the "creative ambiguity" you mentioned. That has also been one of my considerations before, in my tendency related to disagreement. One thing that concerns me when I write is that I realize the truth can hurt someone. However, personally, through poetry, I have learned to convey the truths I have gained to share with others in a beautiful way. Poets in their writings express their truths through the richness of vocabulary they possess and metaphors that present ideas with the beauty of their deep thoughts. Not only that, I also see that people express their voices to the public creatively through forms like sculptures, paintings, songs, theatrical performances, films, and dance. I believe that creativity helps people voice their truths gently and beautifully. They invite the public into their voices through the creativity they present, and I interpret that as a brave step. However, I also tend to agree with what you mentioned, I realized that in certain cases, let’s say in my interactions with people (face to face), I find myself not able to voice my truth.

Comment is about The Flame (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

A gentle sad poem written sympathetically and wistfully.

Comment is about Words of dysphoric rambling (blog)

Original item by Cryptid

This clever poem gets right into the heart of Trumps mindset,
You have a knack of getting straight to the point.

Comment is about Spare Change (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

A really good poem, Flyntland. The last three lines are intriguing, and terrifying! Sentiments conveyed so clearly and concisely.

Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

A sobering thought, Trevor, and an entralling poem. I wonder what qualifications are required for getting on board, and where is it going? This reminds me of a film, whose title I can't quite remember.

Comment is about Departure (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

A very moving poem, David. Thank you.

Comment is about Unfriend (blog)

Original item by David R Mellor

Thanks Rolph for your kind words. It is my competition entry if I felt the need to enter it but I think its happy where it is. Enjoying your work also.

Comment is about Silent Echoes (blog)

Original item by Rich Brewer

Thank you Yanma. Creative ambiguity is, in my opinion, the only way to cope with the conflicting demands made on people by the mere processes of living. How often do we bite our tongue and refuse to speak or write honestly. We do not wish to offend or hurt or embarrass or make angry and so we prevaricate - conscience does indeed make cowards of us all. Seamus Heaney's advice was "Whatever you say, say nothing."

Comment is about The Flame (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

Your second stanza is heartbreaking - how long is he going to get away with such outrageous lies?

HE has 'promised' that he would become a dictator and he is hell-bent on being one sooner rather than later.

HE ( I will not use his name) is now issuing threats to Ukraine if they do not respond to his demands.

Comment is about Time for our X-odus! (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

A splendid, captivating poem. Makes the reader want to hang out with Annie and her pals.

Comment is about FOR ANNIE (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

A powerful poem, and all the more interesting when read w/ the comments. We could sit in a class and discuss the poet's possible meaning, the meaning to a particular reader, etc. This is the joy of writing & sharing! Gratitude to WOL administrators, poets, readers & commentators.

Another possible interpretation of the poem: the narrator is pissed off, fed up, but resigned. Becoming as a wren (small but free-flying), she will find a way to channel the fury, will find a way to create a nest where her sovereignty will be respected.

Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Thank you Naomi for your "like"! I really appreciate it.

Comment is about Time for our X-odus! (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Haha, thanks Tom! I try my best to channel my inner Gandalf. Though I'm more likely to trip over my own feet than defeat a nazgûl. Fingers crossed I don't run into any on my way to Mordor...or the grocery store

Comment is about A WOODEN TAVERN (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Graham, you're absolutely right...when I worded it and pasted it here, its length and comprehensiveness also jumped out at me immediately. I will shorten it. Thanks for your comment.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Time for our X-odus! (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Rolph, I don't think you need the extensive introduction to this piece. it is self explanatory and stands alone very effectively.
For what it's worth, here in the UK, most of us think the same as you about the current idiotic political climate in the USA.

Comment is about Time for our X-odus! (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Hi Rich,
What great lines you wrote here. I particularly like the line: "The full version, not the 'abridged' you"!!! This is a compelling line because it speaks to the tension between one’s true self and the version they present to the world. Marvellous.

Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Silent Echoes (blog)

Original item by Rich Brewer

You’ve been away Manish! Hope all is well.

Comment is about Final Call Depot (blog)

Original item by Manish

Good morning Flyntland,

A humourous and interesting little parable.

It illustrates one of the better aspects of human nature, that of respecting the rights of species that don't adhere to our made up rules of ownership and territory...and that are happily oblivious to them.

On another note, it is interesting to me that with words firmly on the page which describe the situation in detail they are still unseen, not even misinterpreted but reinterpreted to reflect the readers expectation.

This can be a disappoinment to the author especially if time has been taken to create the piece of writing. It also shows the dangers of misinterpriting the written word, for example, Media and Social Media in all its fragile forms.

David RL Moore

Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

@John Marks, I don't want to disagree, but I don't know how to agree.
Thank you, John..

Comment is about The Flame (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

Thank you all for reading my poem.

Comment is about 7-Up: Together (blog)

Original item by Martin Peacock