Hi Anna, Welcome aboard. Hope you like the site. Winston

Comment is about Anna McCrory (poet profile)

Original item by Anna McCrory

C'est tendre et doux, Isobel.

xxx

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

I think it is a lovely poem Isobel. Hope you sleep better tonight - but if you don't can we expect another one tomorrow? xx

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

This is excellent Isobel. Very moving. I didn't read it as a nod to religious faith, more the contrast between innocent - some might say 'blind' - faith we all, at one time, invested in the world and the jaded, fearful creatures we become. But it can be read in different ways, which is why I like it.

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

I'm so glad you all liked it. Thank you so much for your generous comments. I love to write poetry that makes people think or touches them in a a non sentimental way - that is the kind of poetry that often appeals to me.

The poem was inspired by Cynthia's poem Usufruct combined with the experience of putting my daughter to bed. She rarely does formal prayers at home but just happened to do them as all this was mulling over in my mind.
Thanks for taking the effort to re-work it Ann. Yours may have better flow but it changes the feel of it for me. I appreciate your interest and comment though.

Graham I am undecided about your suggestions - one minute I think it is better the next I want to stick with what I have. Not enough sleep to make proper decisions maybe - that'll teach me to write poetry in the early hours!

Thanks again all. x

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

I think in the second line it should say "to stay the hand" etc and "and palm to palm" etc, the pressed is too much aliteration. Overall the work is a tender piece, an almost secretive glimpse.

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

Thanks, Ann, steve. A play on my name! What, ray miller,putting a ray through a mill. If you like light bread? Who is steve black? Why is his name black?
Okay, what kind of person does have an illegible scribble, uses Latin labels, explains you with notebook and pencil? It's not Fabio Capello.

Comment is about Charades (blog)

Very fine poem, Cynthia. Loved the 2nd verse, heart-heard is great, and purpling water.The mighty multiple martini is a sublime touch. My only complaint is Fibonacci splendour. If I never hear Fibonacci again it'll be too soon.

Comment is about Martini On The Rocks (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Nothing worse than the swines who make the bullets for other folk to fire.
It took me a long time in life to realise I was firing other peoples bullets, and learn to play them at their own game. Nice one Isobel.
Cate xx

Comment is about Bullet (blog)

Original item by Isobel

Love this one Cynthia. Your language is richly descriptive, and the idea of being so engrossed in your novel, entwined with enjoying your evening martini is innovative and clever, {as is your choice of title!}
I really enjoyed reading this.
Cate xx

Comment is about Martini On The Rocks (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Well I took the ghosts out but now I've put them back. Can't think of another word for my first lot of ghosts. I was going to put before the shadows came, but that made me think of Cliff Richard! (Never a nice thought!)

Comment is about Nineveh (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Just beautiful Isobel. And so refreshing to see faith written about so tenderly and touchingly. Does this makes me old fashioned? Well I dont give a s..t!
Cate xx

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

Oh dear! Back to the drawing board! I do see what you mean. Will have another go! x

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Back to Nineveh, Ann: you're removed the second "ghosts", but in doing so lost that sense of ghostly sheets in the rooms, which was good. Words like shrouded or spirited occur to me, instead of "deserted" rooms ... do you know what I mean?

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

This is a fine poem, Isobel, one of the best I've read on this site. Well-crafted, but also charged with emotion. Particularly liked the juxtaposition of your daughter? crossing herself - and you crossing your fingers.

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

I agree with Cynthia, but for me the rythm seems a little "out". Can I annoy you deeply by doing another version where the rythm sounds better to me? But of course, that will probably destroy your poem! Sorry in advance! xx

She pleads for time to say a prayer,

and stay the hand that snuffs the light,

impatient for the close of day.

Amidst the chaos of her bed

I watch the silent murmuring lips,

sweet incantations of her faith,

finger to finger, palm to palm,

forehead, stomach, left breast, right

crosses them all,

whilst I look on,

struck dumb by fear,

and praying for

the longer straw.

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

Isobel, this is wonderful. I think your work has the real gift of deep, probing thought and its cogent expression. And it touches people, certainly me, deeply.

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

Good morning lovely Lady-no, I,m not from Scotland-but I sincerely wish I was! I just had a short holiday there-will speak to you soon-thank you-Stef-xx

Comment is about Larisa Rzhepishevska (poet profile)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

usufruct - well, that's one of the great things about poetry I think, that the same words can often be given various interpretations. Insomnia - I have a rule for myself where I try not to log-on after 11.30 or else the cogs are still whirring. xx

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

There is so much in this. Simple, powerful, effective. The innocence of a child measured against the looming threats of life, so much more menacing for not being spelt out. A parent's tender love and the anxiety which goes with it (and also that feeling "Phew it's the end of the day - time to myself"). And the big question - Is anyone listening? A really good one, Izz. It's a pity about the insomnia but if it means stuff like this it isn't all downside.

Comment is about Praying (blog)

Original item by Isobel

I like this poem a lot Larissa. It has a noble feel! xx

Comment is about I Am an Actress (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

usufruct - we could talk about this forever, but I think we're mainly in agreement. a great word & concept & very well written by Cyn. XX
PS - fancy a threesome with you, me & Augusta ? the subject is paedophilia - is it all it's cracked up to be ?

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

Your poem has a lot of passion in it Larisa. I could imagine you as an actress. I like the line about the masks that he does not bother to take off. At it's core this is about unrequited love. Not bothering to understand a person is the greatest sign of disrespect - or lack of love at any rate. You have expressed it well.

I love Audrey Hepburn. She is grace and beauty personified. One of my daughters reminds me a lot of her. Grace is something that is timeless - don't you think? Nice poem. x

Comment is about I Am an Actress (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

I really enjoyed this, Larisa. Warm regards, Lynn xx

Comment is about I Am an Actress (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

Thanks Steve. I like the word insidious - it describes such people well. The risk assessment is to do with how they might work out tactically all the likely repercussions before making any move whatsoever. Unlike the person who acts openly on instinct and is ready to meet any backlash personally and head on.
That makes me sound rather paranoid and condemnatory. We all lie on a scale - no-one is perfect. This is not a poem condemning the use of steady, considered action - just the manipulation of others and the abdication of responsibility.

Comment is about Bullet (blog)

Original item by Isobel

At last Cyn - one I can largely unnerstand - and very nice too
(if that's the word). Bravo !

Comment is about Martini On The Rocks (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Usufruct (Cynthia) -
Isobel - this is one of my favourite topics & IMHO you've nailed it here -
'This is all you've got, make the most of it' - because if you read it literally, that is exactly what he says - that life is a tenure, a loan - it's not forever. I don't see any contradiction though. An interesting subject. B

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

Isobel - this is one of my favourite topics & IMHO you've nailed it here -
'This is all you've got, make the most of it' - because if you read it literally, that is exactly what he says - that life is a tenure, a loan - it's not forever. I don't see any contradiction though. An interesting subject. B

Comment is about Usufruct (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Lovely poem Seems like a lovely place too The name sounds similar to the name of a Sumerian god Is that an actual photo of the cottage if so its beautiful

Comment is about Nineveh (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Lovely poem Cynthia especially liked the phrase Silence is a symphony heart-heard. I have just been reading a book about the Creeks actually (great interest there) The book is called Creek Blood Mary

Comment is about Martini On The Rocks (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Good evening Larisa-thanks for your concern-I,ve had a few days in Scotland-I shall be catching up on your poems very soon-thank you again for regards-lots of love-Stef-xx

Comment is about Larisa Rzhepishevska (poet profile)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

Andy, Thanks for your encouraging comments. Very much enjoyed reading a number of your poems tonight! Let the words roll!

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Ann
Thanks for your kind comments - glad you enjoyed my poems. I particularly liked your poems, The Bat & Walking Home on a Summer Evening. The imagery is very strong & absolutley delightful - like summer all over again on this very grey day!

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Hi Elaine and welcome to WOL. I enjoyed your poems, I especially like The Old World.

Comment is about Elaine (poet profile)

Original item by Elaine

Now I think of it, you must be onto the right track with 'he loves me, he loves me not' - such a simple game that we used to play as children.
She is looking for anwers that he can't give. The only thing for sure is Sex and Death. We are conceived, we die.

Comment is about Charades (blog)

Hmmmmm. I guess the petal plucking is "he loves me he loves me not." Maybe he feels she is trying to categorise him, (Explain me with notebook and pencil) the way she is categorising the flower by using its latin name. Too literal, too cold a way to describe a man or a flower. When is a door not a door - and how can a table have a throat? Dunno! Like the poem tho. I don't think it matters what you meant really. But it is fun trying to work it out. Or are we trying to categorise you? At first I even wondered if it might be a play on your name. That would make a good poem!

Comment is about Charades (blog)

Thanks for your comment on my latest. I can't believe I didn't recognise you from the Tudor - I am a bit myopic though - especially after a few gins! I'll definitely be there at the next one - punch me if I don't say hello. xx

Comment is about Elaine (poet profile)

Original item by Elaine

Thanks for your comment greg - it wasn't an obvious one - I've stuck an explanation on it as I like to be understood. I appreciate your comments on my choice of language. x

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Bloody hell - I always fall for that one! Okay - here goes...

1) It's about a game of charades where the man isn't very good at guessing and the woman is a poor artist.
2) A man is invited to understand what a woman is feeling/thinking/ her innermost. He fails dismally causing her extreme frustration.
Why Sex and Death? Sex rather than love is what preoccupies many men. Death the ultimate end to everything physical and none.
The denuded flower maybe is something to do with her heart being shredded - who knows?

Am I warm or hideously cold?

Comment is about Charades (blog)

Thanks GReg (Nineveh). I have removed the second appearance of the ghosts. Didn't replace with another word - think it's OK without? And . . . couldn't think of another word!! ;-)

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hello Andy

Thank for your comments re the poem and the painting.

You are very kind

Augusta xx

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Hi Thom. Thanks for posting re 'Bullet'. You've still got till end of play Thursday, if you can knock one out that quick.

Comment is about Tom (poet profile)

Original item by Tom

Good afternoon Isobel

Yes It seems poor Banksy is afraid of your lashing sting, I know you to be a ‘pussy’ cat. The eroticism within the poem was present and developed within the ‘Episode’ and ‘episodes thereafter that took place; the fact that the victim is aroused is as you quite correctly point out is due to sexual immaturity and the awakening confusion within a girl approaching puberty. The outcome however is that sexual contact during these early years act as a catalyst and shape the future patterns of sexual awareness and behaviour within in the victim.

Augusta xx

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

Ahh this would have been fun. I'll keep an eye out for the next one!

Comment is about Biting the Bullet Final Reminder (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

I like the virtual rope line. I did feel though, that the tone of the poem teeters on the brink(no pun intended) of flippancy. But I should talk!What is Carry on Tuesday?

Comment is about (blog)

Original item by Linda Cosgriff

Thanks, andy,Isobel. I posted this on another site recently. People came up with their own stories. When I said what it was about several complained that I shouldn't have, preferring their own narrative. So I'll let you decide.

Comment is about Charades (blog)

There is probably a deep meaning to this poem that I'm not getting. I've read it a few times - last night and today, waiting for it to leap out at me. You may have to explain it to me!

Comment is about Charades (blog)

thanks Banksy, tone and Francine - the piece went off in a direction i originally i must admit as it was originally going to be two poems (Part I and II) but with some minor edits, it sort of took off in the direction it finished at.. thanks again

Comment is about Biting the Bullet (blog)

Original item by Andy N

Tee hee - you are right about the punctuation Ray. I could have thought harder about it but often when you put it in, it chops the poem up when you want it to flow. If you add commas rather than full stops, you have lots of independent clauses running into each other. For better or for worse, I just decided to let this one go without.

I like my poetry to be understood. I think this one is ambiguous enough to be about lots of things. It could be about the Bush/Iraq fiasco. Sending young boys out to do your own dirty work. Making decisions that have no impact on your own life...
It could be about drug dealers, profiting from drugs that have no impact on their own health.

It is actually about people who don't say what they think but get others to - loading the gun and then handing it over. Though I have used the idea of passing the stink on, like children did in the playground a long time ago.

I think we've all known shit stirrers in life, may well qualify as shit stirrers in other people's eyes. Such people vanish when the shit hits the fan, or hold back waiting for which way the wind blows before nailing their colours to the wall.
It's not a trait I like so I thought I'd write a poem about it. :-) x

Comment is about Bullet (blog)

Original item by Isobel

i was tricked into thinking this was a sweet poem about internet dating until the last few lines... maybe i should of clicked on with the 'threw me a virtual rope' line!

I like it!

Comment is about (blog)

Original item by Linda Cosgriff