It's so sad that you had to part with Max.
Even on the picture he looks so intelligent.

Comment is about Our Max (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Aww, McCoy is just GORGEOUS!! Larisa, thanks so much for kind comments on my doggy poems and photos. What breed is McCoy? It's not one I recognise, but love his beautiful coat. Warmest wishes, Lynn xx

Comment is about McCoy (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

Nice poem, Lynn. When I saw your dogs I decided to add my McCoy for a company. lol
With warmest wishes, Larisa

Comment is about Charlie (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Hi, Lynn! It looks as you also like dogs and Benji is so sweet. How do you like my McCoy?

Comment is about Benji (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

HI Cynthia. Thank u for commenting on my stuff. i tried not to overload it with meanings and images but maybe i didn't succeed. Actually i'm just from Steve Waling's workshop and it gave me some new ideas. I posted new poem written at the workshop as well

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thomas, I logged back in to tell you I think this is terrific. Like all the other readers, I am one who never passes over your work (as you know). It rings with originality and honesty, like looking at an exposed soul whose feeling are expressed with finesse. I like your depth, and your imaginative observations. And your titles.

Comment is about The Sea At Night Does Not Rest (blog)

Original item by Tom

In the spirit of discussion as we might have around a table with beer and sandwiches, I contend that the 'four anxiety clusters' (I am well aware of them) are probably the most negative words to introduce the most negative attitudes to life that I have ever experienced. If a person didn't have angst before, he/she would definitely develop it after being introduced to these self-help 'psychological' ideas. Who freely discusses 'joy' and 'positive revelation', the building up instead of tearing down?
This is a good poem, Dave, for sheer controversy, the 'Plato' thing.

Comment is about Angst (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Go for it, Attila, as Dylan T advocates. And millions of others. There's no middle-aged stigma anymore, except what you put in your own head. Enjoy. I have yet to learn chess; good for the gray matter, yes?

Comment is about Too Much Pressure (blog)

Original item by Attila the Stockbroker

Great sustained metaphor. I enjoyed this, funny and precise.

Comment is about Off the Hook (blog)

Original item by Steven Kenny

Pete, I think this is fabulous. Your images are simple and weighted with meaning; diction is particular for sound, visual effect and significance; individual lines are like Haiku moments. If anything, I didn't think it needed punctuation at all, leaving the reader to sink or swim. The title is excellent, loaded with suggestion.

Comment is about The Stone I Own (blog)

This is really good, all of it: slippery and provocative. I like the capitallized Beauty and Rose, as Hayden says, redolent of Classic expressions full of included meanings. The title is superb, the 'outer skin' and the 'inner seed', very novel, loaded with implications. I never pass over your work now. I may be off the wall, you know, interpretive-wise.

Comment is about Orange Peel and Apple Pips (June 2008) (blog)

Original item by Heather

The last stanza runs into classical prose - perhaps thats why people are agitated by it a little? It has that sense of classicisim to it - romanticism, if you will, which seems out of place with the more modern 'bottle caps' and 'recycle' as well as 'blips'.

In fact, I especially liked 'blips' - when I read it first, I thought it was odd that it was there, but now, i kind of like it being there. Its like a tip of the hat to the modern age.

Comment is about Orange Peel and Apple Pips (June 2008) (blog)

Original item by Heather

It made me think of that greek story, where people turn into trees? I think it was Ovid... But the line 'gnarled fingers' really brought it to life for me. I found this avery thoughtful piece - reflective, and a glimpse of a moment.

Comment is about Grandma at the Window (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hello Heather, I'm another that appreciates the structure used - stanzas 1 & 2 are both neat and effective in generating imagery, but that does tail off in 3, which with your skills can I'm sure be made to sustain the quality preceding. Best wishes, Dave

Comment is about Orange Peel and Apple Pips (June 2008) (blog)

Original item by Heather

I like poems such as this that maintain a classical rhythm throughout. I loved most of the language, the first verse is terrific. I was less keen on Beauty and Rose and "seldom summer prose" sounds a bit rhyme-forced.

Comment is about Orange Peel and Apple Pips (June 2008) (blog)

Original item by Heather

Hello. Andrew Motion was Poet Laureate before Carol Ann Duffy. Rubbish, though!
As for "my thoughts are less angrier" if you say angrier as if it rhymed with sangria that stretches the metre a bit. But it's just a long joke really! Ta for your comments.

Comment is about Heather (poet profile)

Original item by Heather

Hi - (sleepers) I've got to admit - there's nothing like a good night's kip -"la petit morte" as francine would doubtless?? say. I like the clip as he says that heaven lies (not in the big expensive things in life), but the things that are hardly anything at all - a song, a kiss, a party etc. x

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

Hi Greg The problem is he's booked well in advance. My plan is to bring it out early next year and that was the earliest he could fit me in. You think getting a book out is the big obstacle, but then it's very hard finding opportunities to promote it. I'll keep you informed. Be great to meet up at the Poet's Cafe. If you read something they knock a quid off the ticket!

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Glad to hear your book is coming out early next year, David, but aren't you being a bit leisurely about 'launching' it in June?! Put me down for a copy, whenever it comes out. I might even pitch up at the Poetry Cafe in Reading one night, you never know!

Comment is about David Cooke (poet profile)

Original item by David Cooke

plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose

Comment is about Advice to men poets (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Hello Heather - welcome to the gang :)
Thanks for your kind remarks about 'Those Days' - glad you enjoyed it.
Best wishes, Dave

Comment is about Heather (poet profile)

Original item by Heather

You have a very powerful voice and the simplicity of these words is beautiful. I felt that the repetition worked well and it flowed very nicely. Thanks for the read.

Comment is about Those Days... (blog)

Original item by Dave Dunn

I'm horribly oblivious to many things and don't know the man in question but I love the humour and rhythm of this, the words really tumble over each other, building up right until the end. I feel that the line 'My thoughts are less angrier;' is missing a syllable or two.

Comment is about Motion Doesn't Matter! (blog)

An intriguing few lines of verse, I'd love to see more clarity and imagery added to this. A very inviting tone you've got here.

Comment is about Advice to men poets (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

I rather liked this and the choice of picture is excellent, it really brought the poem to life for me. I think you should perhaps write out in words the abbreviations, such as 8 mm and possibly structure it more. It's a little hard to follow in places due to the lack of punctuation and seperate stanzas. You've got a good grasp on words though, I like the references to weight and I find that your first three lines are the strongest.

Comment is about The Stone I Own (blog)

Thank you for reading my poem 'The Berry Bridge'...
So very interesting and perceptive your comments are Cynthia!
You just go on and say whatever you want... : )

Francine x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thank you, Andy, for reading and commenting on my poem
'The Berry Bridge'...
Yes... My inner child comes out to play often ; )

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

You are foul Banksy - but funny, very funny!

Comment is about Victoriana (blog)

Original item by Rachel McGladdery

I think chauv'd means mithered/bothered. Clemt definitely means hungry - my dad used to use it and very occasionally you still hear it round these parts - though much of our dialect will probably die out with all the american tv kids watch - like the correct pronunciation of neither and either.

My dad also used to tell me if I was 'slating'. That means when your underskirt is showing beneath your skirt.Hope you don't mind me poking my nose in - it's a fascinating subject.

Comment is about Rachel McGladdery (poet profile)

Original item by Rachel McGladdery

Hi - my mother-in-law used to come out with all these sayings & I have absolutely no idea what most of them mean - "I'm chauved d'eath" being one - also clemt ?? It wasn't something I grew up with in Bolton, but she was more towards Leigh XX

Comment is about Rachel McGladdery (poet profile)

Original item by Rachel McGladdery

oh no Larisa! when I said keep practising-I also said that way you will get better and better! I don,t think there is a point in any artistes life where they feel they can,t get better-till the skills mature you could say-but put it this way your voice at present is wonderful-but you must keep adding to its quality-must you not? best regards-Stef-xx

Comment is about Please, stay with me! (Russian romance) (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

Thanks Lynn-yes us men always being 'tortured' in one way of another,by you women-we are so badly done to! ha! ta lovey-Stef-xx(Benji-xx)

Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Thanks Cynthia
Bernie

Comment is about Afghanistan 75 (blog)

flows well, quite a good write

Comment is about Off the Hook (blog)

Original item by Steven Kenny

So many good descriptions, it worked for me.

Comment is about Stolen By The Light (blog)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

Enjoyed this, Atilla. I sincerely hope you live till 95 too!

Comment is about Too Much Pressure (blog)

Original item by Attila the Stockbroker

Lovely poem, Larisa, really like this, hope you are well, Love, Lynn xx

Comment is about Don't tell me farewell! (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

Oh you clever girl re Benji,s pikky-but at anytime you need info on similar probs,let me know.And if I can,t help I think there are lots of people on here only too willing to do just that-some very clever postings without doubt!keep well all-Stefan-xx(Benji-xx)

Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Thanks for commenting, Steve, Cynthia & Iz. This started as something else but became an attempt to reflect what are said to be the four fundamental anxiety 'clusters'. A bit ambitious in 41 lines.

The clusters are - Physical Limitation (pain, weakness, death etc); Guilt (shame, regret, conscience etc); Being unloved (not cared for or belonging, loneliness etc); Futility (absence of purpose or meaning).

I'm actually quite happy Cynthia, but am probably a bit round the bend as I find it helpful to take these things head on.

Comment is about Angst (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Thanks for your comment on my latest. I'm not doing a tit for tat on your latest. I had bookmarked it to return and slap a comment on. I like that style of poetry - amongst all of your styles.
Things quite busy at work - end of term madness and all that. x

Comment is about Gus Jonsson (poet profile)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

Have spent a while wondering what to write on this - there is so much in here. Poems don't come much more serious.
As you get older, you can't help but wonder what it's all about. I like the vulnerability in this and the lack of absolutes. I think I would agree with you that love is the key. It would be nice to think that our actions in life count for something - though I can't embrace the heaven and hell options.
If we create love and are loved then at least something survives and is hopefully passed down - twee as that may sound to some.

I find it interesting what you say Cynthia. Some people also seem to turn to religion in later life, looking for direction and meaning. I guess there are swings and roundabouts to everything.

Comment is about Angst (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

You manage to convey so much whilst saying nothing directly. I guess there are many reasons for not wanting a breakfast to finish... The phrase 'cold light of day' sprung to mind as I read this. I like the way you combine dialogue with descriptive narrative so artfully. An enjoyable piece of work. I like your reminiscent poetry - though I would never presume it to be you. x

Comment is about Stolen By The Light (blog)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

I feel like a fish being lured by some 'rare' bait. Even as the hook sinks in, I'm not sorry I bit.

Comment is about Afghanistan 75 (blog)

Really good, Ian. I like your figurative images like: 'Chardonnay haze reflects the bottle green'; 'cooled air kisses .... and swallows'; 'The Sun sets with a smile'. This is very imaginative, and you follow your idea with good diction that evokes emotion. The last line is a scene-stealer, shows real skill.

Comment is about Setting (blog)

Original item by Ian Nenna

This rings heartfelt and honest, and will reach many readers with its universal empathy. Please do not consider me rude, but I have found among many friends that those with a doctrine-oriented upbringing are the most unhappy, filled with self-doubt and even fear, especially as they grow older. I do not understand it.

Comment is about Angst (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

That is a great line, Gus, among many.

How brave am I! In all honesty, I think you are over the top, until your words have become mushy, the 'fineness' of your talent obscured by excess. In response, tear me to pieces, do.

Comment is about Stolen By The Light (blog)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

Don't listen Atilla ... I'm well past the middleage stigma... get younger every day..Red wine an Guinness......and dare I say Manchester United.

Well done great performance!

Gus

Comment is about Too Much Pressure (blog)

Original item by Attila the Stockbroker

'Daylight had entered like a confession' is a great line. I thought you said your creativity is away on holiday?

More!

Comment is about Stolen By The Light (blog)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

Good morning Lynn-hope you and family are ok-any probs with Benji,s pikky-give me a shout-its not too difficult to do-even for a thicko like me!! lol! lotsa love-Stef-xx ps.-regarding the trunks..I just remembered...I can,t swim! lol!

Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Hi Attila

Enjoyed this. Especially the long 'No'

Dave (57)

Comment is about Too Much Pressure (blog)

Original item by Attila the Stockbroker