Yes Clare this poem is dedicated to you and your poetry! To be a poet you need talent and much dedication: no payment is offered, no vast sales are made, no public recognition occurs. Bad poets make the simple complex, they are wordy, good poets make the complex simple, they are poetic: "Poetry is what in a poem makes you laugh, cry, prickle, be silent, makes your toe nails twinkle, makes you want to do this or that or nothing, makes you know that you are alone in the unknown world, that your bliss and suffering is forever shared and forever all your own." ~Dylan Thomas
Comment is about BLANK SLATE (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
For my part, I encountered John on a number of occasions: at a Puzzle Poets open-mic at Sowerby Bridge in 2013; at the launch of his collection titled Larach in Camden in 2015; at the two-day Poetry at the Parsonage event at Haworth in 2016; as a compere when I was privileged to be guest poet at Sowerby Bridge, also 2016, a day or so later, in fact; and when he was a guest poet at the Write Out Loud poetry slam at Marsden jazz festival in 2019. Sowerby Bridge and Marsden are in neighbouring West Yorkshire valleys. And I am proud to have posted his blogs for Write Out Loud, after Julian Jordon asked him to write for us, and enjoyed working with him on them. I would urge people to follow our link in the above article to those blogs, to read useful tips about winning competitions, reading at open mics, and find out more about the poets he admired.
https://www.writeoutloud.net/news/?tag=The%20Great%20Fogginzo%27s%20Wider%20Web
Comment is about ‘The most beautiful light’: poets say sad goodbye to John Foggin (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Hélène, I really enjoyed this. An earthly expression of great patience.
Comment is about Endurance (blog)
Original item by Hélène
What a great poem Clare! Since my sister had children and I've seen all that she must do for them, it's made me acutely aware of all my mum did for me and renewed my awe and respect for her. Great writing and an important reminder for many.
Comment is about The Matriarch (blog)
Original item by Clare
A lovely poem Keith and I relate very much. It takes a conscious effort to escape the micro-distractions of modern life these days but it's so valuable and needed. If you're lucky enough to be able to do it in beautiful surroundings, then it's even more effective.
Comment is about Solitude & Silence (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
An exquisite poem drenched in sadness but also a worthy eulogy. Tom, you have chosen your words carefully and dealt with the subject matter with real sensitively. A rich combination of the pen and some brush strokes on a canvas which says it all.
Thank you indeed for this. it is a special poem,
Keith
Comment is about Sunsets (blog)
Original item by Tom
Rob, this poem has some very imaginative vocabulary and expressions which sum up where we as a race have reached. It is a sad reflection, a lamentation even an indictment on what many call progress but you have given it a different perspective which is more in tune with reality. A poem which is one of the best I have read for some time. Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about dead inside // alive online (blog)
Original item by Rob Cohen
Thanks Keith,
Badly needed way of life these days.
Comment is about Solitude & Silence (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Keith, I am so pleased to know that I was able to bring back warm memories of your grandma. 😌 Thank you for your kind words.
John, you will never know what your words mean to me. They are precious beyond measure. Thank you so much. 😌
Comment is about The Matriarch (blog)
Original item by Clare
An awesome celebration of womanhood. You know a thing or two, don't you, Clare?
It was her that you called
When you cried in the dark.
You know how to write, my friend. 😎
Comment is about The Matriarch (blog)
Original item by Clare
This is political poetry that is indeed 'polished'! Rhyme and meter is always a good start.
Comment is about The Dishonours List or The Polishing & Flushing of Sundry Richard IIIrds on the 9th of June 2023 (blog)
I have to disagree, Stephen! Your poem is class act, mine a pale imitatation! 😉 Perhaps there's room for both! 😂 Thanks all the same 😎
Thanks too, Nigel and K. Lynn for the likes. 👍
Comment is about The March (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
KNICKERS KNACKERS AND KNOCKERS!
More tea, vicar?
https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/dbb3725aff99c7b264840fadf91f9b9bf500a72f/3_0_3030_1819/master/3030.jpg?width=1920&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=b6999c53dd5d61ac398efceb4548d5bc
Comment is about The Dishonours List or The Polishing & Flushing of Sundry Richard IIIrds on the 9th of June 2023 (blog)
Thank you all for your likes and generous, encouraging and well-considered comments.
THIS CONTRIBUTOR has been fighting for justice no matter what political party was in power - in Britain, and in the rest of the world - in his own small way, for the majority of his life.
He protested against hunger and poverty in the UK and abroad, since the 60's, against the Vietnam war, against T.Bliar's war, and against the current war on UK human rights, on UK poor, and on UK public services, (including cuts to police numbers -for the MANY, not the FEW!)
Comment is about Orate Fratres - Brothers, Let us Not Prey (blog)
Thank you so much, Keith. I appreciate your insight in this matter and value your comment enormously. War is horrible on so many levels and no one knows this better than those who have direct experience.
My thanks also to Nigel, Hugh, Stephen and Your Royal Poetess.
Comment is about Night Sight (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Both taking trains
on separate tracks
tickets to love
a long delay
station called fate
worth waiting for.
Comment is about Changing Carriages at Birmingham New Street (blog)
Original item by Andy N
When love comes calling
keep emotions staying warm
turn up the heat
time to make it work💗
Comment is about 恋は盲目 (love is blind) (blog)
Original item by Your Royal Poetess
A poem succinct but needs few words. A panic attack takes one unawares. My first and only such an event took place in a petrol station as I fumbled to find the right change. I had no breath and could not remember what I was doing. Never again I hope.. Your poem sums up well such a terrifying moment.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about scared (blog)
Original item by Nadia Coia
Clare, this poem is close to my heart as my grandmother can be found in your words. She had a profound effect on my formation as a person, more so than my parents. She was wisdom personified and was the first person I ever loved.
Thank you indeed for this,
Keith
Comment is about The Matriarch (blog)
Original item by Clare
A very accurate portrayal of a sniper.
Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about SNIPER (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
A poem which reminds me of an emotional Helter Skelter but a game lovers play along the way. I enjoyed reading and pondering on this.
Thank you,
Keith
Comment is about 恋は盲目 (love is blind) (blog)
Original item by Your Royal Poetess
I'm extremely flattered John! But your poem is much more sophisticated & far cleverer than mine! Nayce one 😆
Comment is about The March (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
Thank you so much for the comments Keith (yes, I do count myself a lucky man!) M.C. Kevin, John (The dog might have got to them first 😉)& Stephen. Always appreciated 🌈
And thanks for the likes Manish, Grace, Clare, Stella, Hugh & YRP! 🌷🌷
Comment is about The best present (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Thanks, Bethany. What a fab comment. I will always stand to attention when you address me in the future. Eyes front haha
Comment is about The March (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
Much to identify with in these lines. But as an Englishman, I
carry that sense of time-honoured service and connection within me and look forward towards that remaining so until i pop my
clogs and leave my ashes to the soil of the family grave that
waits for me in God's good time.
Comment is about Not my Home anymore (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Stephen,
Thank you for this poem which touches on the subject of death as being perfunctory which is the very nature of warfare. From experience I know that a life is taken in the twinkling of an eye. The soldier then is dead; that's all there is to it. Coldness is in the air and others deal efficiently with the remains. Life is over. Your poem has a good grasp on this.
Thank you,
Keith
Comment is about Night Sight (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
<Deleted User> (35860)
Tue 20th Jun 2023 17:48
Yes indeed John we are all soldiers in the battle of life-and HEY!
what a battle! PHEWIE TIGER!
Stand up straight when I'm commenting!
;0) as the posho's say-
very nayce!
Comment is about The March (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
<Deleted User> (35860)
Tue 20th Jun 2023 17:41
Considering the fact that I read mention your part in defending our beloved shores Keith then how right and justified you are to have written these gut wrenching words
and also taking into consideration all of those Ladies and Gents AND animals who had their lives sacrificed in order to do exactly what you have done-definitely no pun intended but-
I salute you!
Comment is about Not my Home anymore (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Thanks so much, Keith and Manish. Delighted my poem connected with you. I confess to having been inspired by Stephen Atkinson's 'We are Legion,' a terrific poem, well worth a read 😎
Thanks Stella and Emer for the likes 😀
Comment is about The March (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
The UK has changed as have you Keith, I would assume. True there are many things that are worse. The standard of education amongst the young I fear is one of the best examples, relying on Google and computers, all are now experts!!
To me there is no such thing as multiculturalism! We are a country with many different cultures but many do not bind together.
Currently, as you poem suggests there are a lot of imbalances that desperately need sorting out but gone are the days of our childhood, and what would we do with them if they were to return?
As always a very thoughtful piece Keith.
Comment is about Not my Home anymore (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Not excuses - REASONS
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/12/years-tory-cuts-policy-swings-prisons-crisis
"The government’s unwillingness to fund the increases in the prison population that were driven by their obsession with pursuing populist law and order policies also caused problems. Ministers saw no problem with overcrowding to dangerous levels despite advice on the risks, making it necessary for me to refuse outright to comply with their wishes."
Comment is about THE LAW'S OWN WHORE (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Thank you all so much. You really are so lovely. 😌😌😌. To get such wonderful feedback from incredible poets such as yourselves is truly appreciated. 💕
Comment is about Nature Morte. (blog)
Original item by Clare
Tue 20th Jun 2023 14:14
Indeed, we should love freely and yell it out loud, really. I love you too!
-Oizys
Comment is about I Love Myself (Unfortunately) (blog)
Original item by Yasoda
The title flows perfectly through and out of the poem, Clare. A wonderful read.
Comment is about Nature Morte. (blog)
Original item by Clare
We need a protest party. There's plenty to protest about.
Comment is about Orate Fratres - Brothers, Let us Not Prey (blog)
A tour de force,Keith. The infantilisation of our world continues apace.
Comment is about Glued (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
As Keith has mentioned, I've read this several times, too. Very deep, compelling and well written, John B.
Thank you.
Comment is about The March (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
A poem which summarises perfectly those early years of adulthood. I have read this poem several times and endorse every word the poet has written.
Well done John and thank you,
Keith
Comment is about The March (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
Wonderful source of inspiration Rob
Comment is about universal individual (blog)
Original item by Rob Cohen
👍&💗 this poem and very much so Eden
Comment is about Fatherhood of the fallen (blog)
Original item by Eden Louise
Same here Mr Carroll and my pleasure deservedly so
Comment is about Stella Forsythe (poet profile)
Original item by Stella Forsythe
Says so much about so many things, Stephen. Loved it.
Comment is about The best present (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Too many good lines in this (you spendthrift you! 😇)
Verse 4 takes it for me though
Comment is about We Are Legion (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
A fabulous panorama, Stephen depicting your own place within it. An anthem of the working man! I wish Id written this! A triumph, mate 😎
Comment is about We Are Legion (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Pleased to meet you Stella🙂... and thanks for your "like".
Tommy
Comment is about Stella Forsythe (poet profile)
Original item by Stella Forsythe
Lovely, Stephen. I like the way your poem tells the whole truth. A delight.
The postal service round us is rubbish. None of my Father's Day cards have been delivered yet... 😌
Comment is about The best present (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Thank you Stephen. Yes I hope so, too. And ditto for yourself. 👍
Comment is about The Last Dance (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
Clare
Wed 21st Jun 2023 19:27
Wow! You just made me cry! 😯
Comment is about BLANK SLATE (blog)
Original item by John E Marks