I really appreciate your analysis, Uilleam. Thanks so much! 😀

Comment is about At Water's Edge (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

I love the conclusive lines, Holden. So very true!

Comment is about Indistinct... (blog)

Original item by Holden Moncrieff

John,
This poem brought me to the verge of tears. The bond established with another creature, who despite the difference between us, gives us a new and different perspective on the world in which we both inhabit. Even if there is a gap there is also a deeper connection as we become a part of each other. As you say it makes absurd the notions of race, nationality and religion along with other human prejudices. With my two dogs we stand together. I cherish them beyond words. They are incomparable to to anyone else I know.
A poem which takes our humanity into a different place; one of mutual harmony.
I thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about Drinking where the riverbed is dry (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Spot on, Uilleam. We should use our own rational powers not seek ancient scripture do justify our actions!

Comment is about It Sez So In The Bible! (blog)

This poem had a profound effect on me, John. Relationships are so important, even though deep down we understand their limitations.

Comment is about Drinking where the riverbed is dry (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

'Small smiles' seems to me to be the key to this poem, Hélène, followed by ' parting of the clouds'. So delicate, but so important.

Thanks for this.

Comment is about Sacred Spaces (blog)

Original item by Hélène

Thank you, Graham. I must confess that you have introduced me to the 'Red Wheelbarrow'. Perhaps a writer is not always in control of their poem, which is a good thing as it drifts off into unexplained areas.

And my thanks to Nigel, Clare, Hélène and Stephen A.

Comment is about The Ants (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Well I must be an excellent reader-I've several shelves full of unfinished books!

Comment is about Good Readers (blog)

Original item by Robert C Gaulke

I like the way you juxtapose age with youth, and paint a picture with the minutiae of an anthropomorphised old leaf.

Comment is about At Water's Edge (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

Well done David.
The subject of poetry in translation has always mystified me. How on earth can there be a "faithful/accurate" translation of a poem?

Comment is about David Cooke looks back on poetry stops and starts as he unveils a bumper volume of poems (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Not in full iambic pentameter but that only makes it more fesh and contemporary. Reminds me of this sonnet by Keats, which is maybe my favourite sonnet ever:

After dark vapors have oppress'd our plains
For a long dreary season, comes a day
Born of the gentle South, and clears away
From the sick heavens all unseemly stains.
The anxious month, relieved of its pains,
Takes as a long-lost right the feel of May;
The eyelids with the passing coolness play
Like rose leaves with the drip of Summer rains.
The calmest thoughts came round us; as of leaves
Budding—fruit ripening in stillness—Autumn suns
Smiling at eve upon the quiet sheaves—
Sweet Sappho's cheek—a smiling infant's breath—
The gradual sand that through an hour-glass runs—
A woodland rivulet—a Poet's death.

Comment is about Early Spring Sonnet (blog)

Original item by Andy N

Thanks Keith, means a lot you like it. The capitalisation I need to relook at as I've had a long day and am a little tired but considering that's what my third Sonnet ever, I'm pleased with it.

Comment is about Early Spring Sonnet (blog)

Original item by Andy N

Andy,
This poem was refreshing and hopeful to read. Well rhymed and written in a good descriptive style.
Thanks
Keith

Comment is about Early Spring Sonnet (blog)

Original item by Andy N

Many thanks for your interest, Graham. My main reason for heading out to Cumbria was to visit Julian in his new abode, but I did also want to investigate Norman Nicholson and his locale. I'm interested in the poetry of place, and in poets and places, and of course Nicholson, partly because of his health, was more or less rooted to his place. He wrote about it almost all the time, and very well.

Comment is about An attic room with a view of the railway sidings: on the trail of Norman Nicholson (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you Keith. You are very kind. We each need to resurrect ourselves from the slough of despond we so easily slip into and we need to seek to make the lives of ourselves, and of others, happier and more fulfilled. Easier said than done, I know. Happy Easter.

“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Comment is about Good Friday (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

A poem that defines friendship. Also an important message that sharing things with someone does loosen up your heart. Thank you for this.

Comment is about Sacred Spaces (blog)

Original item by Hélène

As much as the content is fascinating, I'm finding that I am also enjoying seeing you, Greg, discovering this new environment that you have moved to! Can't wait for more travels!!

Comment is about An attic room with a view of the railway sidings: on the trail of Norman Nicholson (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks for reading and for your comments, Steve. Nicholson's poetry is certainly well worth a look.

Comment is about An attic room with a view of the railway sidings: on the trail of Norman Nicholson (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I miss my mom everyday too, Mike. Thanks for putting these feelings into poetry.

Comment is about A Miss Mum Day (blog)

Original item by Mike Bartram

Thank you Stephen! And thanks everyone for the likes. 👩‍❤️‍👩

Comment is about Conversation with the Sky (blog)

Original item by Hélène

I want to live there! A poem that invites the reader to enter a magical realm of poetry & beauty. I love the lines
"here we creep to the window and see the sea
throwing it’s tantrum to the waves."

Comment is about conte de fées [fairy tales] (blog)

Original item by Mirabel

The final lines of this poem define what is required of us. Resistance through integrity and sheer perseverance to the end of our lives.
John, thank you for this fitting tribute to a day which reminds us of how brutal and cruel the world can be.
Thank you
Keith

Comment is about Good Friday (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

thank you for your kind words keith very much appreciated

Comment is about Just a few questions before departure (blog)

Original item by JD Russell

JD., you excel yourself with this magnificent poem. It encapsulates the many thoughts and questions we ponder on should there be a life eternal. Certainty rests in the fact that as particles of energy which we were before and during our earthly life will continue as energy after death. Our identity and memories including our worth will, I believe, depend on the last line of your penultimate stanza. I have really enjoyed reading this poem which is also descriptive and imaginative. When it comes to colour or black and white, I should imagine that would be determined by the BBC. Make sure you are up to date with payments.
Thank you indeed for this
Keith

Comment is about Just a few questions before departure (blog)

Original item by JD Russell

Who'd a thowt that master uv
Thi Inglish spoke on' ritten wurd,
Were 'appen as like as not, it's sed,
A compleat on' utter Brummie Bard!
😊

Comment is about Bard Times (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Two White Vans

People carriers
Passport control
Registration plates unsure.

Bank heist
C.C.T.V footage
Vans not stolen.

Forged banknotes
Laundry money
Police surveillance team.

Fly-tipping
Familar faces
Maximum fine £20,000.

Drug smugglers
Contacts tracked
Undercover raid pending.

Delivery vehicles
Insurance covered
Legal possibility considered.

Comment is about DSC_8879.jpg (photo)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Stuart,
This poem is an invitation for us all to unburden ourselves and to move on. There is no need for us to carry on with unnecessary luggage. For me the poem speaks of the strength of the individual which must rise above all difficulties, in the firm knowledge that we are not alone nor ever have been.
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about Looking back... (blog)

Original item by Stuart Vanner

Intriguing Stephen.
The last four lines reminded me off The Red Wheelbarrow!

Comment is about The Ants (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thank you, John B and Manish. Yes, when I look at it again, this poem doesn't give you all the answers. Not yet, at least.

Your comments are much appreciated.

And thanks to Keith for liking this.

Comment is about The Ants (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Many thanks, Keith.

Comment is about Glory Days (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

This is about a fairy tale house, I still need to edit and work on the ending.

Comment is about conte de fées [fairy tales] (blog)

Original item by Mirabel

Another lovely poem Stephen.

Comment is about The Ants (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Hopeful and soulful, Clare. Lovely poem!

Comment is about Tick With The Tock (blog)

Original item by Clare

I love the poignancy and story telling of this poem. It leaves space for the reader to create scenarios of their own. 😎

Comment is about The Ants (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thanks Ruth. What an utterly brilliant response. I like the idea of you having elocution lessons. You certainly have a beautiful voice, Ruth. 😎 Happy Easter to you and your family, too! 😀

Comment is about At Water's Edge (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

Each picture tells a story and a memory returns. I have spasms of looking at old albums but close the book with few feelings of nostalgia and no remorse, save knowing that it is all behind me where it belongs. The march is forward.
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about Glory Days (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Having read these poems, I feel even more enthusiastic. If we are not moved by verse like this, our world is becoming a very sad place. Poetry like this should change the world. If it does not, the world is at fault.

Bravo to everyone involved!

Comment is about Rallying against the invader: anthology of 100 Russian anti-war poems is launched (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you for this splendid poem, Keith. As I read it, I listen to the Good Friday music from Wagner's Parsifal, which makes us believe that peace can be achieved and mankind redeemed.

A peaceful Easter to you.

Comment is about Every Day is Good Friday (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

An immensely satisfying poem, Hélène. It brings everything into proportion with economy and wit.. Superb.

Comment is about Conversation with the Sky (blog)

Original item by Hélène

Fascinating and well written, Trevor.

Comment is about Bard Times (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

An almost scriptural poem woven with a spiritual thread. A thought full piece of work which I have enjoyed.
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about Song of Good Friday (blog)

Original item by Marnanel Thurman

Lovely to read that you also get lost in the wonder of a leaf at times. I love the bit about fate causing the leaf to loosen it's grip from the tree...and the leaf looking up whilst the poet looks down on it

My mum used to enter elocution contest's as a child therefore introduced me to poetry through the idea that I would 'memorise and recite' a piece ha,ha this one just came to mind

Upon a river
Like a boat
I saw an autumn leaf afloat
A yellow ship
With golden mast
It fluttered once
Then drifted past
There came a green and gauzy fly
Who flew down
As the ship sailed by
On the deck with wings spread wide
He sat and floated
With the tide
Oh wind blow softly (if you blow)
Oh river water gently flow
Please keep the yellow leaf boat dry
And safe for little sailor fly!

A direct download from my 8 yr old self ha ha no idea who wrote this poem😄

Wishing You Gail & the grandchildren a very Happy Easter 🐣 Stay Eggcelent🐰

Comment is about At Water's Edge (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

This reminds me of Marcus Aurelius. Good sound advice for a life well lived.
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about MORE POINTS TO PONDER (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thanks, MC. I’m more familiar with the Etta James and Billie Holiday versions. And thanks for the Like, Contemporary Soul.

Comment is about STORMY DANIELS (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A classic 1933 song with words by Ted Koehler and music by Harold Arlen, introduced by Leo Reisman and his orchestra, with vocal by Arlen; popularized by Ethel Waters, with covers by the Guy Lombardo and Duke Ellington orchestras. The 1943 film "Stormy Weather" featured Lena Horne whose version of this famous standard was the most popular..
Trust the ever reliable JC to come up with his contemporary "take" on the song and its title..

Comment is about STORMY DANIELS (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you for your beautiful sentiments on Hebridean life Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh I really loved it. Thank you for reading my poem.

Comment is about Eilean Leòdhais (blog)

Original item by Mirabel

A beautiful poem. I really like the line, "Take comfort to know

there are other planes of chance."

Comment is about Jamie (blog)

Original item by William B McGee

the soul is it

Comment is about Tick With The Tock (blog)

Original item by Clare

Thank you Stephen for your insightful comment. Your words are very true! Wishing you a beautiful Easter.
Best wishes,
Rasa

Comment is about Covet (blog)

Original item by Rasa Kabaila

The third stanza stands out as it understands the part the soul plays in each and every one of us. The soul is the essence of our being the essential power house of who we are, which will live on into eternity. "Reaching higher and deeper into ourselves". I can really relate to those words.
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about Tick With The Tock (blog)

Original item by Clare