Lovely picture of the village cricketer as a microcosm for all of us “losers” in life for whom “0, n.o.” Is a good result. Reminded me of “Second from Last in the Sack Race”. (Never read it mindst).
Comment is about Villanelle for a village cricketer (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
A welcome poem of outrage and resistance, Chris. It hits some uncomfortable spots, as is all the more admirable for that.
Comment is about Resistant News (blog)
Original item by Chris Armstrong
Cleverly written and with an honest, direct opinion, Keith. I liked this very much.
Comment is about Trenches and Toasts (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
A lovely, tragic piece, John. Strangely, I was thinking about this case the other day, after hearing a joke where a lottery winner was asked what he would do about all the begging letters.
'I'll keep sending them,' he replied.
Comment is about "SPEND! SPEND! SPEND!" (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
A poem of great aspirations.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Recognition (blog)
Original item by Stuart Vanner
Excellently written piece conveying a sad reality 🌈
Comment is about In the Midst of Dying (blog)
Original item by Katherine Page
Yes, I thought the same as Graham. Reeled in again. Turns out to be much worse: forced into the Gallowgate end to watch the mags! Can't think of anything worse 😉😚FTM
Comment is about DEEP THROAT (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank God! I thought Linda Lovelace was going to make an appearance in this one!! Fooled us again JC!
Comment is about DEEP THROAT (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thankyou for the Likes, Stephen, Uilleam and Philip.
Comment is about DEEP THROAT (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thankyou, Graham. Although I would argue some of my finest pieces of literature are I’ll-considered.
And thanks for the Like, Redbrick.
Comment is about "SPEND! SPEND! SPEND!" (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
This powerfully written poem resonates with me, Katherine.
The helplessness in a vigil detatched from everyday life.👍💗
Comment is about In the Midst of Dying (blog)
Original item by Katherine Page
Such a sad and meaningful poem.
Comment is about MY MOTHER - a re-post for Mothering Sunday. (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Nicely recorded JC. I remember her well and she does indeed serve as the 'example of how not to do it' and the recent stories from the national lottery echo the same tune! Well done John, I like reading your more considered pieces.
Comment is about "SPEND! SPEND! SPEND!" (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thanks for your likes
Ruth
Stephen G
Stephen A
Holden
and
Your Royal Poetess.
Comment is about Forgetful Flu (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
Katherine,
This poem captures the deep sadness as we sit with a dear one whose life ebbs away. It is written from the heart and so sensitively recorded. The reader is taken into that room for the final stages of life and left there wondering about his or her mortality.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about In the Midst of Dying (blog)
Original item by Katherine Page
Thank you John, Julie, Stephen, & Holden for the comments. Yes, you've gotta laugh or you'll cry! Lol.
And thanks for all the likes!🌈
Comment is about I'm Me! Can't you see? (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Oblivion Adam? Nah Nah Nah.
I'm famous for fifteen minutes inside my head; that's enough for me.😊
Comment is about Mood Of A Season (blog)
Original item by Adam Whitworth
Tears aren't a sign of weakness Mike; they show you're human, with feelings.
Comment is about Mother's Day 19/3/23 (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
So simple and so beautiful, Hélène.
Comment is about A Walk & A Prayer (blog)
Original item by Hélène
I have sometimes jumped out of bed to scribble down a line or two, Adam. Perhaps it is a fear of oblivion. Really enjoyed this poem.
Comment is about Mood Of A Season (blog)
Original item by Adam Whitworth
Well, I walked down the country park this morning; just under 3 miles at a fast pace; great being out in the fresh air, and the hawthorn blossom just showing. Now I know how unfit I am-ouch!
Cleared my head though😊
Comment is about A Walk & A Prayer (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Thank you Stephen. I always welcome comments, especially from yourself. I'm glad the narrative portrayed reached you.
Comment is about Sun Shines All Around You. (The nurture of nature) (blog)
Original item by Phils Words
Strong emotions in this piece, and I understand that folk need somewhere to go to remember their loved ones. My place to go is inside my head.
Comment is about Mother's Day 19/3/23 (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
A moving poem, Philip, beautifully read. I really admire the work that went into this, the rhythm and the rhyme.
Comment is about Sun Shines All Around You. (The nurture of nature) (blog)
Original item by Phils Words
Thanks for this, Greg I remember it from your book but this tragic case made me angry when I read it again, which shows what a good poem it is.
I am sure that inspections are necessary, but in so many walks of life, the 'process' seems to be built on confrontation and box-ticking, leading to public humiliation and horrendous incidents like this.
Comment is about Song of the Ofsted Inspectors (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks very much, Greg and Uilleam.
Greg - I agree that there is more warmth in Steptoe and that it was truly great comedy. The Hancock character was built on self-delusion and fantasy and the shows are often very bleak. It is the comedy of despair.
This was one of a pair of one-off recordings, with Hancock and Sid James brought back together one last time. I understand that the performance was hard going, as Hancock was drinking and often fluffed his lines. However, with the magic of editing, it sounds very good.
There is a real sense of Hancock representing a generation wallowing in wildly exaggerated war memories and of lost hopes and dreams. (Still strikes a chord, as you say). Reality, when it hits home, can be a terrible thing.
Uilleam - Yes, I think Galton and Simpson's genius was that they were able to make tragic nostalgia so funny.
And my thanks to Nigel, Philip, Hugh, Manish and Rudyard for liking this.
Comment is about The Reunion Party (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thanks for your comments, Keith and Uilleam, and for the Likes, Philip, Neil, Manish and Shamala.
Comment is about Song of the Ofsted Inspectors (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Nicely written Tommy. Relatable I'd say. Took me back to my school days. I hated Trigonometry and always felt like leaving the room.
Comment is about Trigonometry (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Sun 19th Mar 2023 03:37
A wonderful poem, Stephen, beautifully truthful, and comfortingly humorous! 😊
Comment is about I'm Me! Can't you see? (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
On this popular Sunday radio show John and Ruth take you on a poetry road once you are on you never want to get off - - - 😀
Comment is about InCollage_20230311_013847506.png (photo)
Original item by Ruth O'Reilly
Something wicked this way grows are the sounds of poetry heard on Ruth's ALL FM Radio show.😉
Comment is about IMG_20230305_170833226_MFNR.jpg (photo)
Original item by Ruth O'Reilly
Thanks Ruth
A Mother's Day card left a few words spoken keeps precious love connected with sharing my feelings of affection for my Mum.
💖
Comment is about Forgetful Flu (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
Thank you for the comments gentlemen.
Comment is about Bohemian bride (blog)
Original item by Mirabel
Beautifully written and wonderfully performed for our Mother's day radio show -It's John's 📻 star for Allfm birthday tomorrow folks!
Comment is about The Flat (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
Top marks Nigel 👌One thing that your mother will never let you forget is just how much she continues to love you even from beyond that thin veil of existence
Comment is about Forgetful Flu (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
An interesting and challenging poem. I often wonder how we managed before hospital trusts, ofsteds and the thought police. It is all change for the sake of change. What are the end results of all these upheavals....more chaos and no improvement. I agree with Uilleam when he says that there is no respect for people who have responded to a vocation and in so doing make sacrifices to do a job they believe in.
Good poem Greg.
Thanks
Keith
Comment is about Song of the Ofsted Inspectors (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks guys for the positive words.
Hi Laura, haven't seen you around at open mics in Liverpool recently. I usually go Liver Bards first Tuesday of each month. It's 7.30 for an eight o' clock start (at Ma Boyle's) More info on the FB page or contact Ali Harwood for a slot.
The poem began as a doodle and then kinda fell into place.
Comment is about TINDERBOX (blog)
Original item by john short
Sat 18th Mar 2023 10:00
Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
I recently read somewhere someone say.. the Enlightenment was not about light at all. And should have been called The Endarkenment..
While the Dark Ages were not dark at all, but shining with all kinds of Light...
Comment is about The Celtic sea / (blog)
Original item by Mirabel
A tragic case, Greg.
A teacher is following not just a job, but a vocation, acting "in loco parentis"; a truly privileged calling, for which the government appears to hold no respect.
Death by bullying box-tickers.
Comment is about Song of the Ofsted Inspectors (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Sat 18th Mar 2023 09:48
'Beauty has its proportions and meets us where we will it'
It met me here...
Alknost new to me.. I found this though..
...the Alkonost and the Gamayun are mythological creatures with the body of a bird and the head of a beautiful woman. They derive from Slavic and Old Russian folklore, and are described as mythical beings that have the ability to mesmerize humans with their enchanting voices.
seems to fit... thank you...
Comment is about The Celtic sea / (blog)
Original item by Mirabel
I've re-posted this poem after reading of this appalling case https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/mar/17/headteacher-killed-herself-after-news-of-low-ofsted-rating-family-says?CMP=share_btn_tw
My wife is a former primary school head, and regularly came back with stories about how fellow heads were browbeaten, bullied and left demoralised by Ofsted. I wrote this in response to her stories. It's included in my 'Marples Must Go!' collection.
Comment is about Song of the Ofsted Inspectors (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Than you John.
...an aquarium of coke cans.
A sad scene becoming increasingly familiar.
Comment is about TINDERBOX (blog)
Original item by john short
Thank you Stephen, and to all for the likes.
I have a complex web of memories related to Irish language and culture from my school and church days.
Comment is about Scríobh Amach Os Ard É!-Write It Out Loud! (blog)
One of my bosses was a stutterer.
He was a cracking bloke, a good listener, who had our respect.
Comment is about STUTTERER (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thank you for the joyful dance, Laura.
Comment is about in the dance (blog)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Stephen Gospage
Tue 21st Mar 2023 08:20
An inspired libretto, Adam. I would love to hear a performance of this with the music.
Comment is about Words for 'Thaxted' (blog)
Original item by Adam Whitworth