I love the conclusion to this, Hélène. Yes, the line between love and hate is thin, but most of the time we come down on the right side.
Comment is about Altar of Our Suffering (blog)
Original item by Hélène
And my thanks to Aisha, John B, John Gilbert, Purplemoon and K Lynn for liking this one.
This poem has given rise to a lot of interesting comments, for which I thank Keith, John C, Stephen A, Manish, Kevin, Adam and KJ.
I'm sorry if anyone found it worrying or suddenly feels unintentionally sadistic. I confess that I once whacked mosquitos with a rolled-up newspaper when on holiday near Ostend. And I wasn't that young. So there's no hope for me, I guess. (Also have zapped wasps out of self-defence).
I have always been fascinated by how ordinary, peaceful people become killers in a war. I remember a policeman telling me that there was a fine line between becoming a police officer and a criminal. Perhaps war is the ultimate 'circumstance' which forces people to face this repressed side of themselves. But otherwise I'm sure most of us change for the better and stay on the right side, as Adam says.
Thanks again to everyone.
Comment is about Circumstances (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Spiders.. I scoop up and put them out of the window.
Bees and wasps..I open the window and direct them towards it.
But chafer grubs or leather jackets (lawn wrecking vermin) I'm sorry to say I destroy on sight.
Comment is about Circumstances (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thanks Keith,
I'm always happy to hear from you. And it gives me happieness to know that you relate to my poem.
On days where spring seems so far away, may I ask what you do to reel it all back in?
Thank you
Jason
Comment is about Consumed (blog)
Original item by Jason Phillips
Love this, although I am tempted to remove all the full length mirrors before it’s too late.
Comment is about I'm Me! Can't you see? (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
I like the analogy. Good poem. For me the day started with a lazy spring morning which has persisted throughout the day.
Thanks for this
Keith
Comment is about Consumed (blog)
Original item by Jason Phillips
There is a delicious irony to this.
One of the great platforms of Brexit was the control of our borders. Brexiteers obsessed about the unregulated flow of Eu migrants into the country.
Brexit entailed the UK withdrawing from the Dublin Agreement whereby illegal migrants into the UK could be returned to the country of their first entry into an EU country.
Well, we can’t now.
Oh, what have ye done?
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
A treasure of a poem and thank you for the spoken word.
Keith
Comment is about Dear Rufus (blog)
Original item by Lee Campbell
Oh dear. UoC bangs on about "hatemongers in the Tory Party"
& "Tory slime". Funny how this sort of thing seems to escape
notice as stirring up hatred among certain mindsets yet is thought acceptable in critical use that would cause outrage
elsewhere. Shades of "Tory Scum" heard from that mistress of
intelligent comment who Starmer chose as his deputy leader!
JC - when and where does one cease seeking "refuge"? I'm reminded of the credo attributed to the press. "Don't let the
facts get in the way of a good story".
If I were Gary Lineker and co. I'd be wondering how absence
added half a million viewers to Match of the Day....and I'd be
more circumspect in future on that basis alone!! .
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Well said
Thanks
Keith
Comment is about Illegal Refugees Bill = The Bill that IS Illegal (blog)
The word “migrants”, it’s been said, has no future in rhyme!
How about “tyrants”, those who thrive on all that Tory slime?
Johnson’s eight hundred thousand for that BBC job,
Says they’ll keep quiet on London’s Russian oligarch mob.
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Very good poem, thanks Stephen, it may be a frightening thought that people can change drastically but I'm pretty sure they more often change for the better.
Using myself as an example, I was once introduced by a friend to the joys of destroying flies using a pinged elastic band. His mum would be aghast at the scene of carnage outside her kitchen door but we were just improving our skills in a battle against the aliens. I suggest it wasn't a display of our evil character revelling in death, but the ordinary stupidity of childhood. To back up this claim I'll admit to focussing the suns rays with a magnifying glass onto a spot on my own hand just to see how long I could take it. Again stupidity not evil and I'm pleased to say I don't do these things any more. I claim to have changed for the better and I think most people do, but we could all use some extra encouragement. 😏
Comment is about Circumstances (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
I agree with every word of this life giving poem. I am a regular bungy jumper and it really does fill the lungs and rids the body of many toxic elements.
Thanks for this.
Keith
Comment is about Avoid an unhealthy hell and look after your body well. (blog)
Original item by hugh
Thanks John.
I've walked along canal towpaths, and past "important" buildings, and I've often been conscious of the precisely accurate sometimes very artistic work done by craftsmen and women, many of whom would have been survivors the Somme and such horrors.
Blood sweat and tears seems to have been the lot of many in that day, and continues to be so in this day in many different ways.
As for drugs in particular?
For some decades now, I've been of the opinion that those conducting the so-called "War on Drugs" (usually for ideological reasons) are on a hiding to nothing, causing more sociological problems than they solve, encouraging criminals to go "underground" causing crime amongst an increasingly younger section of our hopeless youth, to say nothing of the harm done to our judicial system, and to society at large by corruption amongst police officers.
On the expert advice of scientists and of medical experts, we need to legislate to legally control and make available certain drugs, whilst ignoring the irrational rantings of religious and political ideologues.
Sorry to go on, but I see the harm caused in my home town every single day; a tragedy unfolding before our very eyes.
Comment is about Northern Morning (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Alcohol, the most commonly consumed drug (and some say the most dangerous in terms of social harms) is a sin?
Must have a word with my Parish priest-no more wine at Holy Commiunion for me!
😉
Comment is about Avoid an unhealthy hell and look after your body well. (blog)
Original item by hugh
Thanks for those comments, MC, Steve, and Ray. Really glad you liked it.
Comment is about Black gold (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
John,
How the depressed and miserable feel so alienated as to seek some amelioration for their plight. It would seem from your poem and in the present day that so many souls still seek to escape the dilemma of their trapped existence. This sadly this is commonplace as |I have witnessed youths in multi storied car parks using what they call a bong, a large glass bottomed jar from which they each smoke an intoxicating substance. They live or exist on the fringes of society. The very thought that veterans of the Somme should suffer should rejection appalls me.. Many wrongs need to be righted, but how do we break this traumatic cycle?
A poem from the heart of those who were desperate and their off springs who remain so today.
Thank you for this stark reminder.
Keith
Comment is about Northern Morning (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Perhaps, very few people walk in a different lane and think different, or choose to be kind above all.
Comment is about Circumstances (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thanks Ruth, for having me on your show, three times now. I really appreciate how much of your time and enthusiasm you invest in your guests. Top presenter! 😀
Comment is about InCollage_20230311_013847506.png (photo)
Original item by Ruth O'Reilly
A real classic Greg , layers of feelings here and all genuine and natural shall we say that reflects the man? - yes lets. There's a directness and a humour to add the twist in the history.
Ray
Comment is about Black gold (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I do like to swat flies with my battery powered bat zapper thingy (not sure thats the proper name for it) it's like a slightly sadistic game of tennis. So, maybe I'm already half there, Stephen.
You've got me worried... Therapy required?
Comment is about Circumstances (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
I love them both too, Kevin & that's no woke...I mean joke. Thanks 🌈
Comment is about Love in a paper bag (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Seven Ages of Man meets Solomon Grundy.
That bloody mirror!
Comment is about I'm Me! Can't you see? (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Curiosity, MC. That’s why viewing figures were up. And I’d have thought anyone seeking refuge was a refugee.
Normal service will be resumed. All’s Well That Ends Well.
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Stephen,
An interesting poem which makes one wonder to what extent we could go. Are we a pendulum which swings between good and evil, between creativity and destruction? I also try to avoid unnecessary killing of insects but where does this come from?
A thought provoking poem
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Circumstances (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
The procession of time, Keith. Very enjoyable, thoughtful poem.
Comment is about Framed (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Intriguing to note the report that the pundit-pap free Match of the Day on Saturday achieved half a million more viewers than
its previous edition with Lineker et al in place. As for two
points in your lines, JC. You moan about not recognising the
players when there are repeated shots of their successes
and their names are emblazoned across the back of their shirts
in close-ups so that even old dodderers like me can see them.
In conclusion, you fall into the trap (presumably for emotive
purposes) of using the word "refugees". Really? Refugees
from big beautiful France, home of La Belle Epoque? Refugees
from the doughty Dutch and the ever-flexible Belgians? Do
me a lemon! But I'll concede that "migrants" has no future in
rhyme! Cheers though for keeping the subject balanced in
other ways in your own inimitable style..
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Rick,
This is one of your best.
Thank you
Keith
Comment is about Money (blog)
Original item by Rick Varden
A poem unlike any other I have read for a long time. It is quite overwhelming with imagery and speaks from the soul. I enjoyed this and thank you.
Keith
Comment is about Bohemian bride (blog)
Original item by Mirabel
Keith,
deep inside you there is a poet and a writer. He lies partially dormant but I believe one day you will be resurrected with all your talents in full flood. Don't give in.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about I wish (blog)
Original item by Keith Byrne
"Connected to all manner of machines, as i am, with beepers and chimes".
Beautifully written Mike. It brought me back the tragic memory of my accident. It took me a day to process things due to partial amnesia after collision. I could relate with the bird metaphorically and also with the version of human connected to machine.
Thanks for this Mike.
Comment is about Window Seat (blog)
Original item by Mike McPeek
I really wish and pray that you find your light Keith. A poem that we could all relate with at some point of life. Especially, when a loved one turns into a passerby. Thank you for this.
Comment is about I wish (blog)
Original item by Keith Byrne
Hahaha! JC I suppose you’re right. There’s always a few dandelions amongst the roses
Comment is about COSTUME DRAMA (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Thank you Holden & Stephen for taking time to comment. Much appreciated as always 🌈
Comment is about Tears In The Rain (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Tuned in to ALL FM yesterday with you chatting to Ruth all about both your book and looking back at your life since coming out and how sharing your poetry on W.O.L has helped you so much.
Great show John loved all your poems read out.🎓
Comment is about John Botterill remembers Malton's A64 in new volume of poetry (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thankyou, Uilleam. There is much to agree with here.
My own take is a bit more nuanced about the BBC. It has aroused criticism from both the Left and Right for being biased against them. That is healthy; it meant they were where they should be. But more recently the ties to the Conservatives appear more insidious.
Also I wonder why Lineker’s comments on Qatar’s record of human rights went unnoted by the Beeb but comments concerning our own government are heresy.
HOT PRESS: HE’S BACK.
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Well said, sung and played John.
I'm not a football supporter so I have no axe to grind in that respect.
The lies about him continue to be spouted-he was in fact speaking not in works time, but in his own time, and on his own platform.
The Tory run BBC is kow-towing to the hatemongers in theTory party.
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
It might be a little confusing but the rich words spill off the page! Well done Mirabel!
Comment is about Bohemian bride (blog)
Original item by Mirabel
A beautiful flower, Graham? Who are you kidding?
The odd thing about these costumes, Ray, is not just how they look but how they ache when you wear them.
Comment is about COSTUME DRAMA (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Quite, Stephen. You thought it was about Gary Lineker when it was really all about Me, Me, Me.
And thanks for the Like, John.
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
We are all but once beautiful flowers waiting to keel over in the vase! I find myself looking (in a proper manner) at young beautiful people and silently thinking 'if only you knew how lovely you are'.
Birth and death are separated by a mere blink of one's eye!
A good thinking write once more Ray. Bravo
Comment is about COSTUME DRAMA (blog)
Original item by ray pool
It is certainly true that dictators depend on adoring sycophants, Keith, and usually on well paid police and private army. But, as you say, they often sow the seeds of their own destruction, sometimes at the hands of these same people.
Thanks for this.
Comment is about The Perennial Jackboot (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Such sincerity in this, Greg. You can be moved by it and be thoroughly entertained at the same time. I was both.
Comment is about Black gold (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Uncomfortably good, Ray. My brother recently expressed concern that he had bought an 'old man's zipper jacket'. Mind you, yoof is high on bulges in the obese west now, and their clothes can really cause alarm. One less notch on the belt, I reckon......
Comment is about COSTUME DRAMA (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Well done, John. Nice touch at the end. I have the feeling that Gary is too popular and good at what he does to be sidelined.
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Au contraire, mon repos. I have a feeling that Lineker’s stock will rise immeasurably after this.
Comment is about MATCH OF THE DAY - CANCELLED (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Captured in these lines - a man who knew the wonderrful irony
of nature -
that waste makes haste in the ceaseless cycle of renewal. .
Comment is about Black gold (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Shakespeare and Yeats also had something to say about age
and its downside. But I rather enjoy being either invisible or
viewed with a certain polite detachment that sees smiles of
encouragement, with doors being held open and folk stepping aside for me and my two trusty walking sticks.
Comment is about COSTUME DRAMA (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Stephen Gospage
Tue 14th Mar 2023 21:56
An enchanting journey through the thing we call life, Stephen. Not quite there yet, though.....
Comment is about I'm Me! Can't you see? (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson