Are you still reading that same paper? Or is it a new one? - in which case - haven't you got another jumper? Are you using a joke hand and doing something else with your right? How's the back? of you - not of the paper. Why do I keep asking all these questions?
Cx

Comment is about The buck stops here (blog)

I think it is clear that what is needed is, not only a list of frequent users, but some kind of league table as to how much being on 'the list' has affected each of our lives. And maybe some kind of statistical breakdown as to whether being included on the list has affected our poetry output? - easy to quantify surely?
But at least we can all rest easy knowing that Darren is no longer tossing in his bed.
Cx

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

Incidentally, my PC crashes around 15 times a day and has to be re-booted will this have any influence on my chart position? I hope not.

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

Do you know what? I've spent the last few months tossing and turning in my bed, rather like a Lancaster Bomber propellor and been left wondering to myself 'just who DOES use the WOL website the most?'
So much so, I'm currently midway through a 'Freedom of Information Act' request form applying for the relevant information to be revealed.
One of the questions on the form is - what are your reasons for wanting this information to be disclosed? And, rather worryingly - what do you hope to achieve by revealing such information? Questions to which - I have no suitable answer...

I get the 'feeling' that some contributors are squirming in a seat of squishy discomfort at seeing their names high on this list. Personally, I would have been surprised if anyone 'uses' this site more than me. However, I then began to ponder over the term 'uses', which itself seems rather vague in the context that it's used...but by then, I'd lost the will to live.

Interesting to see that some members think I 'deserve a medal' while others think that they themself need to go and invest in a life of some description because they appear on 'the list'.

I've been as high up on other less desirable lists. Worst dressed. Most Hated this - Most Hated that. The list is endless. Well, not in this case but you know what I mean?

The trick is not getting to the top - it's STAYING at the top. And why this may appear disappointing or worrying to some, to me - it could simply reflect that I don't watch TV or that I'm always at my PC for various reasons. One of which is WOL.

PS - If the Administrator feels too that I am deserving of a medal - please send it to the usual address for processing enclosing with it - my usual fee.

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

Hi Daniel, Thanks for your coments The Exhibits. If you are like me, its impossible to force poems to come out of your head. I do find that the more I read the more creative spells I get. Beer also helps ! Stick with it, I am sure inspiration will come along. Winston

Comment is about Daniel Hooks (poet profile)

Original item by Daniel Hooks

Well Mr Plowes,
They could login and out many times and climb right to the top of the chart but who would want to do that?
Hey it's a a bit of fun not a competition.

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

so someone could keep loging on and off over a couple of hours each day and be higher on this list than someone who logs in in the morning every day and stays there all day? If it were based on time logged in however someone could log on each morning and look at the site for 5 mins, leave but not log off and be highly rated?
Winston

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

Really enjoyed your poems, lovely slices of nostalgia - I grew up just across the water from you, have lots of relatives in the areas that you've written about, you conjure those scenes so evocatively!

Comment is about Kath Dodd (poet profile)

Original item by Kath Dodd

thanks for your comment Winston my poem Is this madness is kind of a rap poem but not if you know what I mean. I will have to read some more of your work but I enjoyed your lastest blog entry. I am jealous of peoples abiltity to write as I am struggling to write anything coherrent at the moment. But I hopefully will get it together soon!

Comment is about Winston Plowes (poet profile)

Original item by Winston Plowes

Mr Pandolfo, you are, at the moment number 32 on the list

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

theres no Winston Plows
there is a Winston Plowes though :-)

oy! I joined a while ago !!!

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

theres no Pete Cromton
there is a Pete Crompton though :-)

oy! I joined ages ago, years ago!!!

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

what a good looking chap

Comment is about Nat Clare reads at Bolton Xmas Party, December 2008 (photo)

Yes it's based on number of logins.

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

Grief!...walked over by Shoeless!

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

is that uses or logs in , i generally am only here if i am logged in , although sometimes im not here and logged in too , that always confuses me

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

This confirms it really - I need to go and get me one o' them there lives!
Cx

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

So taking a sickie is your bit of good news for Tuesday of the week is it Antonionioni?

Bet if you tied yourself to that statue behind you for a week, your back'd soon straighten out.
Better still, let me tie you to it instead. ha ha.
Interesting poem.
Janet.x

Comment is about Bad back (blog)

I'm not sure whether to be pleased, disappointed or rather worried about being number two on the list. It could be construed as being a bit sad considering i had a rest from the site for a couple of months.
I certainly won't be competing against anyone who would rather take my place.
I suppose i really should brush up on the finer details if i'm to be recognized on here as a poet. Nah! maybe not. I'll just carry on being me. I'm happier that way.
Darren Thomas deserves a medal.

Love and lots of light to everyone on the site.
Janet.xx

Comment is about Top Twenty Users (blog)

I think we should have a whip round on Sunday for the poor bankers and city types.
Welcome to the site Rod - it's about time!
:)

Comment is about Rod Whitworth (poet profile)

Original item by Rod Whitworth

I'm sure your performance version of 'two cats' was different. Either way they are great, I loved hearing it because it was a little leftfield and I love refreshing changes like that. You brought it to life with the reading.(at Hebden, hole in the wall)

always enjoy seeing what you are up to, and as always really appreciating your support, fantastic community here.

Heres to your wood burner and your solitary thoughts. Great to see the work with your daughter too, she will have a good poetic career i'm sure.

May make it to sale, though Laura has a gig straight after.

Comment is about Winston Plowes (poet profile)

Original item by Winston Plowes

hi Antonionioni
This must be the only form of enjoyment to be winkled out of a bad back situation. Liked the Ba...Ba...Ba quick rhythm in the 1st and 3rd lines and the uncoupling spine line. In my youth I was a temporary Sunday paper deliverer, didn't last, killer job. Nice to put a face to the rhymes on Sunday night. Winston

Comment is about Bad back (blog)

Hi there,
Thanks for the comments on 'Confetti' - it's really nice to know someone is reading my scribbles! :-) It wasn't my wedding day btw, it was a fantasy about someone I didn't marry. My actual wedding day was quite different, nerve-wracking - and I wouldn't go through all that again! :-)
Cx

Comment is about Winston Plowes (poet profile)

Original item by Winston Plowes

I keep reading and re-reading your work and never quite get round to leaving a comment. It is definitely and complexly, multi-layered. Like Nabila, I felt I could identify with it, I'm not sure though that I felt a wistful quality - it felt more like a song of despair to me, sad and haunting. But a good read, neverthelss

Thanks for your comments on 'Confetti', all feedback always appreciated.
Cx

Comment is about Ctrl Esc? (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Fantastic piece of work, and well read. Agree with you completely about talking about mental illness - having been involved with it for most of my life - self, daughter, other relatives, friends - everyone a different label - everyone an amazing survivor - I think the whole world is touched by madness and possibly, we're the sane ones. Seen it from the other side too - I used to be a psychiatric nurse at Prestwich Hospital.
With love,
Cx

Comment is about Plastic Sheet (neatly folded for Dee) (blog)

You have such a nice voice, hearing it put me in a trance like sleep mode, that I needed very much.I understand this poem from both sides, been there, worked there.I think the pills can be a problem. Not sure why other people get to label others, or judge. I think most that are in need to be out. Not sure it helps, for most, they just need suport and love and understanding. Sure its hard, for some to give that,but needed. Nice poem, a subject that could be done many times, so many walk around in pain.xx

Comment is about Plastic Sheet (neatly folded for Dee) (blog)

i love the moment captured here . and heard the songs

Comment is about Selkie (blog)

Original item by Deborah Jordan Bailey

It was all too much on the outside
So easy to slide
Into realms where demons hide


yeah tis ,,, , if your heart breaks folks force you to rest it . somehow it doesnt always work like that with your head .
people seem to want to snap it out of itself

Comment is about Plastic Sheet (neatly folded for Dee) (blog)

the poem is about the group as opposed to the individual, I was aware most of the time.

sick of people with silly mental health 'dont talk about it' taboos, its as bad as sex, tut

Comment is about Plastic Sheet (neatly folded for Dee) (blog)

no it relates to that.
I was in for a while.
never ashamed
but proud.

I also lost my ex to similar
hurt like hell
we both disintigrated for a while
made some things stronger

for me, it had to be done.

I'm sorry if this has lifted the silt a bit Gus, perhaps we can have another uber pub chat
loved the chat last time

Comment is about Plastic Sheet (neatly folded for Dee) (blog)

grief pete... I lost my ex to Schizophrenia and this what it felt like on the outside looking in.... if your poem relates to some other sectioned malaise please forgive me ...I just can't get past this transportation.......
hurts..really hurts,,,,,,well crafted
fondest always
Gus

Comment is about Plastic Sheet (neatly folded for Dee) (blog)

Hi Anthony, thanks a lot for the comment, it's much appreciated. I've read your stuff and I'm very impressed with 'The Other Side of Kenneth', I felt a great sense of maturity within it. Good work!

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

I like your writing a lot and it's lovely to read - can really connect with it.

Comment is about Ctrl Esc? (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Hi Mike, Thanks very much for your comments. I've just had a look through some of your work, and I definitely get the sense that you might have the infamous "thousand mile stare" in person. Very detailed work but quite a succinct message. Also "Humans are flowers..." I very much enjoyed, it has a wistful quality that really slows down the train of thought to a more contemplative tempo. Thanks again!

Comment is about Ctrl Esc? (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Brutal, powerful, exhibiting the harsh exterior of life. Truth hurts. Moved by this matt - mike

Comment is about antiflection (blog)

Thank you all for your kind words on my blog. Yes it is a hard and sensitive subject to try and write about. I am pleased you all enjoyed

cheers

Comment is about An artist’s brush away (blog)

Original item by Phil Golding

Hi Antonionioni.
Interesting here that you have used the "y" sound as a focus and rhyme. The abrupt ending threw me a little - but was made up for by Betty in all her glory!
Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about Not yet home, but dry (blog)

Hi Morag.
I'm so glad I took the trouble to go through the POTM's to find this gem. There is so much to admire about this celebration of womanhood. You illustrate very succinctly what, for men, is the attraction of the female of the species, and why we so often fail to see or understand it! An excellent and beautiful poem.
Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about Woman (article)

Deborah, your words express so well our fragile existence. "only a sigh restores my memory of reasons to climb back up this thread". Yes, you have something brilliant in your mind and heart which you are able to share in the form of poetry. Loved 'Selkie'

Comment is about Selkie (blog)

Original item by Deborah Jordan Bailey

Hi Julian.
I'm quite new here and only found this by trawling through the POTM's. I'm so glad I did! It's witty, eloquent, suggestive and such wonderful word-play! Much admired, excellent.
Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about Canal Street (article)

Thanks Janet for your generous comments. I was not feeling at all miserable when I wrote this. I am conscious of all the things I would like to do and this was a reminder to get a move on, but I just love dreaming.

Comment is about Death will come (blog)

Original item by Carol Falaki

Hi Carol,
it's difficult to explain really because i had two completely different sets of imagery as i read your poem. I'll explain both for you.
1. the first image being similar to Kate Bush in Wuthering heights but the scene felt warmer.

2. the second image was of the grey lady of the lake in the tales of King Arthur and excalibur.

Two very different images which i'm still pondering the meaning of. Oh well, that's me and my input.

I do so love your poetry. Always very effective and affective.
Janet.x

Comment is about Death will come (blog)

Original item by Carol Falaki

Hi Anthony,
the first poem made me feel so sad it brought tears to my eyes. Yet it is beautifully written.

The second one 'weather report,' was also quite good and very grey, except for the footprints in the sand of me. Splendid visionary senses.

Enjoyed these very much. Thankyou for sharing them with us.
Janet.xx

Comment is about Two poems for lost love (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Perhaps I didn't phrase that in quite the right way - I meant 'bleak' in a good way! - not a negative. :-)
Have you ever read any Anne Tyler? In 'A Patchwork Planet' she wrote (paraphrasing here!) that every relationship is strained, but after 40 or 50 years - the other sort of becomes the right person. Or something along those lines.
Your poem reminded me of that anyway.
Thanks for your remarks re my 'Attitude'! lol
Cx

Comment is about Two poems for lost love (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

My point is that good and evil (God and the devil if you call them that) are choices we all make here and now, and are always love and fear (in every sentient being). Clarissa shouldn't feel insulted because she seems to be making exactly the same point!

Comment is about Jesus Christ : The Real Man (blog)

Original item by Jon Ridgeway

Hi Tim.
The Swan in Wood Street sounds an OK place to me. How wonderful to be able to mark your "poetic" birthplace. Deserves a placemark on Google Earth. Much enjoyed.
Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about European Capital of wot? (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

Both of these are excellent Anthony, but I particularly liked 'A Hearty Breakfast' - very well written - it did, however, leave me feeling a little bit bleak!
Cx

Comment is about Two poems for lost love (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Hi Gus.
Thanks for taking a peek at "...not the only fruit." It's a very clumsy tongue-twister, but was great fun to construct. I guess writing something with that volume of rhymes is more akin to a crossword than poetry.
I really enjoyed the simple beauty of images in your "Yellow Dress" btw. Or was it beautiful simplicity? Probably both!
Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about Gus Jonsson (poet profile)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

Does this mark the end of an era then Antonionioni?
I think this is apt because it reminds me of where i came in.
Amen!

ps. How about a good news week.
Janet.x

Comment is about Sermon sandwich (blog)