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Candice Reineke

Sun 24th Oct 2021 02:34

? Let me know if he keeps your agreement, Jennifer! ?

Comment is about The Stalker (blog)

Original item by Jennifer Malden

<Deleted User> (30611)

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 22:43

John you may have been confusing Mary Millington

Comment is about IMAGINE MY SURPRISE! (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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clyde McCulley

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 18:12

Thank Jennifer, I appreciate that it did.

Comment is about was the old woman a ghost too? (blog)

Original item by Clyde McCulley

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jennifer Malden

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 17:37

Alas! My London is definitely not there anymore, but some remoter places have changed very little, visibly anyway. Probably our parents and grandparents would have said the same, although the social changes in their lifetimes perhaps were not so pronounced. A lot said in six lines-
Jennifer

Comment is about GONE (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

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jennifer Malden

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 17:33

Liked this, brings on a shiver!

Jennifer

Comment is about was the old woman a ghost too? (blog)

Original item by Clyde McCulley

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jennifer Malden

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 17:32

Hope you told her so? My lot just gobble, without any words! Why did you dig the hole in the yard if she's such a good cook? Jenniferrrrrrr.

Comment is about Boiling Water (blog)

Original item by d.knape

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jennifer Malden

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 17:29

Nice parrot story - my father was phoned by a nice, but very conventional old spinster, who asked him for assistance. He discovered she had bought a parrot, whom she had taught to say all the usual, Hello, How are you? etc etc., but it had started to swear like a trooper, and she couldn't understand why. Neither could my father, as her visitors were all eminently respectable. He discovered, however, that she put it out at the end of the garden on sunny days. On inspection, he saw there was a golf course over the hedge, and a huge bunker!!!!!!!!!! He then suggested she put it out in the front garden!

Comment is about d.knape (poet profile)

Original item by d.knape

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jennifer Malden

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 17:25

Think it is incredibly cruel to keep a bird, often large on a perch. Parrots are usually sociable birds in nature. Not surprised it remains speechless! Nice poem
Jennifer

Comment is about Speechless (blog)

Original item by d.knape

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jennifer Malden

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 17:23

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Can you be sure I'm not?

Jennifer

Comment is about d.knape (poet profile)

Original item by d.knape

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John Marks

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 12:15

Ta Pete. ?

Comment is about The ruins of Nineveh (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

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julie callaghan

Sat 23rd Oct 2021 08:49

This was written a month ago but for personal reasons I wasn’t posting at the time.

Comment is about Rainbow Sunset (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

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Stephen Gospage

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 21:55

East Cheam's changed a bit since I was there!

Comment is about Vera the vampire ,a hungry girl ! (blog)

Original item by hugh

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Pete (edbreathe)

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 19:01

That’s a huge poem

Comment is about The ruins of Nineveh (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

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raypool

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 16:24

Thanks Jennifer, it's all in the bag now! I was pleasantly surprised by the attention this got. I should have been in advertising. I prefer plain crisps, but do tend to dip them!

Ray

Comment is about CRISPS - THE FALLOUT (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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raypool

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 16:22

Thanks for throwing that extra light on the poem Jennifer. All true, and we weren't so precious then! I remember one film called the House on Haunted Hill, which involved a system of wires over the auditorium onto which a luminous skeleton was jerkily released in an attempt to shock on its puppet journey to the back of the cinema. Cobbles are so scarce now aren't they.

Mark, I regret I'm not familiar with any of those venues, but I worked for the BBC and often visited their recording sites, the Palace near Charing X and the Camden where the Goon Show was recorded, among others. Fantastic variety in all things then. The bombing raids of course were mainly centred on industrial areas, but many doodlebugs hit random targets, nevertheless there were many centres that were decimated. Often the cinemas and theatres went through post war incarnations, becoming carpet warehouses for example.

Ray

Comment is about REEL STREETS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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raypool

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 16:12

Your like is appreciated Jennifer, thanks.

Graham, that was a little touch that I found amusing. He did have a penchant at mirror conducting in later life. He actually became a teacher, and retired at 50, lucky sod. I agree there is a very distant feeling in the poem.

Stephen, we can all respond in our own way to the vagaries of time; I have been an archivist for all my predecessors old photos.

Ray

Comment is about PRIDE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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raypool

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 16:08

Thanks all you likers ! Stephen, Stephen, Branwell, Holden, Stephanie and Pete.

Glad you enjoyed this Graham. It is one I post once a year to coincide and "reflect" on the occasion. You have picked that verse, which I did fret about myself. Thank you.

Ray

Comment is about HUNTER'S MOON (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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keith jeffries

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 16:00

A challenging poem particularly for those of us who have crossed the threshold to become pensioners. I have spent most of my life pursuing a regime of regular activity and some adherence to a sensible diet, forever conscious of what may lie ahead in the twilight years. Then last year I was struck down by the need for open heart surgery to replace my aorta valve. This had a profound physical and mental affect. I agree with your words on line three but also feel that as time is running out I might as well allow myself some over indulgence when it comes to wine and pipe tobacco. Line two I agree with as it can be the cause of some anxiety. A brief poem for some serious meditation as we make our way toward the ultimate destination.

Thank you for this

Keith

Comment is about SICK (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

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Pete (edbreathe)

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 13:45

Yep , might do another one purely on keys ?I’ve got hundreds !!

Comment is about PLAs-sTiCK (blog)

Original item by Edbreathe

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John F Keane

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 12:09

Covered by AM

Comment is about g251a.jpg (photo)

Original item by Stockport WoL

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Greg Freeman

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 09:56

Well, something is needed to change British society, that's for sure. I wonder if this is it. Went to a writers's group last night, sitting fairly close together, no one wearing masks. Felt uneasy ... due for my booster jab in a week's time.

Comment is about MMXX (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

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Tim Ellis

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 09:48

Thanks MC and Greg. The poem, like the one I posted onWednesday, is from 2020. I wrote it at the height of the first lockdown so it may have passed its “use by” date now. It’s adapted from Larkin’s poem MCMXIV (1914) which was about how WW1 changed British society forever. I think the covid pandemic will have a similar historical impact on society. Some changes will be for the better, others for worse.

Comment is about MMXX (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

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Stephen Gospage

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 08:57

Yes, really good. I can also relate to what you describe, Pete. You never know when you might need things and then 'if only' pops into your mind.

Comment is about PLAs-sTiCK (blog)

Original item by Edbreathe

Asophie Maga

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 08:48

Nice article...you can also check <a href="https://selectiondc.com/secondary-school-abridged-curriculum-for-uganda/">Secondary School Abridged Curriculum </a>

Comment is about Grade 6 OIB class of 2018 Lycee Jules Verne (poet profile)

Original item by Grade 6 OIB class of 2018 Lycee Jules Verne

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Stephen Gospage

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 08:46

Thanks to Stephen and Bramwell for the likes.

Comment is about Messiah (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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kJ Walker

Fri 22nd Oct 2021 08:16

I can relate to this.
I have stuff in my drawers that have been there for so long that I can't remember what they are, but I daren't throw them for fear I'll need them at some point.
I also have keys which don't seem to fit any lock.
Nicely written, I enjoyed that one.

Comment is about PLAs-sTiCK (blog)

Original item by Edbreathe

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Graham Sherwood

Thu 21st Oct 2021 22:37

Some brave expressions in this piece, hysterically nonreactive, hyperbolically mundane, deafeningly monotone for example. You always manage to convey your message frankly. I want to say securely insecure but it sounds like an insult.

Comment is about Undetectable (blog)

Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis

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Graham Sherwood

Thu 21st Oct 2021 22:28

This is a departure from your usual style Alexandra. Such a clever juxtaposition in brevity. A heavyweight punch! Bravo.

Comment is about See Her (blog)

Original item by Alexandra K. Parapadakis

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Graham Sherwood

Thu 21st Oct 2021 21:15

This is a wonderfully evocative piece Ray ( I think one of your best). The last verse is standout stuff, it sings.

Comment is about HUNTER'S MOON (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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Stephen Gospage

Thu 21st Oct 2021 18:09

When we holiday in a warm country, the first lizard always makes you feel at home.

Comment is about Lizard (blog)

Original item by d.knape

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Stephen Gospage

Thu 21st Oct 2021 18:03

A difficult and testing period for you all, Julie. Wishing you all the best.

Comment is about A Month Of Mixed Emotions (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

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Stephen Gospage

Thu 21st Oct 2021 17:59

A lovely poem, Ray. It encapsulates the passing of time. When my dad was getting very old, I found a photograph of him as a little boy, sitting on a wall with his brothers and sisters. It made a great impression.

Comment is about PRIDE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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M.C. Newberry

Thu 21st Oct 2021 17:59

The recording venue: "All Saints, Tooting" will be found on many
classical CDs. My own personal visits include St. James in Piccadilly, St. Johns in Waterloo, not too far from the main station entrance,.and (just before Covid arrived) St. Barnabas in W.5. -
the "home" of the excellent pro-am Ealing Symphony Orchestra.
It's something of a miracle that so many survived the onslaught of WW2 Nazi bombing. Ditto the cinemas from those days.
Bringing to mind a play on words that have an apt connection:
For what we have inherited, may the Lord make us truly grateful!

Comment is about REEL STREETS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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Stephen Gospage

Thu 21st Oct 2021 17:42

Thanks to Holden, KJ, Keith and MC for the nice comments. I couldn't resist the Handel pun, I'm afraid.

This poem was prompted by a certain managerial resignation announced yesterday, so basics may be in short supply, I fear, MC, back or Bach!

Thanks again to everyone.

Comment is about Messiah (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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jennifer Malden

Thu 21st Oct 2021 17:02

Have to confess have a passion for them too, but try to resist! Agree about the dog alert, also for salted peanuts, very bad for them! Prefer the classic, just salted ones. From the interest you sparked seems that few can resist them. Nice one.

Jennifer

Comment is about CRISPS - THE FALLOUT (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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jennifer Malden

Thu 21st Oct 2021 16:57

Really enjoyed this one! So evocative, and loved the icecream smear note. People definitely aged more quickly in those days I think. We weren't so conscious of diet and keeping reasonably fit. The cinemas were more comfortable though, you could have a snack at the cafè, and the usherettes' trays were full of high calorie goodies. The greasy shine of cobbles in rain and the washinglines bring it all back too.

Jennifer

Comment is about REEL STREETS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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Graham Sherwood

Thu 21st Oct 2021 16:54

Did he go into ballet Ray? Or perhaps life drawing?
a wonderful snapshot of 1936, before the bad stuff started to happen! I hope he was smiling.

Comment is about PRIDE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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raypool

Thu 21st Oct 2021 16:09

Hi Mark. You make a very good point about accoustics, the sensitivity to unamplified instruments and voices is a major benefit, a good example would be the Kings College Cambridge choir in situ. There can be problems with amplified sounds often though, as I discovered in the Natural History Museum. Thanks for raising the point!

Ray

Comment is about REEL STREETS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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M.C. Newberry

Thu 21st Oct 2021 15:12

Perhaps we should think of these strange times as our modern
version of The Great Depression and remember that bad times
never last. The only constant in life is change!

Comment is about MMXX (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

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M.C. Newberry

Thu 21st Oct 2021 14:59

I had my flu jab at my very efficient local pharmacy. Is it beyond
governmental organisation to extend this excellent widespread
high street service to include the provision of booster covid jabs.,
not least when pharmacies have been under threat of cut-backs and have found it necessary to canvas their customers for
support to keep them in existence? After all, a jab is a jab is a jab
etc. Hardly rocket science!

Comment is about Booster jab delays !! (blog)

Original item by hugh

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M.C. Newberry

Thu 21st Oct 2021 14:52

Perhaps a good reason to get Bach to basics in the great English
game!

Comment is about Messiah (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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Greg Freeman

Thu 21st Oct 2021 13:39

I hear what you're saying, Tim. But come on, cheer up ... the government is planning a festival of creativity next year!
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/oct/21/ten-projects-chosen-for-unboxed-creativity-in-the-uk-festival

Comment is about MMXX (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

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Tim Ellis

Thu 21st Oct 2021 13:31

We just have to be patient. The NHS is stretched to the limit I’m afraid.

Comment is about Booster jab delays !! (blog)

Original item by hugh

d.knape

Thu 21st Oct 2021 12:59

You lost the R on the end of your name. (jeinif
hope you find it soon.
?

Comment is about Jennifer Malden (poet profile)

Original item by Jennifer Malden

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Tim Ellis

Thu 21st Oct 2021 10:37

Thanks MC and Stephen. The poem is an allegory on the Covid crisis in the UK which I wrote a year ago after a weekend hillwalking in the Lake District. Several poetry competition judges this year failed to spot that it’s allegorical so I thought I’d make it public now, especially since we seem to be in exactly the same position we were a year ago: cases on the rise again and the government just ignoring it and refusing to take the necessary action to prevent a third peak this winter (or is is 4th or 5th? I’m losing count!)

Comment is about The second peak (blog)

Original item by Tim Ellis

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keith jeffries

Thu 21st Oct 2021 09:50

Well written. I agree with Kevin.
Thanks

Keith

Comment is about Messiah (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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kJ Walker

Thu 21st Oct 2021 07:45

Nice pun in last line

Comment is about Messiah (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

d.knape

Thu 21st Oct 2021 04:27

Thanks for reading "First Sign".
This is the first sign of life from YOU.
but it's something.
At least you are alive
and not a Zombie.
?

Comment is about Jennifer Malden (poet profile)

Original item by Jennifer Malden

d.knape

Thu 21st Oct 2021 04:24

Sounds like you have been through a lot.
A parking lot.
At the hospital and the doctor's office.

will await your next post or pest
but remember
if you want to leave a comment, you must log in.
It says so,
therefore it is!

Comment is about Jennifer Malden (poet profile)

Original item by Jennifer Malden

Holden Moncrieff

Thu 21st Oct 2021 00:48

Thank you for the comments, Nigel and Stephen, much appreciated! ?

Comment is about Dilemma (blog)

Original item by Holden Moncrieff

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