Very emotive wave of desire đ«đ
Comment is about Infidelity (blog)
Original item by AirlogRigsMaria (Arry)
Thanks for like Naomi. đ
Comment is about Human Race (Shut your face) đ„đ„ (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
His factory is still there, Stuart. We saw it when we visited Krakow.
Comment is about A Poem on Schindler's List (blog)
Original item by Stuart Vanner
Congratulations to Andy! His poems are always perceptive and enjoyable.
Comment is about Andy Porter looks forward to debut pamphlet (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
A grand day out, Greg. I never made it to Whitby, but maybe I will some day.
Comment is about The Esk Valley line (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
A marvellous poem of life and loss, John. Worthy of his memory, I think.
Comment is about Avoiding the dirge (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
A fine achievement, Rolph. The rhyme and rhythm are mesmering, and chime perfectly with the wisdom of the verse.
Comment is about A Quiet Strength (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Sat 12th Apr 2025 22:31
Truly wise words, in a beautifully composed poem, Rolph!đ·
Comment is about A Quiet Strength (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
You poem, in rhyming couplets, is worthy of its subject, Mike. A moving, decent piece.
May he rest in peace.
Comment is about 'Goodnight' (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Dear Rolph,
Your message is deeply appreciated.
It's wonderful to know that the poem resonated with you on such a profound level, and your interpretation of its themes is insightful. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts so eloquently.
Best regards,
Naomi
Comment is about SHATTERED AIR (blog)
Original item by Naomi
I agree with what you say, Steve, and now I read your poem in a better light. It's true that AI gives you nothing new, and it also has no shame either. It's a sobering thought that it creams off content from WOL.
Comment is about Look! Here's Me as an Action Figure! (blog)
Original item by Steve White
Thank you, Graham, for your generous comment. It is much appreciated. I would of course be grateful for any further feedback from your side.
I started writing this after hearing an old BBC recording of 1984 with Patrick Troughton as Winston Smith.
Rolph- thanks as always for your perceptive comment. Yes, it was a reference to Trump's remark in the Oval Office.And Trump seems to be someone who is permanently angry, resentful or out for revenge. Like a rather overheated Big Brother, in fact!
Uilleam- we should be vigilant. No one deserves to disappear. Even Paul Daniels couldn't do it.
And thanks to everyone who liked this poem.
Comment is about Angry Man (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Awesome, inspirational poem, Rolph. Every word lifted me up. Love the rhyming too.
Comment is about A Quiet Strength (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Your poem reminds me of... M...E đ
Comment is about A Fleeting Beauty (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Thanks, Yanma Hidayah. Personal experience inspired me.đ
Comment is about Wisdom (blog)
Original item by AirlogRigsMaria (Arry)
~on âsong to the starsâ - Good day Rolph David! Your review is quite a wonderful work of reflective exposition. I am truly privileged and honoured. And it touches me so much that I am spurred on to read this poem through anotherâs eyes and find adjacent meaning in my mindâs own iteration. Thank you so much đđ»đđ·đ·đ·
Comment is about Rolph David (poet profile)
Original item by Rolph David
Good day Rolph David! This review is a wonderful work of reflective exposition. I am truly privileged and honoured. But it touches me so much I am spurred on to read this poem through anotherâs eyes and find adjacent meaning in my mindâs own iteration. Thank you so much đđ»đđ·đ·đ·
Comment is about song to the stars (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
@RolphDavid, all the words you wrote in that poem are a powerful reminder, and personally, they give me a sense of peace. Thank you @RolphDavid.
Comment is about A Quiet Strength (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
I love your poem, @AirlogRigsMaria, especially the last lines; I can sense that there is strength alive in the words you've used.
Comment is about Wisdom (blog)
Original item by AirlogRigsMaria (Arry)
Dear Rolph,
Thank you so much.
I hope you are taking care of yourself as well.
Warm regards,
Yanma
Comment is about Just That, The Sea is Too Deep... (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Dear Stephen,
Your poem "Angry Man" is a fascinating commentary on the complex interplay between the mundane and the deeply unsettling aspects of life. The shift from the trivial conversation in the canteen about "savoury stuff" to the more haunting reflections on ârepurposed churchesâ and the âcomrades who had disappearedâ draws a powerful contrast. It speaks to the stark reality of a time or place where fear and political tension permeate even the simplest moments, like a lunch break.
The transition to the âoxygen of green leavesâ offers such a vivid sense of escapeâa peaceful moment of reprieve from the chaos. But then, the abrupt return to tension with Angry Man and his dramatic proclamation, âYouâre gambling with World War Three!â serves as a jarring reminder of the looming, unresolved threats in the world.
I do believe your reference in the final line could indeed be a nod to Trumpâs infamous remark to Zelensky, but it also seems to be a broader commentary on how easily such dire pronouncements can come from unexpected places. Itâs a clever, thought-provoking way of showing how the personal and the political often collide, with unsettling consequences.
Thanks for sharing such a layered and impactful piece.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Angry Man (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Good morning Red Brick Keshner,
I love your "Song to the Stars" which is a wonderful blend of playful nostalgia and deeper reflection. I particularly love how you take the familiar rhyme âJack be nimble, Jack be quickâ and give it your own twist, alongside the reference to Humpty Dumpty. The vibrant imagery, like âmidday-born lightâ and âsilken strands of crested corn,â beautifully captures the fleeting nature of life and childhood.
The âclockwork dandelionâ and âforgotten starsâ add a reflective depth to the poem, suggesting the fragility of life and the dreams we may lose along the way. Your poem encourages me to reflect on the beauty of fleeting moments and the things we may overlook as time passes.
Kind regards,
Rolph
Comment is about song to the stars (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Good morning Stuart,
I saw this film back in 1994, which feels like a long time ago now. Given its subject matter, I wouldn't call it a "wonderful" film, though it certainly left a lasting impact. The film presents, very bluntly, the cruelties of the Nazis against Jews and others, showing the brutal reality of the Holocaust without sugarcoating or romanticising it. Itâs a powerful and painful reminder of a dark chapter in history, and though it's not "wonderful" in the traditional sense, its stark portrayal is both important and necessary. Your poem is very successful, as it brings this film back to life through its references.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about A Poem on Schindler's List (blog)
Original item by Stuart Vanner
Dear Naomi,
What I like about "Shattered Air" is its striking reflection on the vulnerability that comes with desire and the pain of giving too much. Your imagery, from "castles of air" to the "withering of my petals," conveys the fragility of hope and the unravelling that inevitably follows. The "bare bones" and "hollow echo" are powerful symbols of the emptiness left when expectations fall short, and trust fades.
Your words beautifully convey the harsh clarity that arises when we realise weâve given more than weâve received. The "cold understanding" you speak of resonates deeply, as it reveals how vulnerability can sometimes lead to emotional depletion.
Thank you for sharing such a raw and reflective piece.
Best regards,
Rolph
Comment is about SHATTERED AIR (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Good morning Tommy,
I really enjoyed your poem "Wandering Expositions." The way you explore the intricacies of poetryâits structure, its struggles, and its strange beautyâis both clever and insightful. I love how you highlight the contrast between the technical aspects of poetry (like verbs, nouns, and meter) and the creativity that drives it. Your use of "wandering expositions" perfectly captures the sense of poetry's journey, always searching for meaning and expression. Itâs a thoughtful reflection on the craft. Great job!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Wandering Expositions (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Dear Yanma,
I love how your poem captures the tension between fear and courage in the face of the unknown. The imagery of the deep sea is powerful, and the way you express the internal struggle between waiting for clarity and taking a leap is so relatable. It's a poignant reflection on both uncertainty and the potential for growth. Well done!
Take care,
regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Just That, The Sea is Too Deep... (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Dear HĂ©lĂšne and Stephen,
Thank you both so much for your kind words about my poem! I'm truly touched by your complimentsâthey mean a lot to me. I'm grateful for your support and for taking the time to share your thoughts.
And thank you to Holden as well for the "like"! Itâs always encouraging to know my work connects with others.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Bitter Cup (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Dear HĂ©lĂšne and Holden,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you both for "liking" my sonnet. It truly means a lot to me to know that the message resonated with you. Your support is always such a great encouragement and motivates me to continue writing and sharing thought-provoking themes.
I always appreciate your thoughts and feedback â thank you for being part of this journey!
Kind regards,
Rolph
Comment is about When They Came... (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thank you, Uilleam, for your thoughtful reply and "like" and for sharing that perspective. I understand that some might view the sonnet form as "old hat," but I see it as a deliberate choice. The traditional structure, with its rigid formality, contrasts sharply with the urgency of the message, which, as you rightly pointed out, remains all too relevant today.
I think the power of the poem lies in its ability to carry a timeless message through a well-worn vessel. Even though the form is classical, the issuesâpersecution, silence, and complicityâare very much alive in our world. As you said, the struggles we face todayâagainst Jews, socialists, union members, and othersâremind us that these themes have not gone away. If anything, the sonnet's structure adds weight to the message, showing how important it is for us to speak out before itâs too late.
Kind regards,
Rolph
Comment is about When They Came... (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Sammi you are more than welcome.
Comment is about The Emptiness of Self-Love (blog)
Original item by KaliNova
Cheers Stephen.
I'm shocked how many creative people are willing to use AI for images, memes etc., sometimes undercutting their own friends who are commercial artists.
The AI doesn't make anything new. It scrapes the internet and amalgamates content, including from here. It's ripping us all off.
Comment is about Look! Here's Me as an Action Figure! (blog)
Original item by Steve White
The last verse is funny and worrying, Steve. Maybe the likes of ChatGTP will one day write everything that can possibly be written! And then there will be no point in thinking. Good poem.
Comment is about Look! Here's Me as an Action Figure! (blog)
Original item by Steve White
A splendid tribute to a remarkable man, Rolph.
Comment is about The Bitter Cup (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Very evocative Greg. Youâve inspired me to go back to the album of our first trip to NYC - 1990. It was a very different place then. I shot two rolls of B/W film - we stayed in Washington Square and explored everwhere on foot - lots of memorable encounters. From the minute we arrived, very unwisely, with our bags on a late evening subway it felt like we were in a Scorsese film - I remember so much about those four days, 35 years ago!
Comment is about Goodbye, America (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Enjoyed this slice of life poem, Trevor!
We are such funny creatures, us humans, as go about our doings and our thinkings.
Comment is about Instructions For Bedtime (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
Thank you Rolph for this remarkable poem.
Comment is about The Bitter Cup (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Fri 11th Apr 2025 12:11
Thank you, Stephen, your kind comment means a lot! đ
Comment is about Trees. (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
Intriguing work Stephen. Iâm minded to think this is the best poem of yours that Iâve read! Iâm still digesting it and may well comment further but it is (imho) a quality piece
Comment is about Angry Man (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
I joined Write Out Loud! Yeah, that's almost five years ago now. It's great to have this website.
Comment is about Write Out Loud looks back ⊠at the early days of lockdown. How did poets cope? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks, Stephen.
Comrades, journalists poets and teachers are currently being "disappeared", having been proscribed as a terrorist threat!
Welcome to the UK.
Comment is about Angry Man (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
There are those who would argue the sonnet is "old hat", Rolph.
I would argue the opposite; that it's very much red in tooth and claw; as you demonstrate here, it's perfectly suited to presenting the horrific subject matter in a clear, immediate and concise manner.
As we speak, in the UK, USA, Germany and elsewhere, they are coming for Jews (those opposed to Genocide and opression in ALL its forms), socialists, the unions, and now, of all people, for the Quakers in the UK.
Comment is about When They Came... (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
A timely nod to the wisdom and longevity of trees and nature, Holden. Thank you.
Comment is about Trees. (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
Thanks Stephen, & Helene (I best let you do the singing! đ)for taking time to comment.
And for all the likes! đ·đ·
Comment is about Song Of Hope (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Sarah pritchard
Thu 10th Apr 2025 20:02
Thank you Greg for the reminder & nod.... poetry will out no matter what seemingly! Praise be, all the pioneer poets & community! đđ§Ąâ€ïžđđđ
Comment is about Write Out Loud looks back ⊠at the early days of lockdown. How did poets cope? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Julian Jordon
Thu 10th Apr 2025 17:14
Seems like a long time ago, yet only yesterday.
Comment is about Write Out Loud looks back ⊠at the early days of lockdown. How did poets cope? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Once again, the springâs in the Victory Gardens,
Once again, the 10th of April to Odessas comes,
The memory of that day hardens
This is a wonderful feeling of freedom without alarm.
About 30 months the occupation of Odessa lasted
The streets and houses of fascists were blasted.
But the nation with a sense of humor no one can kill,
The defense of the city was everyoneâs free will.
In the sea of sunlight is the blue and free sky,
The wings of the seagulls soared skywards,
The glory to Odessa is in the seagulls' cry,
Wind orchestras play celebration chords.
The sunny southern city today looks so pretty
And the faces of the odessites as usual, are so witty.
Their spirit of freedom is light like the sea breeze,
An odessite will never bend the knees.
The second birthday,
The day of celebration,
The day of liberation.
©Larisa Rzhepishevska
Comment is about The Day Of Liberation (blog)
Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska
Inspired to write a little ditty by a post on facebook, limited to ten lines. See the poetry lovers page to submit your entry.
Comment is about The World We Live In (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Tom Doolan
Sun 13th Apr 2025 14:55
A very fragile and emotive reflection. đ·
Comment is about SHATTERED AIR (blog)
Original item by Naomi