I like this poem, it's a little like The Farmer's Bride by Charlotte Mew ..
Comment is about KICK OF LIFE (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Rolph David - thank you for the validation and very considered remarks. I am attempting to write more from observation and experience of the different worlds people have to live in. Looks like it might be the way forward.
Rob
Comment is about Broken Heart (blog)
Original item by Rob J Mann
Thanks Hélène.
They say, “Love is never having to say sorry”! In my own defence, I have to disagree. Love is having the guts to say sorry when you have to, which for me, is quite often!😊
Comment is about Love Is (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Sat 25th Jan 2025 18:33
Dear Stephen,
Your exploration of escape, displacement, and the search for refuge is grandiose. The way you weave together the different characters and their attempts to outrun their realities creates a powerful reflection on the human condition and the repeated refrain of "somewhere" beautifully captures the inevitability of facing one's existence and the constant search for meaning or escape.
I truly appreciate the insight and depth your poem offers.
Take care,
Rolph
Comment is about Somewhere (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Sat 25th Jan 2025 18:13
Hello Uilleam,
Thank you for your comment and like.
I agree that nowadays it is definitely true that collective action is necessary to combat forces of oppression, whether it be fascism or modern-day societal bullying. Your resolve to take action, much like those who fought against fascism during the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, to protect basic human rights and defend vulnerable individuals in today’s context - despite your age - is applaudable.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Listening For Change (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Sat 25th Jan 2025 18:03
Hi Hélène,
It would simply be wonderful if love were permanent and lasting.
Nice poem,
regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Love Is (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Sat 25th Jan 2025 17:55
Dear Mike Bartram,
Your poem is a visceral and uncompromising expression of rage and disgust, perfectly encapsulating the collective anger felt towards such unimaginable evil. The rawness of your words mirrors the gravity of the crime, and your unfiltered emotions reflect the depth of betrayal society feels when innocence is destroyed by such cruelty.
Your stance that a lifetime of fear and isolation is a fate worse than death resonates strongly in your verse. The imagery of endless loneliness and eternal punishment strikes a chilling chord, making the reader confront both the horror of the crime and the complexities of justice.
While the subject is undoubtedly divisive, your poem captures the intensity of emotion that surrounds cases like this with striking clarity. It’s such an unflinching, powerful piece.
Respectfully,
Rolph
Comment is about Evil Monster (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Well, Rolph: if defending our most basic human rights, and the rights of the most vulnerable in our society against sociopathic bullies, means I have to shout and fight, I'll do it; and if necessary, do a bit of pushing and shoving, despite my age.
The Battle of Cable Street was fought against fascism in the UK not so long ago; united we stand, divided we fall!
Comment is about Listening For Change (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Sat 25th Jan 2025 17:43
Dear Trevor,
What a razor-sharp critique, delivered with masterful precision and biting wit. Its rhythmic wordplay and cascading rhyme scheme amplify the toxic personality you so vividly describe, making every line hit harder.
The relentless flow of traits – mendacity, loquacity, and voracity – paints a suffocating picture of someone whose toxicity consumes and overwhelms. The clever use of language mirrors the very chaos and confusion such a person spreads, drawing the reader into their exhausting world.
This is an incisive and brilliantly constructed portrayal of destructive behaviour, wielding words as powerfully as the person you describe.
Brilliantly done.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Toxicity (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
True patriots really need to unite in defence of those British values, Flyntland. Those freedoms are what we went through two world wars for...aren't they!
Nigella Farridge has got my backing; he sports a very nice line in flat caps, outdoor gear and expensive boots; real men of the people him and his mates.
Hang 'em, flog 'em and shoot 'em I say! Where's the Captain Mannerings of this world when we need 'em eh.
Comment is about KEEPING A COUNTY TRADITION ALIVE (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Sat 25th Jan 2025 17:37
Dear Rob,
Your poem is hauntingly raw and devastating. The image of a woman whose open heart became her undoing is deeply tragic, and the descent from hope to despair is portrayed with unflinching honesty.
The final line, where her broken heart meets its literal end, is both chilling and profoundly moving. It speaks to a lifetime of pain that no one should have to endure.
Thank you for capturing such unbearable sorrow with such stark, unforgettable words.
Take care,
Rolph
Comment is about Broken Heart (blog)
Original item by Rob J Mann
Sat 25th Jan 2025 17:32
Dear Flyntland,
Thank you for your impactful and deeply moving poem, which lays bare a horrifying reality with vivid clarity. Your words expose the cruelty and lack of compassion at the heart of these actions.
That fox hunting still persists in our modern world is a glaring sign of the degeneration of our civilisation. It reflects a disturbing erosion of empathy and respect for life. To treat a living creature as if its existence has no value, to deny its suffering or fear, is a brutal reminder of the darker sides of human behaviour.
Your poem is more than art; it is a powerful stand against this injustice. By giving a voice to the voiceless, you have highlighted a practice that demands urgent scrutiny and change. For this, I am deeply grateful.
With sincere appreciation and the hope that humanity will soon turn away from such cruelty,
have a nice evening,
regards,
Rolph
Comment is about KEEPING A COUNTY TRADITION ALIVE (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Sat 25th Jan 2025 17:19
Hello Naomi, Stephen, Red Brick Keshner & Nigel,
Thank you very much for appreciating my poem with a ‘like’. I am honoured by your recognition.
Have a nice evening,
best regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Tyrant In My Mind (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Sat 25th Jan 2025 17:17
Hello Stephen,
Thanks for your lines and wishes. Yes, this trans-Atlantic douchebag and his clone have actually managed to hijack my mind to the point where I'm barely able to think normal thoughts that don't have to do with these two, three, four cretins. It's all so toxic...the whole world...somehow I have the feeling that humanity, its behaviour is going in a really horrible direction right now...hence today's poem. I want a Trump detox...I want my old sanity back! Now! And Forever!
Have a nice evening,
best regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Tyrant In My Mind (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
I hope you are correct, Hugh...though I would rather, if possible, make Love my God.😇
Comment is about God is love (blog)
Original item by hugh
United we stand, divided, we fall.
Comment is about do not be disheartened. (blog)
Original item by Liam Mayhew
I like your solution to problems, Aisha.
At work, we used to have a little rule: "When in doubt, brew up!"
and if possible, have cake and biscuits on hand🎂😉
Comment is about Why Are You Feeling Blue? (blog)
Original item by Aisha Suleman
All of us, no doubt, have felt the pain of loss of someone close to us, Stephen. But how can we feel 6 million times the pain for 6 million souls. We can never do them justice.
Comment is about ALL ROADS LEAD TO DEATH (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thanks so much to Stephen (Gospage) 🌷 and Uilleam 🌷 who always make it a point to let me know how they’re liking what has been written and shared. Truly humbled 🙏🏻👍🏻🕊
Comment is about an evolving presence (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Thanks RBK; I love the way you put that.
Wisdom arises not from
silent knowing alone,
but from the Symphony of lived experience,
from our stories and scars.
Comment is about an evolving presence (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
There you go, Rick....£1,000,000,000
Have a nice day😊
Comment is about Dedication (blog)
Original item by Rick Varden
So poetic, Eduardo.
Comment is about The Beauty in Despair and Illusion (blog)
Original item by Eduardo
Like the last verse especially Stephen. Sometimes I haven't got a bloody clue where I am!!
Comment is about Somewhere (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Love V1 particularly
Comment is about Fire in the Prison Library (blog)
Original item by Ralph Dartford
Thanks, Sasha; frightening indeed!
About twenty years ago, in our little writing club, the “subject for discussion” raised, concerned the the role of digital technology in the transmission and availability of literature, and of information of all kinds.
I raised the point that in the future, if someone in a position of power or authority, legitimate or not, objected to the content of what we are writing or reading, they would be able to erase us from the digital world at a single stroke.
Nazi-saluting gobs on sticks both in the UK and the US, with immense wealth, have a frightening amount of control over what we read and write; the role of “Client Journalism” and “propaganda” being just one small aspect of that scenario.
I suggest we pay closer attention to the kinds of people we vote for…or the plug may be pulled sooner than we think!
Comment is about Millennials (blog)
Original item by Sasha Logan
Great writing here, RBK. The 'Symphony of lived experience' is particularly good.
Comment is about an evolving presence (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
The last line is frighteningly true, Sasha. Thank you for this.
Comment is about Millennials (blog)
Original item by Sasha Logan
A beautifully written, tender poem, Stephen.
Comment is about Love at an AA meeting. (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
A good, positive conclusion, Rolph. Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Comment is about The Tyrant In My Mind (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
This is the most moving poem I have read about the holocaust. The pain and the tragedy is only heightened by the elegance of your verse. As you say, we have to be constantly reminded of how easy it is for an apparently advanced, cultured society to descend to such unspeakable depravity.
Comment is about ALL ROADS LEAD TO DEATH (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank you, Stephen. Scary times indeed!
Comment is about 2028 (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
I’m really glad you felt that dreamy, mystical vibe - it was definitely what I was going for... And I’m so happy you liked that part! It’s always amazing to hear how certain lines connect with someone. Thanks so much for your kind words!
Comment is about Light/Shadow (blog)
Original item by Eduardo
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. It's always a bit nerve-wracking sharing something more personal, but it's good to know it resonated with you.
Comment is about Roots (blog)
Original item by Eduardo
Thanks for the likes:
Red Brick Keshner
Trevor Alexander
Stephen W Atkinson
Aisha Suleman
Comment is about Haiku for 2025 [No. 6. Auschwitz] (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Many thanks Rolph for your detailed & comprehensive feedback. 🙂
Thank You Stephen A for your kind and perceptive comment. For me writing is cathartic. 🙂
Thanks for likes: Red Brick Keshner, hugh, Marla Joy & Naomi. 👍
Comment is about Walk Beside Me (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
one thing I like about moods is they seem to pass in the same way they appear. Your poetry is very real. Marla
Comment is about Despicable me (blog)
Original item by pallavitryingthings
Indeed, Uilleam. Trade unionists, civic leaders, gypsies, POWs, intellectuals the disabled, homosexuals, Poles et al. But mostly Jews.
And thanks for the Likes, RedBrick and Naomi.
Comment is about ALL ROADS LEAD TO DEATH (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thanks 👍🌷
I successfully negotiated three weeks of non-activity.
I'll be back after that!
Comment is about The first statue of The Darkborn (blog)
Original item by Auracle
The victims of the Holocaust were not all Jews, John.
The othering, demonising, and portraying of certain groups as "less-than-human", were subtle and insidious ways of justifying the horrors of the Holocaust.
Notable Hate-Brewers in the UK are still carrying out that process, with the full support of certain members of the UK government.
Nowt learned!
Comment is about ALL ROADS LEAD TO DEATH (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Fri 24th Jan 2025 14:33
Thank you three, i.e. Red B. Keshner, Hugh, and Steven A., for your like! Very nice of you!
Have a nice weekend,
regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Billionaire's Salute (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
It wasn’t my experience, Uilleam. It was the experience of 6 million Jews.
Comment is about ALL ROADS LEAD TO DEATH (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank you, John for a moving, harrowng account of your experience.
What makes your account, and those like it, even more distressing, is the gut-wrenching realisation, on looking at the current Genocide in Gaza and Palestine (which is being carried out with the complicity of British religious and political leaders), that Britain and her accomplices have learned nothing whatsoever from the Holocaust.
Comment is about ALL ROADS LEAD TO DEATH (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I disagree, Graham. I believe everyone should go there, especially young people who may be forgiven for thinking that their world around them is a given. Look at a “civilised” European country like Yugoslavia. Losing the values we cherish is only a broken spider’s thread away.
On another level, I saw no tourist gawping only a stunned willingness to learn.
Comment is about ALL ROADS LEAD TO DEATH (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Apparently a lot of humans here can relate.
How could I have known?
But thanks for liking my new series.
I'm also more insecure than I would like to admit.
Comment is about Love at an AA meeting. (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
I simply cannot understand why this place and others like it are seen as being suitable tourist destinations.
We can be educated about them via all types of media without trolling around them like erstwhile voyeurs.
This in no way takes anything away from the poetry JC which is very profound indeed.
Comment is about ALL ROADS LEAD TO DEATH (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
New Shoes
Sun 26th Jan 2025 02:52
Powerful piece
Comment is about KICK OF LIFE (blog)
Original item by Naomi