Very impressed with the length and steadiness of the note you hold, and the quality of your voice is superb, it's the sharp intake at the beginning of your sentence that I meant .... sounds to me like you're breathing in to the top of your lungs. Practice two things - 1st - look in the mirror and take a big breath in - your shoulders shouldn't rise, fill down and push your abdomen out instead, you'll be able to take more air in and control it better. 2nd - lie on the floor, big breath in (without moving your shoulders), hands on your ribcage and speak a line on one breath - use your hands to help squeeze the air out that little bit further.
Life is fine thanks! Was nice to meet you and see you perform at the Greenroom a coupl of weeks ago.
Take care,
Cx

Comment is about Chris Jam (poet profile)

Original item by Chris Jam

Hello Cynthia, thank you for your kind comments on my poem Blackwater. Deb x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Stephen, sounds like you are creatively very busy. You've got that Ireland-Britain thing going on which produces good art.
LIked these lines from 'A poetess worth words' ...

Dark she was, her smile

White as the wave crest

Breaking on the shore of future’s land,

I see that one of your themes is the current political degeneration of Britain and Western Europe. Have you read any of the nevels of Michel Houllebecq. I think you might like his stuff, though some folk find him upsetting.

I occasionally pop up at the Dead Goods, so maybe see you there. IN the meantime, do try to get to the Bards of New Brighton, the independent (and very well attended) group I run. We meet on the second Monday of every month at the Magazine, pub, New Brighton, CH45 1HP, starting at 8pm. We are frank, fearless and free.

Comment is about stephen smith (poet profile)

Original item by stephen smith

Hi Cynthia. Hulme is near Manchester town centre, just by the Universities.

Comment is about Simon Rennie (poet profile)

Original item by Simon Rennie

Hi Anthony,
If you scroll down on this link to 'News' you can find a couple of recordings of Shafilea's work.
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/video/
Cx

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

White wine for me please - the red gives me gout, so I would agree with you it is dangerous,hehe.

Nice work - best wishes Dave

Comment is about Andy Humphrey (poet profile)

Original item by Andy Humphrey

Journal Heart Attack is quite a cleverly composed piece, I felt the words gripping me within the first few lines........

Good luck with the novel. Dave

Comment is about Marianne Daniels (poet profile)

Original item by Marianne Daniels

Hi Winston - thanks for taking time to read more of my poems :) As you say there is some variety in the style - generally I've allowed the topic to shape the style rather than adopt a particular style or method - except that overall I do have a preference for rhyme.

I'm just an ageing rebel you see and still find it's fun to experiment a little - all those years of rather controlled technical writing left a void :)

Best wishes

Comment is about Winston Plowes (poet profile)

Original item by Winston Plowes

Hi Dave,
Been looking tonight at your recent postings... Very different to the style of "Excess memories" which is such an amazing thing. This may be a good thing for you though! keep writing. Winston

Comment is about Dave Dunn (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Dunn

Thank you for commenting on What's Up Doc - just a bit of light weight fun really.
Joan

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

No, you weren't dreaming. It was The Virgin. I hadn't seen the entry Sex Addiction or whatever, when I posted mine. When I saw the other one cheek to jowl so to speak, I panicked. I didn't want mine to be associated with it even by space, because the Virgin is not a joke. I'll put it back. Thanks.

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

I understand what you are saying Anthony and can see that too much I could become self indulgent. You are right to say that we need to look at fresh subjects and different ways of expressing the same themes - just so long as we don't inhibit people from writing the things they really need to.
It is all a great exaggeration to say that my legs go up to my armpits BTW - but not one that I object to - a bit of imagination and poetic licence never hurts....
Isobel x

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Tee hee - think I've been a paid up member of the 'bitter and twisted club' for a long time - I just put a nice veneer over it. Glad you liked it and thanks for reading.
Isobel x

Comment is about Steve Regan (poet profile)

Original item by Steve Regan

Thanks for your comment Jane - it always feel great to reach out and touch a non poet - then I think we've achieved...
Isobel x

Comment is about jane wilcock (poet profile)

Original item by jane wilcock

Glad to find you're finding the time to look at it - I'm not and it probably needs a surreal makeover - try reading it through the bottom of your glass - it might sound better...

Comment is about Baz (poet profile)

Original item by Baz

Dear Anthony,
Thank you for your comment - I appreciate it! As for Shafilea's poetry, it is in her family's possession!
Stephen Smith

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Hi Dave - thanks so much for commenting on my poem Inner Beast and I appreciate your honesty about how men can both desire and be pushed away by a passionate woman!

I do very much like your first poem on your sample page - the word play here is very captivating and enjoyable to read.

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Merci Andy pour tes remarques sur mon poème 'Elusive'...
C'est un de mes poèmes préférés : )

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Thank you Stephen for your lovely comment on my poem 'Elusive'...
very much appreciated, and it made my day : )

Comment is about stephen smith (poet profile)

Original item by stephen smith

Hi Chris, thanks for your comment on Old Photographs. Lovely to see you up here! Enjoyed reading your work.... have you read this at the Tudor? It seems familiar. If not, I ll expect you to next time we see you!
Cate xx

Comment is about christine yates (poet profile)

Original item by christine yates

Hi Cynthia,
Am I dreaming - or did you post something earlier and then remove it? I loved it and wanted to comment - but when I returned it had disappeared. Please post it again, I think it was a really unusual and insightfully erotic take on a subject more usually explored from a male perspective.
Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Anthony - not sure if you revisit poems to check for subsequent comments but I responded to you there. Just wanted to say that I am fond of you as a fellow poet - would never take serious offence by anything you said cos I can see that like Steve Regan - you just like to stir things up a bit cos you're mischevious. I like to stir things up too sometimes and you can't do a rant without a bit of venom - can you?
Isobel xx

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Thanks for your lovely comments on 'Cramping my Style' Gus and the great advice. I was a bit unsure about whether to include some of the singing parts (particularly the Queen ones) so perhaps didn't sing them with enough gusto. Will try to correct that next time I do it - I do have the lung capacity! LOL
Isobel x

Comment is about Gus Jonsson (poet profile)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

Thanks for your lovely comment Christine - may assault your ears with it at the Tudor next time. If you are free on Saturday, I'm doing a stint on Jefferama's busking for beer tour and Cate is playing guitar. It would be great to see you and your lovely brother there.
Isobel x

Comment is about christine yates (poet profile)

Original item by christine yates

Thanks for taking time to read Dave - glad you liked my rant...
Isobel x

Comment is about Dave Dunn (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Dunn

You were the first person in this arena ever to comment on my poetry. I really appreciated that. It was very encouraging. I couldn't respond then because I didn't know the technicalities of the site. But thank you again. I watch for your participation in the discussions as well. Where is Hulme, exactly?

Comment is about Simon Rennie (poet profile)

Original item by Simon Rennie

Hi, Dave
Regarding our particular 'moon' poems; not cleverer at all ... just different.

Comment is about Dave Morgan (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Morgan

Dave, thanks for understanding that I would say anything only if I like what I'm reading, a lot. Otherwise, why would I bother?

Comment is about Dave Dunn (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Dunn

Thanks once again for your encouragement. It always means so much. My ankle bones are healing well.

Comment is about Gus Jonsson (poet profile)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

Hi Jane, thank you for your kind words, we are lucky to live in such a beautiful place - very inspiring.

Comment is about jane wilcock (poet profile)

Original item by jane wilcock

Hi John
thanks for your lovely message and kind words on thursday.
I thought your performance was great both at Freed up and the ape and apple. I particularly like 'she left her coat behind' it's always the little things that remind you of someone's presence/absence.
Cat :)

Comment is about John Darwin (poet profile)

Original item by John Darwin

Baz
Splendid and coming of age poem at the Tudor last time. Loudest laughs. Super honest poetry and great entertainment. Looking forward to more.

Comment is about Baz (poet profile)

Original item by Baz

Hi Dave, thanks for reading the poem. You're quite right, you've just got to have read Harry Potter to understand it; ask a teenager perhaps! I like Old Texts, really original and thoughtful. Janex

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Hi Dave
thank you very much for taking the time to comment on my recent poems. I really appreciate that. I'm glad you enjoyed them.

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Thanks John.
My confidence has grown of late.
Until a Darren Thomas review that is!

Comment is about Baz (poet profile)

Original item by Baz

Hi Cynthia, thanks for your input - actually, I also like the first ending too! - I still have a copy of the alternate draft and maybe I'll return to it later, or take a completely different route. I can get a little 'bogged down' sometimes and end up completely undecided about which version works best, or at all.
But again - thank-you very much for your insight - it is very helpful.
Cx

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hi Jane - thanks for commenting upon 'Brand New View' - perhaps that's one Orchid that won't fade :)

I rather enjoyed your distinctive style of apple power too

Best wishes

Comment is about jane wilcock (poet profile)

Original item by jane wilcock

Hi Jane. I enjoyed reading your work,especially Apple Power. There is a richness of language and sense of history in your poems that is very enjoyable. Also, from your reference to Winter Hill I'm guessing you are from my neck of the woods (Bolton/Wigan)?

Comment is about jane wilcock (poet profile)

Original item by jane wilcock

Hello Cynthia - thank you for your kind comments on 'Brand New View' - I have removed the offending apostrophes now - good of you to draw my attention to that oversight :)

Best wishes

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hi Barrie,
I checked out the website you mentioned.
Saw your profile too. Very interesting artwork on there and some great poetry by yourself. I'll visit it again soon.
I need to stay away from ''darkness'' though for a while. I try to focus on the angelic and light.

Janet.x

Comment is about Barrie Singleton (poet profile)

Original item by Barrie Singleton

Having just 'sampled you' Stephen, I see we are in accord. Your comment on 'Loss Leader' was the one I wished to provoke. Thanks.
Dear Maggie was, of course, worse than a dead loss.

Comment is about stephen smith (poet profile)

Original item by stephen smith

cheers me dear. prose looks exciting! i havnt the time to read it now, but am looking forward to sitting down with a brew and having a proper peruse...xx

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Hello Anthony. This will be brief as I am clobbered by adversity right now. You clearly have wide talent. Loved the prose style and was getting drawn in, but no time. Thanks for comment on 'Loss Leader'.

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Hi Dave

Thanks for your comments, it's always good to have some constructive criticism. Reading through some of your stuff I like the way that you set the scene. Good stuff ma man!

Answering your question about who inspires me?... I share a house with Mia Darlone! enough said! ha ha

Comment is about Dave Morgan (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Morgan

Hi Thomas, thanks for your comment on Who do you See. Ive just been having a look at some of your work, and had a good chuckle at your Mc Gonagle poem.Ive always loved and quoted "Oh beautiful bridge o`er the Silvery Tay", as how not to do it, but as you have so rightly pointed out, how may poets have come and gone? and this still brings a smile to anyone who reads it...... makes you think!!
Cate xx

Comment is about Tomás Ó Cárthaigh (poet profile)

Original item by Tomás Ó Cárthaigh

Hi Sian,
thanks for your recent comment.
Nice to see you back :-)

Janet.x

Comment is about sian howell (poet profile)

Original item by sian howell

ps. forgot to mention. I liked the cheeky pic you had before but this one is colourful and it makes me wonder if you chose it at random or if you were drawn to it.

Janet.x

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Hi Anthony,
thanks for your comment and feedback on my poem ' The Healer '. I've included a comment below the poem if you'd like to assist further.
I do agree about the first line so your writing experience will be gratefully accepted.

Janet. :-)

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

good Evening Anthony, Ref:Crazy Girl

Thank you so much much for your kind and
encouraging comment, I'm so sorry I have been unable to reply, I have been away for a week or two in Yorkshire. very pleasent and quiet..managed to catch WOL Slam at Hebdon, the town was as quaint and interesting as the poetry.

Once again so many thanks for your most considered interest in my work.
Augusta x

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Hi Dave, thanks for your comment Old Photographs, sometimes simple is best!!
Cate xx

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley