Thank you so much for your kind words, @Flyntland! I'm truly humbled by your appreciation. My poems are indeed a way for me to express the peace and understanding I find within, and if they can offer a glimpse of that, it means the world to me. I believe that sharing what we have, whether it's peace, joy, or love, can bring us closer, even if our paths are different. I'm grateful that you connect with them in your own way.

Comment is about The Most Gracious (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

I love the way your kind and gentle nature shines through in your writing, I do not practice any form of religion, nor want to, but I would love a small share of your inner peace.
Perhaps that is what your poems are all about - sharing what you have.

Comment is about The Most Gracious (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

Thankyou, Stephen.

Comment is about A SONG OF PATRIOTIC PREJUDICE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you so much to Auacle - Holden and Yanma your likes are very encouraging and i am grateful for them.

Comment is about A SPORTING ENCOUNTER (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Link to Green grow the rushes-o

https://youtu.be/cjht2xQripM?list=RDcjht2xQripM

Comment is about Taking the Mic (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Thanks, Rolph.
Humour's a funny thing😐couched as it is, in all sorts of cultural references and life experiences.
I'm a Lancashire lad, and love the Scousers' take on life, but we also share many things in common with the Yorkshiremen across them thar hills!
In my twenties, I had a Geordie work colleague, who was ex-forces; he was as mad as a hatter, but we got on like a house on fire!

Comment is about Taking the Mic (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Play 'em at their own game, Tom.😊

Comment is about Ignore Me (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Hi Uilleam,
I really enjoyed your "pseudo"-limerick "Taking the Mic"—it’s such a playful and intriguing piece! As someone who isn’t a native English speaker and doesn’t have that strong familiarity with British culture, I found myself both amused and curious as I tried to uncover all the layers of meaning in your words.
The title, "Taking the Mic," struck me as a clever pun. I realised it might play on "taking the mickey", too. If that’s what you were going for, it’s a wonderfully subtle nod to British humour.
I also loved the line about nothing rhyming with "Beano." While I initially thought of it as a bit of random fun, I learned that "The Beano" is a classic British comic, and I now see how that adds a nostalgic or cultural twist to the humour. Plus, if "Beano" as a slang term for a party was part of your wordplay, it adds even more depth.
Finally, the ending with "Green grow the rushes-o" was such a surprising yet delightful touch. Though I’m not familiar with this folk song, I can sense its communal and traditional vibe, which feels like a contrast to the modern Yeti microphone. It’s a charming blend of the old and the new, which I really appreciate now that I’ve thought about it more.
I’ll admit, some of these layers didn’t fully click at first because of my cultural background, but that made your piece even more fascinating to unpack. Thank you for the humour and creativity—it’s a fun ride, even for someone like me who’s still learning about British quirks and idioms!
Best,
Rolph

Comment is about Taking the Mic (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

....or, for the sake of the literati who take their poetry seriously:

".....the rushes grow green-o"😐?

Comment is about Taking the Mic (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Thank you Auracle. I appreciate it.

Comment is about THE TORCH OF TIME (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Thanks Uilleam!

Comment is about THE TORCH OF TIME (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Thanks for your likes and comments:
Rolph
Stephen Gospage
Naomi

Comment is about Limerick for 2025 [No.3. Don't Mention the War!] (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

This is meaningful poetry with value.

It's hard for YouTube to get me there.

Thanks.

Comment is about THE TORCH OF TIME (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Thank you, John C😃

Comment is about Betty and the Yeti - featuring Matt Abbott and Ian McMillan - in The Beano (photo)

Does this post count as satyr; or is it someone acting the goat?

Comment is about Betty and the Yeti - featuring Matt Abbott and Ian McMillan - in The Beano (photo)

I'm recording with my Yeti,
nothing rhymes with Beano,
but sing along with me and Betty,
'Green grow the rushes-o'.
😁😁😁

Comment is about Betty and the Yeti - featuring Matt Abbott and Ian McMillan - in The Beano (photo)

Rolph, your picture of Trump portrays him as puppet-master.

I fear that image may be far from accurate, and that there are actually many, out-of-sight, out-of-mind puppeteers who are controlling the strings.
I also fear that the much-vaunted so-called "ceasefire" may merely be a cynical and short-lived ploy in his and others' battle for power for its own sake.......I hope I'm wrong.

Comment is about Puppets of Greed (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Some of the best poetry I’ve read on this site. More please.

Comment is about Betty and the Yeti - featuring Matt Abbott and Ian McMillan - in The Beano (photo)

Thanks, Naomi.
Your last two stanzas are beautiful.
💐

Comment is about THE TORCH OF TIME (blog)

Original item by Naomi

“Squirming a bit” is spot on Stephen.
I’ve often said that the best comedy / satire is that which, however far-fetched it appears, holds a grain of truth, which mirrors real life; in which I can recognise myself, and say ‘yep, that’s me, that grumpy old git, that selfish sod! ‘One foot in the grave’, and ‘Fawlty Towers’ being great examples.
And, in the context of politics, we should remember that many totalitarians and those of a fascist turn of mind, have professed a liking for poetry and the arts, but only that which serves their agendas!

Comment is about Limerick for 2025 [No.3. Don't Mention the War!] (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

I admire this poem, Rolph, and I like its optimistic ending, although I remain worried. Something savage and brutal seems to have captured the Republican Party, with horrible prospect of J D Vance in 2028.
But we have to stay positive, I agree.

Comment is about Puppets of Greed (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

I still squirm a bit when I see that Fawlty Towers episode, Uilleam, but of course that's the reaction which was intended. We must be allowed to satirise bigotry, otherwise......

Thanks for this.

Comment is about Limerick for 2025 [No.3. Don't Mention the War!] (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Thanks, John. Good satire is funny and a bit uncomfortable, and this qualifies on both counts.

Comment is about A SONG OF PATRIOTIC PREJUDICE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you for your kind comments and suggestions, Graham, Flyntland, Uilleam and Rolph, and to everyone who liked this poem.
We now see a subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) pushback against climate change measures, but of course the problems remain and get worse every year. It is depressing to see denial of reality, particularly since the technology which exists to solve many of our problems (electric vehicles, wind turbines) has become hi-jacked by culture wars.

Thanks once again.

Comment is about Climate Emergency! (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Oooo no, Reg. We should never let gullibility be forgotten.
And thanks for the Likes, Red Brick, Naomi and Aisha.

Comment is about A SONG OF PATRIOTIC PREJUDICE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks, Rolph.
"In God we trust, and our God is money."

Comment is about Puppets of Greed (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Thanks Rolph.
My original inspiration was an episode of Fawlty Towers, titled "The Germans", (who were guests) in which Basil Fawlty goes off on an hysterically funny rant about Hitler.
He'd warned one of the staff to not mention the war; but due to his (guilt inspired?) paranoia it all went downhill from there!
I ended up making a segue to the Tom and Jerry cartoon characters.

Comment is about Limerick for 2025 [No.3. Don't Mention the War!] (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

I am not sure if 'like' is the right word but I agree with everything that you are clearly saying.
I do like your optimism at the end of your poem, but it hasn't dispelled this sense of dread that haunts my thoughts. I can't forget the ruthless way that Trump insisted that prisoners on death row should be killed with no mercy shown, and he was proud of it.

Comment is about Puppets of Greed (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Dear Uilleam,

I’ve been reflecting on your limerick, and I think it’s more than just a lighthearted jab/jibe at the Germans. The "Jerry" reference cleverly ties to the Germans, making the limerick a subtle allusion to World War II.
The image of Jerry "farting in Tom’s face" trivialises the origins of the war, as if to say it all began with something small and silly but escalated into catastrophe. The line about Sauerkraut not being floral further emphasises the harshness and bitterness of the war—no beauty, just a sharp, pungent reality.
It’s a playful yet poignant way of reflecting on history, poking fun at the irony of conflict while still confronting its serious consequences. What’s your take on this?

Comment is about Limerick for 2025 [No.3. Don't Mention the War!] (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Might I venture that it was bitterness that got us in the current pit of mire, Reggies.

Comment is about A SONG OF PATRIOTIC PREJUDICE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Move on John before you get eaten up with bitterness.

Comment is about A SONG OF PATRIOTIC PREJUDICE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

“Lumps everyone together” - that’s the point, Rolph. “It’s knowing they’re foreign which makes them so mad”. (F&S).

Comment is about A SONG OF PATRIOTIC PREJUDICE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you so much Marla Joy

Comment is about "The Loop of Flight" (blog)

Original item by Sakshi Jain

AH! Now I get it, Perhaps your "Senior figure" and my well-bred 'lady' are close acquaintances.

Comment is about A SPORTING ENCOUNTER (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Your poem is also very reminiscent of Adolf Hoffmann's ‘Jeder Schuss ein Russ’, jeder Stoß ein Franzos‘, jeder Tritt ein Britt’, jeder Klaps ein Japs’, which were once sold as propaganda postcards. It is very derogatory towards individual nations and although I am an advocate of black, even pitch-black humour, I have to say that I find this form of humour very borderline, as it lumps everyone together, as if one bad person or only a few people make up the entire character of a nation.

Comment is about A SONG OF PATRIOTIC PREJUDICE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

There are two lines in this poem that have given me an idea for a new piece of work and for that I thank you. Good work!

Comment is about Silent Night (blog)

Original item by Eduardo

Yeah, and there are times that it turns out hilarious like in this case- @Uilleam 🌷😁😄

Comment is about bicnic py the sea (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

Whatever bloats your float😊

Comment is about bicnic py the sea (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

Flyntland, your description of “a well-bred 'lady' rider” says it all: arrogance and entitlement hiding behind a façade of respectability: round our way, anyone else indulging in such behaviour would earn their correct titles: “low-life thugs”.

My previous comment referred to a senior figure, recently accused of bias in favour of hunting, who himself commissioned, a so-called “Review”, which surprise, surprise, found that there was 'no evidence' of collusion with hunt groups….well, there wouldn’t be, would there!

Comment is about A SPORTING ENCOUNTER (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

This is such a beautiful, calm, gentle poem.

I have picked my favourite phrases but the reality is I love every single word of it.

"Where solitude becomes company
and silence is profound"

"Expecting no more than the silence
that returns us to ourselves"

It is beautifully written both hypnotic and ethereal, thank you for it.

Comment is about Silent Night (blog)

Original item by Eduardo

RBK - Holden - Auracle Thankyou for reading, I am very grateful for my flowers.

Comment is about A SPORTING ENCOUNTER (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Thank you Rolph for your detailed comment,
You use the word "Primal" which sums up what I 'saw' when I was writing the poem but I would also like to add 'sinister'.
In my minds eye the hunt ended with the hunter slipping away into the night,
However, again, in my mind's eye, the victim need not be an animal; it could just as easily be a nameless haunting fear. " Primal" and "sinister" suit both versions.
This poem is one that arrived unbidden and was put down on paper with little effort.
Thank you for your encouragement I appreciate it.

Comment is about A SPORTING ENCOUNTER (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Marla Thank you so much for your comment - feedback is so important.

Comment is about A SPORTING ENCOUNTER (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Uilleam Thank you for your like and comment.
I follow the Hunt Sabs on Facebook, so I can tell you that the tide is beginning to turn. The Sabs are now equipped with vehicles, video cameras and drones with cameras. The evidence that they can gather is now indisputable and is handed over to the police who have been very helpful but do not have time themselves to follow the hunt for hours.
One video was particularly offensive when a well-bred 'lady' rider was heard shouting for the Huntsman to "use your whip - these people are so ignorant" I think that says it all.

Comment is about A SPORTING ENCOUNTER (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Thank you so much @Sourajit for your kind and insightful feedback! I'm truly moved that the imagery and themes of the poem resonated with you. The metaphor of the train holds a special place in my heart, symbolizing the bonds that shape us and the inevitable journey of change. Knowing that the exploration of fear, loss, and connection feels relatable makes the act of writing even more fulfilling. Your words inspire me, thank you for that!

Comment is about The Link (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging words! I'm deeply touched that the poem resonated with you in such a meaningful way. Aging is often seen as a challenge, but I wanted to highlight it as a source of strength and wisdom, and I'm glad that message came through. Your interpretation of the themes of memory, identity, and connection truly honors the intention behind the poem. I deeply appreciate your support, Thank you @Sourajit Nandi

Comment is about The Old Man Reciting His Title (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

Thank you Marla.

Comment is about BEYOND THE DOOR (blog)

Original item by Naomi

I agree Graham. Obsessions are consuming and often leads to irrational thinking.It’s unfortunate when they become overwhelming, and often it’s only after a difficult experience that we realize how they’ve affected us.

Comment is about BEYOND THE DOOR (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Hi Sourajit,

Thanks for your feedback. I'm pleased you liked the poem.

Comment is about ISOLATION (blog)

Original item by john short

I feel encouraged and inspired.

Comment is about "The Loop of Flight" (blog)

Original item by Sakshi Jain