Hey Rolph,
Thank you very much for your most generous comments on my recent musings, it means a lot to me. The fact that you took your time to read and drop such meaningful inputs just meant so much more. I’m enjoying reading your write-ups very much as well. Cheers!😊

Comment is about Rolph David (poet profile)

Original item by Rolph David

Dear Flyntland,
The lines of your poem are deeply moving and powerful. The way you capture the innocence of childhood shattered by war is both haunting and touching. The repeated imagery of "small frightened faces" alongside "Iron and Rust" creates a chilling sense of vulnerability that stays with the reader. I was especially struck by the sensory details—like the "sharp smell of anger" and "cries of the wounded"—which immerse you in the terror these children experience. The question, "Where is their childhood?" echoes throughout, a reminder of the innocence lost to violence. Your words truly convey the heartbreaking reality of children caught in the devastation of war, and I admire how you bring attention to their pain and loss with such raw emotion. Unfortunately, this is again part of everyday life for many children in this world. Stupid mankind!
Take care,
kind regards,
Rolph

Comment is about A LAMENT FOR CHILDHOOD (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Tom,
For me, your poem paints a vivid picture of a mind in turmoil, searching for meaning and struggling with both personal and global issues. The repeated refrain "Out of my mind" shows a feeling of disorientation, as though you’re caught between the desire for answers and the overwhelming weight of life’s challenges. There’s an honesty in your words that speaks to the struggle of finding peace in a world that feels uncontrollable.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Out Of My Mind (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Aisha,
There’s a sense of calm wisdom in the way you approach life’s challenges. The idea that every experience offers a lesson—whether pleasant or difficult—encourages a mindset of growth and resilience. Your words about not letting hard times weigh you down and instead moving forward with an open heart are refreshing. The image of wearing your favourite shirt and taking a moment to breathe offers a simple yet powerful reminder to prioritise self-care. The metaphor of flying with your "gorgeous wings" suggests an inspiring sense of freedom and strength that comes from embracing life's journey. I really like it.
Cheerio,
Rolph

Comment is about Every Experience Is A Lesson (blog)

Original item by Aisha Suleman

Stephen,
The way you describe the experience of signing up for war, filled with initial enthusiasm and a lack of understanding, effectively highlights the gap between expectation and reality. The shift from the excitement of enlistment to the harshness of combat is striking, especially in the lines about the violence and the abandonment felt by those who serve. The reflections on the aftermath, the survivors left to ponder the fate of those lost, add a poignant layer to the narrative. Your poem offers a powerful perspective on the personal toll of war, capturing both the immediate and long-term emotional impacts. Great work!
Cheers,
Rolph

Comment is about Dotted Line (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Many thanks to: Nigel Astell, Red Brick Keshner, hugh, Stephen Gospage, K. Lynn, Manish and TOM MERTON for your kind appreciation via a “like”.

Comment is about Ode to Trump Derangement Syndrome (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Red brick Hugh Stephen and Holden. Thank you for the likes

Flyntland I am glad you like the perspective I do try to achieve that but don't always achieve it

Thanks Marla I am glad you found it relatable it can be difficult at times to write a piece that is understood in such a way

Ray I take you point with this piece. I guess I was trying to look at the innocence of youth which I still believe exists for many today but is so easily missed by the apparently more newsworthy messed up lives. Also my wife says I am a romantic and a dreamer which I am happy to own

Comment is about Breaking the ice (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ehxW9MKRH0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUbLUxoBYQY

Comment is about Crimes against mysanity (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

Jokey but with a large dose of realism. Most blokes will identify with this. Good one John.

Comment is about OUR GERT KNOWS BEST (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Gert and I have a lot in common, I would love to hear more from/about her, she is the fount of all knowledge (with me as second best)

One thing I need to know John - does Gert like expensive chocolate?

Helene you and I will share our friendship with Gert.

Comment is about OUR GERT KNOWS BEST (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Raised a Catholic, I love this poem! Sweet and endearing. Now that I am an old lady (I call myself a "spiritual explorer," no more dogma for me), many a time I still use that wonderful refrain "Jesus, Mary, Joseph." I really enjoyed this poem, Nicholas.

Comment is about Once I found a silver sixpence (blog)

Original item by Nicholas

I laughed all the way through this poem, John. Long live Gert! She's my kind of gal.

Comment is about OUR GERT KNOWS BEST (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

This is Miss O Gyny's cousin here. The ending is stupid John. But you can leave the last 2 lines in, imho (young generation text-talk for "in my humble opinion"), because your poetry makes me laugh. And tell wonderful Gert hi.

Comment is about INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A powerful, sorrowful poem. Here in the US, many feel this sorrow. In the unpredictable future, may the light shine again (even if differently). My fervent hope: out of loss and confusion, comes growth and--one magic day--harmony. Thanks JD for a stirring, well-written poem. Also appreciated reading Uilleam's and Rolph's insightful comments.

Comment is about Special relations (blog)

Original item by JD Russell

Thanks for the like and comment Landi.

Hope all is not lost yet out there in the wild west.

David

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_0hKjV4z1k

Comment is about Crimes against mysanity (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

…on “cure-alls” - Aww, thanks Tom… truly humbling! And as long as we remain mates a bit of ‘envy’ either way can be a healthy motivation to be our best selves when we can. 🙏🏻🕊️🌷

Comment is about TOM MERTON (poet profile)

Original item by TOM MERTON

Aww, thanks Tom… truly humbling! And as long as we remain mates a bit of ‘envy’ either way can be a healthy motivation to be our best selves when we can. 🙏🏻🕊️🌷

Comment is about cure-alls (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

Wowsers! I am NOT jealous ( yeah right! )

Brilliant Red, just brilliant!

Thank you.
best of regards.

Tom

Comment is about cure-alls (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

Quite terrifying on the face of it, but, who knows, perhaps something good will emerge and human poets will have to shape up to match it.
But who decides what is 'good'? And is 'good' the right word? Perhaps we are heading to a future of the adequate.

Comment is about Spot imposter AI poems on World Poetry Day! (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Beautiful, Larisa. We need poetry more than ever now.

Comment is about Poetry Day (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

In the starry darkness of the night sky
The inspired poet’s rhymes fly.
They are quietly dreaming to live in a book,
For everyone to see the poet’s outlook.
Poet’s stanzas freely fly as rhymed constellation,
Spreading the light of the poet’s inspiration.


So, today, on World Poetry Day, my congratulations
To all those who know the sense of trochee and pentameter,
Who would like to see our Earth as a safe shelter,
Who are married to the muse and are never confused
To write and to show, even in a gloomy day, the bright way.
I therefore wish to all the poets:
Do not lose your inspiration!
Lyric is your revelation!
Let the round dance of words
Live with you as a favor of Gods!
Express yourself for Humanity
In the moments of creativity.


©Larisa Rzhepishevska

Comment is about Poetry Day (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

-on “cure-alls” Good morning Rolph,
Again, thank you for your very insightful interaction. Glad that the relevance factor has been expressed here as well. Your feedback is crucial to my internal writing “algorithms.” 🌷🙏🏻🕊️

Comment is about Rolph David (poet profile)

Original item by Rolph David

Good morning Rolph,
Again, thank you for your very insightful interaction. Glad that the relevance factor has been expressed here as well. Your feedback is crucial to my internal writing “algorithms.” 🌷🙏🏻🕊️

Comment is about cure-alls (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

Thanks one and all for the likes, excuse me if I do not mention you all.

Thanks for you points Graham. I enjoyed posting - it's taken a while to get my head on in that regard. It is my wife that has the problem (for twenty five years) and it's always a challenge . It often comes on at a youngish age and is then the more severe generally, so this is not utterly disabling but has wreaked a massive change to someone who enjoyed sports and decorating, you name it. It hardly ever comes on at a late stage of life!

Ray

Martin, i'm glad those lines meant something - for me they convey the journey of a sort of rogue presence through the body. It feels as if I have shared the company and the challenge without the actual pain - although one's pace has changed over the years.

Stephen good to get your sympathetic ear, and of course it does impact on life together. I agree "like" is an awkward word when applied to such subjects but what else is there?

A lot of wisdom in those points David. You hit the truth in the first lines; I know you have a parallel story to tell within a partnership and no one can judge consequences of ordeals. Your third paragraph would be a fine achievement familiar i'm sure to those who work in surgery with life threatening conditions but perhaps on un unconscious level - I can't say.
Love to you both too.

Comment is about THE TORMENTOR (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Timely and concise, David. What is happening is very disturbing, but at least there is resistance for the moment.

Comment is about Come back the country I love (blog)

Original item by David R Mellor

Thanks Graham,

I have always been an advocate for understanding ones enemies, their culture, their motivations and specifically the manner in which they garner support via any means available.

The arts are quite useful in such manipulations. Of course every state not merely our enemies utilises the power of literature, culture and art in all its many forms.

The attached article is quite informative for any who might be interested in further reading.

David RL Moore

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/what-should-we-do-about-radovan-karadzics-poetry/

Comment is about Crimes against mysanity (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

Thanks for this explanation David (who knew Karadzic was a poet?) They were a pair of bad 'uns for sure!!

Comment is about Crimes against mysanity (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

Thanks again for your comments, Steve and Graham, and for the Likes, Red Brick, Flyntland, Nigel, Hugh, Stephen and Aisha. This poem was fleshed out after finding our album of Stateside visit snaps. Photos are always great prompts. The title? Partly because of age, and partly because of ... I won't be going back

Comment is about Goodbye, America (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I have never been to America and will never go now! But I do love a lot of American literature. John Updike, Robertson Davies, Saul Bellow and of John Steinbeck.

You poem in a travelogue form reminded me strongly of much of what I have read.

I think I like keeping the USA at a distance

Comment is about Goodbye, America (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

A lovely, profound, intelligent poem, Hélène. It oozes humility and kindness. Thank you.

Comment is about Sweet Embrace (blog)

Original item by Hélène

Thank you, Ray. There is quite a lot of yuppiedom in this. It also reminds me a bit of smarmy husbands who get caught out in TV detective series. I suppose that all of us are acting out a role, playing a part, in some way. Bragadaccio is a very good word, by the way!

Cheers, Tom. I'll think about a rag-arsed version!

Thanks to all for the nice words.

Comment is about The Player (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Good morning folks,

This poem was first published on wolfgarwords.com in 2018.

https://wolfgarwords.com/2018/07/11/crimes-against-mysanity-notes-to-an-alter-ego/

As I recall I was reflecting on the recent trials of two balkan war criminals which had concluded in 2016 and 2017. They were Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, both nasty pieces of work.

Karadzic had been a succesful poet in Serbia, he had focussed much of his later work on Serbian history, exploiting extreme nationalist Serbian views. It is his poetic creations I was alluding to in my piece, reflecting upon how his words had enflamed extreme views which he later used as a catalyst for violent action.

Mladic was simply a thug who if he was lucky might have achieved the rank of Lcpl in the British Army yet ended up commanding an entire army.

The title of the piece is a play on "Crimes against humanity" with which they were both charged.

Additionally at the time of writing Trump was in his first term causing havoc with his ridiculous words and tiny brain. Now he is in his second term doing an even better job of being a tyrant in the making.

Of course the poem can be interpreted however else you might like, that being the point of creative writing.

The rest is history, I guess.

Thanks to those who have commented and liked.

David RL Moore

Comment is about Crimes against mysanity (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

Highly atmospheric, Greg, and the Sadat assasination locks it firmly in time. I remember my last view of the Twin Towers.
Looking back on my US visits, it may be that Trump's America has always been there, but he was the one who found it.

Comment is about Goodbye, America (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Good morning hugh,
There’s something really inspiring in how you approach the idea of developing a strong personal identity. The way you suggest focusing on both current traits and future growth is empowering — it's about building a foundation and being mindful of one’s potential. The emphasis on seeking feedback from trusted people, like parents and friends, adds a valuable layer of self-awareness. The advice on patience and emotional growth really stands out as essential for navigating life’s challenges. The idea that true identity goes beyond appearance and fame speaks volumes, reminding us all to focus on what truly shapes who we are.
Take care,
cheers,
Rolph

Comment is about An identity plan for the young (blog)

Original item by hugh

Good morning Jeff,
It’s striking how you use the fading of colours to symbolise the emptiness left after losing someone important. The shift from a world full of vibrancy to a life reduced to only memories feels both poignant and powerful. There’s something deeply relatable in the speaker’s realisation of what was taken for granted, and how much that person brought to his world. The gradual loss of colour perfectly captures the quiet desolation of being left with just the past.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Only Color Left (blog)

Original item by Jeff Bresee

Good morning Red,
The way you explore the commodification of art and entertainment really hits home. There’s something powerful in how you highlight the cycle of consumption, where we’re always searching for meaning yet never fully content. The notion of society offering distractions to ease our anxieties, but never revealing true peace, is thought-provoking. You’ve captured a feeling that feels so relevant today — like we’re all just navigating a menu of choices, never quite finding what we need. Great job!
Have a nice weekend,
cheers,
Rolph

Comment is about cure-alls (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

I thank Tom Merton, Naomi, Yanma Hidayah, Flyntland, K.Lynn, Stephen W. Atkinson, Stephen Gospage, hugh, Graham Sherwood and Red Brick Keshner for their kind appraisal. It's balm for the soul. Have a nice weekend.
Cheers,
Rolph

Comment is about Trump's Gambit (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Good morning Tom,
Thank you very much for your words, which I greatly appreciate. What has been brewing in our world for some time now is certainly unrivalled. As we all know, there is always an escalation of what has already happened. Instead of learning from the past, people are feeding on violence, war and chaos, feasting on the pain and suffering of their species and risking its extinction. It's all just sick. Homo homini lupus est! Non est pulchrum lupo.
Have a nice weekend,
kind regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Trump's Gambit (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

I can feel the sweetness in your poem, and the words you chose are so harmonious and beautiful. They effortlessly guide my thoughts to follow the flow of regret you depicted.
I truly enjoyed your poem,
Thank you.
Great job, Jeff!

Comment is about Only Color Left (blog)

Original item by Jeff Bresee

Love everything about this piece Jeff, thank you.

best of regards.

Tom

Comment is about Only Color Left (blog)

Original item by Jeff Bresee

Thank you Noris, for such a lovely friendly posting 💐

I really enjoyed it.

Warm Regards.


Tom

Comment is about Congratulations to all the weavers of words on this International Poetry Day (blog)

Original item by Noris Roberts

Would sound like me-if it had had more rag-arsedness in it.

Nice one Stephen 👍

Kind regards.

Tom

Comment is about The Player (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Words don't come much more wiser than those you have brilliantly put together in this poem.

Thanks Hugh
best of regards mate 👍

Tom

Comment is about An identity plan for the young (blog)

Original item by hugh

God bless'em all Mike, for their loyalties, and great pleasure they bring to family life.

Thank you.

Kind regards.
Tom

Comment is about Never Enough (blog)

Original item by Mike McPeek

Reading this beautiful poem, Helene, I sense there certainly is a lot of spirituality in it. Thank you so much!

Kind regards

Tom

Comment is about Sweet Embrace (blog)

Original item by Hélène

Not into politics as such Rolph, although I am aware of what is and isn't going on by keeping up with the headlines, but your poem brilliantly encapsulates the crazy situation. Thank you Sir!

Comment is about Trump's Gambit (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

This reminds me of the type who became yuppies in the eighties: I met some when playing in bands and was less than impressed by their manners and bearing which was basically bragadaccio. ( I just like the word). Best Ray

Comment is about The Player (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thank you Ray 👍

Comment is about Fireweed (blog)

Original item by Jonathan Humble

Personally, I'm not above showing my teeth at times. I feel that puts me in a good position to empathize with others when they show theirs in an appropriate forum.

A time unto everything under the sun...

PS
Forgive me--that's a dreadful statement, I know. It's just what was on my mind atm.

Comment is about Crimes against mysanity (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

Thank you very much, Martin, and thanks to everyone who liked this poem.

Comment is about The Player (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage