As I read this I thought to myself, this has to be in the UK several years past. It reminded me of the austerity measures that were in force after the war. Tell me Ray, were they lace or net curtains?
An unusual poem but one with real merit.
Thanks
Keith

Comment is about BROTHERS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks so much Stephen, Aisha and Holden, welcome likes.

Glad you enjoyed this Stephen, we all need a bit of fortification !

Ray

Comment is about TAWDRY AUDREY (blog)

Original item by ray pool

We have several sets of friends who have become friends via our friendship. They are very heart-warming relationships, nicely written here!

Comment is about It’s A Small World (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

HaHaHa! Brilliant suspense and final let-down. Most of the cops around here do NOT need to eat any more doughnuts!!!

Comment is about Followed By Cop (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Clever piece Stephen. Look after her, she is notoriously promiscuous!

G

Comment is about Calliope (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Ray this is quite simply a brilliant piece! There are so many great lines.

the sun still rides the late peaks

utility wardrobe whose door cannot be closed.

light informs the lace curtains

glandular hiss of water

I think this is one of, if not, your best works. One of those "I wish I'd written it myself" pieces.

Bravo!

G

Comment is about BROTHERS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hi Keith re "After the nearly before" it sure is all my own work!!!
🤔
😉
tc

Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)

Original item by keith jeffries

M.C. is quite right when he says "all people cares for their own first"

But I think that the point of this poem is to question why.

Why is it more relevant to us when one of our own countrymen suffers, and less important when bad happens to a foreigner, or in a foreign country.

And it isn't just a national thing. If a disaster were to happen in the south of the country, and one of the victims were from Yorkshire, all our local news would concentrate on that one victim.

All lives are equally important, but the media doesn't seem to see it that way.

Comment is about SLIGHTLY DEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks for commenting Kevin the fibonacci sequence proves we live in a 'built place" we live in a constructed reality and the only One capable of that is God. Have a good day man.

Comment is about Lamb Poem (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Thank you Keith. Jesus saved my life. But its not the Jesus of any church. I stick to scripture and the words of the Son of God and he has shown me the Way. I almost joined the freemasons and then the OTO but I'm not swearing any oaths. Truth should be free to all and anyway Jesus told us everything we need on the Sermon on the Mount. Everything we need is there and I will shout it from the rooftops no matter who laughs at me. I'm on my own path. Thanks so much for your interest and comments. I really appreciate it.

Comment is about Lamb Poem (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Thank you Keith. Assyrian Christian refugees from Salafist and Whabbi persecution and genocide are given no welcome in the west. The Christians of the Orthodox East are under attack today from NATO member Turkey. We turn a blind eye. Shameful.

Comment is about CONQUEST (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

How tenuous is the life we lead.
Thanks
Keith

Comment is about Song For The Chorus (blog)

Original item by Adam Whitworth

People being brought together is always a sign of hope. This poem gives such hope to the reader.
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about It’s A Small World (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Thanks for your thoughts, MC and for the Likes, Pete and Holden.

Comment is about SLIGHTLY DEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

The recent pandemic has drawn the world's attention to the possible use of biological weapons as opposed to nuclear or chemical warfare. Your poem could be closer to reality than you think. We live a very tenuous existence and in troubled times.
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about A scene from Science Fiction movie (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

I can't help thinking of Yeat's great line "... both beautiful, one a gazelle."

I like this one, well done Rasa.

Comment is about Two Women (blog)

Original item by Rasa Kabaila

Thank you so much, John and Pete, I'm deeply grateful for your encouraging comments! 😊

Comment is about Narratives (blog)

Original item by Holden Moncrieff

I would love to stir the mixing bowl.

Comment is about The recipe for a love cake (blog)

Original item by kimberley anne swindle

On the poetry playground
forgot to hang on
funny walk not said why.

Comment is about 99. Poem (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Holden , love your stuff, (but being a bit thick I always have to reach for a dictionary )

Comment is about Narratives (blog)

Original item by Holden Moncrieff

Keith
Good poem, s*** I hope not !

Comment is about An Elegy for England (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Glad you liked it, you would have thought the subject would have been exhausted by now !

Comment is about Amen (blog)

Original item by Edbreathe

As you will appreciate I read this in a different context, but am still able to appreciate the sensual feel which is powerful and enticing.
Thanks
Keith

Comment is about Amen (blog)

Original item by Edbreathe

Really enjoyed this , Holden. I suppose we all live narratives where nobody knows how the story will conclude. You really extend my thinking. Thank you!

Comment is about Narratives (blog)

Original item by Holden Moncrieff

Sad but accurate, Keith. I enjoy and admire the poetry but lament the truth you describe!

Comment is about An Elegy for England (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Beautiful imagery, Brenda. I love the simplicity and the way you use sibilance to convey the silence. Brilliant!😀

Comment is about Silence (blog)

Original item by Brenda Wells

JC - All peoples care for their own first because that is the way humanity exists in the world. I don't think we're too happy about
the slaughter committed elsewhere by others and there are
enough signs and voices that exist to put that across in a
global media world. Indeed, the latter seems to be full of little
else but violent "disputes" and "disagreements" that are in evidence for virtually any reason 24/7. Religion and tribalism
appear to be the prime culprits.. Include me out! 😞

Comment is about SLIGHTLY DEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

John,
A profound poem which speaks of a bitter foretaste of days to come which I shudder to contemplate. "And the west does nothing" but to damn itself as it turns its head away from a noble Christian presence which has lasted longer than any of the cathedrals which dominate the skylines of western cities. "Its streets and palaces running with Christian blood" as it has in Aleppo and other places, is a stain on us which will never be washed away.
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about CONQUEST (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Keelan,
An acknowledgement of faith, one which I am able to relate with. The incarnate word said that "we shall come and make our home with you". How many understand the reality and implications of this? He is unbearably close, closer than we can imagine.
A profound poem
Thanks
Keith

Comment is about Lamb Poem (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

This really conveys the random nature of memory in Dementia.
My mum had this during the last years of her life and she would often seem to have a memory within her grasp, but not quite be able to reach it. Sometimes whatever she could remember just had to suffice even if it wasn't quite right.
Its a difficult time to be a son or daughter.

Comment is about Awaiting Bliss (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

I particularly enjoyed:
'Like a king, lounging on his shop-soiled throne.'
So far from his pastoral origins!
Great image, like a foxy Del-boy!

Comment is about Fox (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thank you so much for your comments gentlemen, it means a great deal to me.
Thanks also to those who liked the post; writing in these times can feel a trifle isolated, your online support and company is excellent.
Brenda

Comment is about Nostalgia (blog)

Original item by Brenda Wells

Tribal, Greg.

Comment is about SLIGHTLY DEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Tommy,
This is cleverly put together and it really held my interest. As I read it I equated to my own feelings and experience of life. Good illustration. Did you do it?
Thanks for this
Keith

Comment is about After the nearly before (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

A good poem and sound theology.
Thanks
Keith

Comment is about FINAL CURTAIN? WORDS FOR AN INTERMENT (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I get it, JC. Monty Python once had a sketch involving the news for parrots: "A spokesman said he was glad no parrots had died."

Comment is about SLIGHTLY DEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks to Keith, M.C., Julie and John for the interesting comments.

The urban fox is a reality now. In a way, we have attracted them in with all our rubbish etc while making the countryside less pleasant for them., As you say, MC, the city offers them plenty of scope for their activities. I also wonder how the cats feel about it, especially if they have had the monopoly of the bags and bins in the past.

Like you, Keith, I feel that there is a sense in which urban foxes are 'out of their territory', even though they adapt well. I tried to reflect this idea of occasional homesickness in the poem.

Julie - Sorry to hear that. It is a wonderful sight. We are lucky to have had several encounters.

John - Thanks for you kind words. Although a fox may live well (or well enough) in town, I think (and hope) that a part of it must still hanker for the rural life.

Thanks to Nigel, Stephen A, Rudyard, Holden, Jimakos, Ursula, Clare and Julia M for liking this poem.

Comment is about Fox (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thanks, each.
It’s not about who’s culpable for the deaths of Johnny Foreigner, MC; it’s about their lives not being worth as much as ours.

Comment is about SLIGHTLY DEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Death comes to us all at some time. Not least us English. But
I'm somehow confused concerning any conscience-stricken collective culpability in the choices made by others far from England's shores.

Comment is about SLIGHTLY DEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you for the kind comments and likes.

Comment is about Meatloaf RIP (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Much to identify with here. Perhaps England has reached that
stage when history will mark her by what she has exported
rather than by what she has now become..
Mark well what England has shown to the world
Like a flag that daily is proudly unfurled.

Comment is about An Elegy for England (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Yes John, British people generally are more concerned with a Brit killed by a random bullet whilst asleep in his bed in Atlanta than mass death and destruction to foreigners on foreign soil.

Comment is about SLIGHTLY DEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Nigel that's an appropriate comment. Each day is engulfing the other, day vs night forever....happiness vs sadness....Still hopeful of a better future and each tomorrow. 👍

Comment is about Century (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Hahaha.....you got that right Nigel. I hope you like these poetic rides....hang on, come along.....like a see saw😂

Comment is about 99. Poem (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Without the ability to communicate as we do through language it is frightening to even consider how we would be able to exist. Words say it all. A poem worthy of thought before putting one's thoughts into words.
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about Words (blog)

Original item by New Shoes

It's important to honor the beautiful memories of the past, they show us the wonder and joys that life can hold. Pure light is pure love and at times we project onto another to be that light beacon to our own soul. Pain is said to be a teacher.

"Might it even arch your brow.." Great line!

Comment is about The Cowboy (blog)

Original item by Jordyn Elizabeth

Keith, Thank you for leaving a motivating note as your comment in my poem. There's so much wisdom in your words. If taken heed the reader must benefit. I'm glad to know you read my poems. Thank you for your precious time and words🌷

Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)

Original item by keith jeffries

Love is blind
till the point
of no return
then both blindfolds
removed with satisfaction.

Comment is about Crystal (blog)

Original item by Your Royal Poetess

Wrap yourself in love
dark and light engulf
dawn rising uplifting sight
moonlight words dreams start.

Comment is about Century (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Thanks Moonlight

I think your poetry can go much deeper within yourself to go back and forth both past and future.

Comment is about 99. Poem (blog)

Original item by Sunshine