Hi Rolph,
Thank you for your lovely comment re my poem 'These four walls'. It's nice to read someone dig deep into a poem of mine which is very encouraging. Really enjoyed your Rooster's Serenade also.
Thank you, Rich.
Comment is about Rolph David (poet profile)
Original item by Rolph David
Brilliantly eloquent, Eduardo; and your picture is most appropriate.
Meanwhile in the UK, the outflow from the Murdochian sewer contaminates every aspect of government policy both at home and abroad. It's clear that the cesspit of fascism has never been drained, despite the Battle of Cable Street.
Comment is about Trump (blog)
Original item by Eduardo
hello, Red Brick--I thought I was awake alone )
Comment is about still mountain (blog)
Original item by Landi Cruz
The truths here seem very personal, yet very universal.
Love your poetry.
Marla
Comment is about THE RETURN IN WHITE (blog)
Original item by Naomi
"Even in stillness, there is purpose." Very true.
It reminds us that peace and purpose may found in places that we don't think to look.
Marla
Comment is about Headed Nowhere (blog)
Original item by Mike McPeek
Hélène,
I agree with what Rolph said.
Very powerful.
Marla
Comment is about Musings in the Mirror (blog)
Original item by Hélène
This calls to mind the genetic evidence in some large families of homogenous lineage that the pigmentation lottery can be varied and even at times extreme; wherein also the odd-one-out very well gets treated differently however slightly by the majority. Funny how there is little evidence in history of the Roman Empire (which is a multi-ethnic conglomeration) having any significant problems with skin ton differences. But I could be wrong, as I am wont to be.
Comment is about Who Do You Call Coloured? (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
…on “déjà brew” - @Rolph David 🌷I esteem you with greatest gratitude at the depth of consideration and the thoughtful effort applied in engaging this poem. It parallels the enviable phenomenon that exists rather momentarily during an invigorating poetry class discussion. 🌷You are much appreciated ( rbk ) 🙏🏻🕊
Comment is about Rolph David (poet profile)
Original item by Rolph David
@Rolph David 🌷I esteem you with greatest gratitude at the depth of consideration and the thoughtful effort applied in engaging this poem. It parallels the enviable phenomenon that exists rather momentarily during an invigorating poetry class discussion. 🌷You are much appreciated ( rbk ) 🙏🏻🕊
Comment is about déjà brew (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Of course trees have a lot more time than we do Mike.
Nicely written and well considered
Comment is about Headed Nowhere (blog)
Original item by Mike McPeek
Thanks for your reading and encouraging comment Stephen.
David RL Moore
Comment is about Shared Songs (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
what's reflected in mirrors differs greatly from what is observed in both photographs and videos. Personally I do not particularly subscribe to a two-way street approach to good and evil and the like. We are far too nuanced to be so simply constructed.
Another clever write here Hélène, it's brave to face up to life in all its faces!
Comment is about Musings in the Mirror (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Thank you Rolph for your comments and like,
Thank you also to RBK, New Shoes, Stephen G., and to Naomi for reading and liking.
Comment is about UKRAINE - - ? GAZA - - -? -- and all places in-between (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the piece Rolph - much appreciated!
Comment is about Headed Nowhere (blog)
Original item by Mike McPeek
Thank you for very generous and kind comment Rolph. Made me quite emotional reading it.
Many thanks
Julie
Comment is about Kirkby Lonsdale Ram (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Hello Yanma,
The way you express love that remains steady, even when physical presence isn't possible, is deeply poignant. There's a quiet strength in your words, showing that love doesn’t always need to be tangible to be powerful. It’s a beautiful reminder that, even from afar, we can still care and wish the best for those we love. Perfect.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Holding On (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Red B. Keshner,
I admire your particular style of poetry, your creativity in this regard. Your allusions, your hints, your hidden clues invariably make your poems interesting and exciting and nothing ‘off the shelf’ or ‘mainstream’.
The clever twist between "déjà brew" and "déjà vu" ties the poem together perfectly, blending sensory memory with the feeling of repetition. The "aromatic brew" evokes a familiar experience that stirs the senses, while "déjà vu" captures the eerie sense of reliving a past moment. Through this connection, you convey how the essence of shared experiences lingers, returning unexpectedly, much like the haunting sensation of having been there before. The line "no lunar phase could eclipse / this regnant cue" reinforces how these memories remain undisturbed by time, always ready to resurface. It’s a beautifully layered reflection on how the past continues to echo in our present. Marvellous!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about déjà brew (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Hi Rich,
The imagery of the four walls in your poem immediately brought to mind the song "5 Meter Mauern" (i.e. 5 meters of walls) by Elen, where the metaphor of towering walls reflects a sense of confinement and longing for escape. Your portrayal of being trapped within your own mind, with the line "If these walls could fall, I'd be free," echoes that same sense of yearning for liberation, though with the uncertainty of whether that release will ever come. It’s a powerful expression of the internal struggle — a desire for change and freedom that feels just beyond reach, but still, that longing suggests the potential for transformation. That's great poetry!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about These four walls (blog)
Original item by Rich Brewer
Stephen,
With this poem you have outdone yourself once again although its content is not a pleasant and uplifting one and rather points to human misery and the lack of character and dignity, the immorality of a few at the top of governments.
You’ve really expressed the disorienting nature of today’s world with powerful imagery. The "upside down" perspective reflects how truths are twisted and narratives distorted. Lines like "Democrats morph to dictators" and "violent men who start the trouble / Are victims, and not invaders" highlight the absurdities we witness, where roles and realities are often reversed. The shift from allies to enemies and the manipulation of violence speaks to the contradictions that define our times. It’s a sharp, timely critique of how the world seems to be turning on its head. Top-notch!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Upside Down (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Hello John,
The way you weave together memory, loss, and reflection is truly powerful - just great!
The way you weave together memory, loss, and reflection is truly powerful. The imagery of "whitespread skies" conjures a deep sense of evocative nostalgia, capturing the essence of a time long past. The blend of personal turmoil with collective history creates a poignant contrast, especially in lines like "we find solace, as time drifts away." Your tribute to the "lost boys and girls" feels both tender and honouring, reminding us of those who live on in memory. The reference to "et in Arcadia ego" deepens this, suggesting that even in the most idyllic of times, death and loss are present, linking the past with the inevitable passage of time.
Thank you for these lines.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about A forgotten England (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Hello Jeff,
This poem is simply stunning in its depth and elegance. The way you use the image of a single petal falling, drifting, and being discovered reflects the delicate process of understanding love — unsure at first, but growing into something profound once we truly stop and pay attention. Your words remind me of how easy it is to overlook the small, beautiful moments in life, only to realise their significance when we take the time to really see them. The metaphor of the rose, with its hidden roots and the awareness it awakens, speaks to how we can so often miss the deeper connections around us. You've captured something timeless here — an invitation to pause, reflect, and cherish the small things. I love it!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Lone Petal (blog)
Original item by Jeff Bresee
Hello Julie,
For me, your poem beautifully captures the strength and resilience of Kirkby Lonsdale, especially in the wake of such a heartbreaking event as the one in December 2024. The way you connect the ram to the town’s spirit — proud, steady, and hopeful — feels like the perfect tribute. As an Aries, I personally feel a deep connection to the ram, and the way you've tied its symbolism to both the town's heritage and its recovery is truly moving. You've created a lasting reminder of unity and strength that will resonate with everyone who reads it. Great job!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Kirkby Lonsdale Ram (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Hello Naomi,
What stands out so beautifully in your poem is the quiet depth of the piece — how something as simple and gentle as holding a white rabbit becomes a profound moment of connection and realisation. The way you move from disbelief in magic to the return of this rabbit feels like an unexpected gift, a symbol of something much deeper. And then, the layers unfold — seeing not just an animal, but a reflection of your father, of humanity, of life itself. That moment of "quiet understanding, where all my questions cease" is so powerful — as if love, memory, and acceptance come together in a single gaze. It's tender, mysterious, and full of emotion without ever needing to say too much. Fantastic words!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about THE RETURN IN WHITE (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Hello Robert,
What strikes me right away is the fearless way you name and face the enemies within — doubts, self-loathing, and that constant inner battle. The images you use, like being a "cliff diver under low self-esteem" and "pigeons in gale force winds," are sharp and vivid, showing just how intense and relentless those struggles can feel. But what makes this piece so moving is the turn it takes — that moment when a simple call from someone lifts you out of it, effortlessly and completely. It’s a powerful reminder of how human connection can ground us when we’re spiralling, and how sometimes, it only takes a small gesture to make us feel strong again. Nice poem!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about It rhymes (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
Hello Mike,
There’s such gentle wisdom in the way you capture the quiet presence of trees and their way of being. The way you listen to nature and hear its lessons about simply existing without rushing feels both calming and profound. It’s beautiful how you show that even in stillness, there is purpose — “many things to do in a grateful forest” — reminding us that life doesn't have to be hurried to be meaningful. Your lines reflect a deep connection to nature and an ability to find peace and purpose in the present moment, which is something so many of us need to be reminded of. I really like your lines!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Headed Nowhere (blog)
Original item by Mike McPeek
Hélène,
There is such profound honesty and courage in the way you explore emotions many of us spend a lifetime avoiding. The way you acknowledge hate and anger as part of your inner world — not to be feared but to be understood — shows a deep wisdom. It’s so powerful how you recognise that by facing these emotions head-on, their destructive power can dissolve, leaving space for freedom and healing. And that beautiful question — whether hate and anger are the "lost sisters of love and compassion" — speaks to a rare insight about the interconnectedness of all feelings. Your lines show someone who has truly looked into the mirror of life and dared to see everything reflected there without turning away.
Fantastic job!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Musings in the Mirror (blog)
Original item by Hélène
<Deleted User> (5011)
Wed 12th Mar 2025 14:01
How wonderful, to see the children so engaged in poetry. A great foundation for them. Well done, Marsden. Well done, Write Out Loud.
Comment is about Pupils add voices in telling Marsden's story with Simon Armitage (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thank you for taking the trouble to like and/or comment, so thank you Flyntland and you Uilleam in particular. My maternal grandfather was alive in the summer of 1914 prior to spending four years on the western front. All he said was that 'it were a different country then, before t'Great War and what comed after." Spanish flu, I surmise.
Comment is about A forgotten England (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
A truly lovely poem Jeff. I felt uplifted with the drifting petal.
Comment is about Lone Petal (blog)
Original item by Jeff Bresee
Thank you Uilleam. There has been so much kindness shown. The community have really pulled together and continue to do so.
Comment is about Kirkby Lonsdale Ram (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Thanks Jeff. There's a wild rose bush that grows beside the route of one of our favourite walks; its scent is heavenly and I'm looking forward to seeing it in bloom.
Comment is about Lone Petal (blog)
Original item by Jeff Bresee
Thanks for extra likes: Manish & Stephen G. 👍
Comment is about Dink Until I Die (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
Thank you Julie, I hadn't heard of the tragedy.
I've just read how people pulled together; a heart-warming story. There's more that unites us than what many would have us believe.
💐
Comment is about Kirkby Lonsdale Ram (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
It is as much about you as it is I, I propose. We all have things trying to trap us. Thanks for your comment.
Comment is about These four walls (blog)
Original item by Rich Brewer
This Ram is the latest sculpture by local artist Andy Kay. He is donating it to the town after the recent fire. The Ram is going to be placed on the roundabout at the entrance to the town. I have tried to include Andy’s words from a recent interview into the poem.
Comment is about Kirkby Lonsdale Ram (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Thank you, Uilleam and Flyntland. There is a strange unreality to all this, when democrats are called dictators and an invaded country is told that it started the war. Sadly, it is all too real. Maybe Russia's 'staged event' claim about the massacre in Bucha will soon be recycled.
And thanks to all of you who liked this poem.
Comment is about Upside Down (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
<Deleted User> (59852)
Wed 12th Mar 2025 01:34
I write poetry as well I finally decided to branch out in the community. This seems like the place to do it. https://joeysplace.wixsite.com/home
Comment is about Dink Until I Die (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
@Uilleam 🌷 good ole Rich! Summats brewin😜🙏🏻🕊
Comment is about déjà brew (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
I loved the jaunty rhythm at the start of this poem leading to a false sense of security - and then reality strikes a cruel blow at the end.
When are we going to have a ' and they all lived happily ever after?' I think it is overdue.
Comment is about Upside Down (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
exquisitely beautiful - sadly dreamy and reflective,
"as we learn we cherish the live long day " perfection.
Thank you for writing this beautiful poem.
Comment is about A forgotten England (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
oh well, perhaps not Lark Ascending!
Comment is about A forgotten England (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Soooo cool and right up my pot-holed street!
T.M.
Comment is about "Bow wow wow yippee yo......." (blog)
Original item by New Shoes
Thanks for that, John, and for a beautiful picture.
As for Nimrod, I've had the great pleasure of playing that on a church pipe organ, not very well, but it's the kind of music that transports me into another world.
Comment is about A forgotten England (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
'And the slaughtered contained in body bags
Become part of some staged event.'
You see, we need all that stuff, so the complicit ones have an excuse to parade around our town-hall steps at Remembrance time, to preach at us about how awful war is.
Comment is about Upside Down (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
The last two lines are stunning, David. An anthem for our times!
Comment is about Shared Songs (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
A very fine and interesting poem, Rolph. It is obviously an unacceptable term. I remember that many people of my parents' generation used it, thinking it was a polite and respectful alternative to more extreme racial insults which, sadly, were (and still are) part of common speech in many places.
Which doesn't mean that it's right, of course, nor, as you poem points out, that it makes any sense.
Thanks for this.
Comment is about Who Do You Call Coloured? (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Many thanks Joanne for your nice comment. 🙂
Many thanks Rolph for your detailed, perceptive and positive comments. Much appreciated. 🙂
Thanks for likes: Red Brick Keshner, Aisha & Naomi. 👍
Comment is about Dink Until I Die (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Thu 13th Mar 2025 09:10
Beautiful, Jeff.
Comment is about Longing (blog)
Original item by Jeff Bresee