<Deleted User> (30611)
Sun 12th Dec 2021 23:25
I get the point of this piece John, who wouldn't? But my feeling is that folk generally in the UK are reasonable and though they may get to rung 1 possibly 2, they don't go beyond it. Obviously there are extremists...there are on both sides.
There has been widespread acceptance of those Afghanis who worked with our forces out there, as there was with Gurkhas a few years back. We know a worthy cause when we see one.
Comment is about THE LADDER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Sun 12th Dec 2021 23:10
Thank you so much for your comment, Stephen! ?
Comment is about Piecemeal (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
Thanks John,
One things for certain we are all small and insignificant
Comment is about Shdw (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
Puts it all into perspective brilliantly, Ed. I feel smaller and more insignificant but somehow wiser.
Thanks. Loved it.
John Botterill
Comment is about Shdw (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
Thank you very much, Julie! And Keith,
glad you enjoyed it, and, as always, thanks for the encouragement.
And thanks for the likes Holden, Stephen, Rudyard, Pete, & John. Much appreciated ?
Comment is about A Silhouette In Time (re-post) (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Thanks for your thoughts, all.
I suspect we were more welcoming in the past, MC, because we had a greater sense of injustice and a will to address it.
We should all ask ourselves “Which ring of the ladder do I stand on?”
Comment is about THE LADDER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
My most sincere pleasure my dear Keith.
Comment is about Empty spaces (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thank you very much , your comments are always appreciated.
I struggle with time and it’s inevitable march !
Comment is about Shdw (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
Thank you, Greg. In my youth, I contemplated wandering around London carrying a placard which read "The end of the world is nigh." Sadly, I realised there was no future in it.
This poem came about because I thought up the first line ' I'm mired in a pit of sleaze' and just carried on from there. The words seemed to flow as easily as the sleaze they describe. Perhaps I'm shooting at an easy target.
John C. Well, not exclusively. There is a dishonorable line which goes back to Neil Hamilton, Poulson, Profumo and decades before that (not to mention the likes of Tricky Dickie and Clintstone over the pond). The present lot do seem to have elevated it to an art form, though.
John B and Julie - yes, there is an element of sadness in the truth of it. That said, I still believe that most people in politics and public life are honest and motivated by a desire to do good. I cling to this belief. If not, the poem wouldn't be funny at all.
Thanks for all the comments and the likes, Hugh, Branwell, Stephen A., Rudyard, Holden and Pete.
Comment is about Sleaze (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
A Seasonal "thank you" to those who "liked" this contribution. ?
Comment is about THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - a song lyric returns (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
JC - if "we are far less welcoming of refugees than we once were"
it begs the question why? To borrow from Harold Macmillan -
"events" perhaps - and the manipulation of language.
Comment is about THE LADDER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
A fascinating poem, Holden. I like the link between incremental and instalments.
Comment is about Piecemeal (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
Thank you, Pete. I find all discussion of time and its passing fascinating. Does the present exist? It is sandwiched between past and future, but is it a tangible moment, or does it continually and inevitably escape into the past by the time we realise it is there? I love the imagery of the last verse.
Comment is about Shdw (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
Sensitive as only a deeply felt feeling can be. I
Comment is about 'Can I Come With You' (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
This hierarchy of abuse and persecution is fascinating, John. It is frightening how whole populations can turn against minorities, even ones which are apparently well 'integrated' in society. Witness the acts of violence against Italian shopkeepers and café owners in the UK at the start of WW2 or the mistreatment of Asian Americans at the start of the Covid crisis.
Comment is about THE LADDER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Well written and rhymed on a topical subject. Those who pull down and deface statues are unable to live with their history which in all countries is both good and bad and should be made known.
Thanks for this
Keith
Comment is about A Land Without (blog)
Original item by d.knape
Mike,
a poem highly charged with the emotion of sadness and a deep sense of loss. Sensitively and well described. May she be at eternal peace.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about 'Can I Come With You' (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Thank you both Stephens, Ghazala, Hugh and Holden. Have a great Christmas one and all.
Ray
Comment is about WINTER WEST WIND (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Definitely left-handed DK, although there are plenty of the other sort on here ?
Comment is about Left Handed Compliment (blog)
Original item by d.knape
Sun 12th Dec 2021 12:28
Pain in the hand is one thing...
Pain in the A--is quite another!
?
Comment is about Left Handed Compliment (blog)
Original item by d.knape
Sun 12th Dec 2021 12:27
I assume you are a "Leftie"
handed...
not political!
?
Comment is about Graham Sherwood (poet profile)
Original item by Graham Sherwood
To add a little perspective to this issue. I live in Milton Keynes which has a significant homeless problem as do many towns. I worked for three winters in the 'night shelter' where each night MK's homeless (those who wanted help that is) would be divided up into groups of 15-20 and bussed to community centres, church halls, sports facilities and the like, where they could have a hot meal before bedtime, a hearty breakfast and be sent out with a packed lunch for the following day.
Work was always undertaken to convince/recommend to these people the benefits of joining 'the system' to become registered as people seriously trying to get off the streets.
I had many a conversation over meals to enquire what their motivations were to remain 'on the streets'. It is bewildering but many do not want to be saved.
Needless to say, in the summer/warmer weather, the numbers registered plummeted.
Comment is about "Please be kind !" (blog)
Original item by hugh
Brought tears, such lovely words.
Comment is about 'Can I Come With You' (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Keep making these points, JC. Most people's ignorance of modern history is breathtaking.
Comment is about THE LADDER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
We never seem to learn the lessons of history until it is too late,, John I like the metaphor but the implications are scary.
We all all need to stop scapegoating the weak and vulnerable.
Thanks John.
John Botterill
Comment is about THE LADDER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Stephen,
This poem is composed of exceptional qualities as the beginning introduces the scenario filling the reader with a sense of warmth and expectation, then the entry into a story which entrances and stimulates the imagination of the reader. A really good poem
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about A Silhouette In Time (re-post) (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Brilliant, made me smile, but also it is sad that it so true.
Comment is about Sleaze (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Hugh you have identified the issue in a nutshell i.e. no address, no benefits. Last winter there was a real initiative to house the homeless. I don't know if it was totally successful, but if we could do it then why not do it permanently? This would give the homeless a permanent base and enable them to work or claim benefits instead of sleeping in shop doorways, begging and shoplifting as you say Hugh. And as Keith says, we seem to be able to do it for immigrants.
Comment is about "Please be kind !" (blog)
Original item by hugh
Thanks for reposting. I remember it from last year enjoyed revisiting the story.
Comment is about A Silhouette In Time (re-post) (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Life is like a Rubik's cube, Keith, you can turn a hundred different ways, and yet never see what it truly should look like (I never did get to complete the damn thing! ?)
I just try & grasp at 'the little things' (as in my previous poem) amongst all the shite that life can throw at us.
A superb thought provoking piece ?
Comment is about The Conundrum of Life (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Thanks for this thought provoking write.
Comment is about The Conundrum of Life (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Thanks for the likes and lovely comment Keith. The poems with photo credit to Dr Amir Khan are taken from his Twitter feed, with his permission! I find his posts inspire little writes. He lives in Yorkshire.
I live in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria.
Comment is about Picture Perfect (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Julie,
Both poem and illustration are perfectly matched. Your love and appreciation of the natural world shine through in all your poetry. I often wonder from your vivid description if you live close to where I am as this morning is exactly as you have described it.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Picture Perfect (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Hugh,
I wish I had written this poem but you have beaten me to it. True words are here as I well know. Everyone deserves warmth and a bed and look after their own, are the words which leap from the page. I wonder if the Home Secretary realises that she is giving illegal immigrants more than ex service men many of who are homeless. £40 per week spending money to each immigrant, accommodation, three meals a day, medical, dental and optical help, all free of charge. Not to mention a Bill in September from Domino Pizza to the Home Office of £10,000 for take away food for immigrants. All this takes place as they party the night away in Number 10 oblivious to reality.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about "Please be kind !" (blog)
Original item by hugh
Thank you John, your comments are greatly appreciated and act as a source of encouragement.
Keith
Comment is about The Conundrum of Life (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Very funny Stephen. Loved it!
Also rather sad given the truth it contains.
John
Comment is about Sleaze (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
I love the spiritual aspect of this super poem, Keith
I see the revenge and beauty
Of nature's estate
Very elegant.
Thanks!
John
Comment is about The Conundrum of Life (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Thank you Stephen. I've been listening to Nick Drake's songs all my life.
Comment is about Troubadour (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thank you to all who commented and liked this poem. Your appreciation and words are most gratifying.
Keith
Comment is about Encirclement (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
A lovely, melancholic piece, John. ?
Comment is about Troubadour (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
I’m afraid we are far less welcoming of refugees than we once were, MC.
Thanks for the Like, Stephen, Holden and Pete.
Comment is about THE LADDER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Whilst I do not give money to those on the street, I give them voucher cards from Greggs. You can buy as much or as little on each card. A simple contribution of a fiver might brighten up someone’s day with a hot drink and pastie.
Comment is about The Salvation Army,the light in the window that says somebody cares (blog)
Original item by hugh
Thankyou all for the likes
Comment is about The Salvation Army,the light in the window that says somebody cares (blog)
Original item by hugh
JC - I tried to upload the audio file on my PC but the CD format
shown didn't seem to transfer on WOL - hence my reference to
the availability of the recorded song version from the first
posting still there on my profile's audio list...easily located by
anyone who is curious to hear it. Check it out if you're looking
for something to fill in a few idle minutes!! ?
John - Thanks. I wrote the original as a sort of popular upbeat
seasonal song that might fit the times we live in. .
Comment is about THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - a song lyric returns (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
The analogy reaches numerous countries in history. The Nazi
scenario arose when financial hardships after a disastrous
WW1 defeat saw political extremists looking for scapegoats
to boost policies aimed at securing long-term power. In Russia, the pogroms had targeted the Jewish population to
such a degree that America saw a marked influx via Ellis Island
that brought much to enrich the country as those grateful
arrivals determined to integrate and contribute. These words
were vital in the assimilation that was required. From a
personal perspective, a very obvious example of its
success was Izzy Baline who became Irving Berlin, Wish
we could think a similar story could emerge here now but the
signs aren't too hopeful on current evidence..
Comment is about THE LADDER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank you Jordyn for liking and taking the time to read some of my poems, I really do appreciate it a lot..once again thank you.
-Jared
Comment is about Jordyn Elizabeth (poet profile)
Original item by Jordyn Elizabeth
I like this one a lot, definitely relatable for sure, very well written.
Comment is about A Little Less Lonely (Finally.) (blog)
Original item by Jordyn Elizabeth
John Coopey
Mon 13th Dec 2021 08:36
I think welcoming goes beyond paying off a debt, Leon.
And, make no mistake, this is a trickle compared with the tsunami of immigration we more privileged nations will see when climate change renders many parts of the world uninhabitable through rising sea levels, desertification.
Comment is about THE LADDER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey