Excellent , reality is always much worse than we think. I always think of the Rolling Stones with their perfect nashers, working just to pay off the bills. Onomatopeia exemplified.
Ray
Comment is about A TRIP TO THE DENTIST (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I also listened to Arnie's broadcast and it was absolutely true and comparisons can be made. The Beer Hall Putsch in Munich was an insurrection and the start of Nazi Germany. I believe America will weather the storm. There is too much at stake. People like JD will stand up and be counted all across America.
keith
Comment is about Pride and prestige, the American dream (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
Good points, well made. And a great poem, JD. Recent events have been a gift to the enemies of American and Western democracy. The Arnie piece was indeed chilling, Greg.
If these polls are correct I did not see any healing happening any time soon..
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-55656836
Comment is about Pride and prestige, the American dream (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
I wonder if others have seen the Arnold Schwarzenegger video that has been doing the rounds recently. I found it very moving, particularly in its reminder of events like Krystallnacht that offered such a grim warning about the way fascism can develop. But it made me suddenly remember what I had forgotten in recent years ... that America used to be regarded as a shining light, a beacon, a safe haven for the oppressed of the world. That's what the Statue of Liberty is all about. How far has it fallen in recent times? What will it take to regain that spirit of welcome? And African-Americans might also question whether it ever really existed.
Comment is about Pride and prestige, the American dream (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
Haha! The W is always there on my poems, but I'm signed in through the all-knowing Google which I'm registered to without the W, so when I comment it comes up with plain old Stephen Atkinson. Unlike the wonderfully poet-y sounding, er.. Stephen W...?And, that photo was taken a couple of years ago in a hotel room in Edinburgh!
Comment is about d.knape (poet profile)
Original item by d.knape
Dreams can also become nightmares. The American dream is built (like so many others) on prosperity, work, relationships, the next generation etc. In divided countries (ours in too) for some people, the dream has turned very unpleasant. The only way to rekindle the dream is for all to share it. Harder done than said!
You poem hints at that level of childhood patriotism that we all enjoyed singing hymns at school before lessons. At that age we all seemed equal! Sadly with age comes division.
A good thoughtful reminder, thank you.
Comment is about Pride and prestige, the American dream (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
Philipos
Thu 14th Jan 2021 12:00
I fully agree with Keith, and remember well the American and Canadian troops passing through the Merseyside of my youthful days, when Hitler dropped his bombs on us.
A very topical blog indeed, and one much needed to be voiced.
Thanks.
P
Comment is about Pride and prestige, the American dream (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
JD.,
A poem with a strong patriotic flavour to it. I am sure that the hot heads who stormed the Capitol Building last week do not represent the America we have all come to know and admire. It was your nation that came to our aid in two world wars. We remember this with gratitude. The marauding mob of last week should be conscripted into the Armed Forces where they can better vent their energies in the service of their nation.
A good poem, written at the right time
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Pride and prestige, the American dream (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
A very good and topical poem
Keith
Comment is about The Killer (blog)
Original item by Neill Barnard
Neill,
This poem is well rhymed and tinged with humour. Some would see it as being a classic example of misogamy but often the truth of one's personal experiences need to be aired. I am sure many men are equally capricious and heartless when it suits them. You can write and write well. I look forward to seeing more of your poems.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Women are heartless (blog)
Original item by Neill Barnard
Thank-you to ALL of you participating in WOL, and making me comfortable enough to share this type of poetry. No names so I do not leave anyone out, but you all mean so much to me. The likes, the comments. so appreciated, Thanks for reading.
JD.
Comment is about Insane (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
A poem of all consuming love. Highly charged emotions portraying true undying love.
Thank You for this
Keith
Comment is about I Want You (blog)
Original item by Chris Bunton
Stuart,
This is the first poem I have read today. I am firmly of the opinion that both in adversity and joy we should be with others to share and listen to what they have to say. A poem which I think many of us need to read and ponder on as an important question is asked.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Company - Yes or No? (blog)
Original item by Stuart Vanner
Nicola Beckett
Thu 14th Jan 2021 09:50
Thu 14th Jan 2021 04:36
Thanks for the comment Stephen W Atkinson
without a period after the W
what happened to it?
did someone steal your period?
and what is that in the window behind you
a soccer field
a cemetery?
Comment is about Stephen W Atkinson (poet profile)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Thank you Aviva, Jordyn, Philipos and Stephen. To answer your question Aviva: I had the second line before the first so it was partly the exigencies of rhyme. 1972 was also the year I left university to live and work in London. Also in 72 I first saw Bowie and first saw a cricket match at Lords. I was 21 in 1972 and had not yet experienced many storms but I was aware of their potential to destroy.
.
Comment is about Stormy weather (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Is there a reason that you chose 1972, just curious because it happens to be the year I was born which happens to add an extra layer of meaning to all of the poem for me, but I'd like to know what the true reason for the choice was, if you're happy to tell us.
Comment is about Stormy weather (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
There is so much hope in this poem, and the concept itself is a veritable store of hope to take from whenever needed. By the time it can be certain that the day wouldn't end up unlikely perfect you're already drifting off into the comfort of sleep. Very clever.
But also, I notice that your perfect day is just like me, at least for the first couple of lines.. we start to differ after that but hey, I'm slightly perfect, who knew?
Comment is about My perfect day (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Philipos
Wed 13th Jan 2021 21:00
Wow.. this one seems to be very popular and has gotten more likes than any of my other poems. That's so fascinating.
Thanks to each of you who have clicked 'Like' for this poem.
Comment is about Careless Breeze (blog)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
Thanks for the likes all.
Thank you Aviva, Keith and Stephen A for the kind comments.
Comment is about The Mannequin Challenge (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Thanks for the Likes J.D. and Jordyn! Appreciated as always
Comment is about We! (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Thank you Mariyam, Stephen G., Julie, Stephen A., JD., and Holden for your likes and comments. I wrote this as I tried to compare the pandemic with the post war years but really there is no comparison. At least it was a trip down memory lane.
Keith
Comment is about Memories of Austerity (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Eeyore...Eeyore...Eyorways says this...?Sorry, couldn't resist
Only a fool would think your a
mule
Your a great poet
And we all know it. ?
Comment is about THE MULE (blog)
Original item by d.knape
If only! Lovely poem, Julie.
Comment is about The Mannequin Challenge (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Thanks, Keith. A story that sounds eerily like that of my parents, minus the sidecar. (And the bike was a Honda 50. Oh well.)
Comment is about Memories of Austerity (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
I like the way that you only find out at the end that you're behind a window and not out there in the wet weather scene. I'm going to assume that the people's clothes and umbrellas were various combinations or isolations of green, grey and brown.
Comment is about Just 3 Colours (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Jodie mcnee
Wed 13th Jan 2021 17:05
Jodie mcnee
Wed 13th Jan 2021 17:04
Julie,
If I could I would press play right now. A poem which takes everyone with you
Thanks
Keith
Comment is about The Mannequin Challenge (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
The whole universe is pausing,
Waiting for your song
Bated breath and listening ear,
Hoping to not wait long.
Comment is about The Mannequin Challenge (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Like a stained glass window your poem reflects so much deep thought into it.
Good luck with your poetry collection - - -
Nigel
Comment is about Rosie Lawson (poet profile)
Original item by Rosie Lawson
One moment can stand
the test of time
inside this Collage poem
you will find many.
Comment is about January 2021 College poem: Moments of Sunlight (blog)
Original item by Stockport WoL
Re "Planning her Escape"
Indeed Mariyam,
Poverty and Domestic Abuse, which can follow financial difficulties.
Thank you.
Comment is about soul_anonymous (poet profile)
Original item by soul_anonymous
Thanks Stephen.
Re "Planning her Escape"
I have a separate piece done with the woman alone in the bedroom.
I'm still pondering.
?
Comment is about Stephen Gospage (poet profile)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Hi Emeka,
Re "Planning her Escape"
Emeka indeed, poverty and abuse sometimes go hand in hand.
Thanks
Tommy
Comment is about Emeka Collins (poet profile)
Original item by Emeka Collins
Aviva hi
(re "Planning her Escape")
The piece involves 3 individuals ( the window-cleaner) and there is an issue over finances. The violence preceded the visit of the window-cleaner.
Thank you
Tommy
Comment is about Aviva Rifka Bhandari (poet profile)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
Aviva hi
The piece involves 3 individuals ( the window-cleaner) and there is an issue over finances. The violence preceded the visit of the window-cleaner.
Thank you
Tommy
Comment is about Planning her Escape (3rd person silent) (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Thanks for your likes
Stephen G
Jordyn and
Stephen A.
Comment is about They Held Their Heads up High (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
The constant bad weather made conditions hard going and I was just waiting for small ducks to appear on the pitch.
Only one goal settled this game and the County lads played as well as they could against strong opposition.
Comment is about They Held Their Heads up High (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
Emeka indeed, poverty and abuse sometimes go hand in hand.
Thanks
Tommy
Comment is about Planning her Escape (3rd person silent) (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Thanks Stephen.
I have a separate piece done with the woman alone in the bedroom.
I'm still pondering.
?
Comment is about Planning her Escape (3rd person silent) (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Indeed Mariyam, Poverty and Domestic Abuse, which can follow financial difficulties.
Thank you.
Comment is about Planning her Escape (3rd person silent) (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
This is a poem which follows a break and the need to put behind the past. The words " there's nothing better than letting go" is very apt. This often takes courage and the poem is so descriptive of this dilemma that it has the reader in the vehicle experiencing these emotions. A good poem.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Consider Me Gone (blog)
Original item by Jordyn Elizabeth
Thank you Stephen for your comment. Always appreciated.
I think the human 'universe' is broad and complex enough for many things to be at its centre. Banking isn't even essential although it is a very useful service both historically and currently. I for one am glad that we are no longer in a society that has to hide/carry and protect its wealth individually at all times. We still can by choice, but we do have an alternative. I understand why bankers would think that the world is ruled and defined by money. That said, I agree that poets rank higher. Words sway intentions which sway actions and only then is money involved.
Comment is about Centre Of The Universe (blog)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
Wed 13th Jan 2021 09:38
It feels so good and redeemable after reading anybody's life story in a touche- phrases ??
Comment is about Memories of Austerity (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Wed 13th Jan 2021 09:32
Exactly!!!! summoned with thorn even then rose blooms itself every day-....... #selfmotivation , it (poem) actually takes to my most recently mistake i did and the poem let my breath exhale with the satisfaction for what i planned for my desirable future.?
Comment is about Consider Me Gone (blog)
Original item by Jordyn Elizabeth
Wed 13th Jan 2021 09:23
"Their heart geared always to assist
Even at their expense they will not desist
For “No” is a word their mouth knows not
Sleep a luxury even when their body cries out"-
hey, it so much relatable to our parents. For sure the poem is all about change but also stake us to feel the realm of one's life.......??
Comment is about Awareness (blog)
Original item by Mocosy
Thankyou for your comment, Stephen.
Comment is about SHIT HAPPENS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
raypool
Thu 14th Jan 2021 13:53
The fact the Trump became president at all presupposes that there was rising up a demand for his style of leadership which he was cunning enough to recognize. The fact is he used muscle and influence to further his egoistic aims. It is really terribly sad that the world has to look on while you in America have to take it on the chin.
I'm not politically motivated, but your poem has hit the right spot and deserves commending. It does say a great deal about commitment.
Ray
Comment is about Pride and prestige, the American dream (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo