A lot of other news reports said the same thing, MC. You have staunchly defended your man on these blogs for the last four years, but is he really still your kinda guy? We will indeed watch how events unfold. Good thing that he won't be at the inauguration, I think. Not the greatest or most gracious of losers. But maybe you don't think he lost?

Comment is about Insurrection (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

This is beautiful writing and I imagine you must have a beautiful friendship to have pulled this into existence.
?

Comment is about Broken Friends (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Thanks for the heads up Aviva, in a rush again.
Take care on your walk to the kitchen.

Comment is about Today's Walk (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Your point of view is respected but I take issue with the aspect of
telling his adherents to bring weapons, just as much as I took issue
with the BBC News report that said Trump had encouraged his supporters to "storm" the Capitol. ?
History will be the judge of how and why this all unfolded. That
seems the only certainty as things stand as it needs a distance of
time to allow passions to subside and cool dispassionate investigations of the "historian" kind to come into play.

Comment is about Insurrection (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Wow! You had me in tears again Stephen, read it three times already.
? Deserves a whole bunch of likes.
I had not heard of Chester Bennington or any of their music. Watching the video and listening to the lyrics makes your excellent write even more poignant.

Comment is about Broken Friends (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Please note the requirement to send a "claim" to my email address
provided in the WOL report. First email applicant should include an
address for postal purposes. I will reply to any applicants to ensure
they know the result.
MC

Comment is about Write Out Loud regular offers free copy of spare poetry pamphlet to first email claimant (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

This is so enchanting and it makes me wish to join in.
I'm going to go make myself a coffee and grab some biscuits!
(I'll be walking to the kitchen and gazing out the window as I go)

Comment is about Today's Walk (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

I wonder if the incumbent is planning to write a book. It should make interesting reading. Perhaps a revision of the US voting process
might be a result of what has been going on - not least to prevent
these events repeating themselves and helping to restore public
trust in the safeguards that are supposed to protect the integrity
of the process.
As for US politicians in general on recent/current displays - Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Comment is about HOW TO MAKE A MONSTER (A rumination on The Capitol Hill Riot) (blog)

Original item by Terry McArthur

Thank you JD, the first lines of each stanza do sound nice together, I hadn't realised that. I wonder if I knew it subconsciously or not when choosing the words.

Thank you Keith, a lot of my poetry was written whilst trying to find truths to cling to, and I'm glad to hear that you find this to be true too.

I'd also like to thank everyone who has clicked 'Like' for the poem.
I really do appreciate each one of you.

Comment is about We Are All Of Us (blog)

Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari

I agree with JD. This poem encapsulates who we are and what we are searching for.
Thanks for this
Keith

Comment is about We Are All Of Us (blog)

Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari

JD.,

Most of us fall at one or more of these hurdles because of our human frailty and the innate need to put our selves first in this life. However, your poetic response is significant as it highlights the need for self examination. Then comes the crunch. What are we going to do about it????

An interesting poetic experiment which speaks to us all
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about The Ten Commandments, (check-list) (blog)

Original item by J.D. Bardo

nice poem, and read just the first line of each stanza, a nice little poem.

JD.

Comment is about We Are All Of Us (blog)

Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari

Really liked this poem, John. It covers a lot of ground.

Comment is about ICU doctor (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Thank you to those who have clicked 'Like' ?

Comment is about What I Am Today (blog)

Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari

Aviva Derchi!!! ??

Comment is about Aviva Rifka Bhandari (poet profile)

Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari

nothing to it!!

?

Comment is about Stephen Gospage (poet profile)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thanks for your long and interesting comment
Stephen W. Atkinson.
Next time, be more brief!

hahaha

Comment is about Stephen W Atkinson (poet profile)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

The last two lines of this poem are good advice to many parents. Parents do need to stand aside and allow the individuality of a person to manifest his or herself without undue restraint. Parents plant the seed and provide formation and guidance but ultimately the child develops along lines not prescribed by its parents.

A well thought out poem
Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about Room to grow (blog)

Original item by J.D. Bardo

Comforting to hear that I'm not the sole inhabitant of that 'Desert of Despair', Mr Coopey ! ?

Comment is about 'Sign' of the Times (Reflections on 'Rude'!) (blog)

Original item by John Andrew Nield

Thanks Aviva for your comments. I appreciate you reading and comparing both versions. Yes I agree about the luck, to be honest played around with it too many times. I think I had luck in there at some point and will change it as it would read better.

Brian, that will probably be next weeks write when I am less emotional ? and can appreciate the reduction of chores.

Thanks Aviva, Hugh and Stephen G for the likes.

Comment is about Empty Nest Again Amended (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Some glaring ommisions Julie...there is nothing about bringing their washing home to be done, borrowing money, storing stuff in parents's garage, etc.

Comment is about Empty Nest Again Amended (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

I liked the original but I think this is better as it has removed some (redundant) words eg. '(emotional) tears'. and 'protected them (from harm)'. I also think the new version's 'watching over them' is better than the previous 'looks out for them' as it only suggests close proximity and active involvement whereas the earlier version could dually be interpreted also as 'doesn't know when they might appear again'.

I'd just consider though that now you have 'she taught them well' and 'she wished them well' and so perhaps you could revert back to the word 'luck' with 'she wished them luck as she watched them fly' unless repetition of 'well' was part of the plan.

Comment is about Empty Nest Again Amended (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

He’s now got fewer friends than me, Stephen.

Comment is about HOME OF THE FREE, LAND OF THE BRAVE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

This is short but captures so much meaning. There is a stoic determination and perseverance of numbing the discomforts of the races we have to run, but it also contains a ghost message which is that there is emotional pain also in the races we will not run once again. I like that we are dashing (or racing, if you will) in our efforts to find fun too. It has a very intriguing metre and rhyme to it too. I can't quite work out if it is a planned pattern or a natural occurrence.

Comment is about Pain (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

I think this should apply to journalists too, btw.

But, I'm glad that since I am not a politician or a celebrity (or a journalist) I am allowed to continue serving up slices of nothing.

Comment is about THE NOTHING BURGER (blog)

Original item by d.knape

I think this has some beef....?

Comment is about THE NOTHING BURGER (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Home of the brave, land of the free
Everybody's got it in for me
(Except for Mike Pence,
Oh God, now he has too)
What the hell am I gonna do?

Comment is about HOME OF THE FREE, LAND OF THE BRAVE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Quite right, John. My own betes noires are people who constantly sniffle or, worse still, hoik up phlegm in their throats. I understand the right to bear arms!

Comment is about 'Sign' of the Times (Reflections on 'Rude'!) (blog)

Original item by John Andrew Nield

?

Comment is about THE NOTHING BURGER (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Thank you as ever Stephen G and Stephen A and Holden!

Adam, that is definitely true; at one time to "go pro" was the desire of many a musician but in retrospect it's safer and probably less wearing on mind and body not to. I've worked with many amateurs as paid work tailed off and the market opened up . Even colleges train people to a high standard to flood the streets with buskers ( apart from covid restrictions) ! Glad you liked this one.

Tony, It's funny how certain details stand out in a life. I'm glad you spotted the couplet. Music should bring hope and sustenance but there is a seamy side to it, as well as a sad one.

Ray

Comment is about DARK ARTS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Enjoyed your Shetland sample poem, Maxine. It's a place I've always wanted to visit but still haven't, yet. Thanks for sharing your poems and thoughts on Write Out Loud

Comment is about Maxine Rose Munro (poet profile)

Original item by Maxine Rose Munro

That’s right, Trevor. Bob Dylan references him in his early composition, “Song to Woody”.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lOWfCVQBixs

Comment is about HOME OF THE FREE, LAND OF THE BRAVE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I like this. But to me they were never really friends; and true self will always rise. Thanks Stephen

Comment is about Voice (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thank you Moon.girl

Comment is about Frailty (blog)

Original item by Michael Rios

Leadbelly was a friend of Woody Guthries who, for those who give a shit, chronicled the beauty of America - This Land Is Your Land / Pastures of Plenty etc. while fighting for the common man. Emblazoned on his guitar were the words - 'This Machine Kills Fascists'. 'Nuff said
Right on brother John!

Comment is about HOME OF THE FREE, LAND OF THE BRAVE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

You can take the man out of Salford but you cannot take Salford out of the man.

Comment is about David Constantine awarded Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Almost, Greg. I always tell it like I see it.
And thanks for the Likes, Stephen and Aviva.

Comment is about HOME OF THE FREE, LAND OF THE BRAVE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

When I read 'monkish spot' I was scratching my head...no pun intended.

Comment is about The sting (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Tell it like it is, John

Comment is about HOME OF THE FREE, LAND OF THE BRAVE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

What the f? Is mescaline. Never heard of that. P. S. I didn't think children liked being posted through letterboxes. My life is very simple. I give children back to their rightful owners. So I can do fun things like eat all their sweets when they are not looking. I can also laugh at smug marrieds as I call them who are over run with children. Even the grown up ones, demanding large sums of money off their parents. The trick is birth control. It works a treat. PPS. How many men does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One to do it, one to take a photo and one to broadcast to the world that the light bulb has been changed.
P. P. P. S how many lesbians does it take to run off to Prauge and stay in a lovely hotel? Especially when their ex husband knows nothing about it until now. Answer only one. Or was that two. Answer two.

Comment is about SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Thanks to everyone who has left a 'Like' for this poem.

?

Comment is about Poetry As A Means Of Meditation (blog)

Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari

Oooo I dunno Branwell. Is it comedy or is it tragedy?

Comment is about Thank Heavens (blog)

Original item by branwell kent

Yes,, I also try to adopt your coping strategy, Mark. It's just that the 'red mist' drifts over with each further episode! I must try harder! ?

Comment is about 'Sign' of the Times (Reflections on 'Rude'!) (blog)

Original item by John Andrew Nield

Many thanks once again to all who have liked and/or commented on this poem.

Ruth - thanks for your added verse, which I enjoyed very much.

Aviva - after yesterday's events in Washington, it looks as though we need the cure urgently!

Comment is about Voice (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Welcome back, Cynthia!

Comment is about New Year's Morning, 2021 (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thanks for your comments, Phil, Graham and MC, and for your Likes, John, Ruth, Julie, Michael and Aviva. Our outdoor lights have gone on the blink - or rather, they're not blinking at all, due to needing new batteries. But our indoor lights - see picture above - are still shining, and our tree is still glowing. It won't be going back into the garden this year until Candlemas at the beginning of Feb. Light in the darkness!

Comment is about Candlemas (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Cynthia, thank you, I certainly aspire to be.

Comment is about Poetry As A Means Of Meditation (blog)

Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari

You are my kind of girl!

Comment is about Poetry As A Means Of Meditation (blog)

Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari

And look at who's still here. OH, HAPPY DAY!

I may never catch up with the past few months, but I fully intend to be as current as I can from this day forward. Happy New Year to so many WOL friends whom I have really missed.

I just hope I can remember how to do all this.

Comment is about New Year's Morning, 2021 (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Dear Dorinda - noted BUT the qualification is first to EMAIL me at
markone05@live.com gets the book. Hurry up!! You could be first. You should understand that the email contact mentioned
enables the provision of address and other details about posting to be exchanged
MC

Comment is about Dorinda MacDowell (poet profile)

Original item by Dorinda MacDowell