Thanks for your comments and memories, Keith and MC. Glad this triggered something for you both. Keith, have you posted poems about your time in Montserrat?
Comment is about The Bell (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Tue 30th Nov 2021 03:07
You don't see the word Razzamatass very often anymore.
Thanks for bringing it back.
?
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
<Deleted User> (32907)
Mon 29th Nov 2021 23:50
Julie,
I think we simply have to live with it and cope one way or another. I am more interested in the source of this virus which seems to be shrouded in mystery.
Well written.
Thanks
Keith
Comment is about Omicron (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
The name returns like a sudden hiss of hot air - one of a group
of writers that came to attention after WW2 for their hardhitting style. I think you have to be of a certain vintage - or otherwise a
seeker (or accidental discoverer) of a particular style and subject matter - to know the name nowadays.
Comment is about Irwin Shaw (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
Brings back memories of my late mother's recollections of time
spent as a young girl with a new husband - a survivor from WW1 and the Anglo-Irish war who joined the local defence
force in St Kitts/Nevis. They stayed with her elder sister and
husband at a place called Stonygrove (as I recall) and her
story of how a domestic help had knocked some newly picked flowers from her hands to reveal the presence of a lurking
tarantula spider stays with me still.
Comment is about The Bell (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Like the flu that killed millions more than Covid worldwide directly after WW1, it seems we have to learn to live with it,
developing resistance via medical advances and behavioural
sense. Viruses always mutate and a lack of proper hygiene
allied to frequent modern international travel can only see
this continuing, not least as third world countries join the ranks
of those who keep crossing borders for a range of reasons.
Not one of the global world's shining achievements!!
Comment is about Omicron (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Greg,
For me this was a trip down memory lane as I lived in the Caribbean for a number of years on the island of Montserrat prior to the eruption of the volcano. I am also familiar with Barbados and Antigua. Your description does justice to the island, in fact it took me straight back there. The religious college you refer to is probably Codrington theological college which has a long road leading up to the house lined with Royal Palms. O to be there instead of enduring a temperature of -1 Celsius.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about The Bell (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Intriguing poem, Stephen. Why twice a month, I wonder? Enjoyed the subtle rhyme pattern. Thanks. John Botterill
Comment is about Westcliff (On Sea) (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
An atmospheric and beautifully crafted poem, Keith. Loved it. John Botterill ?
Comment is about The Indian Ocean (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
A 'postcard' poem, a collection of observations from a Caribbean cruise some six years ago. We have a family connection with Barbados. Posted now to congratulate the island on becoming a republic.
Comment is about The Bell (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Since writing this poem, in which I found myself surprised at my own thoughts, I have on retrospection realised that it was an image of the past, with no change in the village on the surface but a place now in isolation. Surrounding towns and cities belong to another world. Two worlds in the same time zone reflecting different cultures and life styles. I prefer what I saw that morning in the village.
Keith
Comment is about The Village Hall (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Oh Brother. Sometimes difficult to live with; but harder to live without. ?
Comment is about Brother (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
These lines bring to mind a 1970s visit to Louisiana when I was
taken by the US family to a local football game. I got a bit
confused trying to work out what was going on (like Americans
with cricket, I imagine), but the atmosphere alone was worth the
effort. Loved the razzamatazz!! ?
Comment is about All About Football (blog)
Original item by d.knape
Thanks Keith, it is ironical that Sir John was incorporated into the station as a sort of anachronism to the onward march of "progress". Maybe he has been duped rather than celebrated.
Thanks Graham, I think we've been in thrall to the American louche and thrusting attitudes for so long now, and our lives are governed by a reliance on what was basically designed as a war footing security system ie the internet; but hey man, i'm using it now, ain't I? Let's drop the big one now!
Thanks Mark. The popular song genre you focus on was certainly a massive money spinner riding on the back of sentimentality, with a very clever spin using the media as was at the time to spread that gospel. I have lived off it as a musician. I would agree that those songs have acquired a charisma all of their own and persist today. To an extent the American influence is a sweetener to the mundane lives many of us face.
A well observed post Stephen. His eccentricity reinforced his wanderings , the battered hat a symbol like that of Fred Dibnah, who represent the dotty and loveable figures of the past. His poetry was never quite the ticket according to the literati, but it does connect the man in the street with some higher aspirations, I think. His snobbishness had two sides, one for and one against the upper class.
Thanks for the likes Stephen A, Holden and Gail !
Ray
Comment is about SIR JOHN LOOKS OUT (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Thanks guys, really appreciated, I was looking at the window yesterday and it sort of just came to me .
?
Comment is about WIN ter (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
Mon 29th Nov 2021 02:51
Thanks for reading "Cows".
Had no idea you were such a prolific writer.
Read your Bio.
Am impressed.
but...
forget about climate change
it's been changing for eons.
Comment is about Stephen Gospage (poet profile)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
It's always a good start to a day when you wake up in the morning.
I like the idea of the grass watching you grow.
Comment is about Blue Sway (blog)
Original item by Jed
Another seasonal poem well rhymed and thoughtfully written.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about WIN ter (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
I enjoyed the succession of images and constant rhythm, Pete.
Comment is about WIN ter (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
You're so right, Stephen. I'm sure it would have a stronger claim than conkers, Morris dancing and dwyle flonking.
And thanks for the Likes, Stephen A and Holden.
Comment is about THE GODS OF COMEDY (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Sun 28th Nov 2021 22:31
Thank you so much for the insightful interpretation, Keith, you've actually found further strands of meaning than I intended! ?
Comment is about Vise (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
Sun 28th Nov 2021 22:22
This is truly beautiful and moving, John! ?
Comment is about Brother (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thank you Keith and Stephen A for the lovely comments. Thanks also for the kind likes. So lovely to see spinkling of snow.
Comment is about Snowy Walk (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Thanks Stephen G. It’s not too bad and could have been a lot worse. Thanks for the likes.
Comment is about Storm Arwen (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
I love this. Surreal and real at the same time.
Comment is about Blue Sway (blog)
Original item by Jed
Thank you, Andy. Glad you liked this one. ??
Comment is about The friend I can be (blog)
Original item by Emer Ní Chorra
A brilliant poem which hits the mark. It's sad that the mega-rich seem to think there is a 'Planet B', at least for them.
Comment is about Raping Mother earth (blog)
Original item by Dewald
You should have kept at it, John. The way things are going 'Push-the-Pepperpot' would be an Olympic sport by now, with lottery funding and Clare Balding doing the commentary (or trying to).
Comment is about THE GODS OF COMEDY (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Stephen,
this is a good poem. A vocabulary and expression which captivate the reader. It also speaks of the power of poetry through human emotion.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about The Vagaries (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Anyone of a certain vintage here in London will probably
remember Bill Boakes, a familiar figure on Oxford Street W1 with
his sandwich boards that declaimed against protein and meat
and declared that "The End of the World is Nigh". I think of
him whenever i am privy to negativity about the future of this
planet. Mother Nature has other plans, I'm sure. It's more a
matter of whether we haven't outstayed our own welcome and
kissed it goodbye as a species, returning it to the other lifeforms
that surround us in their uncaring unceasing multitudes.
Is it "Back to the Bacteria" for Planet Earth? ? .
Comment is about The end of the world is nigh ,but not all of us are destined to die. (blog)
Original item by hugh
Julie,
This poem makes me envious as we have not had any snow yet. Can you blow some our way.
Beautifully written with good rhyming.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Snowy Walk (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Thanks, KJ. I've been to Skeggy but will now have to put Cleggy on my list (if only for the chip butty).
Comment is about Westcliff (On Sea) (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Keith,
Thank you for appreciating my words.
I'm glad that you agree with my thoughts. Its upsetting to see someone in deep trouble and it hurts like hell when you aren't able to help them. Words of condolence and encouragement can't do what kind actions can.
We do care and love irrespective of colour, creed, caste, religion, races and nation. I'm glad this is a sweet alternative to all the plight.
Love n Peace
MG
Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)
Original item by keith jeffries
Keith,
Thank you for appreciating my words.
I'm glad that you agree with my thoughts. Its upsetting to see someone in deep trouble and it hurts like hell when you aren't able to help them. Words of condolence and encouragement can't do what kind actions can.
We do care and love irrespective of colour, creed, caste, religion, races and nation. I'm glad this is a sweet alternative to all the plight.
Love n Peace
MG
Comment is about 70. Poem (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
Sounds a nice place.
Especially with all that steak and sex going off.
Cleggy is much the same. Folk round here often nip there for a chip butty, and a bunk-up.
Comment is about Westcliff (On Sea) (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Personally I think that bulldogs and pugs are grotesque. All down to man's stupidity in trying to achieve a standard that should never exist.
Give me a mongrel any day.
Comment is about Mong Royale (blog)
Original item by Jed
Moonlight,
I am with you all the way. I am dismayed by the world I see everyday. I have come to one firm conclusion and that is that we all love and care for each other. There is no alternative.
Thank you for this poem. It echoes the cry of humanity.
Keith
Comment is about 70. Poem (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
Holden,
I read into this the dilemma which besets us all in life. A trap in which we are caught and assured of its efficacy yet in reality seeks to destroy us and suggests that any alternative is futile. The vices are the sins that bring about personal destruction as we surrender to temptation over and again. The only exit or redemption is to surrender to a virtuous life. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Vise (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
A eulogy profound and heartfelt.
Thank you for this John
Keith
Comment is about Brother (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Thank you Stephen. I have the same feelings with many of your poems too. There is space for poetry to bring out lots of contrasting feelings, isn't there.
Comment is about Cosmetic Colouration (blog)
Original item by Rasa Kabaila
<Deleted User> (32907)
Sun 28th Nov 2021 01:28
Very catchy song. Nice lyrics. From someone who knows nothing about music, sounds like a great song. You are so talented.
Comment is about WHERE DO YOU GO? (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Before you die
travel inside dreams
towards his love.
Comment is about 68. Poem (blog)
Original item by Sunshine
Greg Freeman
Tue 30th Nov 2021 09:05
And not just on social media. Absolutely appalling https://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/news/people/hastings-rnli-lifeboat-crew-blocked-from-going-out-to-sea-by-people-angry-at-them-rescuing-refugees-3475179
Comment is about Dunkirk (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman