Profile image

John Botterill

Fri 12th Nov 2021 16:05

I think this is deeply moving and profound. Excellent subtle inclusion of war imagery. Fabulous poetry!

Comment is about NOVEMBER DAWN (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Fri 12th Nov 2021 15:05

Thanks, one and all, for taking the trouble to read and "like" this
poem. ?

Comment is about NOVEMBER DAWN (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Fri 12th Nov 2021 14:55

There was a time when barely any family here in Britain was left
untouched by the Great War - the so-called "war to end all wars". And that horrendous loss still resonates a hundred years
on, finding its awful descendant in WW2....with the same
ghastly source seeking to achieve ascendancy. Little changes
in the ambition that drove two dreadful descents into the abyss.

Comment is about Haunted by Passchendaele (blog)

Original item by Brenda Wells

Profile image

Greg Freeman

Fri 12th Nov 2021 14:09

Thanks for your comments, Graham. A new poem, an old photo, my contribution to Remembrance Day.

Comment is about Flora and fauna (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Fri 12th Nov 2021 13:12

What a macabre juxtaposition. The Garden of Eden with the Death Railway running through it. This is good work, you can smell those bananas.

Comment is about Flora and fauna (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

d.knape

Fri 12th Nov 2021 12:10

Post.

Comment is about Doctoring (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Profile image

John Coopey

Fri 12th Nov 2021 11:21

I don’t like to get too type-cast, Graham. You see what happened to Ken Barlow.
I worked with a bloke who was a bomber pilot and got shot down. He spent some years in a German POW camp. He said they were never more terrified than when the Russians ‘liberated’ them. He said he didn’t know when he woke up each morning if he would live to go to bed that night.
I don’t think he could have coped with the stress of today’s world, though!
Thanks for the Like, Holden.

Comment is about SLEEP EASY (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

Greg Freeman

Fri 12th Nov 2021 09:16

Thank you Holden, Rudyard, Stephen A and Stephen G for the Likes. The photograph of bananas was taken from the train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi on a 'pilgrimage' to the Kwai bridge several years ago now.

Comment is about Flora and fauna (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Fri 12th Nov 2021 07:20

The other JC.
My late father-in-law came here after the war having fought his way across Europe, including Montecasino. The tales he told, incredible!
This is touching work JC.

Comment is about SLEEP EASY (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

John Coopey

Thu 11th Nov 2021 23:13

Thankyou, Stephen. and Greg and Stephen A for the Like.

Comment is about SLEEP EASY (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

Stephen Gospage

Thu 11th Nov 2021 21:43

This is beautiful and moving, John, and makes a very powerful point.

Comment is about SLEEP EASY (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

Stephen Gospage

Thu 11th Nov 2021 21:10

A lovely poem, Mike. My condolences.

Comment is about Elizabeth 'Lilly' Bartram...The Perfect Mum 11-6-36/6-11-2021 (blog)

Original item by Mike Bartram

Profile image

Stephen Gospage

Thu 11th Nov 2021 21:06

A truly wonderful poem, John, and a great tribute to that generation who fought in a just, though horrific, war.

Comment is about DOGFIGHTER (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Profile image

Stephen Gospage

Thu 11th Nov 2021 21:00

Yes, a timely and moving poem, Stephen.

Comment is about Don't Forget (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Profile image

Stephen Atkinson

Thu 11th Nov 2021 19:51

Thanks M.C. wasn't sure if it was more annoying, but thought it helped the flow. Thanks! Lest We Forget
And for the likes & support Yaass, Brenda, Holden, Julie, John, Nigel & Jordyn ?

Comment is about Don't Forget (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Profile image

Stephen Atkinson

Thu 11th Nov 2021 19:39

So much tragedy & heartbreak in one family Brenda. But thanks to this I'm also remembering them ! ❤️

Comment is about Haunted by Passchendaele (blog)

Original item by Brenda Wells

Profile image

keith jeffries

Thu 11th Nov 2021 17:17

This poem dwells on the negativity which can so easily affect our lives. It results in depression and a lack of self worth. A clear remedy is to stand upright and say that from this moment forward I am in charge of my destiny and with all the good will I have I shall succeed in all that I do.

A poem written from the heart. Raw in its honesty but startling in its awful reality which so frequently assails the human condition.

Thank you for this

Keith

Comment is about failure (blog)

Original item by JustKelvinMasilela

Profile image

Stephen Gospage

Thu 11th Nov 2021 16:57

Another cracker, Ray. I like the idea of releasing all the hounds.

By the way, I've realised that Richard Branson rhymes with Ingmar Johannsen. I'll make a note......

Comment is about FOUR FOUR (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Profile image

Stephen Gospage

Thu 11th Nov 2021 16:51

Thanks to John and Holden for the positive comments on this poem. My idea had been to link the rhythm of the poem to the ryhthm of life (at least as I see it).

And thanks to Hugh, New Shoes, Jordyn, Bramwell, Julie, Pete and Kelvin for liking the poem.

Comment is about Rhythm (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Thu 11th Nov 2021 16:24

The existence of animals in all their variety remains a topic for
endless discussion and speculation. I sometimes wonder what
would happen if the ordinary rat was considered tasty, or foxes
(and not pigs) a delicious source of breakfast fare, sizzling in the pan on a cold morning. Culling is a word that embraces the perceived need to limit animal numbers ere they become
a risk to their own (and other) species or just a plain nuisance.
Certain dictators have employed a similar system, it has to be
be admitted, but, strangely, not connected with the historical
record of cannibalism. It seems most of the larger species inhabiting the world are prone to a taste for other flesh and
that "carnivore" can certainly be applied to humanity; for
what are we, but large animals too.

Comment is about Rhyming Cutlets (Vegans Have The Right To Drugs) (blog)

Original item by Jed

Profile image

raypool

Thu 11th Nov 2021 13:49

Thanks for coming through Holden!

Interesting Mark. Artie was a bit of a ladies' man and lived to a ripe old age, whereas Glenn.......

Thanks for that Tom, I rewrote and simplified the poem and that line was one of the benefits!

A nice comment New Shoes thanks.

Stephen, a good point made thanks.

Thanks Graham, that's a nice notch to have. There have been many imitators, but the original band was highly stylized and hard to exactly replicate.

Ray

Comment is about FRONT LINE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Profile image

keith jeffries

Thu 11th Nov 2021 00:20

A very humourous poem which is well written and speaks of mischief.

Thanks for this
Keith

Comment is about The Resident Poltergeist (blog)

Original item by SophieJPugsley

Profile image

John Coopey

Wed 10th Nov 2021 18:00

In one of his long stories, Stephen, Tolkien has one of his characters say to a hill, “‘Hill’? That’s a very little word for something so big and old”.

Comment is about THE HUNTER (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

julie callaghan

Wed 10th Nov 2021 17:41

Thanks for the kind comment and likes.

Comment is about Bare Trees (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Profile image

Stephen Atkinson

Wed 10th Nov 2021 17:25

That's very short for you John, I was just getting comfortable with a cuppa & a 'ob nob. Didn't even have a sip ?.
Good one though!

Comment is about THE HUNTER (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Wed 10th Nov 2021 15:25

A "spoonful of positivity" helps the misery go down! Nice one.

Comment is about Do Not Give Up! (blog)

Original item by Stuart Vanner

Profile image

John Coopey

Wed 10th Nov 2021 15:21

Thanks for the Likes, Pete, Holden and Stephen.

Comment is about THE HUNTER (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Wed 10th Nov 2021 15:21

Timely indeed. The repeated rhythm of the line "Don't forget,
don't forget" works well.

Comment is about Don't Forget (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Wed 10th Nov 2021 15:15

Hi Ray - Not sure about your message of the 1st November just
read. My only recall is of a purchase way back and that seems to
be connected with my message seen in your list of messages dated 7th February last. However, I will go to my Paypal
account, not least to check payments in general - and come
back to you. Cheers, Mark

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Profile image

Stephen Atkinson

Wed 10th Nov 2021 13:58

A wonderfully heartfelt piece, Keith ?

Comment is about A Distant Field (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Profile image

jennifer Malden

Wed 10th Nov 2021 11:10

Fantastic, (as usual). Like the first line holding it all together, and agree absolutely with Keith that it is full of an incredible lightheartedness, something in short supply lately. The lines are anything but clumsy!
Jennifer

Comment is about Best In The Morning (blog)

Original item by Tom

Profile image

Pete (edbreathe)

Wed 10th Nov 2021 08:14

Actually my Uncle Was Frank too, his ship the Manchester was attacked in the Med and he was a POW in North Africa . Not pleasant by all accounts .
Looks like we were all saved by an army of Franks ! May they all RIP

Comment is about DOGFIGHTER (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Wed 10th Nov 2021 07:55

I’ve heard Greta’s teachers are worried about her grades, which are slipping and her attendance record is very poor.

Comment is about WHO IS IT? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Profile image

John Coopey

Wed 10th Nov 2021 07:48

What is not being talked about, MC, is the humorous threat to the manhood of middle aged men by a little girl and their huffing and puffing response.

Comment is about WHO IS IT? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Profile image

John Marks

Tue 9th Nov 2021 23:31

Thank you Pete, Mark, dear Keith, Holden and Ray - all male, does that imply anything? Yes, Keith they inspire me too. I owe such a debt to those men (and they were mostly men) who overcame their fear and fought for our country. The brave are not those who are not afraid but those who ARE afraid but fight anyway.

"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it." - Thucydides (460 BC - 395 BC), Greek Historian

Comment is about DOGFIGHTER (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Profile image

raypool

Tue 9th Nov 2021 22:55

a very moving poem John highly effective in relaying feelings and the release of death . It speaks for itself..

Ray

Comment is about DOGFIGHTER (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Profile image

keith jeffries

Tue 9th Nov 2021 22:38

John,
This poem is so very appropriate as we approach November 11. I grew up amongst those generations who had fought in both world wars, my grandfather in the first and my father in the second. My father was called Frank which added to the weight of your words and I remember other Franks as you describe, those in old age, suffering in different ways from their various conflicts. What a debt we owe them. They inspire me to this day.

Thank you for this

Keith

Comment is about DOGFIGHTER (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Profile image

keith jeffries

Tue 9th Nov 2021 22:32

I enjoyed this for a number of reasons as it read like a poetic version of the Book of Wisdom. I agree with every word but so well written.

Thank you for this
Keith

Comment is about Do Not Give Up! (blog)

Original item by Stuart Vanner

Profile image

Pete (edbreathe)

Tue 9th Nov 2021 20:26

As to the population I don’t have grandchildren and unlikely to have any ! On the fridge question I have a fridge that’s 30 years old and if I replace it I’m contributing towards new manufacturing but if I keep it it going I use more energy . HELP?

Comment is about WHO IS IT? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Tue 9th Nov 2021 20:09

They met danger and death while barely out of their teens and
one wonders how much the survivors thought of themselves
as lucky with all the intrusive afflictions brought by advancing years thereafter. The illustration accompanying these
evocative words brought the following to mind.
I think of the bodies that from burning cockpits spilt
In close combat over England's patchwork quilt.

Comment is about DOGFIGHTER (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Tue 9th Nov 2021 19:55

Thanks for the addition to the debate Pete. It's not as if most
us don't actually understand the likelihood of excess human
industrial activity having a detrimental effect. But excess also
applies to the world's rapidly increasing population. The
question is how human threat is being reckoned against what is undoubtedly occurring 24/7 in nature. And, of course,
big changes in long-established industrial activities and their sources require big money being funnelled in that direction. I'm old enough to recall the scare stories decades
ago about mountains of old refrigerators and their CFC threat
to the ozone over the Antarctic - about as far from human industrial activity as can be imagined on this planet. This was
challenged by a French scientist in a broadsheet newspaper at
the time and he became some sort of persona non grata for his
scientific opinion. Little has changed, it seems.

Comment is about WHO IS IT? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Profile image

Pete (edbreathe)

Tue 9th Nov 2021 19:51

A delight to read

Comment is about Bare Trees (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Profile image

Pete (edbreathe)

Tue 9th Nov 2021 19:50

Spitfires a strangely evocative weapon of war

Comment is about DOGFIGHTER (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Profile image

Pete (edbreathe)

Tue 9th Nov 2021 19:08

Short poem but huge debate !
If she could come up with how to actually achieve it rather than rhetoric I might listen

I tell you what turn off all climate damaging activity tomorrow and see what happens . Out and out conflict , but you would only be able to use environmentally friendly weapons ? That doesn’t include sharp instruments as they require iron ore and coal to make them
Or am I just a cynic
By the way I like the poem as well

Comment is about WHO IS IT? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Profile image

John Marks

Tue 9th Nov 2021 18:57

Red Leb's a partial rhyme!
?

Comment is about Identity theft (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Profile image

John Coopey

Tue 9th Nov 2021 18:49

The rhythm of the poem is the perfect vehicle for this eternal rhythm of life.

Comment is about Rhythm (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Profile image

John Marks

Tue 9th Nov 2021 18:47

Yes Mark, I think so. “We suffer more often in imagination that in reality.” — Seneca

Comment is about From the Russian (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Profile image

julie callaghan

Tue 9th Nov 2021 15:23

Thanks for the likes and lovely comments.

Comment is about Old Friends (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Profile image

julie callaghan

Tue 9th Nov 2021 15:20

A lovely tribute, take care.

Comment is about Elizabeth 'Lilly' Bartram...The Perfect Mum 11-6-36/6-11-2021 (blog)

Original item by Mike Bartram

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Tue 9th Nov 2021 15:12

The cycle of life caught in these lines about the passing beauty
of riverside flowers. Worth our time whether "from the distance"
or up close in more personal experience. The English poet
Laurence Binyon wrote one of my favourite poems "The Burning
of The Leaves" - one which I'm sure you might enjoy. It can be
found easily online.

Comment is about STORY OF CHERRY BLOSSOM. (blog)

Original item by MANISHA SAINI

More Comments

◄ Prev123 … 306 … 527528529530531 … 612 … 918 … 1224 … 1530 … 1836 … 2142 … 2448 … 2754 … 305030513052Next ►

This site uses only functional cookies that are essential to the operation of the site. We do not use cookies related to advertising or tracking. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message