Thank you Stephen.

Comment is about For Jake (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

There still is a chippy opposite the Walmgate barbican, Greg. Don't know if it's called Jimmy's though. We had one in my home town of Hucknall called Joe McGann's. We kids thought we were dead clever calling it Joe Mucky 'Ands.

Comment is about SWEATY BETTY'S (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Jimmy's Fish Bar opposite Walmgate Bar in York. Close to the Rose and Crown, and its huge jukebox. Late 70s.

Comment is about SWEATY BETTY'S (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I didn’t know that, Stephen. You mean Julian Clary did one about Sweaty Woman? Surely not Sweaty Betty? He can’t be old enough to remember her.
And thanks for the Likes, Holden, Tom, Stephen A, Pete and Hobo.

Comment is about SWEATY BETTY'S (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

And many thanks to Rudyard, Stephen, Holden and Pete for the likes.

Comment is about Volcano (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

.......and the rain falls on both the just and unjust. This poem has, for me, an intriguing query.which lie in the words "Shines behind the sun, We do not know of the world to come...." It is my belief, though not supported by facts, that justice will be meted out in that place. For those who are the victims of poverty and injustice they will arrive in a place infinitely rewarding bathed in beauty and tranquility. "Verily I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise". All will be safely gathered in and nothing will be lost.

Thank you for this

Keith

Comment is about The Resurrection of the dead (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

“Do not consider it proof just because it is written in books, for a liar who will deceive with his tongue will not hesitate to do the same with his pen.” We should be brave enough to think for ourselves, and act according to our soul's dictates, regardless of all external constraints e.g. the law, fashion, conventional morality, religious precept, the sayings of prophets and of scribes: “Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that the entire world agrees with it, nor less so even if the whole world disagrees with it.”
― Maimonides, The Guide for the Perplexed

Comment is about The Resurrection of the dead (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Memorably used by Julian Clary on Radio 4's Loose Ends if I remember.

Comment is about SWEATY BETTY'S (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

It's a sad fact that people living in poor conditions will often take out their frustrations on other poor and disposessed. This is a tricky area but the reality of deprivation is there and I think you express it well.

Comment is about White privilege (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Or building a better beaver, whatever that meant. Almost certainly nothing, or worse. There is something quite biblical about the man with tablet, Ray.

Comment is about PLANTING UP THE FIELDS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thank you, Greg. Yes, partly a metaphor. Someone confidently told me in 2016 that true friendships would survive the Brexit vote, but that hasn't always been the case.

Comment is about Volcano (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Well spotted, Greg! The trouble with government is that is a disparate combination of different interests that in the end cancel each other out while making noises ! Of course we do have Kappelmeister Boris to make the ultimate decisions. (Like building a better Britain).

Ray

Comment is about PLANTING UP THE FIELDS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

A lot of middle class investors bought up the 3-bedroom council houses years ago. The 'good' housing stock is now all in private hands. In Salford it can take 10 years in the queue for a family with three kids to get a 3-bedroom house, if they ever do. And that's in a Labour area where the council are still building housing for rent. Margaret Hodge, when MP
for Barking, argued in 2007 that the Government
“should look at policies where the legitimate
sense of entitlement felt by the indigenous family
overrides the legitimate need demonstrated by
the new migrants”. This is still not happening and it builds huge resentment.

Comment is about White privilege (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

And then they name all the streets after the natural life that they have destroyed there, don't they, Ray?

Comment is about PLANTING UP THE FIELDS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Like most people, I find volcanoes awesome and fascinating, Stephen. Nothing to do with the climate change, of course - just a constant reminder of the strict limits of our power over nature. And you use them as an interesting metaphor for something else at the end of the poem.

Comment is about Volcano (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Afghan refugees are currently holed up in hotels, and some are so miserable that they want to go back home, John. I assume you're listing the 'refugees are taking our council homes' as working-class myth, which it is, rather than fact. Thatcher got rid of most of the council homes decades ago. But I get and agree with the main point of this poem.

Comment is about White privilege (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

A delectable dessert of descriptive prose ( just to carry on Stephen G's wonderful menu comment). Excellent

Comment is about Vast Horizons (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Thanks, Stephen. “Roy” is a contrivance to rhyme with the lovely-sounding “saveloy”.

Comment is about SWEATY BETTY'S (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A beautiful poem which will bring comfort to many, Julie. I am so sorry.

Comment is about For Jake (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Thank you all for the kind comments and likes.

Comment is about For Jake (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

This is brilliant, John. Was the husband really called Roy, or did you slip the reference in? I've seen several photos of Royals looking angry while eating - Prince Andrew and that Woking pizza comes to mind.....

Comment is about SWEATY BETTY'S (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A massive menu of gorgeous language, Keith. The conclusion is perfect.

Comment is about Vast Horizons (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Thanks for the like, Rudyard.

Tom - the poem is written to entertain as verse, even though the content describes a cynical, imperfect world. I think your comment reflected that.

Comment is about Land (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

I'm not familiar with the details of this case, but I certainly would agree with the blatant bias in the media. Considering your history I can appreciate the post - poetry or not.

Comment is about WHERE WAS THIS? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Well said Mark. As a former researcher (meteorologist), I believe there is more at play here than simply human contributions, and more issues than simply environmental. Questions should be asked...particularly when current policy and plans are leading to global energy shortages.

Comment is about SUNNY? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I like this very much. Exposure!

Comment is about chasing (blog)

Original item by JustKelvinMasilela

Yes...I thought Greg's remark was a little harsh. Perhaps it was meant 'tongue in cheek' and came across wrong. Nevertheless, don't go MC...you would be missed.

Comment is about WHERE WAS THIS? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thanks, Tom. I am so pleased that you enjoyed it.

Comment is about Land (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Lovely tribute, Julie. I can't imagine anyone reading this out without a catch in their throat or anyone listening without a tear in their eye.

Comment is about For Jake (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

I rather hope you don't take up Greg's second proposal, MC. Although I suspect that you are a bit more resilient than that.

Comment is about WHERE WAS THIS? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Beautiful words, Julie. Thinking of you all x

Comment is about For Jake (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

GS/GF - the Metropolitan Police publication "General Orders" -
the guide to the functions and duties of that organisation contained an instruction that when giving evidence, it was
beholden upon officers to give facts both in favour of the
accused as well as those against. In short, it was a reminder
to be even-handed in the presentation of a case, however
contentious.
An instruction UK media might adopt for the wider information
of the public it is supposed to serve, even whilst accepting that
it is primarily a commercial (e.g. for profit) organisation across
the globe and hyperbole tends to be its sales watchword.
Onwards and upwards - and back to poetry!

Comment is about WHERE WAS THIS? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I find that when awkward questions are asked, answers are rarely forthcoming. It is this that concerns me. The attitude that "maybe you are right and most of the world's scientists are wrong" is indicative of a view that infers that asking relevant
questions is a temerity that is to be dismissed as some sort of impertinence.
Oh dear.
.

Comment is about SUNNY? (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

But isn't all "faith" a man-made creation? I admire the Christian
faith today because of its bequest of great buildings and music.
here in Britain over the centuries.
Consistency is not its strong point when it comes to that one
vital word in human existence: love. More's the pity.

Comment is about Shifting Sands (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

The tribute says it all. And having just enjoyed a rare meeting
with my Brussels-based nephew here in The Smoke, I'm only
too aware of how the sort of loss that is described here could
affect nearest and dearest. Circumstances may vary but not
the pain of the result.

Comment is about For Jake (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Advice couched in poetic style that carries its message in
accessible pleasing style. The best of both worlds.

Comment is about Kennel cough !! (blog)

Original item by hugh

A lovely tribute,
It will bring a tear to many an eye,
Sad to hear that Jacob did die.
Your poem will bring him back in many a heart,
And show the love you have for him as he does depart

Comment is about For Jake (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

As some of you may know I have not been posting for the last couple of weeks due to the sudden loss of our nephew. I have decided to share this on the day of his funeral. We are unable to attend ourselves but I am very proud that my sister in law has decided to have this read out at the service.

Comment is about For Jake (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Stephen, this is brilliant. ? Made me think, smile and sigh all at once.

Comment is about Land (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Well said Brenda, lots of truth in these lines.

Comment is about While Evil Walks (blog)

Original item by Brenda Wells

Thank you Holden, Aisha, Bramwell, Stephen G, Stephen A and MC Newbury for the likes. And Ray, Greg and John too. I really appreciate you reading.

I have been visiting Whitby many times a year since I was young and often set my poems there (though not often explicitly). I took the attached photo on New Year's Eve in 2018 and thought it would probably one day inspire a poem - and it did.

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. Of all the things we could do 'afterwards' haunting the places the we loved with the people we loved sounds like something I could get on board with. ?

Comment is about Under The Old Whale Bones (blog)

Original item by Tom

Thanks Stephen G.

Comment is about THE GALVESTON GIANT AND THE GREAT WHITE HOPES (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks for likes - Stephen G, Stephen A, Holden, Brenda & Kelvin ??

Comment is about Gloucester Avenue (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Congratulations to him. I read 'Evening Poem' in the Guardian (a wonderful piece) and will be getting the collection.

Comment is about Seán Hewitt wins £5,000 Laurel prize (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

A very fine and heartfelt poem, Brenda. The world needs constantly reminding of this issue. It is a deep-seated problem.

Comment is about While Evil Walks (blog)

Original item by Brenda Wells

Great concluding verse!

Comment is about Escape (blog)

Original item by Aisha Suleman

Thanks, John. A very effective poem,. And a good story. As for taking the knee, everyone, let's do it. It's not as though the problem has gone away.

Comment is about THE GALVESTON GIANT AND THE GREAT WHITE HOPES (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I am grateful to all of you who read and liked this poem.

Thanks to Tom, Bramwell, Robert, Stephen, Aisha, Mike, Holden, Leon, Pete and Stephanie.

Comment is about Land (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Is this the way to Armadillo? Probably not.

Comment is about d.knape (poet profile)

Original item by d.knape

Thanks for reading & liking my weird mushroom tale ??

Comment is about A Place For Mushrooms (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson