Hélène,
I love how you intertwine personal history, generational wisdom, and the acceptance of imperfections—both in your home and in yourself. It’s a reminder that we can find peace in the simplest things, even when the world outside feels overwhelming. Your warmth really comes through in these lines.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Slippers (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Red,
There’s a beauty in that tension between the abstract and the real. It left me thinking about how we navigate those fleeting moments of clarity, even when they don’t last long.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about … how to get to there (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
This poem is well written, and personally helpful to me, Marla. Reminds me to stop whining about all the traumas in myself and my family, to feel them fully and accept the stuff I can't change. At least we are not numb, the poem reminds me.
Comment is about The Problem With Being Comfortable (blog)
Original item by Marla Joy
Cryptid,
I really admire your honesty in sharing that struggle. It’s clear how much you long to be seen for who you truly are, and that’s valid. I hope you find peace in expressing yourself, and remember, you’re not alone in this journey. You are who you are, and that’s what matters most!!!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Words of dysphoric rambling (blog)
Original item by Cryptid
RBK. Tom D., Holden, Marla, Naomi, and Tom M.
Thank you one and all for your kindness in reading and pressing the flower button.
Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Stephen,
I really appreciate how you captured the irony in the poem—highlighting the performative side of charity. It’s a sharp reflection on how generosity often comes with expectations, making us question the true nature of giving. Well done!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Spare Change (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
I’ve only always seen them after the rain 🌧
Comment is about Fairy ants (blog)
Original item by Cryptid
I can't pretend to understand this poem but there is something stark and urgent about it, I find it disturbing,
I can't read it and ignore it, I need to know the background to it.
Comment is about Cry, Annie, Cry! (blog)
Original item by Clare
Thank you Stephen, I value your comments.
Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Helene Thank you for your comment, I am passionate about the wildlife that lives on 'my patch' and the wrens are great characters.
I love the description of being "pissed off - small but free flying - creating a nest where her sovereignty will be respected.
I am rather short, a bit rounder than I would like to be, I prefer privacy but become fiercely protective over the inhabitants of 'my patch'.
We have about four acres, some grazed, and the rest dedicated to wildlife, some of which think that the 'patch' is theirs.
Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Thank you David, I think that I have shot myself in the foot.
My poem is about a wren family. They have nested for several years in the shed, and we welcome their presence and are pleased to be able to offer them shelter all year round
.
We also welcome the swallows who return every year to raise two broods in a stable (the horse does not mind)
What I have done with my poem is the absolute opposite of what I wanted to say- why did I not see that? duh!
On a very sad note, we used to have four pairs of swallows nesting here, each having two broods, we are now reduced to just one pair.
Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
What an insightful little poem Marla.
We can look around us and see so many people who live in their own bubbles and are completely blind to the world around them.
The beauty of WOL. is that poets are emotional creatures and 'feel' for others as well as themselves.
thank you
PS. I have just realized that I have been calling you Maria, I am so sorry, I only found out when I enlarged the print on my laptop. I wonder how many more people I have given new names to.
Comment is about The Problem With Being Comfortable (blog)
Original item by Marla Joy
Thank you @John Marks, you have taught me something new. I agree with the "creative ambiguity" you mentioned. That has also been one of my considerations before, in my tendency related to disagreement. One thing that concerns me when I write is that I realize the truth can hurt someone. However, personally, through poetry, I have learned to convey the truths I have gained to share with others in a beautiful way. Poets in their writings express their truths through the richness of vocabulary they possess and metaphors that present ideas with the beauty of their deep thoughts. Not only that, I also see that people express their voices to the public creatively through forms like sculptures, paintings, songs, theatrical performances, films, and dance. I believe that creativity helps people voice their truths gently and beautifully. They invite the public into their voices through the creativity they present, and I interpret that as a brave step. However, I also tend to agree with what you mentioned, I realized that in certain cases, let’s say in my interactions with people (face to face), I find myself not able to voice my truth.
Comment is about The Flame (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
A gentle sad poem written sympathetically and wistfully.
Comment is about Words of dysphoric rambling (blog)
Original item by Cryptid
This clever poem gets right into the heart of Trumps mindset,
You have a knack of getting straight to the point.
Comment is about Spare Change (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
A really good poem, Flyntland. The last three lines are intriguing, and terrifying! Sentiments conveyed so clearly and concisely.
Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
A sobering thought, Trevor, and an entralling poem. I wonder what qualifications are required for getting on board, and where is it going? This reminds me of a film, whose title I can't quite remember.
Comment is about Departure (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
A very moving poem, David. Thank you.
Comment is about Unfriend (blog)
Original item by David R Mellor
Thanks Rolph for your kind words. It is my competition entry if I felt the need to enter it but I think its happy where it is. Enjoying your work also.
Comment is about Silent Echoes (blog)
Original item by Wordseffectbrew
Thank you Yanma. Creative ambiguity is, in my opinion, the only way to cope with the conflicting demands made on people by the mere processes of living. How often do we bite our tongue and refuse to speak or write honestly. We do not wish to offend or hurt or embarrass or make angry and so we prevaricate - conscience does indeed make cowards of us all. Seamus Heaney's advice was "Whatever you say, say nothing."
Comment is about The Flame (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Your second stanza is heartbreaking - how long is he going to get away with such outrageous lies?
HE has 'promised' that he would become a dictator and he is hell-bent on being one sooner rather than later.
HE ( I will not use his name) is now issuing threats to Ukraine if they do not respond to his demands.
Comment is about Time for our X-odus! (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
A splendid, captivating poem. Makes the reader want to hang out with Annie and her pals.
Comment is about FOR ANNIE (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
A powerful poem, and all the more interesting when read w/ the comments. We could sit in a class and discuss the poet's possible meaning, the meaning to a particular reader, etc. This is the joy of writing & sharing! Gratitude to WOL administrators, poets, readers & commentators.
Another possible interpretation of the poem: the narrator is pissed off, fed up, but resigned. Becoming as a wren (small but free-flying), she will find a way to channel the fury, will find a way to create a nest where her sovereignty will be respected.
Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Thank you Naomi for your "like"! I really appreciate it.
Comment is about Time for our X-odus! (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Haha, thanks Tom! I try my best to channel my inner Gandalf. Though I'm more likely to trip over my own feet than defeat a nazgûl. Fingers crossed I don't run into any on my way to Mordor...or the grocery store
Comment is about A WOODEN TAVERN (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Graham, you're absolutely right...when I worded it and pasted it here, its length and comprehensiveness also jumped out at me immediately. I will shorten it. Thanks for your comment.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Time for our X-odus! (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Rolph, I don't think you need the extensive introduction to this piece. it is self explanatory and stands alone very effectively.
For what it's worth, here in the UK, most of us think the same as you about the current idiotic political climate in the USA.
Comment is about Time for our X-odus! (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hi Rich,
What great lines you wrote here. I particularly like the line: "The full version, not the 'abridged' you"!!! This is a compelling line because it speaks to the tension between one’s true self and the version they present to the world. Marvellous.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Silent Echoes (blog)
Original item by Wordseffectbrew
You’ve been away Manish! Hope all is well.
Comment is about Final Call Depot (blog)
Original item by Manish
Good morning Flyntland,
A humourous and interesting little parable.
It illustrates one of the better aspects of human nature, that of respecting the rights of species that don't adhere to our made up rules of ownership and territory...and that are happily oblivious to them.
On another note, it is interesting to me that with words firmly on the page which describe the situation in detail they are still unseen, not even misinterpreted but reinterpreted to reflect the readers expectation.
This can be a disappoinment to the author especially if time has been taken to create the piece of writing. It also shows the dangers of misinterpriting the written word, for example, Media and Social Media in all its fragile forms.
David RL Moore
Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
@John Marks, I don't want to disagree, but I don't know how to agree.
Thank you, John..
Comment is about The Flame (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Thank you all for reading my poem.
Comment is about 7-Up: Together (blog)
Original item by Martin Peacock
Thanks for extra likes: Yanma Hidayah & Nigel Astell. 👍
Comment is about Happy Makes Me Sad (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
"poet's tree" is beautiful imagery. I was not trying for a rhyme. The more I read this, the more I like it.
Comment is about The Forest (blog)
Original item by New Shoes
Good question. I like all three. Flyntland is right, each does stand on its own (and they work well together). I tend to like shorter poems too, but this works because of the strong content. Marla
Comment is about Processing (in 3 parts) (blog)
Original item by Hélène
I think it's all intended to 'make America great again'. But only the part that toes his party line. Only the part that feeds his ego. Only those who just see the superior smile, not the knife that slides into their back.
Comment is about The Trump Express: Engine of Havoc! (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Dear Rolph and Tom
I know my place
thank you for reading and for the advice.
Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Thank you once again Rolph. Rick
Comment is about Hypochondriasis (blog)
Original item by Rick Varden
VERY Gandalf girl! love it! but watch out for the black riders!!
ooer Bilbo!
Comment is about A WOODEN TAVERN (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Frighteningly fabulous Rolph. If I was to ask you what the foreseeable future holds, I can assure you that I would need a large whisky before you replied! 😨 ooer!
Comment is about The Trump Express: Engine of Havoc! (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hello Trevor,
I wanted to thank you for sharing "Departure." The way you capture the emotional weight of humanity's last moments on Earth is incredibly powerful. The tension, the anticipation, and the final sorrow as the planet is destroyed are vivid and haunting. Your ability to blend personal reflection with such a grand, cosmic tragedy is truly moving.
Thank you for this poignant and deeply impactful poem. Just wonderful!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Departure (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
Dear Flyntland,
Thank you for sharing your powerful poem. The words really speak to me, capturing the frustration and despair the lyrical I is facing. I admire your courage in expressing such raw emotion, and I hope you know that your words have a lasting impact.
I truly hope everything turns out fine in the end, and that the "bully" or "intruder" gets what’s coming to him—may he face the consequences of his actions.
Please take care, and know that others hear you and appreciate the vulnerability you’ve shown.
Kind regards,
Rolph
Comment is about GIVING IN - - AND GIVING UP (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
To everyone who gave my poem a ‘thumbs up’. Thank you very much for that!
Tom, Naomi, Flyntland, Aisha, Stephen, Trevor, John, Red B. Keshner 😊
Comment is about A Deal Among Devils (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hello Stephen, hello Flyntland and Tom,
Thanks for your uplifting and kind comments! They mean a lot to me as they appreciate what one endeavours to mould into words.
I'm desperately waiting for the day when this Trump monster (Putin, Xi, Erdogan, Lukashenka, Jong-un et al. included!) blows up in his face. I just fear that it will affect us all, too. A nightmare come true.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about A Deal Among Devils (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hello Naomi and Yanma. Thank you for your "like". It is very nice of you!
Comment is about King Don The Delusional (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hello Stephen,
Thank you very much for your further compliment. That makes me very happy. And also for your ‘like’. And yes, this deranged psychopath named Trump should be stopped immediately before it's too late for the world. Hitler once showed the world how to do it and everyone let him get away with it long before it was too late. He has now been in power for just over 4 weeks and has already destroyed more than Hitler did in just under 24 years (including the 1920s). Frightening!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about King Don The Delusional (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hello Tom,
Thank you for your kind words and the "like". That's very uplifting! Yes, it's scary how much this beast called Trump occupies my mind. Not to mention his henchmen.
You might be right with "his manipulating wand idea". Horrible!
He once said that ‘Mein Kampf’ is on his bedside table. He has certainly memorised this disgraceful work in order to test it on the world for a second time - with resounding success, as one can see so far. 😭
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about King Don The Delusional (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hélène
Sun 23rd Feb 2025 12:46
Wow, this poem packs an emotional punch, Rolph, plus perfect rhythm and rhyming. This is the prayer I send out for loneliness "May each find their tribe." So often we find ourselves "strangers in a strange land."
Comment is about Niche Soul (blog)
Original item by Rolph David