Thank you for your kind words, @RolphDavid. Your thoughtful interpretation means a lot to me. A little about the backstory of the poem: the main concern lies in the line, "Does a queen need to show her skin to win the king?" That was the first line that came to my mind. I came up with it shortly after I saw Kanye West and his wife on the red carpet at the 2025 Grammys. However, that doesn't mean I consider Kanye to be a king. For me, as a woman, witnessing that makes me feel his wife is being demeaned. This statement may be controversial, but I think most would agree that something valuable should be protected. An analogy I can provide is that if we have money, we would certainly keep it safe rather than display it publicly. This doesn't mean women shouldn't appear in public, but it pertains to how they dress. Their bodies are valuable, and it is something that needs to be treasured and kept safe. Even though there is freedom regarding how women dress, I believe there should still be boundaries applied. I think, for women, there is a sense of self-worth that they need to uphold. However, when I see her, I feel that a woman's value is merely an accessory to a man. And that truly breaks my heart. Through that poem, I aim to present a perspective from a girl who is asking her mother what a queen should be. I personally believe that a mother's position holds the title of queen, as she has successfully won the heart of her king, who is her husband.
Regards,
Yanmah
Comment is about The Flame (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Hi Aisha
Nice poem. I'd like to see you write something that doesn't rhyme. Just for a change? But whatever, just keep writing.
John S
Comment is about Love Is Love (blog)
Original item by Aisha Suleman
On ‘til all my breath is you’ - Thanks Tom! “Rendezvous” is a dear word that’s imprinted in my life-view from when I was 9 or 10 thanks to Richard Harris of “Golden Rendezvous” fame. 🙏🏻🕊🌷(rbk)
Comment is about Tom Doolan (poet profile)
Original item by Tom Doolan
on “‘til all my breath is you” - It’s much like walking a tightrope, both exhilarating at once and absolutely terrifying within the selfsame moment; yes! Thanks Rolph 🙏🏻🕊🌷rbk)
Comment is about Rolph David (poet profile)
Original item by Rolph David
Thanks Tom! “Rendezvous” is a dear word that’s imprinted in my life-view from when I was 9 or 10 thanks to Richard Harris of “Golden Rendezvous” fame. 🙏🏻🕊🌷
Comment is about ‘til all my breath is you (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
It’s much like walking a tightrope, both exhilarating at once and absolutely terrifying within the selfsame moment; yes! Thanks Rolph 🙏🏻🕊🌷
Comment is about ‘til all my breath is you (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
A very moving reflection Hélène. 💕
Comment is about Meeting Each Other (blog)
Original item by Hélène
A very moving and evocative rendezvous. 👍
Comment is about ‘til all my breath is you (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Thanks for your thoughts, Rolph. And for the Like, Trevor
Comment is about UKRAINE - I'LL FLUSH YOU DOWN THE DRAIN (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Haha, poor Banana! Looks like it slipped up in the quest for love. Maybe Banana should’ve peeled back the layers of its dating strategy before settling for the prune! Sometimes, love comes in unexpected packages—but I’m not sure anyone wants a "fruit salad" like this on Valentine’s Day!
Great job!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Why did the banana end up with a prune on Valentine’s day (blog)
Original item by hugh
Hello Stephen,
Thank you for sharing The Sunshine Boys. The way you capture the hypocrisy and complicity of political figures, all while highlighting the devastating reality of conflict, is powerful. The contrast between the public narrative of peace and the destruction caused behind the scenes is striking. Your words offer a sharp critique of the greed and denial that so often fuel modern wars, and it left me reflecting deeply on the true cost of these actions. Great poem!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Sunshine Boys (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Hello Hélène,
A powerful, reflective narrative unfolds in Meeting Each Other, where shared history and quiet connections become a testament to the resilience of human spirit. The vivid contrast between the two men, shaped by their individual traumas yet brought together in peaceful proximity, speaks to the healing that can emerge over time. The bond they share through simple daily rituals—coffee, conversation, and community—becomes a subtle but profound metaphor for life’s cycles of suffering and recovery. The quiet dignity with which you explore trauma and healing, as well as the notion of "meeting" each other both in life and beyond, is deeply moving. What stands out is the beautiful ordinariness of the men’s companionship, which highlights the power of shared moments to bridge even the deepest divides.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Meeting Each Other (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Dear Aisha,
Your "Love Is Love" radiates positivity and inclusivity. The way you celebrate love in all its forms—unaffected by judgment or societal constraints—is refreshing and uplifting. I admire how you emphasise the beauty and authenticity in human connection, whether it’s tender or fiery. Your message of love transcending all boundaries is both heartfelt and empowering.
Great poem.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about Love Is Love (blog)
Original item by Aisha Suleman
Dear Yanma,
For me, your "The Flame" beautifully explores themes of self-worth, submission, and identity with poignant imagery. The candlelight and flame metaphors create a vivid contrast between external allure and internal conflict. I appreciate the depth in the questioning voice, as it subtly reflects on the complexities women face in trying to balance strength and vulnerability.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Flame (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Hello John,
Your poem UKRAINE - I'LL FLUSH YOU DOWN THE DRAIN is a striking and unapologetic commentary on the political landscape. The repeated refrain and stark imagery, combined with the rhythm of the "Cocaine Blues" tune, create a bold, impactful piece that demands attention. Your use of irony and sharp criticism highlights the gravity of the issues at hand while pushing the boundaries of conventional political discourse.
Just great!
Take care,
Rolph
Comment is about UKRAINE - I'LL FLUSH YOU DOWN THE DRAIN (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hi Red Brick Keshner,
Your poem ‘til all my breath is you left me in awe. The intensity with which you describe the effect of someone's presence is powerful and evocative. The metaphor of ink spreading through the bloodstream, "tainting alveolar sac transactions," is so vivid, capturing the overwhelming and all-consuming nature of the connection. It’s rare to see such a delicate balance between the destructive and captivating power of love or obsession. Your imagery is striking, and I deeply appreciate the emotional depth woven throughout this piece.
Great job!
Take care,
regards,
Rolph
Comment is about ‘til all my breath is you (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Dear Flyntland,
I just wanted to take a moment to express how deeply moved I was by your poem For Annie. The way you captured the purity and joy of laughter is so beautiful. It’s rare to see something so genuine and unrestrained, and your words truly bring Annie’s infectious spirit to life. I was especially struck by the way you highlighted the contrast between uninhibited joy and the constraints of adulthood. Your writing reminds us of the power of shared laughter and its ability to shield us from the world’s challenges. Thank you for such a delightful and thoughtful piece!
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about FOR ANNIE (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
And thank you for your "like": Tom, Flyntland, Stephen and Red Brick Keshner! I really appreciate it.
Comment is about Reverberating Voice of Resistance (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thank you Flyntland for your nice words and compliment.
Comment is about Reverberating Voice of Resistance (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thank you Tom for your nice comment!
Comment is about Reverberating Voice of Resistance (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hello Stephen - once again you can see how birds of a feather flock together! One criminal flirts with the other and sees how he can take advantage of the other to emerge victorious in the end. Both are degenerate subjects (I wouldn't call them human!) who seek each other out until they sense their chance. It was the same with Stalin and Hitler. Everything comes back, unfortunately!
Comment is about Reverberating Voice of Resistance (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thank you all for your ‘Like’: Brick Keshner, Hugh, Stephen Gospage, Aisha Suleman, Holden Moncrieff, Hélène, Naomi
and TOM MERTON.
I'm really pleased with your feedback. 😊
Comment is about The Path of Immortality (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thanks for your thoughts, Stephen.
Comment is about UKRAINE - I'LL FLUSH YOU DOWN THE DRAIN (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank you, Jonathan. Some might call this a master class in getting through the day! A very fine poem.
Comment is about Multiple Choice (blog)
Original item by Jonathan Humble
Beauifully written in perfect rhyming couplets, Rolph. The quality of the verse makes the content more shocking. It's awful to think that Trump is having jolly chats with the man responsible for this brave man's demise.
Comment is about Reverberating Voice of Resistance (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Brilliant, John. A fantastic piece. The scariest thing is that one can plausibly imagine Donald Trump singing along with this himself!
Comment is about UKRAINE - I'LL FLUSH YOU DOWN THE DRAIN (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank you so much for your comments and support, Graham and Flyntland. In some ways, I am reluctant to try to satirise this situation, because humour can seem a poor response to the chilling reality.
And my sincere thanks to everyone who liked this poem.
Comment is about The Sunshine Boys (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thanks for the Like, Red Brick.
Comment is about UKRAINE - I'LL FLUSH YOU DOWN THE DRAIN (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Each well-thought-out line speaks volumes, put together as you have, leaves nothing else to say.
Comment is about Reverberating Voice of Resistance (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
It will, Tom, given time, as sure as eggs is eggs (and very dear bought they be).
Comment is about SEMIOTICS (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Such a great heartwarming story Helene. Lets hope we all meet up in that other world! Thank you.
Comment is about Meeting Each Other (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Your brilliance never fades John. Thank you for this great poem,
Comment is about SEMIOTICS (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Well written piece Rolph.
Heroes never die! Thank you.
Comment is about Reverberating Voice of Resistance (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Jeff, the phrase corner of eternity grabbed my attention, and I really liked the last two stanzas best. Marla😀
Comment is about Corners (blog)
Original item by Jeff Bresee
Helene you would have loved it - it was indeed a beautiful place and I was the only person there, it was one of those moments when time stood still and I was filled with a sense of joy and belonging, I am sure you know what I mean. The poem was written in my head long before I got home.
Thank you for your comment
Comment is about AUTUMN BEECHES (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
RBK, Tom D. hugh, and Jordyn thank you so much for your likes,
Stephen G, Aisha, Holden, thank you also for your likes.
Yanma, Naomi, and Pinocchio your likes are greatly appreciated
I cannot thank you all enough - your encouragement means so much.
Comment is about AUTUMN BEECHES (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
R.A. Porter, Many thanks for 'looking back' reading and commenting on this poem.
You are right—this pool is menacing, ageless, and in an oozing shallow bog—but unfathomable. It has swallowed plenty but reveals nothing and will continue doing so till long after after we have gone.
It was not a comforting poem.
Comment is about OPAQUE (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Thanks David. Thanks Graham. I'll be honest, it's an old one. Hoping to write/finish something new soon.
Cheers
JH
Comment is about Multiple Choice (blog)
Original item by Jonathan Humble
Hi Jonathan,
We must all be guilty on some level of the avoidances you describe above. How exhausting it must be to actively care (beyond mere thought) about all the injustice in the world, is it even realistically possible?
The four examples you provide of how we push things away are well chosen, as I think they are quite common among many.
The token effort of offering a "like" to a plea regarding good deeds in need of support is a fine example of delusional simple self absolution.
David RL Moore
PS, This is also (to my mind) a well structured poem asking relevant questions of our day.
Comment is about Multiple Choice (blog)
Original item by Jonathan Humble
There is a powerful atmosphere to this poem, it sounds beautiful, menacing and still 🙌
Comment is about OPAQUE (blog)
Original item by Flyntland
Fascinating how our lives are a bit like an exam/questionnaire!
Good luck with your next test!
Comment is about Multiple Choice (blog)
Original item by Jonathan Humble
Hi Flyntland,
I have always opposed the flag waving, the pomp and ceremony that surrounds the exploitation of soldiers sacrifice.
Horrors that are too often mobilised by shallow spin doctors and men in power, creating a false patriotism that ensures such slaughter can be a recruitment tool for future revelling in "The Glory of War"
Thanks for your comments.
David RL Moore
Comment is about A lull in the fighting (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
Hi Stephen,
thanks for your comment and your reading.
I visited a scene very much like this after the event. Fortunately for me the immediate gore of the fallout had been dealt with by feasting animals and a cursory clean up.
The site was in a beautiful peaceful forest, all the remnants of the attack remained minus the human casualties. The contrast of the horror of the happening and beauty of the location has always remained with me.
We sat and discussed the detail of what remained, casually taking some rest and doing the things soldiers do when there is little to do.
It is often the aftermath of events in which their true horror is imagined and revealed, such revelation can create a terrible beauty.
David RL Moore
Comment is about A lull in the fighting (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
Thanks to RBK, Hugh, Stephen, Aisha, Tom and Flyntland for the likes.
David RL Moore
Comment is about A lull in the fighting (blog)
Original item by David RL Moore
Thanks for extra likes: Aisha, Marla Joy & Red Brick Keshner. 💕
Comment is about Honey Be My Valentine (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
Thanks for the likes.
So many of us are in bondage to something. What is worse is to be comfortable with it.
Comment is about Egypt (blog)
Original item by Marla Joy
Jeff, very peaceful and reassuring. And I love the use of the moonlight. Marla
Comment is about By The Light Of The Moon (blog)
Original item by Jeff Bresee
Thank you for your comment Ray. I'm so glad you enjoyed the trip to Ireland through my words.
And you're right—it's a bit of a prose bomb after all that imagery, isn't?
Thanks for pointing it out.
Naomi
Comment is about THE CALL OF IRELAND (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Stephen Gospage
Tue 18th Feb 2025 08:30
Thank you, Rolph, for your kind words. Trump seems at ease with authoritarian figures, probably because they have so much in common, such as only accepting election results when you win.
Comment is about The Sunshine Boys (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage