Good day Rolph David! This review is a wonderful work of reflective exposition. I am truly privileged and honoured. But it touches me so much I am spurred on to read this poem through another’s eyes and find adjacent meaning in my mind’s own iteration. Thank you so much 🙏🏻🕊🌷🌷🌷

Comment is about song to the stars (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

@RolphDavid, all the words you wrote in that poem are a powerful reminder, and personally, they give me a sense of peace. Thank you @RolphDavid.

Comment is about A Quiet Strength (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

I love your poem, @AirlogRigsMaria, especially the last lines; I can sense that there is strength alive in the words you've used.

Comment is about Wisdom (blog)

Original item by AirlogRigsMaria

Dear Rolph,
Thank you so much.
I hope you are taking care of yourself as well.

Warm regards,
Yanma

Comment is about Just That, The Sea is Too Deep... (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

Dear Stephen,
Your poem "Angry Man" is a fascinating commentary on the complex interplay between the mundane and the deeply unsettling aspects of life. The shift from the trivial conversation in the canteen about "savoury stuff" to the more haunting reflections on “repurposed churches” and the “comrades who had disappeared” draws a powerful contrast. It speaks to the stark reality of a time or place where fear and political tension permeate even the simplest moments, like a lunch break.
The transition to the “oxygen of green leaves” offers such a vivid sense of escape—a peaceful moment of reprieve from the chaos. But then, the abrupt return to tension with Angry Man and his dramatic proclamation, “You’re gambling with World War Three!” serves as a jarring reminder of the looming, unresolved threats in the world.
I do believe your reference in the final line could indeed be a nod to Trump’s infamous remark to Zelensky, but it also seems to be a broader commentary on how easily such dire pronouncements can come from unexpected places. It’s a clever, thought-provoking way of showing how the personal and the political often collide, with unsettling consequences.
Thanks for sharing such a layered and impactful piece.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Angry Man (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Good morning Red Brick Keshner,

I love your "Song to the Stars" which is a wonderful blend of playful nostalgia and deeper reflection. I particularly love how you take the familiar rhyme “Jack be nimble, Jack be quick” and give it your own twist, alongside the reference to Humpty Dumpty. The vibrant imagery, like “midday-born light” and “silken strands of crested corn,” beautifully captures the fleeting nature of life and childhood.
The “clockwork dandelion” and “forgotten stars” add a reflective depth to the poem, suggesting the fragility of life and the dreams we may lose along the way. Your poem encourages me to reflect on the beauty of fleeting moments and the things we may overlook as time passes.

Kind regards,
Rolph

Comment is about song to the stars (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

Good morning Stuart,
I saw this film back in 1994, which feels like a long time ago now. Given its subject matter, I wouldn't call it a "wonderful" film, though it certainly left a lasting impact. The film presents, very bluntly, the cruelties of the Nazis against Jews and others, showing the brutal reality of the Holocaust without sugarcoating or romanticising it. It’s a powerful and painful reminder of a dark chapter in history, and though it's not "wonderful" in the traditional sense, its stark portrayal is both important and necessary. Your poem is very successful, as it brings this film back to life through its references.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about A Poem on Schindler's List (blog)

Original item by Stuart Vanner

Dear Naomi,

What I like about "Shattered Air" is its striking reflection on the vulnerability that comes with desire and the pain of giving too much. Your imagery, from "castles of air" to the "withering of my petals," conveys the fragility of hope and the unravelling that inevitably follows. The "bare bones" and "hollow echo" are powerful symbols of the emptiness left when expectations fall short, and trust fades.
Your words beautifully convey the harsh clarity that arises when we realise we’ve given more than we’ve received. The "cold understanding" you speak of resonates deeply, as it reveals how vulnerability can sometimes lead to emotional depletion.
Thank you for sharing such a raw and reflective piece.
Best regards,
Rolph

Comment is about SHATTERED AIR (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Good morning Tommy,

I really enjoyed your poem "Wandering Expositions." The way you explore the intricacies of poetry—its structure, its struggles, and its strange beauty—is both clever and insightful. I love how you highlight the contrast between the technical aspects of poetry (like verbs, nouns, and meter) and the creativity that drives it. Your use of "wandering expositions" perfectly captures the sense of poetry's journey, always searching for meaning and expression. It’s a thoughtful reflection on the craft. Great job!

Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Wandering Expositions (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Dear Yanma,

I love how your poem captures the tension between fear and courage in the face of the unknown. The imagery of the deep sea is powerful, and the way you express the internal struggle between waiting for clarity and taking a leap is so relatable. It's a poignant reflection on both uncertainty and the potential for growth. Well done!

Take care,
regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Just That, The Sea is Too Deep... (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

Dear Hélène and Stephen,

Thank you both so much for your kind words about my poem! I'm truly touched by your compliments—they mean a lot to me. I'm grateful for your support and for taking the time to share your thoughts.

And thank you to Holden as well for the "like"! It’s always encouraging to know my work connects with others.

Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about The Bitter Cup (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Dear Hélène and Holden,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you both for "liking" my sonnet. It truly means a lot to me to know that the message resonated with you. Your support is always such a great encouragement and motivates me to continue writing and sharing thought-provoking themes.
I always appreciate your thoughts and feedback – thank you for being part of this journey!
Kind regards,
Rolph

Comment is about When They Came... (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Thank you, Uilleam, for your thoughtful reply and "like" and for sharing that perspective. I understand that some might view the sonnet form as "old hat," but I see it as a deliberate choice. The traditional structure, with its rigid formality, contrasts sharply with the urgency of the message, which, as you rightly pointed out, remains all too relevant today.
I think the power of the poem lies in its ability to carry a timeless message through a well-worn vessel. Even though the form is classical, the issues—persecution, silence, and complicity—are very much alive in our world. As you said, the struggles we face today—against Jews, socialists, union members, and others—remind us that these themes have not gone away. If anything, the sonnet's structure adds weight to the message, showing how important it is for us to speak out before it’s too late.

Kind regards,
Rolph

Comment is about When They Came... (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Sammi you are more than welcome.

Comment is about The Emptiness of Self-Love (blog)

Original item by KaliNova

Cheers Stephen.

I'm shocked how many creative people are willing to use AI for images, memes etc., sometimes undercutting their own friends who are commercial artists.

The AI doesn't make anything new. It scrapes the internet and amalgamates content, including from here. It's ripping us all off.

Comment is about Look! Here's Me as an Action Figure! (blog)

Original item by Steve White

The last verse is funny and worrying, Steve. Maybe the likes of ChatGTP will one day write everything that can possibly be written! And then there will be no point in thinking. Good poem.

Comment is about Look! Here's Me as an Action Figure! (blog)

Original item by Steve White

A splendid tribute to a remarkable man, Rolph.

Comment is about The Bitter Cup (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Very evocative Greg. You’ve inspired me to go back to the album of our first trip to NYC - 1990. It was a very different place then. I shot two rolls of B/W film - we stayed in Washington Square and explored everwhere on foot - lots of memorable encounters. From the minute we arrived, very unwisely, with our bags on a late evening subway it felt like we were in a Scorsese film - I remember so much about those four days, 35 years ago!

Comment is about Goodbye, America (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Enjoyed this slice of life poem, Trevor!
We are such funny creatures, us humans, as go about our doings and our thinkings.

Comment is about Instructions For Bedtime (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Thank you Rolph for this remarkable poem.

Comment is about The Bitter Cup (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Thank you, Stephen, your kind comment means a lot! 😊

Comment is about Trees. (blog)

Original item by Holden Moncrieff

💗

Comment is about 'Goodnight' (blog)

Original item by Mike Bartram

Intriguing work Stephen. I’m minded to think this is the best poem of yours that I’ve read! I’m still digesting it and may well comment further but it is (imho) a quality piece

Comment is about Angry Man (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

I joined Write Out Loud! Yeah, that's almost five years ago now. It's great to have this website.

Comment is about Write Out Loud looks back … at the early days of lockdown. How did poets cope? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks, Stephen.
Comrades, journalists poets and teachers are currently being "disappeared", having been proscribed as a terrorist threat!
Welcome to the UK.

Comment is about Angry Man (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

There are those who would argue the sonnet is "old hat", Rolph.
I would argue the opposite; that it's very much red in tooth and claw; as you demonstrate here, it's perfectly suited to presenting the horrific subject matter in a clear, immediate and concise manner.
As we speak, in the UK, USA, Germany and elsewhere, they are coming for Jews (those opposed to Genocide and opression in ALL its forms), socialists, the unions, and now, of all people, for the Quakers in the UK.

Comment is about When They Came... (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

A timely nod to the wisdom and longevity of trees and nature, Holden. Thank you.

Comment is about Trees. (blog)

Original item by Holden Moncrieff

Thanks Stephen, & Helene (I best let you do the singing! 😉)for taking time to comment.
And for all the likes! 🌷🌷

Comment is about Song Of Hope (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Thank you Greg for the reminder & nod.... poetry will out no matter what seemingly! Praise be, all the pioneer poets & community! 💛🧡❤️💜💙💚

Comment is about Write Out Loud looks back … at the early days of lockdown. How did poets cope? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Seems like a long time ago, yet only yesterday.

Comment is about Write Out Loud looks back … at the early days of lockdown. How did poets cope? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Once again, the spring’s in the Victory Gardens,
Once again, the 10th of April to Odessas comes,
The memory of that day hardens
This is a wonderful feeling of freedom without alarm.

About 30 months the occupation of Odessa lasted
The streets and houses of fascists were blasted.
But the nation with a sense of humor no one can kill,
The defense of the city was everyone’s free will.

In the sea of sunlight is the blue and free sky,
The wings of the seagulls soared skywards,
The glory to Odessa is in the seagulls' cry,
Wind orchestras play celebration chords.

The sunny southern city today looks so pretty
And the faces of the odessites as usual, are so witty.
Their spirit of freedom is light like the sea breeze,
An odessite will never bend the knees.

The second birthday,
The day of celebration,
The day of liberation.

©Larisa Rzhepishevska

Comment is about The Day Of Liberation (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

Inspired to write a little ditty by a post on facebook, limited to ten lines. See the poetry lovers page to submit your entry.

Comment is about The World We Live In (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Uilleam, I have to agree with you, thank you for your comments

Comment is about Around the Law in 80 Days (blog)

Original item by JD Russell

Thank you JD, for eloquently drawing attention to a heinous crime of injustice.
On observing the current barbarity being both approved of, and enabled by the "Western" world, I'd say nothing much has changed since then.
And to those false prophets currently whingeing on about Western so-called "Christian Civilised values" being under attack, I'm now moved to conclude that no such civilisation ever existed.

Comment is about Around the Law in 80 Days (blog)

Original item by JD Russell

I'm very glad you liked it 😊 thanks for your comments

Comment is about Dion (blog)

Original item by Luke

Thanks Uilleam, it's a much nicer stroll 😃

Comment is about Lakewalk (blog)

Original item by Rich Brewer

Thanks Stephen - 20k’s always a challenge! From what I can recall Brussels isn’t completely flat either, and a beer in the Grand Place would definitely be a fine way to end a distance run.
Uilleam - my Dad was from Ulverston & Coniston was his playground for climbing, swimming, skating etc. He never told me how the Old Man got its name, but It’s so appropriate! The first mountain I ever walked up, aged 9 & still a firm favourite.

Comment is about The Coniston 14 (blog)

Original item by R A Porter

Thanks for like: Red Brick Keshner. Not my most positive poem/song lol. 👍

Comment is about Human Race (Shut your face) 👥👥 (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Thank you, Stephen and Uilleam, for your deeply considered and generous responses.

Stephen, I really appreciate your words. You’ve distilled a crucial truth — that the ability to disagree without silencing one another is the bedrock of any healthy dialogue. Yes, the line between offence and hate speech can blur, but you're absolutely right: shutting down discussion only deepens the divide. Thank you for standing up for nuance in a world so quick to flatten it.

Uilleam, your honesty and humanity shine through. Your reflections moved me — that reminder to look beyond appearances and celebrate the quirks and colours that make people beautifully different. There's far more kindness in a pub glass remembered or a smile on a bus than in a hundred moral tirades shouted online. “Vive la différence,” indeed — and a hearty hear, hear to your final line!

Thanks again, both of you, for reading — and more so, for thinking aloud with me.

– Rolph

Comment is about The Woke Inquisition (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Thank you Stephen and Manish for your like, too.

Comment is about Grok You, Musk! (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Uilleam,
Gigo...yes...Musk is reaping what he has sown. He can't complain about Grok’s outputs if those outputs are just a reflection of the inputs.
Thanks for your comment and like.

Comment is about Grok You, Musk! (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Thank you Red B. Keshner and Stephen Gospage!

Comment is about Malice In Blunderland OR: Executive Disorder (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Thank you very much for your praise and the appreciation you showed me with your "like": Red Brick Keshner, Stephen Gospage, Holden Moncrieff, K. Lynn, Flyntland and Manish.

Comment is about The Thinker’s Soliloquy (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Thank you Stephen for your like!

Comment is about Musk's Swasticars (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Thank you so much, Rob. I really appreciate you taking the time to reflect so deeply.

I hear you, often it feels like it’s been packaged into something commercial, when real healing is slow, messy, and deeply personal. I think poetry helps me peel back some of those layers, even if just for a moment.

Thanks again for your kind words and insight it means a lot.

Comment is about The Emptiness of Self-Love (blog)

Original item by KaliNova

Thanks for like: Hélène 🙂

Comment is about Roll The Dice 🎲🎲 (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

The first verse really grabbed my attention: sorrow seeking solace in nature. And then, in the sparsest of words, the poem touches on sadness, happiness, luck, family, spirituality, life....it packs alot of thought and emotion. Beautiful!

Comment is about At the top (blog)

Original item by Andrea Z

Gorgeous poem Stephen. We will all sing with you!

Comment is about Song Of Hope (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

Now there’s a perfectly valid response @Uilleam 🌷🙏🏻🕊thanks kindly🕊🙏🏻🌷

Comment is about midnight courage (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

A thoughtful, well-written piece, Rolph. We should be able to distinguish between hate speech and opinions with which we disagree, even if they may 'offend' certain people. The line can become blurred, of course, but shutting down discussion is not the answer.

Comment is about The Woke Inquisition (blog)

Original item by Rolph David