Hi Nicky,
thanks for commenting on 'Zebrina.'
I do enjoy writing poems like this one. Can it be described as allegorical?

Janet.x

Hi Nichola, Im fine thanks. Im still posting occassionaly, but like to log on to see whats happening up here. You have to sift through tons of blogs however these days to find peeps you know you like, to comment on. Its impossible to comment on them all so Im a lot more selective than I used to be!!! Nice to see you back hope everything is going well with the baby.
Cate xx

Not much has happened in my world Nicky - I'm not pregnant or anything... but tomorrow is another day!

xx

Hi Nicky,

Great to see you back.

Be well- stay well.

All my best

Chris

Hi Nicky, I've just read Crisis in the Skies and I think it's fab. It's right up my street, I like the humour, the story, the structure - very good. Quite Blakeish but with a cheerful ending! Why the minimalist profile? I know you do much much more than just write.

Hi Nicky - thanks for taking the time to read and make comment

the original title was, - 'for a firend'

steve x

Hi Nicky, i wonder how come I have missed you and your work so far? I'm in a world of my own and half asleep as usual.. probably.. thank you for your kind comments on Dancing, it does indeed have multifacted meanings, but actually i only meant, dancing, when i wrote it. I stopped when i was 10 cos someone told me if you ride ponies and go dancing, you end up bandy-legged. so that time, the ponies won. Wow, you have an interesting life, I want to ask you lots about your work and more. I was feeling down but reading your page has lifted me up again, thank you : ) deb xx

Thanks for the kind words...
Glad you enjoyed my writing.

Daniel.

NICKY, as a Wiganer, I can quite believe Bolton is littered with discarded nether-garments! Ta for your comments on my brassiere poem. Come to the BARDS and perform your stuff.

Thank you Nicky ... Not quite a siren but yes I believe she had an agenda... but hey ho!...whataway2go!

Gus xx

Hi Nicky - many thanks for your kind comments on 'After' :)

I can readily identify with the thinking behind 'stuff' - we have so many reminders daily of how essential 'stuff' is - not so many reminders of how vast numbers of folk around the world have no stuff at all.....

Best wishes, Dave

Thanks Nicky - I shaved them specially.

Gest, hope to catch up with you at an event. I ran a charity called 'Toxteth Learning' for mainly immigrants and Refugees ,and the poem was also for them -they are not the bogey man.Steve Smith

Hi Nicky
I simply couldn't resist ;-))
But it is good
Speak soon
xx Steve xx

Hi Nicky, ta for the navigation tips! Jo :)

Hi Nicky, just want to say thankyou for your encouragement and fantastic comments on my poetry. I'm going to be off-line for a short while.

Love your latest poems by the way. The performance virgin is just great! :-)
Janet.x

thanks for commenting on 'for silence' nicky.. bit off a odd one that one as it sort off wrote itself.. don't know where it came from literally!

Thank you so much Nicky for your lovely comments on my poem
'Out of the darkness...'
Made my day : )

Have been so busy and overwhelmed lately...
Never enough time to get caught up on the blogs here!

Moi x

No worries Nicky, glad I could help, look forward to revised version. Surprised you've been reprimanded for colourful language, seen and heard far worse lol, hope to see you soon - in detention for the poor spelling! Jeff X

Thanks Nicki, for your comments on my poem `Why`, I am pleased you liked it.
Enjoyed the poems from your group on Sunday,also your debut at the Howcroft.

Hi Nicky,

Thanks so much for your comment on "A Day in the Life". And am flattered by your suggestion to have it as commentary to a film clip.
I hope you have no need to work away these days.
Take care
x

Go on Nicks, you tell em.

Hi Nicky - well, you weren't wrong about finding where to go for what on the site. I just sent you a message but it ended up coming through on my profile..... Oh well, sure I'll get up to speed one day. Jo :)

Dear Nicky, Thanks for your message the other day. Sorry I've not replied sooner...or in verse! : )I do think you were a bit quick off the mark though when you replied so robustly to my dislike of opaque gobbledy gook. I am a great fan of the skilfully crafted metaphor and similie, I abhor the platitudinous use of cliche and delight in euphonious assonance and articulate intonation...I don't even mind having to 'work' at understanding a poem...I am quite happy to do so if it fulfills any of the criteria above. What I can't be arsed to do is work out what someone's lumpen dissonance and cliched claptrap is trying to communicate or capture. If something is badly written then it sure as hell needs to be funny for me to give it the time of day.What I can't understand is why my opinions make you want to jump to defend the sensitivities of others?No matter. Here's to some more robust jousting in the future and thanks for the poem...I will treasure it. : )Jx

PS. I love the poem!

Hiya Nicky, yeah great to meet you too, you're doing some great and valuable work there.

Thanks for comments on the poems, I tried to pick two that would be appropriate for Che, Aziza and Kinda and it was lovely to meet them too, great performances that takes some doing!

I'm usually working thursdays but if I'm off anytime I will come down to help out with your project, see you soon Jeff X

How good are you to wack a poem out so quickly like that? Maybe I confused ironing for irony - you were ironing something out....
It was good to meet you and yours last night - a great evening.

Hi Nicky - yes i like the image very much

steve x

Nicky, going back briefly to Falling Stars, I finally have decided to say something reference your much-appreciated comment. The final stanza wasn't a return to a belief/faith system on the narrator's part; it was a realization that any belief system of someone else must be respected, and never belittled. Thoughtlessness is no excuse, ever.

Hi Nicky, I've just read the feature about the Howcroft event - how fantastic - I'm really sorry I can't be there now. I hope it's a massive success, what amazing people.

Hi Nicky

thanks for taking the time to read and make comment on my work

what's your profile pic?

steve x

Thanks Nicky - I read all your stuff..it's so tender...
Steve Smith

Tommy x

Thanx for your comment on my poem, mucho appreciated.

Hi Nicky,
Thank-you for reading and commenting on 'Growing Up' and 'One Touch of Nature' - glad you liked them.
I'm not sure I can offer any advice about going up tempo - I write in a very haphazard way, and the more I try and force things - the less I seem to be able to set down on paper. Just keep writing, is the only thing I'd advise anyone.
Cx

Hi Nicky, sorry I have been quiet lately but I've been busy with work after idling the summer away, I only get a small window of opportunity to stealth surf WOL at the mo!

Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I would like to share one of my favourite poems that I first read as a teenager and I think it was the first poem that made me stop and think. It is by Yevtushenko. I suppose, consciously or otherwise, it has influenced my own ideas to some extent.

Lies

Lying to the young is wrong.
Proving to them that lies are true is wrong.
Telling them
that God’s in his heaven
and all’s well with the world
is wrong.
They know what you mean.
They are people too.
Tell them the difficulties
can’t be counted,
and let them see
not only
what will be
but see
with clarity
these present times.
Say obstacles exist they must encounter,
sorrow comes,
hardship happens.
The hell with it.
Who never knew
the price of happiness
will not be happy.
Forgive no error
you recognize,
it will repeat itself,
a hundredfold
and afterward
our pupils
will not forgive in us
what we forgave.

At the risk of beating 'pearl/purl to death: My mother always said 'pearls are for tears'. I understood it was an ancient idea believed by many in the British Isles. Do you know of any such connection in folk lore, myth or fable?
So knitting is a similar idea to 'the tapestry of life'. Good poems do make the reader think a lot.

Hi nicky.....i am an appauling speller lol.....i wont shout at u im not that nasty......lol....thanks for ur comment....it really messed with my head writing that poem....i was scared the universe wud cave in hahaha.....thanx again.xx

Nicky, it just hit me (I was doing dishes) that your poem about knitting is "Purl Stitch', the inverted stitch. I looked up 'purl' and the various definitions show this spelling to be correct. Perhaps 'pearl' is used as well?

Hi Nicky, thanks for the explanation of Pearl Stitch - very interesting. Also thanks for your comments on 'Melt' - I am glad people saw different things in it, largely different to what was in mind when it was written :-)

Forgot to say, have you read Graham Buchan's wonderful poem 'Gaudi etc' on his profile.
Much more like the kind of love I know
Bye again
Steve M.

Hi Nicky
No worries, I was already at the ha-ha stage.
I was beginning to think the 'farewells' were trying to outdo Frank Sinatra's comebacks and farewell concerts.
Only joking E.
Steve M.
:-))))

Hi Nicky
I have to smile. I must have contributed the least amount to the Ernesto debate, but he's left a 'comment' on my Profile (and Neil West's) saying that we'' both be surprised at November's POTM, which, presumably, he still gets to choose.
I just thought it odd that Neil and I are chosen for the comment
Have a lovely weekend
Steve M.
:-))))

Hi Nicky, thank you for your very kind comments on 'Of The Earth' I think you got it ; ) Debzxx

yes i like your poem stuff its so real world, you sort one lot out and another lot comes to take its place. a nice piece. nick. xx

Hi Nicky
I voted slightly early, thinking it had to be in by the 1st, and oddly enough I had something in mind right from the beginning of the month, and stuck with it the whole way through
Have a lovely weekend.
Steve M. :-))))

Thanks for the comment Nicky. The answer is 550 pages. It's fascinating. It reads as if we should all be grateful his parents screwed him up, but there's obviously a lot more to it than that.

May not be on WOL much in next couple of weeks

Hi Nicky... Glad youu appreciated my collating efforts. I too was glad to be part of this thing and not too pleased with the M/cr diversion. However that was still a part of it and I have made something out of Andy n and Spencers Mancunian comments. Have a look on the orig discussions thread. Win x

Hi Nicky
Gauging from your profile pic the surface depth of your epidermis looks delightful and thank you for taking the time to read and re-act.

Once again many thanks
Gusxx

Hi Nicky
Glad 'Well Shod' brought a smile.

x Steve M. x

Nicky your poem Lilley reminds me of the phrasing and delicacy of another poet who happened to be a little known songwriter called Townes Van Zandt.

Here is a song/poem he wrote (warning it isn't easy/sad);

Brother flower, are you listenin?
Let me sing a song for you
Brother flower, petals glistenin,
In the bashful mornings dew
Brother flower, when the sun shines
And the dew has flown away
If you dont mind weak and wrong rhymes
Brother flower, may I stay?

Brother flower, you aint lonely
For youve always been alone
But I havent been so lucky
I had love and now its gone
I have arms to hold another
Never to hold her again
I have life to give lover
You have life to give the wind

Brother flower, when the snow flies
And you lay your beauty down
Brother flower, are you sleepin
There upon the cold, cold ground
Brother flower, please awaken
Show the sky your face of blue
Let me know I aint forsaken
Seems like all I have is you

I hope you like it and can see some of your poem Lilley in it as I could.

Just read your comments on Darren's page. I would leave the poem as it is Nicky - definitely wouldn't put two versions up. That is the kind of poem that just gets written and not tinkered about with. In my opinion of course. x

Nicky, your pain, your intolerable pain
has been to a small, nay minuscule way, off loaded.

I have read your tragic and sad account and take on board some of that pain due to your courageous recording of that sad day.
Having read it and read again and again it will remain forever with me.
No pain that I can imagine could be worse,
I pray that poetry has been in some way a cathartic catalyst, a tiny release of pain and anguish, even though it can never be of any lasting comfort.

My heart goes out to you.
Thank you for feeling strong enough to share your most intimate and private of tragedy with you fellow poets.

Gus

Hi Nicky,
Thanks for your message on my profile page. I wouldn't worry too much about the discussions - there have been some really heated ones on here - and they're usually the best kind that we learn the most from. What's the point of having an opinion if you don't discuss it with anyone and hold it up for inspection? That's how opinions are formed - and changed, surely? Feel free throw any crit you like at my scribblings, "myspace" is not particularly representative; I like to play with all kinds of form and subject matter.
I'm glad you "stirred it up" a little!
Regards,
A.E.

Hi Nicky. Good to hear from you. We both have oodles in common so let's put our large handbags away and share a nice glass of wine instead. Feel free to email me with whatever it was you wanted to discuss. I need to have a chat with someone tonight and then sew labels into a hundred and one ballet cosumes - oh the joys...

Nicky, thanks you for your comments on 'the daylight comes with me' and for taking the time to respond so thoughfully. Much appreciated. On the title and the same line within it - it is purely a sexual reference, the literal climax of the relationship between these people (whoever they may be :-)) as the daylight puts an end to their time alone. I am glad you enjoyed the poem.

Thanks
John

Hi Nicky, thanks again for your lovely comments.
I enjoy the fact that you read and see something differently to some others although their comments are no less valued. :-)

I went to see a medium once who told me there was two children for me. Then he saw my face and said ''but that can be avoided.'' :-)
At the end of the day whatever we say is only ever accurate at the moment of the reading. People make their own choices when the given scenarios come about. It's often only then it is realized that the medium was right and the reading valid. It's the outcome which matters and is often blamed on the medium when it isn't what the recipient expected by way of interpretation. Any medium can only interpret an image as they see it. Pretty much like interpreting a poem one doesn't understand or relate to in any way shape or form. Sometimes it takes a little discussion between the medium and sitter to get it absolutely spot on just as a discussion between poet and reader creates a clearer understanding of a poem.
Occasionally a medium is naturally intuitive and intuitives just know. They don't need to be told anything to know they are making a connection with the sitter and can even produce astounding messages when answering a question asked by the sitter.
Hope this explains it a little but i can't explain any more about it here because it is a poetry site so if you wish to chat more about it you can email me any time. I promise i won't try to foretell your future. :-)

Janet.x

Hi Nicky, it was kind of you to tell me more about your interests, I think we must come from similar backgrounds and experiences (Catholic upbringing, interest in Romanticism, teaching career), even the four kids! My brain feels like it's coming back to life again after ten years of CBBC!!! I feel a poem coming on where I'll tell you what the bloody story in Balamory is so you don't need to keep asking (ha ha).

Hi Nicky. Thank you for your comments, they were both kind and honest, two sentiments I greatly appreciate. I am amazed how many creative and artistic people there are on WOL who are prepared to share each others work and offer support. In my experience nothing empties a room more quickly than saying something like , 'I've just written this poem, would you mind reading it and telling me what you think' :) I worried poems like Crimson and Locusta might not be everyone's cup of tea on WOL but reading your work I can see I'm not the only one who enjoys a bit of dark fantasy, Thanatos is a great character! I enjoy your use of language, your poems soar and reveal vivid imagination - respect!

Hi Nicky
Thanks for the prod and comment.
I was there for the final week and a half up to election day. Wall to wall TV coverage. UK politics has nothing on the US fiasco. God help Obama.
Steve M. :-))))

Nicky, I got your message. I'm not ignoring your request. I wouldn't offer suggestions without much prior thought, but I certainly will. Thank you for even asking.

Your updated Bio only confirms what was already evident in your work ... intelligence, compassion and experience. And 4 kids, one a baby! Accolades to you!

Hi Nicky
Obama poem
I shall lay any abuse firmly at your (and Dave's) door, but on the off-chance that I don't get any, I'm afraid I shall have to accept all the plaudits.
Steve M. :-))))

Thankyou for your comment

Jessie x

that is very kind of you, I really appreciate your kind appraisal.
Spencer

Thank You kindly. Eek

Hi Nicky - thanks for the comments you left on my profile and last poem - it made me laugh and really brightened up my day. It is truly lovely to connect with someone who totally understands...I like your new profile picture - don't think I ever managed to look that glam with a one year old! And we seem to share a liking for red wine...

Now that's more like it.
A quality second half kicks off !!!.

Just read Lilley, maybe I am wrong but it seems a sad poem about he loss of someone who had and took a piece of your heart. I am lucky in the sense that ,that has not happened to me but, i know the feeling because it nearly did. I still remember that day and it is horrendous. So I admire you and on a lighter note, you aren't too bad at chucking words down either.

Hi Nicky,
thanks for your comments on Kinsella and of course i would be absolutely delighted for you to use it in your project. Would it be possible for me to see the results?
I'm really chuffed! :-)
Janet.x

?

Hi Nicky, sorry i forgot to thankyou for your comment on the later edition of Kinsella and your encouragement.

Janet.x

Love "Lilley", love "Stuff" and I love "Glass Eyes". Your writing is intriguing, heartfelt and moving.

Hi Nicky, I can only surmise from 'Lilley' that your son was very young when he passed away - a parents nightmare to lose a child, somehow it seems a crime against the nature of things in our society. My sympathies are with you, I know how years can pass without denting the void - my eldest daughter has always resented my youngest child because their mother succumbed to post natal complications.

Peace be with you, Dave

Hi Nicky, thanks for your lovely comment on Sunflowers. Yellow is one of my fav colours so I think you made a good choice there!
As to the not liking lilies, I think its the frame of mind I remember them in. Someone dear to me died a few years ago and I can still smell the lilies in the funeral parlour mixed with the unbearable grief.
On the other hand my daughter got married two years ago, and she had the most beautiful long spray of white lilies for her bouquet, so its just a case of the frame of mind I was in when I wrote the poem.
Cate xx

Stuff can cause a lot of bother... true...

Hi Nicky,
thanks for your fulsome comment on my poem 'Kinsella.' I was thrilled with it.

Janet.x

Bienvenue à WOL Nicky!
Love your poem 'Stuff'...
Brilliant the way it's written : )