Excellent satire, Rolph, it perfectly encapsulates our era's digital plight! 😎

Comment is about Auto-Pilot Activated: Your Life is Loading… (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

I agree. Marla

Comment is about Longing (blog)

Original item by Jeff Bresee

Uilleam,
Thanks for your comment!
Marla

Comment is about Life's Battles (blog)

Original item by Marla Joy

I thought about making this an "echoes" poem but then remembered art isn't competition...art is hell or heaven..whatever those things are.

That said, it's just an opinion...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ppdluPvCww

David RL Moore

Comment is about Casement Park, Last Rites (For Wood and Howes) (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

Thanks Flyntland...

"Lets talk about dead people"

David RL Mooree

Comment is about Casement Park, Last Rites (For Wood and Howes) (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

Exactly, Rolph, thank you for your kind words and profound interpretation. An experience came to me, I have someone who is more than just a friend; she feels like a mother and an older sister to me. Every year on our birthdays, we always say things like, "We will grow old together until our grandchildren become friends." That’s how close we are.
However, a situation arose that made her withdraw, not just from me but also from our other mutual friends. During that phase, metaphorically speaking, I extended a rope to pull her out of that hole, but she neither grabbed it nor rejected it. On the other hand, I had my own struggles, and I couldn’t keep holding on to that rope forever. I never truly let go of her, I just tried to give her space while I was also trying to collect my thoughts within my own space.
Anyway, I guess I’ve shared too much, but I hope that whoever reads this can take something positive from it as a lesson.
Warm regards,
Yanmah

Comment is about Holding On (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

Hi Flyntland,

I read this when you posted it, I didn't comment then as I wasn't sure how to.

I immediately saw echoes of the sentiment I shared in my poem "Shared Songs" it seemed to me you were summoning a magical place (although not an unnatural one) one which exists in so many places yet its beauty is not seen by many in their rush to get to other places.

For me the coloures and mood projected the Highland Landscape of my homeland, Scotland.

David RL Moore

Comment is about A SHARED SPACE second posting (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Thank you, Uilleam, for your comment. I am glad that you could pick up on what I saw. It was wild and beautiful, and apart from my husband and me, plus dogs, it was empty.

Thank you also RBK. and David for your valued likes.

Comment is about A SHARED SPACE second posting (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Strong, powerful emotions,

"disposable yet valuable" - "the puppets of murderous fools"
I could quote so many lines but will stick to these two-

What terrible truths and how well articulated, I can imagine that just writing it was disturbing.

thank you

Comment is about Casement Park, Last Rites (For Wood and Howes) (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

This very descriptive poem is visual - I see the roofs, and the colours, I particularly like the "oil lamp flame" "behind smudged glass"

Comment is about City of Rooftops (blog)

Original item by Tom

Thanks, Tom.
I like "The greyscale and greens
of this city’s scenes"
Yesterday's northern sunshine was deceptive. I went out, dismissing advice to wear a pully. My hands turned blue whilst waiting at the bus stop. "N'er cast a clout 'til May is out", as they say!

Comment is about City of Rooftops (blog)

Original item by Tom

Thanks for your concern, Graham. I’ve just picked up my new specs prescription. I was struggling to read since I accidentally smashed my old pair, but I’m fine now!

Thanks for your likes,
Red Brick Keshner
Tom Doolan
New Shoes
Stephen Gospage
Aisha Suleman
Holden Moncrieff
Steve White
Yasoda
Rolph David
Naomi
TOM MERTON
And thanks for your comforting words, Rolph. Many’s the tear this old chap has shed at the plight of Palestinian children, (and others around the World) who are being murdered on Starmer’s watch, with his consent, in the name of the British people, and with the connivance of bigotted clerics (who claim to speak for all Jews but who plainly do not).
And to see him cavorting around on our TV screens, pretending that he gives a damn about Muslims by “celebrating” Ramadan, makes me sick to my stomach. At least my conscience is clear, in that I did not vote for the scumbag.

Comment is about World Book Day March 2025 [Palestinians Excluded] (blog)

Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Thank you for your kind words Marla.

Comment is about THE RETURN IN WHITE (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Dear Rolph🙂

Thank you for your beautiful and insightful response. Your understanding of the poem's quiet depth truly resonated with me.

I appreciate you highlighting the journey from disbelief to profound connection. That's precisely the emotional arc I aimed to create, and it's heartening to know it came through. Your observation about the rabbit as a symbol of something deeper, reflecting my father and humanity, is particularly moving.

The quiet understanding you mentioned is the core of the poem, that moment where love, memory, and acceptance converge. I'm so glad you felt that sense of peace and resolution.

Your words have given me a deeper appreciation for my own work, and I'm grateful for your thoughtful feedback.

Kind regards,

Naomi

Comment is about THE RETURN IN WHITE (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Thanks, Rolph.
What was once hailed as the 'American Dream' is fast becoming the American nightmare; and UK domestic economic policies are being enacted straight from the Trump / Vance playbook. God help us all!

Comment is about The Wrecking Ball of Democracy Incarnate (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

Thanks Marla.
It's truly heartbreaking, but the day we stop caring is the day we mock the fate of those who once battled for our future.

Comment is about Life's Battles (blog)

Original item by Marla Joy

Thank you Flyntland. I can see aspects of the West Pennine moors in that.

Comment is about A SHARED SPACE second posting (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Beautiful, Jeff.

Comment is about Longing (blog)

Original item by Jeff Bresee

Hi Rolph,
Thank you for your lovely comment re my poem 'These four walls'. It's nice to read someone dig deep into a poem of mine which is very encouraging. Really enjoyed your Rooster's Serenade also.
Thank you, Rich.

Comment is about Rolph David (poet profile)

Original item by Rolph David

Brilliantly eloquent, Eduardo; and your picture is most appropriate.
Meanwhile in the UK, the outflow from the Murdochian sewer contaminates every aspect of government policy both at home and abroad. It's clear that the cesspit of fascism has never been drained, despite the Battle of Cable Street.

Comment is about Trump (blog)

Original item by Eduardo

hello, Red Brick--I thought I was awake alone )

Comment is about still mountain (blog)

Original item by Landi Cruz

The truths here seem very personal, yet very universal.

Love your poetry.
Marla

Comment is about THE RETURN IN WHITE (blog)

Original item by Naomi

"Even in stillness, there is purpose." Very true.

It reminds us that peace and purpose may found in places that we don't think to look.

Marla

Comment is about Headed Nowhere (blog)

Original item by Mike McPeek

Hélène,

I agree with what Rolph said.
Very powerful.
Marla

Comment is about Musings in the Mirror (blog)

Original item by Hélène

This calls to mind the genetic evidence in some large families of homogenous lineage that the pigmentation lottery can be varied and even at times extreme; wherein also the odd-one-out very well gets treated differently however slightly by the majority. Funny how there is little evidence in history of the Roman Empire (which is a multi-ethnic conglomeration) having any significant problems with skin ton differences. But I could be wrong, as I am wont to be.

Comment is about Who Do You Call Coloured? (blog)

Original item by Rolph David

…on “déjà brew” - @Rolph David 🌷I esteem you with greatest gratitude at the depth of consideration and the thoughtful effort applied in engaging this poem. It parallels the enviable phenomenon that exists rather momentarily during an invigorating poetry class discussion. 🌷You are much appreciated ( rbk ) 🙏🏻🕊

Comment is about Rolph David (poet profile)

Original item by Rolph David

@Rolph David 🌷I esteem you with greatest gratitude at the depth of consideration and the thoughtful effort applied in engaging this poem. It parallels the enviable phenomenon that exists rather momentarily during an invigorating poetry class discussion. 🌷You are much appreciated ( rbk ) 🙏🏻🕊

Comment is about déjà brew (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

Of course trees have a lot more time than we do Mike.
Nicely written and well considered

Comment is about Headed Nowhere (blog)

Original item by Mike McPeek

Thanks for your reading and encouraging comment Stephen.

David RL Moore

Comment is about Shared Songs (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

what's reflected in mirrors differs greatly from what is observed in both photographs and videos. Personally I do not particularly subscribe to a two-way street approach to good and evil and the like. We are far too nuanced to be so simply constructed.

Another clever write here Hélène, it's brave to face up to life in all its faces!

Comment is about Musings in the Mirror (blog)

Original item by Hélène

Thank you Rolph for your comments and like,

Thank you also to RBK, New Shoes, Stephen G., and to Naomi for reading and liking.

Comment is about UKRAINE - - ? GAZA - - -? -- and all places in-between (blog)

Original item by Flyntland

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the piece Rolph - much appreciated!

Comment is about Headed Nowhere (blog)

Original item by Mike McPeek

Thank you for very generous and kind comment Rolph. Made me quite emotional reading it.
Many thanks
Julie

Comment is about Kirkby Lonsdale Ram (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Hello Yanma,
The way you express love that remains steady, even when physical presence isn't possible, is deeply poignant. There's a quiet strength in your words, showing that love doesn’t always need to be tangible to be powerful. It’s a beautiful reminder that, even from afar, we can still care and wish the best for those we love. Perfect.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Holding On (blog)

Original item by Yanma Hidayah

Red B. Keshner,
I admire your particular style of poetry, your creativity in this regard. Your allusions, your hints, your hidden clues invariably make your poems interesting and exciting and nothing ‘off the shelf’ or ‘mainstream’.
The clever twist between "déjà brew" and "déjà vu" ties the poem together perfectly, blending sensory memory with the feeling of repetition. The "aromatic brew" evokes a familiar experience that stirs the senses, while "déjà vu" captures the eerie sense of reliving a past moment. Through this connection, you convey how the essence of shared experiences lingers, returning unexpectedly, much like the haunting sensation of having been there before. The line "no lunar phase could eclipse / this regnant cue" reinforces how these memories remain undisturbed by time, always ready to resurface. It’s a beautifully layered reflection on how the past continues to echo in our present. Marvellous!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about déjà brew (blog)

Original item by Red Brick Keshner

Hi Rich,
The imagery of the four walls in your poem immediately brought to mind the song "5 Meter Mauern" (i.e. 5 meters of walls) by Elen, where the metaphor of towering walls reflects a sense of confinement and longing for escape. Your portrayal of being trapped within your own mind, with the line "If these walls could fall, I'd be free," echoes that same sense of yearning for liberation, though with the uncertainty of whether that release will ever come. It’s a powerful expression of the internal struggle — a desire for change and freedom that feels just beyond reach, but still, that longing suggests the potential for transformation. That's great poetry!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about These four walls (blog)

Original item by Rich Brewer

Stephen,
With this poem you have outdone yourself once again although its content is not a pleasant and uplifting one and rather points to human misery and the lack of character and dignity, the immorality of a few at the top of governments.
You’ve really expressed the disorienting nature of today’s world with powerful imagery. The "upside down" perspective reflects how truths are twisted and narratives distorted. Lines like "Democrats morph to dictators" and "violent men who start the trouble / Are victims, and not invaders" highlight the absurdities we witness, where roles and realities are often reversed. The shift from allies to enemies and the manipulation of violence speaks to the contradictions that define our times. It’s a sharp, timely critique of how the world seems to be turning on its head. Top-notch!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Upside Down (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Hello John,
The way you weave together memory, loss, and reflection is truly powerful - just great!
The way you weave together memory, loss, and reflection is truly powerful. The imagery of "whitespread skies" conjures a deep sense of evocative nostalgia, capturing the essence of a time long past. The blend of personal turmoil with collective history creates a poignant contrast, especially in lines like "we find solace, as time drifts away." Your tribute to the "lost boys and girls" feels both tender and honouring, reminding us of those who live on in memory. The reference to "et in Arcadia ego" deepens this, suggesting that even in the most idyllic of times, death and loss are present, linking the past with the inevitable passage of time.
Thank you for these lines.
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about A forgotten England (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Hello Tom,
Although your chosen font almost stopped me from reading because it was really painful to my eyes, I would like to say a few words about your great poem.
It vividly depicts the chaotic, wild energy of a 60s downtown Manchester drug den. The raw, unfiltered language brings the scene to life, full of tension and humour, like the relief when the police knock turns out to be a rookie cop. It perfectly conveys a sense of reckless abandon and excess, with a mix of humour, danger, and impulsiveness. While it's not polished, it succeeds in immersing the reader in a visceral, gritty experience of that time and place. Beautiful!
Rolph

Comment is about Really unreal nights spent in a 60's downtown Manchester drug den ( part one ) (blog)

Original item by TOM MERTON

Hello Jeff,
This poem is simply stunning in its depth and elegance. The way you use the image of a single petal falling, drifting, and being discovered reflects the delicate process of understanding love — unsure at first, but growing into something profound once we truly stop and pay attention. Your words remind me of how easy it is to overlook the small, beautiful moments in life, only to realise their significance when we take the time to really see them. The metaphor of the rose, with its hidden roots and the awareness it awakens, speaks to how we can so often miss the deeper connections around us. You've captured something timeless here — an invitation to pause, reflect, and cherish the small things. I love it!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Lone Petal (blog)

Original item by Jeff Bresee

Hello Julie,
For me, your poem beautifully captures the strength and resilience of Kirkby Lonsdale, especially in the wake of such a heartbreaking event as the one in December 2024. The way you connect the ram to the town’s spirit — proud, steady, and hopeful — feels like the perfect tribute. As an Aries, I personally feel a deep connection to the ram, and the way you've tied its symbolism to both the town's heritage and its recovery is truly moving. You've created a lasting reminder of unity and strength that will resonate with everyone who reads it. Great job!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Kirkby Lonsdale Ram (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Hello Naomi,

What stands out so beautifully in your poem is the quiet depth of the piece — how something as simple and gentle as holding a white rabbit becomes a profound moment of connection and realisation. The way you move from disbelief in magic to the return of this rabbit feels like an unexpected gift, a symbol of something much deeper. And then, the layers unfold — seeing not just an animal, but a reflection of your father, of humanity, of life itself. That moment of "quiet understanding, where all my questions cease" is so powerful — as if love, memory, and acceptance come together in a single gaze. It's tender, mysterious, and full of emotion without ever needing to say too much. Fantastic words!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about THE RETURN IN WHITE (blog)

Original item by Naomi

Hello Robert,
What strikes me right away is the fearless way you name and face the enemies within — doubts, self-loathing, and that constant inner battle. The images you use, like being a "cliff diver under low self-esteem" and "pigeons in gale force winds," are sharp and vivid, showing just how intense and relentless those struggles can feel. But what makes this piece so moving is the turn it takes — that moment when a simple call from someone lifts you out of it, effortlessly and completely. It’s a powerful reminder of how human connection can ground us when we’re spiralling, and how sometimes, it only takes a small gesture to make us feel strong again. Nice poem!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about It rhymes (blog)

Original item by Robert C Gaulke

Hello Mike,
There’s such gentle wisdom in the way you capture the quiet presence of trees and their way of being. The way you listen to nature and hear its lessons about simply existing without rushing feels both calming and profound. It’s beautiful how you show that even in stillness, there is purpose — “many things to do in a grateful forest” — reminding us that life doesn't have to be hurried to be meaningful. Your lines reflect a deep connection to nature and an ability to find peace and purpose in the present moment, which is something so many of us need to be reminded of. I really like your lines!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Headed Nowhere (blog)

Original item by Mike McPeek

Hélène,
There is such profound honesty and courage in the way you explore emotions many of us spend a lifetime avoiding. The way you acknowledge hate and anger as part of your inner world — not to be feared but to be understood — shows a deep wisdom. It’s so powerful how you recognise that by facing these emotions head-on, their destructive power can dissolve, leaving space for freedom and healing. And that beautiful question — whether hate and anger are the "lost sisters of love and compassion" — speaks to a rare insight about the interconnectedness of all feelings. Your lines show someone who has truly looked into the mirror of life and dared to see everything reflected there without turning away.
Fantastic job!
Regards,
Rolph

Comment is about Musings in the Mirror (blog)

Original item by Hélène

How wonderful, to see the children so engaged in poetry. A great foundation for them. Well done, Marsden. Well done, Write Out Loud.

Comment is about Pupils add voices in telling Marsden's story with Simon Armitage (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you for taking the trouble to like and/or comment, so thank you Flyntland and you Uilleam in particular. My maternal grandfather was alive in the summer of 1914 prior to spending four years on the western front. All he said was that 'it were a different country then, before t'Great War and what comed after." Spanish flu, I surmise.

Comment is about A forgotten England (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

A truly lovely poem Jeff. I felt uplifted with the drifting petal.

Comment is about Lone Petal (blog)

Original item by Jeff Bresee

Thank you Uilleam. There has been so much kindness shown. The community have really pulled together and continue to do so.

Comment is about Kirkby Lonsdale Ram (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

That was never my scene in those days, Tom.
I stuck to best bitter, It's bad enough, but safer 😉.

Comment is about Really unreal nights spent in a 60's downtown Manchester drug den ( part one ) (blog)

Original item by TOM MERTON