The use of ingratiating humour in this imaginative way is always to be welcomed. I'm reminded of the phrase "giving it some welly"! ?

Comment is about Shoes (blog)

Original item by d.knape

JS - glad you enjoyed this trot down the track of happy memories!

Comment is about The Write Out Loud Poem of the Week is 'The Racing Stable' by M.C Newberry (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Having read your latest poems and the conversations that they triggered about mental health issues and after reading your bio, I have one thing to say to you. Congratulations! I admire you for writing all that is in you with pride and passion and freedom. Not everybody has the guts to be all of themselves and speak up and be proud of their struggles while trying to raise awareness with the tact and grace that you do it. People have to know that it is possible for a bipolar person to live a normal life, with medical treatment, therapy and hard work; they can even be happy! While suffering!
Thank you for reminding us that?
Mae

P.S. I can hear the sound in the video he's definitely a bit manic in this one.

Comment is about This Rhyme Upsets the Rhymer – Understanding Bipolar Disorder (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Got excellent sound Don
Keith

Comment is about This Rhyme Upsets the Rhymer – Understanding Bipolar Disorder (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

I am not getting any sound on the video clip? Anyone else having the same problem?

Comment is about This Rhyme Upsets the Rhymer – Understanding Bipolar Disorder (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

A LIFE OF STORIES, POETRY, SONG & MUSIC – JIMMY LEE AT FEBRUARY WRITE ANGLE

If Jimmy Lee had turned out to be a criminal, welfare scrounger, alcoholic, drug addict, wife or child abuser, people might point to his childhood and teens as explanation or justification. Instead, he rose above the impoverished and hard childhood as well as his bullied, rebellious teens.

Instead, his stories, poems and songs tell of a life well lived, happy and sad memories of childhood as in the poignant Lucy Cartwright song; and even though his father was a Hard Man, he loved him and came to understand what had made him that way. Poorly educated, he blagged his way into jobs for which he was not qualified, yet succeeded in them – in one case, as sales manager for a tobacco company, he lived on expenses and saved his salary, becoming rich enough to buy and develop property.

Guest poets and musicians at Write Angle, frequently provide us with explicit protest messages about society, politicians, capitalism, the wealthy and much more. There's Attila the Stockbroker with his fervent Marxist-Leninism; others with paranoia over government watching through public video cameras; and many more. Jimmy's stories and songs are about his own life and the messages are there without preaching as he shows the effect of such things as war and urban develoment on how they affected him.

Jimmy's guitar playing was self taught; he plays simple tunes and sings to them, and this reviewer found himself humming them long after the gig. When he sang Eileen about the Rose of Tralee, he had the audience enthusiastically joining in with the chorus of “One more dance, Eileen, one more dance with me ...”

At the open mic, newcomer Graham Langley held up a piece of paper which “used to be a tree- it needs a poet to make it a poet-tree.” We hope we'll see more of Graham and his humour, not just his words but in his voice too.

Jood and Leah performed in a more serious vein, each dealing with different issues yet both lightened the mood with humorous poems. Colin Eveleigh continued the saga of his health issues and the reassuring news but also dealt with the subject of connections in Touch and Go. Dick Senior was nostalgic in At the Mermaid Inn, St Mary's.

The open mikers provided a good poetic foil to Jimmy's melodious music and lyrics; and the raffle was for a meal at excellent, local, Thai restaurant, Lemon Grass.

Review is about WRITE ANGLE POETRY & MUSIC +OPEN MIC on 19 Feb 2019 (event)

Ah dk I like you
Your poetry's got style
It's short, not long and thinkable
It's full of wit and guile ?

Liked this one. Cleverly thought out as Keith says

Comment is about Shoes (blog)

Original item by d.knape

This is a good poem which has been well thought out and presented.

Thanks
Keith

Comment is about Shoes (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Having worked with supporting individuals who are unemployed and seeking work; I feel fortunate not to have experienced the anxiety of age discrimination when seeking work. This is an observational poem which I am pleased has been well received.
Though I have experienced redundancy, I decided to see it as a form of liberation which spurred me on to other, more rewarding ventures. I do, however, empathises with anyone who through no fault of their own, find themselves economically, emotionally and physically deprived of the ability to enjoy the rewards of a productive work life. In solidarity....

Comment is about IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE (blog)

Original item by trevor homer

Don
I have just read Kieth's comment and I agree with him,
but would like to add another thought,
by talking/writting about bi polar you are giving comfort to others with the same/similar conditions who may be suffering inside but feel that they must hide it.
Dorothy

I could'nt access the video I will try again later

Comment is about This Rhyme Upsets the Rhymer – Understanding Bipolar Disorder (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

K
I started to read this and went cold with shock.
You experience is one that we all fear, and not only have you lived through it but you have written about it.
Writting about your rape must have made you re-live it all over again,
your courage stands out for all to see and I only hope that justice was done.
My wish for you is peace.
Take care
Dorothy

Comment is about A Note To The One Who Broke Me (blog)

Original item by K

Don,

Thank you for this, especially the video clip. Have you seen the film Club Paradise starring Robin Williams and Peter O Toole? A masterpiece. There seems to me evidence which supports the idea that those who are bi polar and others with different conditions tend to have higher intellects than are usually found. Some of the most eloquent, funny and engaging of people seem to come in disproportionate numbers from such categories. Robin Williams, Winston Churchill and Stephen Fry immediately come to mind.

Please consider writing more openly as you are gifted in this respect and others whose understanding of such conditions need to be made more aware of what life is like for those who struggle with issues such as bi polar and other similar conditions which can be socially isolating.

Thank you for this.

Keith

Comment is about This Rhyme Upsets the Rhymer – Understanding Bipolar Disorder (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Don
this is the Don behind the giggles,
it is good to release your 'self' every now and again or no one will know who you really are.
Thank you
Dorothy

Comment is about This Rhyme Upsets the Rhymer – Understanding Bipolar Disorder (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Congratulations, MC.

Comment is about The Write Out Loud Poem of the Week is 'The Racing Stable' by M.C Newberry (article)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Thank you for you comment Rachel, it has made my day. You are one of my favourite poets. I think your poetry enjoyable and unique, making me think in a different way. I’m glad you enjoy my style, again thanks it really has made my day.

All the best des

Comment is about DESMOND CHILDS (poet profile)

Original item by DESMOND CHILDS

Your remarks are truly appreciated.. Thanks..

Comment is about Right to write (blog)

Original item by mona s

Love this Phil. ❤️ Thanks for sharing. ?

Comment is about Surfing the sky (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

This feels so real and intense with the brutal honesty of such a horrible crime. The courage to write, as others have said, is so admirable. I myself was stripped of my dignity once... put in a position I could not choose... My story was different, as everyone's is. Thank you so much for sharing. This really means so much. #metoo

Comment is about A Note To The One Who Broke Me (blog)

Original item by K

This is powerful and i thank you for it.

Comment is about A Note To The One Who Broke Me (blog)

Original item by K

Beautiful, haunting, poetic delight. ?❤️

Comment is about Noctis (blog)

Original item by Jennifer Malden

K, by writing down your trauma you release its hold over you. By sharing it you may inspire another to release their trauma too, which brings the realization that your suffering has not been in vain. #metoo ?

Comment is about A Note To The One Who Broke Me (blog)

Original item by K

Well said, if the EU was a true democracy, i.e. my vote counts all the way to the top, count me in, but the fact remains it is an uncontrolled, arrogant bureaucracy. I can't vote Jean Claude Juncker out but I can Theresa May or any other British politician and that is the contract of a true democracy between its government and its people.

J.

Comment is about Brexit (blog)

Original item by Daemon Cantrell

I just want to wholeheartedly agree with Keith. I have rarely read anything that has made me feel so angry for you, so sorry for the things you've endured and yet so in awe of your courage.
Always have the courage and most normal, caring, compassionate human beings will have a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on should you need it.
I'll say it again, I'm genuinely in awe of your courage.

J. x

Comment is about A Note To The One Who Broke Me (blog)

Original item by K

I agree Kate. I like to think of it as failing forward!

Comment is about Enlightenment (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

Thanks for the update M.C. I looked it up when you first mentioned it and understood that you put it in your own words which is totally cool. I’m still fascinated that I expanded on an old proverb which I take as a sign to pay close attention to what the Universe is relaying!

Comment is about Enlightenment (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

K,

This is the most chilling and raw account of sexual abuse that I have ever read. Its portrayal is horrific indeed and almost unable to grasp for one who has never experienced such pain. I salute your courage in bringing this to light especially at a time when such abuse is being uncovered almost everyday after decades of concealment.

Thank you

Keith

Comment is about A Note To The One Who Broke Me (blog)

Original item by K

Thank you all so much. I try and always write in metaphor and really try in some cases to make every possible word have a duality of meaning. So much so that sometimes I think I'm being a bit oblique but I love this implicit use of English above pretty much any other use. I really love layers ?.

J. x

Comment is about Hammers and Forges (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

your plot...
thickens!

thanks for visiting M.C. ?

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

JC, Kate, Josie and Jennifer - your kind comments are much appreciated. It helped that I have some inside knowledge of what it
means to share in a racing enterprise, with visits to stable and race-course in the memory to use to advantage in writing these lines.
Also, a sister has held a life-long love of horses and I remember how
she kept a pony for riding out when she was a young woman in rural Wiltshire, a long time ago now. We still exchange emails about
our equine/racing interests.

Comment is about THE RACING STABLE (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Wow - what an epic! To which I will reply...

David Cameron's cowardly lack
Was failing to plan the "Leave" attack,
Knowing that the vote was cast
To depart the EU's grip at last.

May could have told the latter "We're going!
But open to what you think of bestowing
In response to this old nation's will
No hard feelings...no bitter pill !"

Instead - as she is a Remainer - I feel
She hid her bias seeking a "deal",
Knowing Brussels would look askance
At anything giving real "leave" a chance.

Too much for them to bear to lose -
With other countries likely to choose
To make an exit - following on..,.
Too much for Brussels to dwell upon !

……………………………………………………....?

Comment is about Dave - The Return (blog)

Original item by Stephen Mellor

The injustice of being prevented from working and earning income
through one's own efforts and talents must be like an acid eating away at self-respect and sense of worth. I am older than Keith but
can easily imagine how such a situation must bring on feelings of
resentment when someone WANTS to work and can't find the
opportunity. In retirement I've surrendered a fondness for beer in
a friendly pub but I've gained health-wise, with useful financial increases in other avenues along life's highway. My culinary
interests are modest and I'm happy with the most basic food, of which, happily I am also very fond. It helps too that it is cheap and
it's rare that a day's food costs much more than a fiver when
checking monthly accounting in that area.. Adaptability seems to be the secret of success when trying to make ends meet,
with deprivations in some directions becoming advantages in others.

.

Comment is about IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE (blog)

Original item by trevor homer

Dr. Seuss turned over in his grave today and said he wants you to stop pretending to be him for a day.

Please heed his wishes.

Thank you.?

Comment is about Don Matthews (poet profile)

Original item by Don Matthews

The confusion and dismay are understandable but we need to
recall the decisions that have led to this present debacle.
There have been two great betrayals of the UK electorate in my lifetime. The first occurred when the incumbents of Parliament
decided to hand over to the EU what wasn't theirs to give: the
mandate from the electorate to govern the country in their name
according to its laws and customs. And over ensuing years, steps
were taken to sign "treaties" to bind a trusting UK electorate
ever closer to the power-grabbing entity that sought and seeks to
dominate the aspirations of a nation state and its people. The second is being seen in today's Parliament when a vote by its
incumbents to prevent a "no deal" exit was pursued and won
despite the commitment of both major parties to comply with
the result of the Referendum .e.g. - to LEAVE - no more, no less.
.

Comment is about Brexit (blog)

Original item by Daemon Cantrell

Well done, Jason.

Comment is about Hammers and Forges (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Amanda I love the first issue of Printed Words, you have put a lot of hard work and effort into getting this done and this is proved when reading through it!

Liked my profile when you put - - -

the other group members said " you wouldn't expect that from Nigel"

Comment is about Amanda Steel (poet profile)

Original item by Amanda Steel

Jason,

A skilfully written poem with a clear message.
Well done indeed.

Thank you

Keith

Comment is about Hammers and Forges (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Trevor,

This poem could have been tailor made for me. I am 71 years and any attempt to find a job has been a futile effort. They say there is no age discrimination....well there is, believe you me. I have pensions, which I took out during my working life, to ensure a reasonable degree of comfort in my old age, but now they are insufficient. I spend each day as if I am under house arrest. A pint of Guinness and an orange juice for my partner is 6.40p, more than half our allotted money for the day´s food. I am often filled with rage. I feel duped and let down. Yet, your poem helped me realise that I am not alone. We are many

Thank you for this

Keith

Comment is about IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE (blog)

Original item by trevor homer

Hi again - hope not to cause confusion. The original saying is, of
course, "Pride before a fall". Your blog had me adding the extra words.via my comment ?.

Comment is about Enlightenment (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

Jason
I can only repeat WOW! and I can only agree with Jennifer,

It's a bit pathetic of me not to say more - but this poem speaks for it's self.

Wonderful
Dorothy

Comment is about Hammers and Forges (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Thank you!

Comment is about PARADE OF HAPPINESS (blog)

Original item by lynn hahn

That, Jennifer, is one of my favourite poems ever. Even the title. I've always regarded night as a friend, of course in Britain that's easy enough as we have no large natural predators, (except of course for other humans), so the night is a comforting, warm summer blanket and a crisp, cold winter breath at your ear.
Brilliant!

J. x

Comment is about Noctis (blog)

Original item by Jennifer Malden

Yes Jennifer, exactly that. Each hardship we endure will essentially either kill us or make us stronger. We start as innocent children and develop into fully formed adults and this often resembles the forging process, in this case a sword that represents your wit but also your strength, your defensive/offensive potential. When swords are forged and tempered they often have an extremely hard temper at the edge and a softer more springy temper at the core or spine. This allows a sharp, hard cutting edge (your wit) and a more flexible core or spine (your heart or compassion) allowing some integral give, or flexible strength to stop them from shattering on impact.
But all of this is only achieved by putting the virgin metal through the heat and hammers of the forge.
So only in suffering the fires and hammer blows, constant shaping and reshaping, can the finished article be achieved.
"All my tortures, great and small,
Have shaped my will and stood me tall."

J. x

Comment is about Hammers and Forges (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Fantastic writing! Congrats on POTW too - well deserved. Great ryhming which really builds up the excitement and tensions leading up to an important event. Have always loved horses, but apart from that will read it again and again to enjoy it. Well done again.

Jennifer

Comment is about THE RACING STABLE (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Extremely apt! The roaring, warring, whoring hordes....! Great wriitng
and very evocative- how many battles come to mind.

Jennifer

Comment is about Vexillology (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

See now, to me, it speaks of cracks in the defensive barriers that lead to that most tender of places, the heart.
The adolescent mind never learned to express an event that, "set the roof on fire," and caused the construction of the defensive barriers.
Now the mouth that stayed mute, learns to hone it's perceptive listening skills, (make a complex ear from simple clay), because someone failed to hear what should have been heard.
Remains watchful and silent assessing someones worthiness to be allowed in.
When I read it I see the doors as an entrance, a metaphor for not being completely closed off to the world, but considering letting someone in whilst still maintaining some barriers.
Rather than crash down the walls and let the whole world in, build a door in them and let just some people in as and when you feel you can, and shut them out as well should you need to.

Love the poem, even if I've mis-read the meaning.

J. x

Comment is about manual (blog)

Original item by nunya

Wow! Really strong stuff! Are you saying, basically that suffering and difficulties even of an extreme nature, can actually fortify a person, but there should remain a core of humanity in spite of what he/she has been through? I'm thinking of the refugees from Siria, the Yazidi girls, the poor b Kurds who fight like lions, but get no help from anyone, etc. etc. Great writing.

Jennifer

Comment is about Hammers and Forges (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

"Women artists. There is no such thing—or person. It’s just as much a contradiction in terms as 'man artist' or 'elephant artist.' You may be a woman and you may be an artist; but the one is a given and the other is you."

– Dorothea Tanning, 1990

Good heavens, where are women like this on International Women's Day when first-world female office workers are given a paid half-day just for inheriting two X chromosomes?

..more later, David x

Comment is about manual (blog)

Original item by nunya

Hi Keith! Obviously this hit you hard especially after another break up. Very well expressed sorrow for a person you care for.
Jennifer

Comment is about Broken up (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

help. sneak in saw in chocolate cake.
I'm in cell-block #4. have car waiting.

Comment is about Don Matthews (poet profile)

Original item by Don Matthews

Mike,

A poem which I immediately associated with the film of the Titanic. Brave indeed were those musicians. Your poem does them credit.

Thank you for this

Keith

Comment is about 8 Heroes (blog)

Original item by Mike Bartram