My missus plays this game!

Comment is about closeted struggle (blog)

Original item by Robert C Gaulke

Beautiful poem.
Loved the scene, the setting, the words, all of it.

Hannah

Comment is about out there (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

I know what you mean about an aging frame. I understand what my dear old grandmother used to say when she would talk about the spirit willing and the flesh being weak.
Lovely poem Keith

Comment is about Never a Broken Spirit (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

This is amazing.
Very positive.

Hannah

Comment is about Never a Broken Spirit (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

When times are tough, creative artists are needed more than ever and should receive support but it doesn't always happen.

Hannah

Comment is about Closed For Keeps (blog)

Original item by d.knape

But some might see a life enhancer
In a girl choosing work as a sole pole dancer!
The singular version of those who were there
Performing on stage at the Folies Bergere.

Comment is about Naughtiness Unnoticed (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

A reminder of the creeping damage done to social cohesion
by the closure of so many pubs across the country.
Silence - where there was a pub,
No talk or laughter - there's the rub.

Comment is about Closed For Keeps (blog)

Original item by d.knape

You're never alone
With a phone.
But when it comes to person or pelf
Be sure to look after yourself!

Comment is about i dont like me (blog)

Original item by elise

How true. Contentment in one's own company is a great
comfort and source of spiritual replenishment.
It should be known that in solitude
Life's vital spirit is renewed

Comment is about Embrace Solitude (blog)

Original item by MsUnLuv

The "infamy" can be imagined in the context of these lines.
A warning to treat all offspring with the care and attention
they deserve. Having said that, I was the youngest surviving offspring of six and was not especially aware of
being sidelined in favour of other siblings. But maybe
some children are more demanding (needy?) than others
and can see themselves less favourably treated...with
occasional dire results.

Comment is about First-Born, Second-Best (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

An excellent affirmation of ongoing life - with "age" a
marker of the acquisition of experience and the unextinguished light of inquisitive imagination. Some of
the best work comes in later years when the mind can
use what it has acquired to produce lasting creations
that enrich existence.

Comment is about Never a Broken Spirit (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

John is right Becky, the talented need to keep at it.?

Comment is about Becky Who (poet profile)

Original item by Becky Who

That first stanza roped my attention. Great piece.?

Comment is about twisted lines (blog)

Original item by Prikcab

Are you even capable of writing anything less than excellent John? Geez man leave some talent for the rest of us.?

Truly inspirational poetry.?

Comment is about Because the Night.... (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Great sentiment.?

Comment is about Now/If (blog)

Original item by Will Presley

Thank you

Comment is about time well spent (blog)

Original item by Prikcab

I really like this. I love the way the last line hits and all that we've just read has new sense.

Comment is about What were they like? (blog)

Original item by Jara Giner

Cynthia - Ah the nostalgia of more innocent days. Lovely.
Rob

Comment is about How Do Girls Pee? (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Trevor,

This well crafted poem brings to light a dilema found in many families including my own where favouritism became destructive in the growth of those siblings who were ignored. Parents should take heed of your words and learn to treat all their offsprings equally with love and equal opportunities. Well said and thank you.
Keith

Comment is about First-Born, Second-Best (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Thanks for your full comment Kevin. As you rightly point out, his life was just a symbol of loyal service quite rare today and seems like a fixed point in time . No zero hour contracts in those days. That's why the great tectonic shifts of industry in the 60s had such a devastating effect.
Glad it worked for you; i'm grateful for you stopping by.

Ray

Comment is about VANISHING POINT (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I loved this! Solitude is a very powerful tool and when used properly can lead the way to self healing and peace of mind. A lovely poem; very well structured. Thank you, Jane?

Comment is about Embrace Solitude (blog)

Original item by MsUnLuv

Thanks for your words John. I always look forward to reading your work and I love your sample poems which are good reflection of what you write. I totally understand what you mean about a dreary Manchester sky as I live in the area myself.
Keep writing and posting my friend
all the best
Martin

Comment is about John E Marks (poet profile)

Original item by John E Marks

No words can describe this terrible situation.

Jon

Comment is about Story Of Julian (blog)

Original item by Mikey V Kinsey

Kevin & Rose,
Thank you for your comments. Sorry Rose it was not Dad but O how I would like him to be.

Keith

Comment is about If Only.... (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Hi Ray
I see Tim Quiney as a hard working but unextraordinary man. He must have been happy in his work to stick with it for over 30 years. redundancy must have come as a blow, because it took away not just his wage packet, but also to some degree his purpose for being.

Now volunteers dress up and do jobs like his as part of a heritage line. It must be heart-breaking to see his job reduced to another man's hobby.

As I read this it conjured up an image in my mind, where Tim was the only solid character, and the background and other people were faded and ghost-like.

Cheers Kevin

Comment is about VANISHING POINT (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Keith you write with an honesty and candour which is an inspiration. I've recently been reading some new translations of Cavafy, and I find some of your poems comparable.

Cheers Kevin

Comment is about If Only.... (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Deep piece and I dig it. Lots of food to chew on and ponder.

Comment is about false beginners (blog)

Original item by Robert C Gaulke

Lovely and emotional write.

Awesome lines here:


the scars you wear

emblazoned upon your heart

push you forward, yet drag the weight

of trouble seen



I dig the last stanza too.

I can so relate!

Comment is about time well spent (blog)

Original item by Prikcab

Writers block. No problems encountered if needing to correct. Sorted ?

Comment is about (blog)

Original item by d.knape

That works.

Comment is about horror films (blog)

Original item by Robert C Gaulke

Hello Becky. I had to write to tell you just how much I admire and like "There's a poem". The music of the poem is wonderful and the rhythm and metre are perfect. We all need to read between the lines of people's lives: not many adults escape unscathed and I certainly need to listen more closely both to what people say and what they don't say.


somewhere in your wine-soaked words
A heart-felt message can be heard

Best wishes. Keep writing, you are talented.


John E Marks

Comment is about Becky Who (poet profile)

Original item by Becky Who

Thank you very much for your always encouraging comments on my poetry. It is very much appeciated Martin. I have now read your sample poems "and all that's been cold is warm". Thank you, again, from my heart.

John E Marks

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

I half expected because the night belongs to lovers ...and so on. This poem seems to me that it could work equally well as a song. Either way I love it
Nice one

Comment is about Because the Night.... (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

A powerful poem Jara.
Nice one

Comment is about What were they like? (blog)

Original item by Jara Giner

Hi, thanks everyone!

M.C. Newberry, I do agree with you in fact - believe me I know kids can carry out immense acts of cruelty, when they are too young to really understand the consequences or have the moral compass in place. This just happens to be the views of one 7-year-old - the concept and the first verse are entirely him, honest! (I helped with the rhyming for the rest).

Comment is about Message from a 7-year-old (blog)

Original item by Becky Who

I've got to say I find this quite compelling Robert. All the horror is removed and the hero is waiting a cue, a bit like the flipping of a coin somehow. I'd like to use the description of louche, does that make sense?

Ray

Comment is about horror films (blog)

Original item by Robert C Gaulke

Thanks for the comment Brian. The older we get....

Thoughtful and much to consider thanks David. I agree about having time to adjust in advance, giving some measure of solace. I think a bit of us goes with them if there's a real closeness. I don't think we should be hypocritical and pretend adulation if we are under impressed with the dead person. When I've read my poems for a funeral I like to try to capture some of their true character, and chance alienating a few. Usually they appreciate it. To be honest, it's often the emotions of others that crack me up rather than my own. Empathy?


Thank you Hannah. Glad you thought that about it.


Thanks for the likes, Des, Anya and Jane.

Ray

Comment is about I WASN'T UPSET (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I appreciate your looking in Hannah. As always your comments are well considered, and capture my wishes completely.

Ray

Comment is about VANISHING POINT (blog)

Original item by ray pool

your poetry leaves much to the imagination which I like and admire greatly Adam.

Comment is about Canyon (blog)

Original item by Adam Whitworth

?

Comment is about Moon's Fault (blog)

Original item by Dyphrent

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I've never published before and your kind words are so encouraging. So grateful.

Comment is about (blog)

Original item by C Banning

"Where black is the color, where none is the number
And I'll tell it and think it and speak it and breathe it"

muster whatever means of change you can

to move the world as it sits upon your shoulders

Yes, Rachel, we ARE all blessed with the gift of life. It has taken me too long to summon the sincere gratitude for this boon which I now feel.

John

Comment is about a letter to my son--for now... (blog)

Original item by nunya

Dear M.C. Thank you for taking the time to read my long long message! I do value well founded criticism, hence my message! And I hope I find a profession that offers me insights into the human condition too, it's ultimately what fascinates me the most. I guess that's where you get all your inspiration and, mind you, that is what I meant by "experience" . I hope my words didn't sound too much of an angry outburst! I'm not used to expressing my personal views, out loud, in English, unsolicitedly, and I hope I didn't scare you! Thank you for all the advice! I love your work and I hope I manage to write again something that you'll like! ?

P.S. I think kindness, the simplest thing, can be a lifebuoy when you're stuck in the quagmire of cynicism.

Mae

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

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hear, hear! ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmxn1ljhlgQ

"Still Be Here" by Atmosphere. . .
Killer song, and great poem you have here that reminded me of this.

Comment is about Still Here (blog)

Original item by Mae Foreman

Your biography itself deserves an award.?

Comment is about Elaine Speakman (poet profile)

Original item by Elaine Speakman

Imbued with new life in each stanza.
Well done.
?

Comment is about Write HOPE on your arm! (blog)

Original item by mike booth

This comment has been removed by a moderator.

Review is about Cannon Poets on 3 Jan 2027 (event)

All shifting sands on which we try to stay safe and sure Tommy, very concise and thought provoking.

Ray

Comment is about Starkey (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Hello Mae - thank you for your messages on my page.
Remember some wise words: cynicism is the last resort of
idealism - and take comfort from them. Age (and I have that in abundance) should see us benefit in this life in
unexpected ways and these are always to be welcomed.
That said, youth has the advantage of an open mind and
the hoped-for years to profit accordingly. My working life
was spent in public service and allowed me many insights
into the human condition, its strengths and its frailties.
Now, in retirement, I can enjoy embracing the best of
both whilst not being too quick to be impressed by what
modern life and its values have to offer.
Be content in your own skin and above all, be kind (especially to yourself) when possible. I firmly believe
the latter to have the most value in our existence, whilst
being ready to recognise cant and cruelty - and reproach
them accordingly. Well-founded criticism always has its
place.
Good luck with your WOL poems!
MC

Comment is about Mae Foreman (poet profile)

Original item by Mae Foreman

The challenge to write a poem about children caused me
to come at it from both directions - having BEEN a child
with all the memories and NOT having children of my own
(but with numerous nephews and nieces). It was more fun
than I anticipated and, in a sense, I was winking at myself!

Comment is about KIDDY WINKS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry