I totally agree with Colin and Hannah with this one Kevin, it definitely as that admirable cartoon like quality to it. I certainly remember my parents collecting those embassy tokens before they eventually gave up smoking. I remember they had enough to get a monopoly board.
Marvellous Kevin
well done on POTW
Comment is about 'Embassy Christmas' by Kevin is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (17847)
Thu 28th Dec 2017 10:31
doubtlessly a much hard worked piece of brilliance Marianne
Comment is about Befriending Fear (blog)
Original item by Marianne May
Damon, I have enjoyed this poem probably because I am able to relate to it. It is well composed and thought provoking. Thank you for this. Keith
Comment is about Finite (blog)
Original item by Mikey V Kinsey
Thanks Jon & Graham. I was a bit worried that no one would remember the vouchers, and that this one would fall flat.
Cheers Kevin
Happy new year everybody
Comment is about 'Embassy Christmas' by Kevin is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (13762)
Thu 28th Dec 2017 08:23
I have a local cleaning company called Pam's Spic and Span Homes. One day when I'm really bored I'm gonna give Pam a call and maybe she can teach me some health and efficiency too. I'll let you know how I get on ?
Comment is about SCHOOL PHOTOS (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Thanks, MC. I might need to research a lot more " Harry" songs if he keeps on bagging hat-tricks.
Comment is about HATS OFF TO HARRY (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Authentic geta grip stuff Tommy a la Christmas Carroll. Excellent stuff that just hit the spot for me ! You are the master of the short line, and of course this would be perfect for live reading.
Happy new year when it arrives (by container via the docks).
Ray
Comment is about Xmass (wrap the box) (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
A footie-fan's fitting tribute! By the way, there is a song in
the film Calamity Jane (starring Doris Day) in which the
supporting actress sings "It's Harry I'm Planning to Marry"
- possibly an alternative basis for another such song!
Comment is about HATS OFF TO HARRY (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Well done on POTW KJ
It reminds me of my friend's parents who used to have stacks of Kensitas vouchers in rubber bands on the mantlepiece. Smoking themselves to an early grave
Comment is about 'Embassy Christmas' by Kevin is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
A Night to Share
Poetry ringing in our ears
each word balanced and tuned
then on every verse spoken
comes so many clear voices
bringing this message of goodwill.
Comment is about Xmas Oldknow Success (blog)
Original item by Stockport WoL
Thanks Cynthia - - - hope you had a good Christmas.
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Great stuff Kevin....well done on POTW. Love this. Love the use of local language...plus it's all really well put together.
I think when I was a kid me Mum bought stuff with Co-op vouchers like school shoes and furniture. Beltin' title too !
Comment is about 'Embassy Christmas' by Kevin is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (18118)
Wed 27th Dec 2017 12:35
Very strong. Had to be written.
Hannah
Comment is about Rana Plaza (blog)
Original item by PatricioLG
<Deleted User> (18118)
Wed 27th Dec 2017 12:29
Excellent. The stories, the reasons, the pain.
Thanks for your comment on my poem.
Hannah
Comment is about Homeless (blog)
Original item by PatricioLG
HI Jennifer. It seems this is an international problem. A sort of attempt at bonding perhaps . For kids - yes; for adults - less certain! Post brexit, who knows?
Thanks David. We do what we can of course, but just giving money seems like a quick fix. A couple of Lynn's friends seem to re-cycle old presents inappropriately, so that can fall flat.
Ray
Comment is about I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE PRESENTS (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Hi Keith. Thanks for commenting on Embassy Christmas.glad you enjoyed it. I couldn't let Christmas pass without posting something. Cheers Kevin
Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)
Original item by keith jeffries
<Deleted User> (17847)
Tue 26th Dec 2017 14:42
keith with this superb piece of writing you have taken the same thoughts I have of this 'cauldron' out of my head.
In my humble opinion, no other descriptions could better any of these brilliant lines ?!
Comment is about The Cauldron (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Thanks Hannah and Colin. I can imagine some of my poems in a book. Not as a cartoon strip, but with a cartoon accompanying each story. Maybe something a bit in the style of Quentin Blake.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks Kevin.
Comment is about 'Embassy Christmas' by Kevin is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Glad you like it Leon. And that's an interesting suggestion, but I don't think it fits the meter. Thanks for reading.
Comment is about Seasonal Speculations (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
<Deleted User> (13762)
Mon 25th Dec 2017 20:32
<Deleted User> (13762)
Mon 25th Dec 2017 20:26
I agree with Hannah about this reading like a cartoon without pictures. Do you know of any cartoon illustrators Kevin? You could be on to something! Love the 'kipper' line btw. And well done for bagging the prestigious Christmas POTW slot. I look forward to more in the New Year. All the best. Colin.
Comment is about 'Embassy Christmas' by Kevin is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Nice! exactly what happens! In my family we only give presents to the kids/teenagers, and if anything only small token presents to the adults, like something to eat/drink, or a olant etc. Otherwise it becomes a real tour de force.
Hope you have a good Xmas and N year, Jennifer
Comment is about I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE PRESENTS (blog)
Original item by ray pool
<Deleted User> (17847)
Mon 25th Dec 2017 13:13
great observations here Trevor.What do you think of this?
Disguising revulsions rage
with the facade of a materialistic smile.
A travesty requiring my intolerance to be subdued with tolerance.......?
anything to be gleaned? or shall I get my red cloak?
Comment is about Seasonal Speculations (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
Good sound idea about the vouchers Mark. Regrettably I sent some last year and a postie must have cut the envelope and removed them leaving the Xmas card intact. So beware ! Thanks and have a nice Xmas.
Thanks Collin too - I hope you have a good time over the holiday.
Ray
Comment is about I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE PRESENTS (blog)
Original item by ray pool
<Deleted User> (18118)
Mon 25th Dec 2017 10:58
Phew ! Love this style, like a cartoon without pictures.
Brilliant !
Happy Christmas !
Comment is about 'Embassy Christmas' by Kevin is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Very nice rhythm, smooth and enjoyable reading.
Thank you
Comment is about The Race (blog)
Original item by IanQ
Beautiful with foundation of self authenticity.
Comment is about The Light (blog)
Original item by Shruti
G'day Keith,
Xmas Greetings, and thank you for your thoughts on my Victorian-esque story. I tend to think that the setting and zeitgeist come from childhood memories of my grandfather's enormous old mansion house, dominant in its Lincolnshire village. Its garden had mature beech, elm and chestnut trees in profusion, from which rooks would comment endlessly. I'm certainly pleased that the first stanza had such a "chilling" effect on you!
I visited Las Palmas a couple of years ago on a cruise ship, and remember an excellent day ashore there. Your climate seems quite similar to ours in Perth -that is (not difficult to achieve) better than England's!
All the best for 2018,
Chris
Comment is about Stone Poem (blog)
Original item by Chris Hubbard
Thank you Sidra for that one word.
re 'Who holds the pen...'
Tommy
Comment is about Sidra Shahid (poet profile)
Original item by Sidra Shahid
MC. As regards my poem The Bus Station. Well said my friend as you have interpreted the mood of this poem as I intended. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Thank you. Keith
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Neatly summing up the annual Christmas conundrum for
many of us. I now restrict individual gifts for close family
in the knowledge of what is asked for/suggested. The
rest (extended family) get gift vouchers to treat themselves
according to their own preferences at the time. No complaints so far!!
Comment is about I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE PRESENTS (blog)
Original item by ray pool
I recall numerous Christmases working and the rest on
mandatory family visits. These lines capture the feeling
and especially the suspicion that when we "get away" we
are actually subconsciously getting away from ourselves and
our own lives for a brief moment in time.
Comment is about The Bus Station (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Thanks Kevin, indeed it was like that in those days. They wanted me to read in an assembly so they had to dress me in a second hand school blazer just for those few minutes. However, you’re right I’m not ashamed of my past and I wouldnt change it, as you say it helps shape who you are. Many thanks.
Fred
Comment is about The boy in short trousers (blog)
Original item by Rick Varden
Sun 24th Dec 2017 12:02
A very beautiful thought indeed. Makes me wonder how you got the idea to write it ?
Best regards,
Sidra
Comment is about I was the wife (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
Sun 24th Dec 2017 12:00
Hi Fred, I guessed the boy in the poem was going to be you, but it could well have been me you were describing. One thing I remember about inadequate clothing, was having no elastic in my underpants. They always hung down below the hem of my shorts, and I spent all my time pulling them up.
In those days being poor was something to be ashamed of, so we learned how to hide it. Of course others were going through the same thing, but they were hiding it too.
In retrospect, it's your childhood that shapes you, and gives you your character. I bet that you (like me) wouldn't swap, with anyone.
Cheers Kevin
Comment is about The boy in short trousers (blog)
Original item by Rick Varden
Hello Chris, I enjoyed this poem enormously particularly the opening stanza. I live in the Canary Islands in a very salubrious climate and the description you offer sent me rushing for a pullover. Thank you for this. Keith
Comment is about Stone Poem (blog)
Original item by Chris Hubbard
Hello Damon, Thank you for this poem which I found interesting as it proves that most poets are budding philosophers. Thank you again for this. Keith
Comment is about Morning Coffee (blog)
Original item by Mikey V Kinsey
Hello Nick, Congratulations with your success for this poem. It has the ability to touch the heart strings of many people. It is beautifully written and the rhyming is perfect. Thanks for such an excellent contribution. Keith
Comment is about The Man That Gravity Forgot. (blog)
Original item by Nick
This is amazing, I LOVE IT!
Comment is about 'The Man That Gravity Forgot' by Nick is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Adam, thank you for your constructive comments: they are much appreciated and helpful. Keith
Comment is about Disquietude (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Thanks Des for your comment. One of the best vocal ensembles I reckon and I can empathize with that. The instruments I mentioned are all part of the "stable diet" of Xmas (excuse the pun).
Ray
Comment is about SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS (blog)
Original item by ray pool
I like this sensitive look at disquietude, well done Keith for this useful effort.
If it was me (thank god it's not!! I hear you say) In the fifth stanza I would stick with "I" rather than switching to "we".
The last verse I can't quite go with, I would have to rewrite it completely, possibly more akin to the previous one, possibly casting the slightest positive glow on it if I could.
Comment is about Disquietude (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
I have now missed two events. Not good. So sorry to miss both the regulars and the guests on these nights. See you in the new year when I plan to be in ace condition again.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Comment is about Write Out Loud Sale at the Waterside tonight (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Absolutely my kind of poetry - shafting straight to heart and mind.
Comment is about 'Suddenly an ordinary day becomes holy ground' (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
And 'coping' is basically what we all do. I think such a bio gem reveals a true philosopher.
I'll try to catch up with more of your work.
Comment is about Nick (poet profile)
Original item by Nick
I like the simplicity of this work, and its innate idea that death raises/releases the individual to some other plane of existence. The theme is an interesting confluence of religion and science. And well worth the POTW honour.
Merry Christmas.
Comment is about 'The Man That Gravity Forgot' by Nick is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (9882)
Thu 28th Dec 2017 12:37
something that is easier said than done Mr N. no matter how hard one tries. To be kind is one thing but if that kindly
offering falls on hate-filled ears and hardened hearts it can make those doing the offering wonder if it is worth the effort
there again I'm sure there is no harm in trying!
Rose ?
Comment is about KIND (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry