I'm not against anthropomorphism per se but I don't think bees can co operate. They just do. A limited range of things in a pre programmed way. They couldn't use their 'skills' to other ends except in fairy tales. I'm a big bee fan. Just don't get this poem. Will read again. Carefully.
Comment is about 'Bees had radar in their wings and brains that humans could barely understand' (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks, Ray.
I'm prepared to put my own hypocrisy on hold in the interests of a good swipe.
Comment is about TAX EVASION (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hi Jon. I was thinking of Alan Bennett reading this lovely poem. His eye for detail and in particular re his family resonated here I thought. Such a well fleshed out theme that reaches in to draw out tears of memory - the sadness is in the abandonment that death brings to material things.
Ray
Comment is about The Dresser (blog)
Original item by Jon Darby
Hi David,
Yes, you're right! Thanks for sharing this too, really enjoyed! This poem obviously hit the mark..
SS
Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
I've come late to this poem Martin - and all the comments have done service . I think about the saying Hearts of Oak which perhaps conjures up the pairing of the tree and the men who utilized them as you well describe.
Ray
Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Re the mechanics of evasion John , I think as you imply some of us are in the wrong place at the wrong time to get stuck in with the big boys; but given the chance ? I'll take romance....
Clever writing as always punching just around the belt.
Ray
Comment is about TAX EVASION (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Very enjoyable and revealing of the seeing poet's eye Tommy. I would have to add a dislike of lifts (getting stuck in them mainly).
Remember the lift scene in the Pink Panther with Sellers as a don?
Ray
Comment is about Excuse my hand (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Hi Miranda
A great poem about finding the inner strength that lies inside. Powerful and inspiring.
Comment is about I Know Who I Am (blog)
Original item by Miranda Fegan
Thank you, that means a lot to me. ❤
Comment is about I Know Who I Am (blog)
Original item by Miranda Fegan
Marilyn Longstaff
Tue 21st Nov 2017 17:56
These interpreters were amazing as was the palantypist
Comment is about Marilyn Longstaff and BSL interpreter Rob Chalk (photo)
Marilyn Longstaff
Tue 21st Nov 2017 17:52
Good to meet you at the magma 69 launch and how interesting that we were both at this and the amazing night at the Sage
Marilyn Longstaff
Comment is about Land of Three Rivers anthology launch, Gateshead, 2017 (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Martin, what magnificent use of the English Language. Descriptions beyond comparison. I was transported directly to where it was happening. Well done and thank you. Keith
Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Tommy, I enjoyed this as it has a lot to say. From a child I have always had a fascination for lifts and the accompanying voice which says Going up or Going down. Seldom are there places where such intimacy is permissable amongst strangers. Well done and thank you. Keith
Comment is about Excuse my hand (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Miranda, this is so very well composed and a poem which I believe will resonate with many who read it. Thank you. Keith
Comment is about I Know Who I Am (blog)
Original item by Miranda Fegan
I quite like this poem, Dave, although I groaned when I first saw the word 'Bees' in the title. I see the poem as making the point that bees are better at working together, co-operating - as ants are, too. Would bees have voted for Brexit? Ah, forget I said that.
Comment is about 'Bees had radar in their wings and brains that humans could barely understand' (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks, Trev. I confess to feeling a bit hypocritical about it.
It is unquestionably wrong but why?
Like millions of others I have put my savings in PEPS, TESSAs, and ISAs; I received redundancy and pension lump sums free of tax; I gift aid donations to charity etc. So the only difference as far as I can see is degree.
Comment is about TAX EVASION (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hi Martin,
Your poem, especially the end, reminded me of this song from way back when I was still at school.
Lovely descriptive imagery in your poem too. Nice one!
Suki
https://youtu.be/UjUkjpJa6bY
Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Sadly, it's all so true. And what's worse, we know about it but still it goes on. Great write.
Comment is about TAX EVASION (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Parul
Tue 21st Nov 2017 12:31
The title is 'Bees Were Better'. Hard to disagree given our limited flying and home seeking capabilities, and inability to make honey. I don't think a poem like this takes us very far although I'm the first to agree that I don't always see the light. Someone explain what the first eight lines have to do with the next fifteen lines of diary entry. People are bad at some things (relationships?), bees are good at some things(flying?).
Comment is about 'Bees had radar in their wings and brains that humans could barely understand' (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (18474)
Tue 21st Nov 2017 10:43
Thanks Kevin,
Yes I fully agree hence ‘we’ve all got things wrong’ reference. However some of the latest things being suggested like banning winking I think takes too much away from just being human. Cheers.
Comment is about Political Correctness (blog)
Original item by Rick Varden
Parul
Tue 21st Nov 2017 10:09
Thank you! Namaste and hugs x
Parul
Comment is about David T Jones (poet profile)
Original item by David T Jones
I love the flow and the rhythm of this poem, like Keith I'm going to have to keep pondering on your words to get the depth in them
Comment is about salvation (blog)
Original item by DESMOND CHILDS
Desmond, these words, for me, encapsulate so much bordering on the anguish of the human soul and deliverance. I shall ponder on this poem for some time to come. Thank you. Keith
Comment is about salvation (blog)
Original item by DESMOND CHILDS
Great poem. Really well described Connor.
Comment is about Beyond the Plastic Pole. (blog)
Original item by Connor Lannes
I can totally relate to much in this poem.
Made me so happy as I read.
Beautiful.
Comment is about southdown road (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
<Deleted User> (13762)
Tue 21st Nov 2017 08:19
I read this last night and again this morning and enjoyed all the sounds, smells and noises evoked in your powerfully descriptive lines. I work quite regularly with wood - coppicing, felling, chopping, splitting - as well as reconditioning the tools themselves - axes, billhooks, mauls, shaves, loppers etc - so my senses tuned into this poem quite quickly. For the most part it is a timeless piece of writing but the final twist adds an unexpected dimension. All good for me Martin. All the best, Col.
Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Another fabulous poem Martin! Reminds me of happy times when I was younger, walking through local fields and woods, my weapon of choice being a bulrush which I imagined to be a mighty spear.
I've read this through a few times. A lovely read mate.
Comment is about Tramping (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Hi Martin
I really enjoyed reading this poem. Very atmospheric and vividly described.
Comment is about The bells they ring (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Hi Martin
This poem is really well described, and I felt quite sad seeing the images that came to mind as I read it.
The tree seemed human, especially when you describe it submitting to 'blow after blow' and you refer to the tree as ' this father of the wood'.
Really well written though. Graphic and unsettling.
Thanks for recent comments too.
Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Thank you Keith. I was trying to create some kind of subtext involving the narrator and their lover, but I'm not sure it actually succeeds. I was toying with changing the last line to "While you were sleeping". I'll probably change it and change it back 15 times and still not be satisfied ?
Comment is about A Storm Was Raging (blog)
Original item by Eric Maynard
Congratulations of winning PotW Ralph. Hope you aren't too disappointed with the new London Stadium..
Cheers,
Suki
Comment is about 'Leaving Upton Park' by Ralph Dartford is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Robert & Martin, thank you both for your kind comments. Keith
Comment is about Enveloped in Darkness (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
I liked this one Fred, because it was nice and snappy, and rolled of the tongue.
But I'd hate to go back to the days before PC. Here in Doncaster we once had a mayor who promised to stamp out political correctness. When he got in he was vile and bigoted in every way you could imagine. Even cancelling the gay pride parade. He got away with it till he chopped down trees on the racecourse
No i know people think political correctness has gone mad, but it would be a horrible place without it.
Cheers Kevin
Comment is about Political Correctness (blog)
Original item by Rick Varden
<Deleted User> (18118)
Mon 20th Nov 2017 20:59
The passion of sport - brilliant.
Congrats for being POTW.
Comment is about 'Leaving Upton Park' by Ralph Dartford is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (18118)
Mon 20th Nov 2017 20:46
You bring to life in this poem the tragedy and violence against a living entity, a tree.
I always feel sad when I hear the electric saws against trees.
You reveal here so graphically the assault on nature by humans.
Hannah
Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
As always I love it Tommy succinct and to the point, conveying so much.
Comment is about Nowhere to go (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Keith - I sensed the military background in this piece (before I confirmed it on your profile). The need for solitude, away from the madness, sought as release from the 'white noise' and man-made hum and buzz, speaks of having seen and heard too much. Plus, some of the terminology is as recognisable as a cap badge. I liked this piece a lot, and will echo Martin in saying that your work gets better and better.
Rob
Comment is about Enveloped in Darkness (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
It is amazing how many memories can be evoked just from one piece of furniture and all that it contains. Fantastic poem Jon
Comment is about The Dresser (blog)
Original item by Jon Darby
<Deleted User> (16099)
Mon 20th Nov 2017 20:16
I truly felt this..nice work thank you for sharing.
Comment is about Home (20/11/2017) (blog)
Original item by Miranda Fegan
Martin - 'I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK'. I liked this piece, but the lack of punctuation did make it difficult to read the first couple of times. I try not to be a pedant, but I feel that for the sake of a couple of commas and full stops, both the impact and flow would benefit. You know I'm a fan, so I hope you don't mind me saying.
Rob
Comment is about The rhythm of the trees (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Amen to that Nigel.
Nice to see you haven't lost your edge Linda
As Nigel says we are missing you.
Comment is about Zimbabwe, November 2017 (blog)
Original item by Linda Cosgriff
I am totally with you with this Keith, wonderfully put. It is such a pleasure to watch your poetry go from strength to strength
Nice one
Comment is about Enveloped in Darkness (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Jon and Ryan, thank you both for your comments. As always they are much appreciated and valued. Keith
Comment is about Destiny (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Ryan
Mon 20th Nov 2017 18:26
Perfect. That was "gold". Well done mate
Comment is about Destiny (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Hi Keith,
Really well worded poem this. A sad but true ending conveys the pointlessness of treasure when the end is near. Nice one mate. Hope you're doing well. ?
Comment is about Destiny (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Mrinmoy Dey
Wed 22nd Nov 2017 06:20
Nice poem. Letting go is so hard but necessary. Its the beautiful sunrise after a nightmare that urges us to hope for better.
Photos tell a sunny
tale
Seldom are the
dark moments
recorded
This line struck a chord in me. In the same context but different sense:
The sun sees us masked
Its the moon who sees us unveiled...
Comment is about LET GO (blog)
Original item by lynn hahn