Colin, Emer and Tom, thank you for your comments. Keith

Comment is about Trees (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

I was admiring some very tall beech and oak trees yesterday - all-magnificent in their native natural splendour. But below them, and spreading up the hillside, non-native rhododendrons were running amok. Landscapes and our interaction with them over time is quite fascinating. You capture some of that here. Thanks for posting Keith.
Col.

Comment is about Trees (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

I probably wouldn't even bother if I were you, David. Hells bells...I can't even be bothered to form a complete sentence when it comes to commenting on the work of others, lately--heaven knows I can't expect more from you.


The feelings don't change but the words often escape me,

Rachel x

Comment is about hindsight (a late proto-proverbial observation) (blog)

Original item by nunya

Thanks to Emer for liking and to Colin, David and Ray for commenting
I agree with you Colin about them being addictive. I have
shelves and shelves of them that I have collected over the years Many of which I haven't read yet but I am working my way through.
I fully concur with you David on the nature of the snobbery involved. sadly that snobbery is also at work in many art forms, reading your poem again I think there is probably a bridge between shelves and books. I must admit to wanting shelves to have books on.
Ray glad we agree on not being able to live without them. They are also like wallpaper to me sitting on the shelves. I also love libraries and bookshops, usually second hand bookshops which have a certain smell to them. Oops getting carried away now. better go and lie down in a darkened room.
Thanks to all
Love
Martin

Comment is about books (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

This poem is wonderful. It really captures the beauty and enormity of their existence. A super tribute to nature ??

Comment is about Trees (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Interesting Michaela; its hard to put a fix on the sentiment entirely, but being creative in thoughts is a lonely thing -once shared some resolution can be obtained. Being creative with others as in music can be fulfilling. The last two lines : imperfection affects us all. As David says, there's nothing stunted in your work.

Ray

Comment is about I Failed, Miserably (blog)

Original item by Michaela Sheldon

Nice work Keith. Trees will always stand proud and endure whatever comes their way. We could learn a lot from them. T ?

Comment is about Trees (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Thank you Harry for your kind comment on 'Gethsemane'. None of us need ask for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for us. The modern equivalent of the international brigades are the young men and women from the UK and elsewhere who make the hazardous journey to N Iraq to fight with the Kurdish YPG against the fascists of Daesh and sometimes don't come home. As was the case with 22 year old Birkenhead volunteer, Luke Rutter, who fell in the attack on Raqqa in July 2017.

Good luck in all you do, Harry!

John

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Quite right Mark. Keep it zipped. Thanks for adding your comments.

Ray

Comment is about PUBLIC AMENITIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Congrats on POTW David - it's always good to learn a little more about the people behind the poems we read and enjoy on a daily basis here on WoL. Sounds like there is a gap in the Grimsby market for a Poems & Pints night - ever thought of starting one yourself? All the best, Colin.

Comment is about 'For Antoinette' by David Cooke is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Whilst understanding the widespread resentment
towards the policy of closing public
toilets on grounds of "cost" (taking
the piss in its most irritating form!),
I marvel at the comments of depth found on this utilarian
topic. Adding anything more would seem somewhat superfluous -
except for the memory of my first experience
of entering a foreign equivalent and finding a female
attendant. Something of an early culture shock!

Comment is about PUBLIC AMENITIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hard hitting, with that ring of truth that makes it worth
our time.

Comment is about Rogue Taxi Drivers (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

John,
I must have missed this first time round, (I`ve been `agonising` a bit myself recently and can`t do much?)

This `take` on the ongoing situations which were part of the evils that Christ was agonising about at that time is very apt in both place and modern reference...(and also the three cock crows !)

Just prior to the actual time of Gethsemane Christ had been drinking...wine...at the last supper (now there`s a thought)

(roll on the op ?)

A very thoughtful poem

Comment is about Gethsemane (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Ray, thank you also for your comment. In today´s world we need the courage of our convictions otherwise we go under. Keith

Comment is about Stand up (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Kevin, Thanks for this. It is exactly what I would expect from a person such as yourself. We stand together. Keith

Comment is about Stand up (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Hi Keith, in the past I've been all to quick to "stand up" when I've seen something that isn't right. you'd expect that others around you would back you up, when you do so. unfortunately this isn't always the case, and I've suffered threats against myself, my family and property. all for doing the right thing.
I still stand up when I see injustice, but I must confess I'm a little more cautious these days.
that said, I still agree with what you say, I just wish that more people were willing to do the same.

Kevin

Comment is about Stand up (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

40 years ago today!

Comment is about Intolerants not welcome (blog)

Original item by Mark Mr T Thompson

Belatedly, you are very kind Cynthia. John

Comment is about Gethsemane (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Hi Ray - the days of toilet attendants in hotels has long gone. Well said David - Spoken like a true proletariat. I am but a peasant that wants to piss in peace.

Comment is about PUBLIC AMENITIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks Tom for your urinary thoughts - I think you may have delusions of grandeur. I worked in many hotels and always felt overwhelmed by the presence of frock coated attendants and obliged to tip them. This was in the days of the brush down and the extended hand. Are there any posh hotels in Hull? I think there soon will be.

The politics of piss David. You do have a good point - nothing comes free it seems.

Comment is about PUBLIC AMENITIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hi Ray - An interesting, humorous and astute observation on the lack of public toilets.

Whenever I am visiting London or a European city and get caught short, I walk confidently straight into a top class hotel. The doorman usually opens the door and tips his hat. Generally just off the lobby I avail myself of a gleaning marbled spotless toilet, complete with lovely soap and individual hand flannels. Works a treat.

T :)

Comment is about PUBLIC AMENITIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

HI Kevin. I've never been thereabouts, so can't really deliver an opinion . I wonder who makes the momentous decision about giving a leg up to decaying cities which were mainly messed up in the sixties rebuilding orgies, getting rid of so much that we could still be proud of. The reading was rough, but his voice was so expressive!

Thanks David. The tidal surge was a gift! Perhaps pissoirs with oyster cards might be the thing (more appropriate in a fishing town of course.). Maybe everyone should go to Hull once. I recall Wilfred Brambell being arrested for importuning in Shepherds Bush . I also like the word importunate, little used today. Fuck it.

Hi Col. Your point about culture of the north is a good one. The truth is of course that every place of habitation has variations of culture within its bounds, but that is too boring - the wide sweeps of territorial claims are always more politically easier to handle and also more divisive.
I always value your observations, and I have changed that second Humber, cheers!

Martin, so true and a reversal of Victorian sensibilities in their great metropolitan aims. Now it's every man(or woman)for him(or her) self. My wife hates using the public loos so will choose a café. We often get separated that way.

Love to all. Ray

Comment is about PUBLIC AMENITIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Poetry Evening at the Samuel Oldknow in Marple
Wednesday 16th August 7pm- to when we run out of poems!

List of poets to be confirmed on Monday night

1 Nigel Astell
2 Chetty Walker
3 Andy Millican
4 Dorinda MacDowell in place of Martin who can't make it
5 Sky Lei Wolf
6 Martine Anson
7 Chris Gordon
8 Linda Cosgriff
9 Andy N
10 John Keane
11 K.C Dowling

This event is part of - - -
Marple Book Fair Aug 14th - Sat 19th

Comment is about Write Out Loud at Stockport art gallery tonight (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

some good comments here Ray regarding public amenities and the lack there of. I remember when my wife and I went to Barcelona for holiday and struggled trying to find a public convenience. In the end we had to use a costa's which I suspect that many towns and cities in this country are having the same problem. the obvious problem there being that you just continue the cycle because you feel obliged to buy a drink.
In Manchester one of the old below street level toilets has ben turned into a restaurant !
I think David could be right about the older man.
Love the opening lines in particular
Nice one
Martin

Comment is about PUBLIC AMENITIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks Ray. I've a couple of other bird poems coming up soon in different publications; funny how one thing can spark off a train of ideas.

Cheers
JH : )

Comment is about 'Incoming' by Jonathan Humble is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I am just imagining all the gulls in Hitchcock's The Birds transformed into curlews, Jonathan! So well expressed, and a nice contrast to your humorous offerings. I often read with Karen Izod who is a kindred soul in terms of nature. Please carry on inspiring pupils with this refreshing and informative kind of poetry. Congratulations for getting POTW. The inspector sounds like a jobsworth.

Ray

Comment is about 'Incoming' by Jonathan Humble is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

HI Ray I'm so glad you like my Antoinette poem and I think that your comment is a pretty good poem in its own right!

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

excellent Ray - there is actually quite a lot of meat to chew on in this poem. I like the idea that perhaps in some slight twist of fate the north is becoming more cultured and amenable than the south, which by itself would be poetic justice.

was wondering if the second 'Humber' could be omitted?

cheers,
Col.

Comment is about PUBLIC AMENITIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I really enjoyed this one Ray.
I love to visit Hull. It once topped a list of the UK's crappest towns, but I just couldn't see it. It was in my view a well deserved City of culture.
I liked the way you read it too, but I don't think it sounded like Wogan. (I'm no judge)

Cheers Kevin

Comment is about PUBLIC AMENITIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks, to all, who read..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3np0DMxXKzM


Rachel

Comment is about hindsight (a late proto-proverbial observation) (blog)

Original item by nunya

Gorgeous.Love it.

Comment is about Heart Wide Open (blog)

Original item by Ged Thompson

Hi M.C. - He was a huge and enduring talent. Alzheimer's ultimately took its toll. Ironically Adios was his final album. Thanks for your feedback. T?

Comment is about Tears in Tennessee (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Thanks Ray. I like to think there is virtue in keeping the
essence of a poem short and leaving with something that
stays in the mind. Life is so often about what is not said
or done, isn't it?

Comment is about HUG (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I still have a cutting of a 1996 article by the late Devon
author, artist and naturalist, Brian Carter, from his regular
Torbay newspaper column, in which he describes "the
curlew crying from their nests in Muddilake" (Dartmoor).
Let's hope they still do!

Comment is about 'Incoming' by Jonathan Humble is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I like the poem but am distracted by the 's
You have put 's continually for plurals. For instance - lie's guy's should be
lies guys - no apostrophe needed.
Also, the ' in doesn't comes between the n and t to show the o is missing.
Hope you don't mind me pointing this out, but the poem doesn't make sense grammatically as it stands.
Cheers

Comment is about FALSE ECONOMY (blog)

Original item by NEIL THORPE

Great idea. There is a richness to be found in local words
that can be forgotten and lost to successive generations.
I recall the late lamented South Devon author, artist and
naturalist, Brian Carter, including the Devon dialect in his
Torbay newspaper column and his own books. Fascinating
and funny at the same time. Dimpsey (as spelt by Mr Carter - with the alternative dimsey) has a lovely soft
ring to it...just like the time of day it describes e.g. dying of the light(dim/see?).
Now how about some more from the county that rhymes
with heaven, courtesy of much missed Mr Carter.
Little boy - tacker
Baby girl - cheel
Mad - mazed
Huge - maister girt
Plimsoll footwear - daps
Puzzled - zamwagged
Stupid person - dawbake
Musty/damp - vady
Foxgloves - bees' tongues (and other terms)
Smart - viddy
Rabbit - drummer
Pigs - chitterlings
Heifer - yaffer
Ewe - yaw
Dainty/fussy - taffity
Bat - airy mouse
Chaffinch - dabfinch
Hedgehog - fuzz-pig
Right'o, ma boodies, tiz enough to go on wid!

Comment is about Bobowler, cheeselog, dimpsy ... 12 poets to highlight forgotten dialect words (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Let's remember brave and intrepid predecessors who took
on the unknown, determined (but destined) to find their own freedom. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Comment is about Brexit Update (August 2017) (blog)

Original item by Adam Whitworth

One of your finest offerings Mark in my opinion . Simple and affecting. Nuances like this have great effects on futures and are often buried alive along with the better class of dreams.

Ray

Comment is about HUG (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

How sad when the gifts given to the world are sabotaged
by nature and the passage of time. I remember Jimmy
Webb (the songwriter who had given Campbell his biggest hits) recalling how the latter had turned to him one day and asked:
"Did you write Wichita Lineman"?
Nice tribute, Tom. Somewhere, I still have an LP of the singer's "Greatest Hits", plus, fittingly, his final CD.

Comment is about Tears in Tennessee (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Fine work Jane. Those of us who have been in that position are uniquely affected. I made a bond with my mum so that entering into the pact of her dying and my closeness made the experience very personal and in a way acceptable . Mercifully she was ready and not suffering much though.
Having the poem in the present tense does add an immediacy to the piece.

Ray

Comment is about Dad's Poem (blog)

Original item by Jane C. Steele

Masterly and sensuous David. The usual magic - and so well defined you can almost spoon it up and into the mouth ears and eyes.

Even to get her name seems like a lliason dangereuse.

Ray

Comment is about For Antoinette (blog)

Original item by David Cooke

Rich and David, thank you both for your comments. I value them enormously. Keith

Comment is about Despair (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

I agree with Colin David, he has replicated my own thoughts and there is a tumbling lyrical quality to the lines - quite chaotic and at the same time hypnotic. We've all been there mate.

Ray

Comment is about Stealing ten minutes on a Friday afternoon (blog)

Original item by David T Jones

Nice one Martin. Can't live without 'em, me. Us loggerheads rely on their physical sensation . You certainly have build up a great case for their presence in our lives. I can't see this ever diminishing ;while as David says there are shelves there will things other than pot plants and grinning photos in frames to fill them.


Ray

Comment is about books (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Hi Keith, sometimes you need a kick up the ass before you realize how important it is to maintain one's own voice when in the minority. To be walked all over is often traded for uneasy peace.

Nice sentiment. Ray

Comment is about Stand up (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Hi Keith, I couldn't agree more.

Comment is about Stand up (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Thanks Keith, I'm really grateful for your compliment.

?

Comment is about Homeland (blog)

Original item by Rich

The Monday Night Theme

Last month we talked about old photographs

One of our group members Dave told us about his but had not done a poem about it - - - so we have made the theme
to do a poem about the one Dave did not!

My poem is called 'What The Eye Does Not See'

Comment is about Write Out Loud at Stockport art gallery tonight (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

simple yet sophisticated somehow?, Encore!

Comment is about Destined (blog)

Original item by Bethany Cabrera

Belated thanks Stu and Colin...much appreciated.

(out of things - hopefully only for a while - If it improves I`ll be back)

Comment is about Betty in a windy sunset. (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill