Picture perfect

Comment is about One Standard Poodle (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Much like this one, reminds me of a dream

Comment is about The Lighthouse (a romance) (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I was talking with a friend yesterday about house moving and where to go and could we live away from the sea. Although I'm not a beach bum or an avid sunbather or sailor I did grow up by the sea 'twixt shore and South Downs and a part of me still needs that regular dose of salty air and distant straight line horizon. Or at the least, to know it is there and quite close.

I understand that draw that you picture here so well. When I lived for a few years in Leeds and then Airedale I felt hemmed in despite the beauty of the landscape and long vistas from summits. The sea just seemed too far away.

The only other landscape I have found which satisfies my soul in a similar way are the wide open spaces of America. Setting out to traverse these great distances, even by hire car, seems almost as epic as setting out to sea in a tall ship. Well at least in my imagination!

I'll shut up now. All the best, Colin.

Comment is about Far Horizons (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Marvellous poem Jonathan and rightly deserved POTW. great to read a different side to your writing.

I wholly heartedly concur with releasing and engaging young minds in literature of any kind not least poetry as it has in the past had the reputation as being something either inaccessible or elitist boring. I was amazed when I wrote a poem at the age of fourteen that my English teacher wanted to submit it to a young persons magazine for publication. so amazed I don't think I wrote another for about thirty five years. None the less he was so encouraging.
Nice one Jonathan. I look forward to more

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

I tell a lie, MC. He was 3rd in 2011. I hope it's not so but could it be because this little brown man of Somali origin falls to his knees at the finishing line and prays to Mecca?

Comment is about HEY, MO! (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Skilful espionage of the spirit Stu. I just felt that word - a spiral I can understand as it common to all life and indeed states of being and seeing. Our conception of light and dark is an interesting state in itself , containing as they do all colours and no colours - both sides of the colour coin and ultimately the dark side of the moon is just as much in existence as the "seeable." Try that with mustard.
Somehow I'm reminded of lyrics from All the Things you Are - "trembling on the blink of a lonely star."

Excellent feel to this.

Comment is about if my ugly had a shape it would be a spiral (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

You raise a valid point about the absence of recognition as
"Sports Personality of the Year". Could it be he's tainted
in certain opinions by his connection with Alberto Salazar?
Even now, when a two time drugs offender can still run
and win a World Championship medal, the world of
athletics seems dogged by its own history and inability to
clean itself up. Boo!!

Comment is about HEY, MO! (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

There is, albeit with an absence of rhyme, a sense of John Masefield in these lines. The theme is adaptable and many
modern nations with thriving connections through military
and merchant venturing would nod in recognition. It is
certainly applicable to lands with sea shores and distant
horizons...surely a huge magnet for intrepid travellers
looking for a different life and better prospects. To mix
it up a bit: the grass is always greener on the other side
of the fence.

Comment is about Far Horizons (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Thanks Graham. It was originally written this week for an American audience, so I was taking no chances! lol
I might just change it on here. ?

Comment is about Far Horizons (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

bravo Wendy! bravo! Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about This Is Me (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

such a kind gesture to Rose from you Wendy.But there again you are a kindly natured person.I enjoyed reading the poem.Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about A Rose To Capture (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

thanks both, both for your comments and concern, but actually my usual rule applies here, the more content i am the darker the poetry becomes. i actually wrote this to perform live but decided to post it as i was quite pleased with how it read.

graham, i am glad you felt lost, as the whole thing came forth as an exercise in how best to describe the feeling of being alone.

so, as much as i would love to enforce the brooding, dark persona of a troubled mind, things are quite alright really!

Comment is about if my ugly had a shape it would be a spiral (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

If you are describing a Damascene moment then I get it. There is a unsettling thread in this however.
Although I can understand the numerous repetitions of shine to emphasise the transformation, I personally felt lost within them.
This is very effective although If you were on my speed dial I think I'd be ringing you up!

Powerful stuff as usual Stu.

Graham

Comment is about if my ugly had a shape it would be a spiral (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

This is a lovely piece Trevor. There's almost a sway to it when reading, to mimic the voyage. Personally I don't think you needed to shorten mystery (it sounds a bit twee to me).

Good work

Graham

Comment is about Far Horizons (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Beautifully observed piece - I guess many of us have known people like that.

Comment is about Aunt Win (nie) (blog)

Original item by Jane C. Steele

Thank you Suki, Cynthia and Colin ... you are very kind.
Couldn't argue against any of the points you've made there, MC : )

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

I like this Lynn - it has the feel of a Country & Western ballad with all the requisite ingredients. I'm not a great fan of the genre (musically) but find the lyricism and story telling fascinating. Thanks for posting. Col.

Comment is about NO MONEY ON THE TABLE (blog)

Original item by lynn hahn

Thanks Casserley ?
I've been busy elsewhere, but I'll be dropping in from time to time.

Comment is about Bridge of Sorrows (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Louis, you don't shy away from any topic when it comes to your poetry... this is a great, and in some cases as this one you are sharing something very personal. Aside from the pronouns and a few other words this could have been written equally from a woman's perspective.

In my opinion (and we all have different opinions - these can be based on personal experiences, our environment, our attitudes, any number of factors...) intimacy is a huge factor in a marriage or partnership. And sex is very important to me to achieve that, it is opening yourself up completely to your partner.

Just my two cents.

Comment is about Sexless Marriage (blog)

Original item by Louis Audet

His record is phenomenal. He runs the 5k and 10k. he's won both events TWICE at the Olympics and both events TWICE at the World Championships. He's won both events TWICE at the European Championships. He may yet win both events twice at these World Championships.
He's never even been in the first three of Sports Personality of the Year. WHAT MORE CAN HE DO???
The song I crucify in singing and playing is Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe". Here's a link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXwMrBb2x1Q

Comment is about HEY, MO! (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Mark, celebrity used to be a blanket term for a kind of well known status reserved for film stars chiefly. Now in its abbreviated form of "celeb" I suppose it means those who feed the insatiable appetite for a pandemic of celebrity. The whole thing has been demeaned a bit like the honours list.

I'll get my coat.

Comment is about THE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OF THE FAMOUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hi Keith, thanks for commenting on me poem. It's a scary world out there so nice to know people get it, Cathy

Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)

Original item by keith jeffries

Cynthia, thank you for your comments on my work of late. I really appreciate you take the time to read and listen.

Cathy xx

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Intimacy is a huge part of a strong marriage, brings you closer. Obviously, there are other parts that need to be there like communication and trust. And yes, a couple should have sex on occasions, you shouldn't be begging your partner to be intimate with you.

Comment is about Sexless Marriage (blog)

Original item by Louis Audet

I'm not sure I've made a point, other than for some women, sex is no big deal, certainly not the be all and end all and not the motivating factor in a relationship.
There is something in your poem that worries me vaguely. You talk as if you have a right to sex. As if your wife at that time was failing you. The blame lay with her........
This to me, is disturbing.

Comment is about Sexless Marriage (blog)

Original item by Louis Audet

a worthy winner and equally worthy cause - so glad this one made POTW - a close encounter with nature to be cherished despite the curlew's dislike of bald heads.

Much to be admired in this fine poem. Thanks again for sharing this beauty with us Jonathan.

Col.

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

I hate to disagree with a woman on this, but ..since my separation, I've talked to many women that would argue against your point.

Comment is about Sexless Marriage (blog)

Original item by Louis Audet

Surely, the point about poetry is its ability to "free" the
imagination and to offer rewarding insights into the human
experience. Teaching "English" (like any language) is
governed by its guidelines...the tools needed to use and
understand it in the most comprehensive way possible.
It is the means towards engaging in poetry that can
be adapted within the latter to best/most effective and appropriate use.

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

Oops - quite right. It should have been "Jade" as you
pointed out. I recall the flak she got. Ouch!
The word "celebrity" is used far too freely and needs
looking at to give it proper value.

Comment is about THE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OF THE FAMOUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Usain Bolt may have occupied the popular imagination
- always a sucker for "speed" in all its forms - but my own
view is that the mental strength and the physical endurance required to run in double figure speed terms
for half an hour far outweighs Bolt's fast-fibre twitches
that enabled him to run so quickly over limited distances.
Your tribute (even tho' the tune is unknown to me) is
entirely fitting for TRULY great athletic achievements.

Comment is about HEY, MO! (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

It isn't a huge problem for a lot of women.

Comment is about Sexless Marriage (blog)

Original item by Louis Audet

Thanks for the comment Rose. He was spot on!
JC - isn't that something to do with "the value of handsight"? Speaking personally, I'm happy to have reached my current time, though not necessarily 100%
in tune with what I see around me. But then we travel in hope...the great solace for so much disillusion.

Comment is about LAST POST - closing the book (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I think this is a pre-post which has just absconded from my
profile...not for comp please.

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

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Sexless marriages is a huge problem .. it's in 20% or more of the couples. I was cleaning out my inbox the other day and saw an email I sent to our counselor in 2013, and this is why I wrote this poem. Obviously, the marriage ended soon after that.

Comment is about Sexless Marriage (blog)

Original item by Louis Audet

thanks for commenting on 'After The Storm' Paul
I appreciate it
Ian

Comment is about Paul Welsh (poet profile)

Original item by Paul Welsh

Terrific poem, and also your comments, formal and informal. I forgot you were a teacher, and more than that, of course.

I still have some poems written by 'my students' of diverse ages. One summer I had offered 'tutoring' with the sole emphasis on Poetry. Just to see what might happen. I actually had twelve keen students. And we had a fabulous time together - a wonderful six weeks of reading and writing and sharing. A huge diversity in ages, ability, and results, but one of my happiest summers ever.

Inspectors - most of them not too keen on any teacher who does/did not conform exactly to the edicts of the 'method'. I do remember clearly. Sometimes, the tension was almost unbearable, but the kids were always worth it. 'Hands on', day-in-day-out, can be so different from theories.

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you very much Cynthia. I'm very pleased you liked it. Jx

Comment is about Aunt Win (nie) (blog)

Original item by Jane C. Steele

And you really, really must write, about anything and everything, long ones, short ones, funny ones, sad ones, personal ones, social ones, etc. and etc. Be sure to keep a special 'notebook'. Read a lot of other people's works too, here on WOL, and even in books, from all countries and periods. Books still have a lot to offer; they haven't quite passed on like dinosaurs.

Welcome to WOL. Enjoy blogging and reading our poems, and commenting too.

Your poem on this page is really fine, full of extensive awareness and thought, just what a poet must have.

Comment is about Farishta Anjirbag (poet profile)

Original item by Farishta Anjirbag

What an interesting view on the 'postman's job', and full of real social comment in general too. Much enjoyed.

Comment is about A Speck of Joy in the Postman's Life (blog)

Original item by Farishta Anjirbag

Really good; much enjoyed. IMO, you have wide eyes, a sifting brain and a sharp pen. All used with skill.

Comment is about Aunt Win (nie) (blog)

Original item by Jane C. Steele

I can plan and deliver lessons with very specific and narrow learning outcomes when needed, where one has in mind the expected progress for individuals and/or groups. This particular session was more process orientated and I wanted the children to have experience of writing a particular type of poetry, with the emphasis very much on the creative aspect of writing. As such, the inspector was correct that I didn't know what they would produce ... but (as I expect you understand) that was the point of the activity. It was an opportunity for these kids to be creative and the guy just didn't get it. I explained it to him, but he didn't appear to be listening. A lack of constructive dialogue between these people and the teaching profession, in my opinion, is one of the reasons (amongst many others) why teachers are leaving in droves. There ARE some inspectors who one can talk to and explain and discuss, but they are in the minority (in my 30 years' experience). Overall, it's a punitive process (inspection) and many folk dread it. I believe parents/the public need to become more aware of the situation schools are in with all this stuff and that the accountability process needs urgent reform.

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

Cynthia hahaha that, in turn, made me laugh too! X

Comment is about It's you (blog)

Original item by CathyLCrabb

Hi Jonathan,
Congratulations on winning PotW. I also found your interview enlightening. Not sure whether to laugh or cry at the "dangerous" lesson observation made by your inspector. Very telling though wasn't it?
Suki

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

nice to see you back again Alexander and in the same good rhyming form.


Rose ?

Comment is about Bridge of Sorrows (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

a much repeated and positive adage of my grandfathers concern about the turning of his days no matter how miserably weathered some might be was-

at least I'm here to see them.


Rose ?

Comment is about LAST POST - closing the book (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

loved the poem Regan.The only progs I watch are the the ones about wildlife.

The work that goes into making those is so underrated.


Rose ?

Comment is about Big Brother TV (blog)

Original item by Regan Roberts

Robert,this is so clever! I truly loved it.

One line in particular stood out from the rest-

'I stripped them off you
brought your body along'

fantastic!


Rose ?

Comment is about Your Great Indifference (blog)

Original item by Robert C Gaulke

Hi Neill.How right you are! this poem brings back the memories of all my disappointments.

But I dare not tell you how many!?


Rose ?

Comment is about Disappointed (blog)

Original item by Neill Barnard

oh Wendy! my lovely lovely kind friend! I am truly grateful for this dedication.

And!

I shall remember to put you as first on the list of the lovely people I shall be sending Christmas presents to.

Not only do I for now send lots of ???
but also lots of warm invisible hugs!


Rose ???

Comment is about A Rose To Capture (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

The poetry is fine, the sentiment leaves me rather like your wife - a little cold.

Comment is about Sexless Marriage (blog)

Original item by Louis Audet