lovely to hear a few words about God's country.
thanks for brightening my day
cheers Kevin

Comment is about Yorkshire Folk (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

Cheers Cynthia. 'She blows hot, she blows cold' does sound better actually. The dual approach of romantic and realistic seems to work well eh.

Raj

Comment is about She blows hot, blows cold (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Depression is the unseen enemy for many...sufferers and
carers alike. It can be short or long term, depending on
circumstances of varying sources and "anxiety" is part of
the syndrome. I endured a short term variety when
coping with upheaval in both work and personal life and
its detrimental effects cannot be underestimated. But
another part of my mind was there to be instructed daily to
deal with it and over time it DID and the effects began
to diminish, finally fading away. Self-help via "positive thinking" convinced ME that the mind can help itself.
How to deal with it as a sufferer? How to live with it as
a carer? So difficult to categorise - and therein lies the
essential problem of how to cope with its cause and effects. In the USA the "shrink" is almost a domestic
extra - being on a par with consulting the family doctor -
and seems to have working value for a number of people.
There is also the "chemical" aspect - an imbalance that
appropriate medication, carefully assessed and
prescribed, can help to remedy. Each case should be
looked at carefully and considerately on the basis that
NO ONE would voluntarily allow the condition to inflict
its undoubted misery. The range between the "blues"
and its worst derivative is huge and this in itself is one
of the biggest hurdles in diagnosing and treating the
individual case. One step at a time - like the illness
itself perhaps in a great many instances...but positive
thinking via self-awareness and optimism that things WILL get better is a very constructive way to begin recovery.

Comment is about Anxiety, My Companion (a daily struggle) (blog)

Original item by Shirley Smothers

thank you so much!

Comment is about Redundant Delight (blog)

Original item by Michaela Sheldon

What felt way too good frightened me the most is an excellent ending to this poem.
Love it.

Comment is about Redundant Delight (blog)

Original item by Michaela Sheldon

Have you ever opened up an old drawer and found a pile of old photographs - - - well the theme for Monday night is just that - - - old photographs.

Explains Everything

He said nothing
neither did she

but the evidence
spoke in volumes

photograph quite explicit
confirms their affair

revealing truth behind
missing birth certificate

which explains why
this family secret

draws negative feelings
into my life.

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

"...death of a snail on a cosmic scale", SO GOOD!!!!! ?

Comment is about SLOW DEATH ON A SLIDING SCALE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I like it too.

Would you consider 'She blows hot, she blows cold' as the title. Somehow the repeated sound of the 'sh', the feel of it on the tongue, is lovely, breaking the two strong 'blows' in quick succession - unless that is exactly what you want - the sharp sound of wind?

Now that is interesting - like two different approaches to poetry - romantic and realistic.

Comment is about She blows hot, blows cold (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Delightful and funny and a sharp shot. Great last line.

Comment is about Navel gazing (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

Delightful. The ambiguity is a real thought stretcher.

Comment is about Masks (blog)

Original item by David Coldwell

Excellent poem.

Comment is about Navel gazing (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

Cynthia, thank you so much for the kind comment on my poem "Anxiety, My Companion (a daily struggle)". It is a struggle and it inspires me when someone encourages me. Thank You!

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I do quite like Rees Mogg, a most unlikely icon for the 21st century. I am working on one about him! Watch this space!

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Powerful imagery with lots of food for thought - the bottle assumes a way out of unavoidable conflicts.

Ray

Comment is about invictus (blog)

Original item by nunya

To digress slightly - but still on the subject of Tory back-benchers...don't you love the name given by the
Rees-Moggs to their 6th child (what a BUSY back-bencher
young Jacob is!): hail SIXTUS ! The mind boggles about
the nickname he will have to live with in school.

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A wonderful follow up account almost as enjoyable as the evening itself Greg. Some fantastic poetry in convivial surroundings.

Comment is about What would Alice have said? Conger on menu as poets cram in for anthology launch (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I saw some of it at the gym, Harry. I thought John Pienaar's comments were apt. He said the Tory backbenchers seemed to have refound their support for TM. Because they can't afford rebellion now. But they will at a time of their choosing (and not hers).
(My next post restores a little more balance).

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I don't quite understand how Winnie the Pooh's quote has much to do with your topic that you discussed, but I quite agree with most of it. Suicide is trivialized greatly even in such a forward time. I have co-workers who talk about suicide so lightly and give it no second thought like it is not an important subject; betwixt conversation about suicide they also include irrelevant psychoanalytical banter in which they no nothing about. Or yet, experienced themselves.

Comment is about Untitled (blog)

Original item by Abigail corriveau

yet more good advice Wendy.Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about Leave Them Alone (blog)

Original item by Wendy Higson

John,
At P. M`S questions today May was quite brisk and even sounded in charge. For all the dynamite points in his possession Corbyn was beginning to sound (now bawlingly)
ineffectual again...It looks like both sides are beginning to meditate on where it`s all going.

Looking at the faces of the Tory front bench is one of the most entertaining things ever.

Mind, the best sight was the look of absolute misery on the face of Boris. I wonder what`s up?

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you Cynthia!

Re : The Notebook- I greatly appreciate your feedback and I would agree now to that last line is questionable considering I wrote this poem 2 years ago. I feel as if my poetry has some kind of melancholic undertone which is usually balanced with its opposite. I hope you can continue reading my pieces and offer any advice. The picture was taken on a beach in Puerto Rico which I highly recommend visiting. Thank you again!

Comment is about Joseph Calderon (poet profile)

Original item by Joseph Calderon

Thanks Stu! I had quite a giggle writing the last stanza! ahaha

Comment is about In Risk of Offense (blog)

Original item by Michaela Sheldon

ta Stu

Comment is about two things (blog)

Original item by Becky Sowray

excellent. im not one for rhyming poetry but this is good all the way through.

Comment is about In Risk of Offense (blog)

Original item by Michaela Sheldon

brilliant ray

soft palp

how wonderful

moving in its own special way and always well written.

Comment is about SLOW DEATH ON A SLIDING SCALE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

excellent as usual! each line has no excess fat and the sparsity works, as it so often does.

also, thanks for the links. i enjoyed them, havent heard that neko case song before and as for slow-mo owls - well how could one not enjoy that!

Comment is about invictus (blog)

Original item by nunya

excellent little pieces. both of them. really enjoyable poetry, arty and clever, but warm and affecting as well. good stuff.

Comment is about two things (blog)

Original item by Becky Sowray

Welcome, Joseph. Great to have you aboard.

Just a thought re: The Notebook - since all your ideas seemed water/ocean/sea oriented - perhaps something rather than 'burned to a crisp.' could be considered.

If you don't want 'thoughts' just say so. But sharing really is quite fun, and usually beneficial. At least, I have found it so.

Does your photo indicate an island home? I used to live in Bermuda; so anything like 'ocean' captures me totally. I miss it.

Comment is about Joseph Calderon (poet profile)

Original item by Joseph Calderon

I sincerely hope not. That 'book' is an irreplaceable possession, perhaps the lode stone of your life. It marks you as a 'thinker'. Value it highly. It certainly marks you as one sincerely interested in writing, and sharing. Immediate reality shifts; but a need to write is in your blood.

Comment is about The Notebook (blog)

Original item by Joseph Calderon

Much enjoyed, Ray. A thoughtful little piece with a peripheral spread of huge ideas. HA! Philosophical! I dare to use the word.

Comment is about SLOW DEATH ON A SLIDING SCALE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Short, sharp and effective. I admire the honesty of the final line.

Comment is about Anxiety, My Companion (a daily struggle) (blog)

Original item by Shirley Smothers

An amazing work, sharp with realism and soft with compassion, just like life in general. The last line is a knockout punch.

Sharing poetry is a wonderful way to live together, isn't it? 'Be confident in your own 'philosophy' and share it honestly' was the best advice I ever got.

Love the FIRST comment from your daughter! No wonder she's proud. My family shares my work too.

Comment is about 'The day my dad went mad' by Patricia Hughes is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Death and pain and not understanding are universal. I'm with the snail! Such a nicely sketched moment.

Comment is about SLOW DEATH ON A SLIDING SCALE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

A complex and brilliant idea, well crafted and penetrating. The repetition is very effective.

Comment is about 'The Concrete Road' by Becky Sowray is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Fabulous little work, a gem, with exponential waves of meaning depending on the reader, or nothing but the obvious. Either way, a delight. And well worth special notice.

Comment is about 'A Day Such As This' by Tom Harding is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Well done, David. I much enjoyed your comments as well.

Comment is about 'Pheasants' by David Blake is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi M.C. - He was definitely a maverick and his replacements, the like of Jonathon Ross, Claudia Winkleman, Mark Kermode have failed to emulate him. Thanks for feedback.

Comment is about Barry Norman R.I.P (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Thanks to everyone who shared with us in June at FANTOMIC's inaugural event. We are the newest regular open mic for Liverpool poets and got off to a great start. L8 is a special place and we hope many more poets will find this out for themselves in July. Every 3rd Wednesday of month. Where else can you bring your own drinks or enjoy free refreshments? Cream teas were free in June. Worth finding the venue which is just a 5 minutes walk from Cain's Brewery site. See you in July. Cheers FANTOMIC.

Review is about Fantomic (the phantom mic) on 21 Jun 2017 (event)

great, sudden slabs of image that land accurately, lovely protest at slices of the human condition

Comment is about invictus (blog)

Original item by nunya

Lovely poem Ray,

This evoked a different kind of memory - a childhood: there were a couple of kids similar age to me, who enjoyed nothing more than placing a magnifying glass above slugs and wasps and then sat back as they exploded or melted. Kids, eh?

At least this episode created this poem, and I'm sure the snail creator will be looking down smiling: ray, my human friend, you are forgiven..

Suki

Comment is about SLOW DEATH ON A SLIDING SCALE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hey, Stu! These are for you, proceeding your adventure with the owls..

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vgIcklGKQs


..just wanted to say I'm thinkin' about ya', dear fella...

elP

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

It's a thin line between committed and reckless. And with no accountability at all in terms of consequences I fear Farage = Reckless.

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

But he has what others lack - the commitment and vast
experience of how that chameleon-like entity operates.
His reward could be the job of "ambassador to the US".
DT would surely approve! ?

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

That's just what we want, MC. Someone with no accountability negotiating a deal the consequences of which he can then freely walk away from.

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

They could always appoint Nigel Farage as plenipotentiary for future UK Brexit negotiations while the Cabinet sorts
out its Party in-fighting!! ?

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I'm sure we all have memories of certain teachers who
left a lasting impression (for whatever reason) on us at
school. Would that we had the understanding then that the years bring in later life. But youth takes no prisoners!
At my boarding school back in the early 50s there was a
Mr Emerson, nicknamed "Herman the German", who would
descend without warning on some hapless boy caught
being unattentive. Later in my teens, there was the cold
eyed Mr Hinds - an unerring shot with a lump of chalk for
the same reasons; and I still recall with shame the sight
of a young female French language teacher reduced to tears by our callous class behaviour. But it has to be
said that we instinctively responded to and respected
a teacher who had the indefinable ability to stand before
us and wield some instantly understood powers of control. How to put that in poetry?

Comment is about Severe Miss Gladstone (blog)

Original item by Poetry for schools

For many - including me - he WAS "Film Night". Smooth,
urbane and communicative, he was the son of a noted
cinema name Leslie Norman -and it showed.
On a personal level, we once crossed swords via correspondence about my concern that violence in films
encouraged copy-cat behaviour in some. He wouldn't
agree - perhaps defending the medium on his own terms - and we agreed to differ. But he's never been equalled, let
alone bettered as a presenter of and ambassador for film.

Comment is about Barry Norman R.I.P (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

Hello Harry. Yes, the Labour Party split was predictable. Like the Tories they are not immune from the schism of Brexit. When I was a young man and in my prime (like your good self now) politics was divided pretty simply on class lines, Northern Ireland excepted. It made Britain the closest model to Marxist sociology.
These days there are other cross-cuts such as age. But for the foreseeable future the most significant of these will be Brexit.

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

John,
been waiting to `get at` this.

Like in the original song she sorely needs to be `dancing cheek to cheek` with someone from her cabinet...and they all seem to be scared of getting the mange.

The Brexit thing has cracked them up so much that they don`t seem to have any voice authoritative enough to able to talk to both sides and be listened to.

Looks like they are going to have to start taking some more tax-money away from their `core support`

(in the meantime; what do you think about the Labour revolt over their policy?)

Comment is about LADY IN RED (PART 2) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

It is so wonderful to hear another take on this piece, and I myself hadn't quite grasped the many meanings until later on after reading it a few more times. And that is an interesting thought, that a picture stays forever and that itself can be quite terrifying!

Comment is about Pathetically Drawn (blog)

Original item by Michaela Sheldon