Feels like a compression of deed and words Laura; full of power and meaning -like a shock hung out to dry. Great stuff.

Ray

Comment is about 3:15 am (tunnel vision) (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Thank you Kevin, much appreciated.

Paul

Comment is about Begging For Time (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Great writing Laura, many fine lines here but:

"pixellated puckered tin
bathed bodies in the flicker"

really stands out for me.

Paul

Comment is about 3:15 am (tunnel vision) (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

"a destination that requires focus, bravery and time.

For all those who face it every day...

believe."

You have shown everyone the light Louise. Thank you for sharing this inspirational piece.

I believe there is a sacred place within each of us which eventually takes us to a higher ground. Blessings.

Raj x

Comment is about Believe (blog)

Original item by Louise Clarke

such a beautiful work i would love if you could go through my poems and post an honest feedback. thank you ?

Comment is about Captured (blog)

Original item by Marianne May

Hi David

You have fast fingers you do!

Cheers. This came from a writing prompt from Jo Bell, about a historic moment and its effect on your life.

Comment is about 3:15 am (tunnel vision) (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

DID WRITE ANGLE PUT 'POETS, BOB AND PAUL, ON THE SPOT' ?

April's Write Angle Poetry & Music Open Mic evening brought guest performers Bob Hill and Paul Canon Harris of 'Poetry on the Spot' with their unique style of taking any simple word to world-wide issue and, in 15 minutes, creating a poem from it. However an apology is required from yours truly who misunderstood and thought they'd be taking words or suggestions from the audience when, as it turned out, they brought their own prompts! (They did promise they'd do it 'next time though')

Bob ended up handing Paul an envelope with reference to the chosen phrase, 'the scientific study of extraterrestrial phenomenon'. Then, when Paul left the room to write the poem, Bob entertained the audience with his poetry. He based his work on the theme of 'Home Is'. His first poem, 'Moving in' dealt with dad taking charge of their lives while each marked their territory around the house. 'Brazilian Love Affair' told how, at 15, he had his first 'love affair' - with the footballer Socrates.

He then got poems on the buses...spoke of how he was born into a Christian family and was religious before he even knew he was, but when he understood things better, gave it up and settled on atheism and the Koran. His poetry was interesting and informative about his life from extreme poverty through a good education to writing poems. Paul then returned with his completed poem about a young woman who 'studied it because she knew the truth was out there and she had to find it'. ..
When it was Paul's turn to choose an envelope with an idea for Bob's 'on the spot' poem, he came up with ''Drunk torched peanut bag and made love to ambulance (from the North Devon Journal' - yes, these were real articles! With Bob out of the room, Paul, a retired vicar, announcer on radio of 'Thought for the Day, and father of four young men now at university, read his poems, starting with 'The Bargain Shelf' where members of the National Service had to 'scramble for bargains'. He spoke of the Isle of Wight's Southern most tip, where he lived with his family for many years, coming up with some lovely imagery of the island, including a poem of 'brothers hunting among the rocks'.

'The Memory Game' followed – with people at 'different stages of memory loss and dementia, playing a game. 'What's it called', 'I don't know how to play', 'Is it my go?' 'Have I been', and 'Have I had my lunch yet' being repeated, over and over. Sad and realistic. Paul then read 'School Photo', with 'divorced, beheaded, died', unraveling like an empty scroll. Then, 'Facebook', where you can be happy with a 'happy face'...fat, (yep, there's a fat face)..and a non PC poem about the difficulties of entertaining – 'This poem may contain nuts'. Everyone has special dietary needs these days, and a clever, 'Do not use Adverbs in Poems'.. Bob then returned, reading his poem starting with 'The siren called..he toasted his love...'.all good fun! It did bring a lot of laughter.
Liz Verlander, an absolute star and comic at the Open Mic, recited a poem about a man who thought he was so great, he charged women for dates and sex. Meanwhile, now that she's fifty, she meets men who aren't interested in sex as much as moaning in bathrobe and slippers. 'Please Cut My Hair' followed and had everyone in hysterics (as do all her poems), 'No, she didn't come because she watches 'Coronation Street', She doesn't want conversation – just 'please cut my hair'. The hairdresser finally just went quiet and started cutting. Then she cried. 'Okay,,,but please stop now'....then we all get cuts in life…

Kim West's poem about her chemistry teacher who could hypnotise and said 'chemistry is not your forte', but putting his hand on the back of her neck certainly brought out the chemistry! She read of local councils cutting monies for libraries and books which increase our worlds. 'The changing face of our economy'! Di Castle, who's written poetry books including 'By the Book', read poems about the reality of parenthood, its joys and disappointments..'They went to classes on parenthood. Mum was a real high flyer. Now she doesn't talk shop. She can't do this or that. She's fat. 'I know I was the same as her'…

Then, a poem read with a ten month old baby's voice, being given pretty Easter eggs, only to then watch as..'Mummy sat and ate them!' Finally the poem about nan who showed up at nursery school to pick up her grandchild but being 'dressed to the hilt', her grandchild didn't recognise her nor did the school acknowledge this 'glam gran'. Next time, she didn't get dressed up but looked more 'as a nan should look, and her grandchild and everyone accepted her!

Tee Francis followed with some poems, that seemed to irk some, with their 'non pc' words, but this reviewer found them clever. 'Awakened beside her husband at 3am, her heart pounded..not for the husband beside her but for another man….Jeremy Hunt...The BMA NHS on his lapel, health care better if privatised, 'privatise mothers' milk, while vulnerable, trusting people die'...Then, the woman whose partner left her...she let herself go, stopped caring, stopped painting her face, dying her hair. She stopped caring...and '.. became herself'! Her third poem, a sonnet about the beautiful cherry blossomed garden with its blue tits, robins, and those who don't notice - but prefer a beer!

Phyllida Carr, just back from South Africa, unlike Tee Francis' unaware beer guzzler, was deeply impressed and inspired, showing her lovely cheetah tee shirt and played 'Shosholoza', - a Traditional South African song - mix of Ndebele and Zulu, on her Ipad. The room went silent. Difficult not to want to join in...the rhythm was haunting. Jilly Funnell did 'Requiem for a Baby Boomer, about a very special friend who was 'never going to die'. A sad poem performed with great emotion. This friend always went on holidays and Jilly thought it appropriate to 'bring on vacation time'. Jake, her driver, took them as Jilly travelled on the 'Blue Badge Coach', in and out of Paris, Spain, Frejus, London...you name it. A trip to remember!

Colin Eveleigh read of sitting at the top table waiting to lecture on Mindfulness. He didn't want to be there, was uncomfortable, yet it ended unexpectedly with so many interesting questions...it didn't matter whether he wanted to be there or not, he was mindful during his speech. 'Anyone can be mindful, given permission', he said, and was shocked at the end to be asked by his sponsors, 'would he give the talk again? 'We've given ourselves permission to be mindful too'.

Jilly Funnell was at the mike again, this time with her guitar. 'He was the top. He was my favourite black dress.. Anyone who didn't understand, didn't know him'.
And another good evening ended with someone who's won the free meal for two so many times, people are bound to think the raffle is 'fixed'.

May will be bringing the wonderful and awesome Sara Hirsch, the poet's poet. We hope to see you all there – along with your family and friends and, especially those poetic and musical folk who want to share their talents at the mike!

Review is about WRITE ANGLE POETRY & MUSIC +OPEN MIC on 18 Apr 2017 (event)

Thank you, Neil.

I don't think there's any such thing as 'misreading'. Words are interpreted according to experience and desire. IMO, a poet has no control over a work once a poem is 'published'. It doesn't matter what he/she thought was being said; the poet can be crippled with his own understanding and intentions. A poem released is open to any and all ideas brought to it.

Comment is about Beauty (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Good morning, this is one of the most beautifully crafted poems I have read for a long time as it exudes real emotion and faces the truth as most people experience it. Thank you for this. Keith

Comment is about Body of Work (blog)

Original item by J. Otis Powell‽ (with interrobang)

Hello Louise, This poem is an exhortation for those struggling along a dark tunnel in search of healing and light. Your words which culminate in the word believe succinctly provide understanding
and encouragement. Thank you for this. Keith

Comment is about Believe (blog)

Original item by Louise Clarke

Absolutely cracking poaching coaching Stu.

Paul

Comment is about not every poem has to be about love or loss (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Now that's what I call going off the beaten track. Had enough of the love-hate poems.Excellent work!

You're not only in the semi finals of Ready, Steady, Cook (does it still exist?) but I hereby award you Michelin Star Chef status.

For those of you who beg for more love poems -- get out of the kitchen.?

Next dish: Venison Stu.

Comment is about not every poem has to be about love or loss (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Ditto what the others said. Short and sweet. Loved it
cheers Kevin

Comment is about Begging For Time (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I could Imagine two old has been, or wanna be warlords playing chess and wishing the action was for real. A medieval version of a shoot-em-up PlayStation game.
Brilliantly descriptive, I take my hat off to you.
Cheers Kevin

Comment is about CHESS VERSUS LIFE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I think this is one of your best ones so far. I have no interest in dancing, but could easily picture the scene.
Cheers Kevin

Comment is about The Tango (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

thank you so much abhishek ?

Comment is about shrutika (poet profile)

Original item by shrutika

Hello Ray, the curve was never made for war..... this poem is original, good and very thought provoking. Excellent use of metaphors. Well done. Thanks. Keith

Comment is about TO A CURVE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

A wonderful parallel drawn between something treasured and admired , delicate perhaps too much so, and then the crash and the aftermath. I do admire the line "tip toe on tiny tear drop pieces" Karen. I think of the phrase relationship shattered and that expresses your poem for me.

Ray

Comment is about Pieces (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Thanks Stu, very apt comments.

Cheers,

Paul

Comment is about Begging For Time (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I have just re discovered the joys of cider vinegar, Stu, and I must say vinegar has so many uses around the house. You have exemplified the pro side of your skills and merged it all in a swirl and captivated us as usual .
Nicely different . good egg you.

Ray

Comment is about not every poem has to be about love or loss (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

hahahahaha! I enjoyed this! who knew eggs were poetic! your title was also perfect considering most poems are of love or loss. good job m8!

Comment is about not every poem has to be about love or loss (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

it's finals week in the Masterchef kitchen and Stu's preparing a delicious poached egg...

Honestly, in view of recent discussion thread topics the title made me giggle - the rest is just superb.

Didn't you post another poem about an egg some time back?

Col.

PS: I like it !! You're straight through to the next round.

Comment is about not every poem has to be about love or loss (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

excellent little ditty yes. tuneful and sparse, but with a lot of sadness and loss.

Comment is about Begging For Time (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

been there done that! a great insight nonetheless, and a nicely written piece. weirdly, it reminds me of my year spent in morrisons, cleaning the aisles with a large yellow bin (called a 'dog', which meant i was a 'dogger')
the soundtrack was all gormless pop shite except for one song, knives out by radiohead. seemed the strangest choice!

Comment is about Lanyard (blog)

Original item by Neil Robertson

thanks guys. sorry i have been so slow to reply, life has found its hectic vibrations again

Comment is about our life is not a love song though maybe it is (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Thanks Connor! You've captured my exact intention with regards to the figurative language used to represent the monotonous environment. Look forward to reading more of your work.

Comment is about Lanyard (blog)

Original item by Neil Robertson

Damn. Just...Damn. I really related to this poem man. The use of alliteration in this poem was really lovely, it brought this sense of repeating, mind numbing cycle. The pacing fit really well with the imagery, and I think you've perfectly captured the essence of an unhappy, underpaid, unsatisfied retail worker who wants more out of life, but feels like this is the position that they're going to be stuck in for the rest of their lives.

Comment is about Lanyard (blog)

Original item by Neil Robertson

great night. you guys picked me right up (:

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

random even by our standards this one but i love it (:

Comment is about May 2017 Collage poem (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

very well wrote. excellent use of language.

Comment is about home (blog)

Original item by Elly Ryan

Thanks all

Paul - yes, I did, thank you, and I have made the most amazing life for myself following it. I've done what I wanted to do, and lived it for myself and my lass. Loads of really brilliant stuff has happened as a result of that too, including falling in love with the love of my life. And each day has been a bonus, something I never thought I'd see again. I'm really pleased you enjoyed our gig too ?

Comment is about I 'Did' Want To Talk… (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Thank you Col and MGS, for the likes and comments, very grateful to you both.

Paul

Comment is about Begging For Time (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

The surf of dream breaks on the shores of fantasy.

Comment is about May 2017 Collage poem (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

This is beautifully written and it hits right in the feels. Please do write more in the future.

Regards

Abhishek Singh

Comment is about shrutika (poet profile)

Original item by shrutika

"But For the claustrophobic confines of your mind."

Lovely piece Elly. I'm so so blessed to be living in the country. So liberating in thought and spirit.
The view from my window as we speak is so spiritually uplifting.

It's time to hack your own reality Elly. Pack your bags and head for the hills.?

Raj

Comment is about home (blog)

Original item by Elly Ryan

Yay! A million smiles Susan. Glad you enjoyed - it's the only tea for me ?

Comment is about Herbal Tea (For Mr. Hill) (blog)

Original item by Susan Greene

?

Comment is about The Liar (blog)

Original item by Abhishek Singh

Short but inspiring... Little but remarkable... what a precise art. Love it.?

Comment is about Begging For Time (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

aw cheers mate xx I love it when one post sparks another into life. Short and sweet unlike my lengthy ramblings lol.
C?L

Comment is about Begging For Time (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Karen took the word right out of my mouth...the writing coupled with the exchange between you and David just left me practically speechless.

Rachel

Comment is about I 'Did' Want To Talk… (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

do the three dotted lines... indicate a pending part 3?

It really is crazy the way our thoughts run away with themselves into some very scary territory.

Col.

Comment is about Domestic Drama (Part 2) (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

Laura, thank you sharing something so personal about such a horrendous experience. Your poem also provides a contrast to David's poem and tells us much about how people react and cope with trauma differently. Your comment below is so true about how quickly our lives can be lost. I hope you gained strength from survival. I certainly can sense strength in your writing and, very definately in the outstanding delivery of your poems in live performance. I'm still buzzing after seeing you and Steve Pottinger perform in Liverpool last week.

Thanks again for sharing this.

Paul

Comment is about I 'Did' Want To Talk… (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

A poignant account of the pain of ongoing grief John.

Paul

Comment is about Some said time would heal the wounds of the past. (blog)

Original item by John Walton

Good to have you back LB. This is a lovely, heartening poem.

Comment is about you know i'm right (blog)

Original item by Little Bit

This is lovely elP. Bittersweet. I keep going back to the line; if the slow/drip of time passes/it's poison properly' At first it threw me but if i'm reading it right, it suggests that time is poisonous in the sense that it's ultimately deadly?
Also, you seem to have the motif of death in life, or death and life side by side in the line; the mound of your womb', where mound recalls a grave, and obviously womb refers to life.
A thoughtful and though provoking piece. Nice one.
Conor Oberst - what a talent. Digital Ash in a Digital Urn is one of my favourite albums.

Comment is about to earth we return (blog)

Original item by nunya

such a beautiful work.... i would request you to check my works n give an honest feedback ?

Comment is about The Liar (blog)

Original item by Abhishek Singh

This is beautiful. I can relate, since we all suffocate.

Comment is about home (blog)

Original item by Elly Ryan

After having read about Victory Day on Wikipedia, I am so glad to see this, Larisa. I celebrate with you but the fight continues by other means, I've no doubt.

Rachel

Comment is about The Victory Day (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

Wow.

Comment is about I 'Did' Want To Talk… (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Thanks David . I did feel quite pleased with the idea., maybe a slightly quirky concept but I do value your close attention to detail and I know you bring a fine mind to the chase. Somehow it didn't draw the crowds!

Ray

Comment is about CHESS VERSUS LIFE (blog)

Original item by ray pool