Hello Arya, I can't say i understand your anguish, although naturally i sympathise. What i can say with more certainty is that writing, whilst no cure for misery and addiction, does help in a small but crucial way to get what's in your head out and somewhere safer. Keep at it. Good luck.

Travis

Comment is about Arya Lane (poet profile)

Original item by Arya Lane

Cleverly glib and seemingly silly, these favourite stanzas stand out for me:

"he's way too schooled at staying

cool and too long in the tooth at

being economical with the truth."

and

"baa-baa baa-sted who craftily pulls

the wool over people's eyes and is

fond of knitting black and white lies."

Comment is about The Politics of Billy Liar (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Thanks so much for all of your kind comments and I appreciate everyone who hit the "like" button.

I happened to watch a movie yesterday evening, dwelling on the theme of death as an act of creation. As a concept, I would like to explore it more--though, even without being schooled on it, I know that the idea is very similar to what I intended here.

elP xx

Comment is about to earth we return (blog)

Original item by nunya

Nihilism...that's just what I was going to say. It's like approaching that last cruel stumbling stone that puts you on your face in the desert and sends all your beliefs into nothingness.

elP

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

Original item by Stuart Buck

I love this idea of preparing to remember, rather than displaying certain keepsakes with all of the other ordinary objects of our daily lives.

Very tender writing, Karen.

elP

Comment is about Lanterns (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Oh, Paul...and to think that these people walk among us!

Frankly--to look at it in a microcosm--I wonder if those who lie so easily have a sense that many of us are much too embarrassed to confront them. I mean, no man of reason can argue with a man who is willing to say anything.

elP

Comment is about The Politics of Billy Liar (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Anthony, this is so very good and funny. Well written. Thanks Keith

Comment is about Growing Old Disgracefully (blog)

Original item by Anthony Kasazkaja

Anthony, thank you for this beautifully crafted poem which captures the heroism and sacrifice made by so many. In recent times I have also written some World War One poetry beginning with the Battle of the Somme called Hell´s Quagmire. Thank you for this gallant piece of work. Keith

Comment is about Flanders Field (blog)

Original item by Anthony Kasazkaja

Fantastic and wonderful elP. A lovely crafted piece.

Ray

Comment is about to earth we return (blog)

Original item by nunya

I think some power with the poem comes through the questioning Stu. We are asked to participate in dire options and make considerations for which you have unavoidable answers. Great stuff , you at your best I feel.


Ray

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

Original item by Stuart Buck

Superbly direct and straight to the heart Karen. "Wore the memory like a stone" carries so much weight for me.

Ray

Comment is about Lanterns (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

A classy summarising of a certain type Paul. Nicely crafted and delicately sculpted; I like knitting black and white lies especially. Honest I did!

Ray

Comment is about The Politics of Billy Liar (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Colin, according to the urban dictionary, Shawdy is a southern slang used to refer to a person, usually a woman. I am also aware that it was a popular slang word in rap music in the early 2000s.

I used Shawdy because I thought some readers might find it interesting (and you proved me right) as well as the fact that when I think of 'Shawdy', the pride and arrogance associated with a lot of 'mainstream rap music' comes to mind.

Comment is about Shawdy (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

Thank you Juan - I actually conceived this from a cycle ride into Wales from England - a two mile descent -great experience. I take your point very much in the vein of an implied alternative! That's the thing with some poetry.

Col: Excellent comparison ! My chosen garb was more oldie traditional at the time -no advertising logos , no iguanas on bikes. Still, these days it is a peacock world.
Thanks for enjoying.

Stu, I get your point and I never even thought of alternatives at the time!

Ahh the great Ted Hughes - another level but it inspires me and lifts me up where I belong.
Thangyow playmate.

Comment is about EXODUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

for me this only needs a one worded appraisal Paul-WOW!
Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about The Politics of Billy Liar (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I was just about managing to hold back my blubbing until I read the final verse.Then the floodgates opened! Thank you for this lovely poem Karen.Jemima.

Comment is about Lanterns (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Sadly mine mostly lies around in its case and doesn't get as much use as I'd like. I've never been much good either. Funnily enough my Dad got some rimless glasses recently to help with his snooker. Not quite Dennis style but the same idea! Thanks for commenting on the poem.

Comment is about Black Ball (blog)

Original item by Joe Williams

Remember it well Joe. Bought my cue around this time but I was never much good, the specs always a hindrance and no I didn't want a pair like Dennis Taylor but what a fab invention. Certainly helped him on to world champion that year. And yes I stayed up too. And I still have the cue somewhere. It has a facsimile signature of Cliff Thorburn!
Cheers,
Col

Comment is about Black Ball (blog)

Original item by Joe Williams

I love those first two lines - they invite the reader in and personally I'd be tempted on heading off in a different direction but I like also where you have taken us. As David said, it's all very nihilistic but I guess also we wouldn't be here discussing and commenting without the likes of Kerouac and Ginsberg having passed before us. I like to think of them and us as graphene thin additions to this humanity experiment. Weirdly my lightbulb is flickering as I write this.

Really liked this piece Stu and I'm tempted to go listen to PiL's This is Not a Love Song.

Cheers,
Col

PS: the bulb has died.

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

Original item by Stuart Buck

I'm intrigued by the word 'Shawdy' Juan. Can you explain? Thanks, Col.

Comment is about Shawdy (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

Love that last line Laura. Welcome to WoL. Enjoyed your sample poem about Arran - a wealth of inspiration in that landscape for sure. Lots going on here so I hope you find time to explore and hang out. All the best, Colin.

Comment is about She (blog)

Original item by Laura Hanlon

Thanks David for the encouraging comment.

And no probs re: timing, I think a lot of us have been distracted over the BH weekend. Hopefully, normal service is about to resume!

Hope all is well with you.

Paul

Comment is about Only The Lonely Hear Górecki (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Cynthia, thank you so much, what a wonderful comment!

I feel really encouraged by your words.

Paul

Comment is about Undress Rehearsal (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Ray, time spent reading the mighty Ted Hughes was not wasted methinks if it influenced this poem. Well-written and interesting piece for which, once again, aythangyow.

Paul

Comment is about EXODUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

elP, I liked this the other day but, as with all good poems, it has stayed with me and drawn me back repeatedly. Beautiful and memorable, quite a feat!

Paul

Comment is about to earth we return (blog)

Original item by nunya

David, such is the climate of suspicion these days that i 'knew' what you were getting at before i got to your explanatory note. A chilling piece.

Comment is about Hitting the Wrong Note (blog)

Original item by David Redfield

So sad but romantic...

Comment is about to earth we return (blog)

Original item by nunya

Beautifully poignant, well done again, Karen.

Comment is about Lanterns (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Beautiful.

Comment is about to earth we return (blog)

Original item by nunya

Such fascinating and imaginative writing Stu. It's so rich that it took a few reads but the re-reading was so worthwhile. Great stuff.

Paul

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

Original item by Stuart Buck

I really like your version of A! Thanks for your inspiration ?

Comment is about A (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

My latest book of fairytales, link to buy below...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Middle-Earth-Magic-Collection-Children/dp/0993473709/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493759836&sr=8-2-fkmr3&keywords=middle+earth+magic%2F+liverpool+one%2F+contact+email

Comment is about 13524437_10153749062346395_4874456822116366404_n.jpg (photo)

Original item by Ged Thompson

My latest book of fairytales, link to buy below...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Middle-Earth-Magic-Collection-Children/dp/0993473709/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493759836&sr=8-2-fkmr3&keywords=middle+earth+magic%2F+liverpool+one%2F+contact+email

Comment is about 13173519_1210852378955612_3366756630668901638_o.jpg (photo)

Original item by Ged Thompson

Hi Cynthia, thank you for your comments on my profile. I know that what you said was right. I'm hoping that what I lack in technical ability I can make up for in some other way.
thanks again Kevin

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I liked the line 'I could SELL you/a tale so thrilling' a really discordant 'jab' which put a whole different complexion on the poet's seeming intent, yet jives excellently with the title.

Would you clue me in on the choice of '' 'right' shoulder'', since I think it is very intentional? I can speculate on many versions of 'right'; which may be the point.

Comment is about The Devil On My Right Shoulder (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Reminds me of 'the Beatles' and how they might have delivered this work as a song.

Comment is about Returning Home (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

A terrific poem, meaty and evocative, wrapped in a gripping title, an evocative first line and a killer final one, a catch and kick strategy that is awesome. It's a bonus to have such potent ideas in between.

Comment is about Undress Rehearsal (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Cheers for the praise Stu and for giving the title the thumbs-up!

I'm most grateful to you.

Paul

Comment is about Only The Lonely Hear Górecki (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

The theme is - - -

select a poem of your choice
under each line of the poem
write down how it works for you
now take way all the original lines
what you have left - - -

bring with you to the meeting on Monday night

My choice is A Puppy Called Puberty by Adrian Mitchell

must say I have done lots and lots of sexual undertones to this great poem but will bring just one with me!

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

great poem paul and the title is a killer!

Comment is about Only The Lonely Hear Górecki (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

a strange little piece cynthia, in a good way! it seems almost trivial until the final two lines, which round it off nicely. got me thinking now as well, not about doors and cottages, but of the bigger questions we may ignore for such trivialities.

Comment is about The Question (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

lovely stuff ray and leaves itself open to interpretation which i enjoy

Comment is about EXODUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

wonderful elP. so much longing, an acceptance of mortality and the defiance of love. beautiful.

Comment is about to earth we return (blog)

Original item by nunya

One for all those who have been enjoying the snooker. Originally published in the anthology 'Not a Drop' by Beautiful Dragons Press.

Comment is about Black Ball (blog)

Original item by Joe Williams

Not 'clever', Paul. Because I have no idea. So the 'problem' will probably be with me, popping in and out of my head for the rest of my days. It is such a significant question - like asking me to define my whole attitude toward LIFE. Nothing simple about that! The colour chosen would speak volumes about the inhabitant.

It was a creepy question. And I don't know who asked it!

Comment is about The Question (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Good point, Juan, and I should have been on top of it. I've used the same expression countless times, probably saying 'a thorn in my side'. Thanks.

Comment is about Risk (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

Beautiful but sad xx

Comment is about to earth we return (blog)

Original item by nunya

Thank you Dom, Col and Jemima, you have all written such touching comments.

Paul

Comment is about Only The Lonely Hear Górecki (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I like this Cynthia, really interesting and well-written - and clever enough not to tell us which colour you'd choose ?

Paul

Comment is about The Question (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Exodus.... movement cyclopeople.... Oh yeah! Sorry Ray, but when I see Exodus I can't help but go a little Bob Marley. For an Exodus your poem is almost too short and over in a flash of skin tight lycra which leaves me wanting more - words not lycra. All good stuff tho. Cheers, Col.

Comment is about EXODUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool