M. K. thank you for your flattering comments.
WOL is a wonderful community and if I write anything that touches lives I am delighted.

Spiritual interaction with other members here is very important to me.

Raj xx

Comment is about Meet Fear, my new friend. (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Hi elP,

Let's also remember war is fabulous business. I don't know whether it is true to say that every war is a banker's war, but very few angels tread there, 'tis true..

I almost wonder whether some at the top want the worst to happen - almost like a collective dark will. Really at the moment I have this feeling of unease that one stupid mistake could kick off the final act. Your poem couldn't be more timely..

Suki

Comment is about shedding light where angels fear to tread (blog)

Original item by nunya

Hi Paul,

Hope you're keeping well.

Sometimes, it's best to not pick up the rope to begin with, but not so easy.

I wonder whether sometimes when we hold onto the rope it's because there is a strange comfort derived from it - a sort of familiarity; an indulgence almost. Dropping the rope and letting go means moving on, and growing up, and perhaps sometimes that prospect is a little to scary..

Cheers,
Suki

Comment is about Drop The Rope (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Hi Martin,

Crikey!
Brutal, minimalist, stark - and a little scary!

Excellent write, flows well.

Suki

Comment is about My pen (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Hi Ray,

I'm playing catch-up at the moment, having been away for a few weeks..

This is beautifully delivered, with some great lines. My favourite - second verse:

A large liver and giver of life
a roystering boisterous musical man
he left behind a re - married wife
whose husband stood by unexpectant

Cheers,
Suki

Comment is about DESMOND HUGH ALOYSIUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

And, Paul, you can't forget the joy of watching your tug-o-war opponent fly backward onto his seat when you give your final unexpected release...

elP

Comment is about Drop The Rope (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Hey, Ray,

I very much enjoy the respectability you convey with your observation, as a writer. That sort of "pomp and circumstance" is paid far too little attention in this world where, too often, falsity and irreverence are exchanged for sincerity and weightiness where matters lay heavy on the human heart.

elP

Comment is about DESMOND HUGH ALOYSIUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hello Martin,

This seems, to me, the final act of a battle fought--whether that battle be between the writer and a physical foe, or one that is purely emotional or esoteric. No matter, though--I can relate either way.

elP

Comment is about My pen (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

A painfully authentic piece--as David said, "as if I were actually there"...

To me, the second verse is especially remarkable.

elP

Comment is about Left Behind (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Thank you David, Cynthia and Martin for your kind comments. I'm very grateful to you all.


Paul

Comment is about Drop The Rope (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Hi Cynthia, like Martin I haven't read this before either and I enjoyed it very much. Powerful writing!

Paul

Comment is about It (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Karen, this is a well-written, crafted poem. I enjoyed this very much, well done.

Paul

Comment is about Left Behind (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

A pleasure Keith. I like to leave a few holes to drop into!

David, I think I may have copied your laconic style - it had to be measured and a sort of slow march of words I felt. An incredible name , unknown to me 'til I read the order of service. Glad you enjoyed it, mate.

Ray

Comment is about DESMOND HUGH ALOYSIUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Very good. Enjoyed the structure and the idea which was well executed.

Comment is about Questions (blog)

Original item by Andy Smyth

Ray, Thank you for ths as it made me smile. It is subtle and clever. What you have not said remains for others to draw their conclusiions. Keith

Comment is about DESMOND HUGH ALOYSIUS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hello Martin, a profoundly powerful piece of verse which indeed proves that the pen is mightier than the sword. Very well thought out and written. Thanks. Keith

Comment is about My pen (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

I note the rejection of "the constraint of rhyme". Does
this view explain why this form is rarely seen or heard
in modern poetry?
It seems to me that rhyme requires discipline and a wide
grasp and understanding of vocabulary - plus the added
necessary inspiration to embrace its successful use in
poetry. I tend to think of modern poetry finding its
equivalent in formless dancing, whereas rhyme finds its
partner in the recognised dance steps that send us
contentedly cavorting down the years. Tango-ed anyone? ?

Comment is about 'Unseen' by Karen Ankers is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I love the idea of' three bullets dancing through the silence'
Another good one Andy

Comment is about Ghost Story IV (Part XXII) (blog)

Original item by Andy N

yes well put Paul, it is always important to know when to withdraw and let go of the rope
Nice one

Comment is about Drop The Rope (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I think Emer is right you right so well. This is fabulous. I look forward to more of your postings. fab

Comment is about Left Behind (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Well old or not Cynthia I for one haven't read it before and I love it. It certainly seems to fit the bill as what you describe is timeless like this poem. I particularly like
'love stone of a poem'
wonderful stuff

Comment is about It (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I love this Karen. It puts me in mind of one of my children when younger had a number of imaginary animal friends all of whom she decided it was O.K. to leave behind when we moved, but it was touch and go.
A great piece. An excellent POTW congratulations

Comment is about 'Unseen' by Karen Ankers is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Raj, thank you for your kind words. i posted this on here expecting it to be lost in a void of other pieces. or, i was expecting it to be read but criticized heavily. the colors mean a lot to me, every word in a color has a meaning. it's all deliberate and intentional. this genuinely has made my day. thank you from the bottom of my heart.


Colin, this took me over an hour to do. i already had it typed, but the coloring and every detail took AGES. like i said to Raj, the colors mean a lot to me. and you're right, it is very much like an echo or not being heard. thank you for taking the time to comment. it means a lot.

Comment is about will blue turn into purple? (blog)

Original item by m.k.

this is very well written, and it really makes me have a different outlook on things. i adore this, it's amazing to me. it makes me want to become a better writer. so thank you for sharing this beautiful poem with the world.

xx
m.k.

Comment is about Meet Fear, my new friend. (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Thanks, as ever, Cynthia. What do you think of the revision? I'm with Joyce on revision, every piece of writing is, forever, a 'work-in-progress' (unless you're unlucky enough to live in Plato's Republic of emotionless idealism).

Comment is about The foggy, foggy dew (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Stunningly expressed with simplicity and directness, everything in place and riveting.

Ray

Comment is about Left Behind (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Totally awesome advice succinctly put.

Comment is about Drop The Rope (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I'll try to do some catching up on your work too, Karen. Welcome to WOL.

Comment is about Karen Ankers (poet profile)

Original item by Karen Ankers

An excellent few lines on immediate loss, tender and tough simultaneously. The writing craft is easy, and effective. Your last line is superb in its philosophical summary of finality.

Comment is about Left Behind (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Really good, a strong brave subject to attack honestly.
That point about 'being a loving father' is double-edged.

1) you are not a father at all - loving being understood if you were.

2) you are a father, but not loving.

Mirrors can be amazing 'eyes' as you see your parents/aunts/uncles/ brothers/ sisters etc. I once passed my hall mirror and my heart did a flip as one of my sisters looked right back at me, close enough to kiss. It raised the hairs on my neck. Genes are powerful.

What is 'satyagrahi'? Never mind, I looked it up - a follower of truth with a high level of 'purity'; non-violent resistance to evil acts. Ghandi yes? Thanks for using this word. I am better informed today than I was yesterday.

'terminal velocity' is a mouthful. Would 'high velocity' not cut the mustard intended? Just curious.

Comment is about The Father's Curse (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

A re-post from years ago. I hope I can be forgiven. I cannot count the hours I have worked on this work this past week. My eldest grand-daughter is studying this subject, revising like mad. I just happened to overhear part of a review session, and I remembered this 'effort' from ages ago. So I pulled it out, to see if she might even enjoy a read - empathy - whatever. And I didn't quite like what I had. Anyway, here it is again - and my brain is fried!

I might even let you know if she gives it the time of day. I'm not holding my breath. Aren't I brave!

Comment is about It (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Stu, I had been anticipating your 'visit' to Sale for months. I'm sure glad I didn't miss it.

Re 'Four Trees and A Girl'. If it is possible to have a 'favourite' of one's own work, this might be mine. Or not. I often read it just for myself because it makes me feel so good deep inside.

I find this element of detachment making it possible to read my own poems objectively very intriguing. And it certainly isn't self-love. Or arrogance. If a poem of mine doesn't reach that level of separation, I lose it. Or set it aside for more consideration. Usually the latter, because I value the power of a 'first idea'.

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Good morning David, Keith, and Emer,

I was just thinking last evening that, even if there were a thinktank somewhere that carefully drew up remedies to all the world's woes, we, as a race, would not implement them if they meant applying even the very least amount of self-sacrifice to our daily routines and the conveniences we've come so ridiculously dependent upon.

I'm constantly very disappointed in us. But, I still manage to find joy in many little things. Thanks, to each of you, for reading.

elP

Comment is about shedding light where angels fear to tread (blog)

Original item by nunya

I so appreciate your comments.

Thanks for the WOL/Sale support.

Having nothing in common but titles by alphabetical 'C', those poems gave me a challenge to veer off from a 'theme', letting each poem carry its own weight, totally. Maybe that was the extra impetus, desperation!

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

You write so well. A moving, beautiful piece?

Comment is about Left Behind (blog)

Original item by Karen Ankers

Beautiful.

Comment is about Random walk (blog)

Original item by Chunks and Marrow

Hello Chante, Welcome to Write Out Loud. I too consider myself to be an Ambivert ? I enjoyed reading your sample piece and hope to read/listen to more of your work soon. Emer

Comment is about Chante Pearce (poet profile)

Original item by Chante Pearce

Hi Cynthia,

Yes that was me! Thank you for your feedback on my work - it really is much appreciated!

Neil

Comment is about Neil Robertson (poet profile)

Original item by Neil Robertson

That's very touching, great choice, and congratulations Karen.

Comment is about 'Unseen' by Karen Ankers is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

So glad this was chosen!

Comment is about 'Unseen' by Karen Ankers is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Wow m.k I love this. Allow me the luxury to call it a POSTER POEM. Art and craft beautifully blended to produce and engaging piece of work.

Blues, purples, reds yellows... it coloured my world.

Raj

Comment is about will blue turn into purple? (blog)

Original item by m.k.

Lovely words Cynthia, warmly received. So pleased you enjoyed this. Sending you a kiss for your kindness.

Paul x

Comment is about Supermarket Space Invaders (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

yes I agree with CBT - especially like the title. Perhaps this needs breaking into two equal length verses, the second starting with 'My eyes return to the sky' - the first half setting the scene whilst the second is more a dialogue with the other person. Nice one Neil.
Colin

Comment is about Under a Different Cloud (blog)

Original item by Neil Robertson

ah 'tis easier said than done methinks - but well written Keith and in principal I much agreewith

Comment is about Time for a Change (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

well done m.k. for taking the time to put this up on WoL as I assume it took a bit of fiddly editing. I particularly like the pale lines 'Not one who calls me a liar' etc which makes me think this would be a good technique to emphasise not being heard or an echo perhaps. Thanks for posting. Colin

Comment is about will blue turn into purple? (blog)

Original item by m.k.

I think that's a great point! Thanks for the suggestion!

Comment is about Self Perception (blog)

Original item by Jeffrey McGehee

By espousing the cause of being insignificant you have risen above it, Daniel; that in itself is clever - so well done for POTW.

Ray

Comment is about 'The Insignificant Poet' by Daniel Dwyran is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Terrific! It rocks along a fine story with gusto. Love the incongruous ending. I needed a good laugh.

Comment is about Supermarket Space Invaders (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Andy, I'll try to get to read more of your work. I did enjoy 'Milestone' very much. And I bet you would be a star reader of your own work. Failing CSE English means nothing.

Comment is about Andy Smyth (poet profile)

Original item by Andy Smyth

I'm delighted to get feedback on this offering , to tickle the curiosity tastebuds, thank you all.

David, that clip is dead right for effect and in spirit -that leaves a big unanswered question. It seems to pull the carpet from under the film , which is what I like about the Coen brothers .

Thanks Andy - well spotted - it sort of oozed out, who knows
what words are going to come in - that's the challenge I suppose.

HI Col. You have that taped alright . I guessed your liking for the science fiction aura might come into play.
Difficult keeping up the voice -i'm not an actor, so that's another challenge!

Harry, I am highly flattered. Very stimulating response, and I see your Holmesian magnifying glass at play. I can only agree that you have extracted an essence of what I was after. The form point you make is certainly worth exploring - perhaps others more acquainted than me could work on that...

Mark: I took a chance in the conversational tone that I would take a tumble, but I thought, what the hell? The gentle and informative Alistair Cooke was a revelation of course and sadly missed. As he got old he measured his delivery for clarity, so professional. As far as the A to Z goes, perhaps it is time for more aliens with jump leads.

Bless thee selves for taking the time.

Ray

I didn't see you there Cynthia, so you have a postscript! Glad you enjoyed it and glad I was provocative. Thank you.

I think i'm right in saying that the idea of aliens coming here was taken up by Erick Von Danniken years ago and writing Chariot of the Gods - so the idea is not entirely original by any means. The book was derided at the time as being the work of an inspired crank.

Comment is about MOMENT OF TRUTH (blog)

Original item by ray pool