Message for Nicola - and apologies! I gave you the wrong spelling for Roger McGough (that's the right one!) and I'm sure you knew that but were either too polite to say, or you were extremely tolerant of my ageing brain! Sorry!
Love, Dorinda x

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

you got my vote

Comment is about Last day of voting in Saboteur awards - deadline is midnight tonight (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Good on you, Colin!

Comment is about Last day of voting in Saboteur awards - deadline is midnight tonight (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks Colin

Comment is about Frankie LeFrisp (poet profile)

Original item by Frankie LeFrisp

#feelingcheery

Comment is about The future is bright (blog)

Original item by Frankie LeFrisp

So incredibly rich and imaginative Suki, reads like a mind-blowing phantasmagorical dystopia, escaping from or to a world gone mad. Umm, maybe not so far-fetched, you could be on to something ?

Paul

Comment is about Escape To Easter Island A Gated Community (blog)

Original item by Suki Spangles

love the bio Frank - I lasted a little while longer but dropped out of education after a month of 'A' Levels - uninspired teaching and what we would probably label a failing school nowadays but I guess a lot of it was me wanting to go my own way and do my own thing because at the time I knew better of course! Sadly I see the same failings in our schools 35 years on as my own teenage boys go through the system - take a look at this week's Poem of the Week for similar thoughts.

There are lots of talented writers here on WoL covering different themes and styles so if you want to learn this is the place to be. Read read read and have fun with words. There are no rules but one tip I would offer is to not get too hung up on the rhymes - there is more to poetry than end of line rhyming although it definitely has a place. Good luck Frank.

All the best
Colin

Comment is about Frankie LeFrisp (poet profile)

Original item by Frankie LeFrisp

Jane - yes, go find an open mic and read or sing - I'm sure you won't regret it! Take a look at WoL's gig guide - there might be something near you. Good luck and feel free to post some more poems when you get time. All the best, Colin.

Comment is about Jane Isaac (poet profile)

Original item by Jane Isaac

Thank you Keith. I only have this one so far. I shall give it another go soon.

Comment is about Frankie LeFrisp (poet profile)

Original item by Frankie LeFrisp

good luck Greg - just voted for you!

Comment is about Last day of voting in Saboteur awards - deadline is midnight tonight (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Run for the door Hannah!

Comment is about Ugly Words (blog)

Original item by Hannah Orosco

Wonderfully crafted Jane. Pure catharsis.

I've learnt a few beautiful lines:
- You know, you've found that slit of comfort in a moment of many

- The beastly preys on the hopeful and passive

- but your smile is... Is it gone already?
It has faded into a straight line

Raj

Comment is about Not Yet (blog)

Original item by Jane Isaac

hello ray
not sure where i picked up on it, my brain is patchy, but congrats on having a pamphlet published. it is richly deserved, your work is funny, touching and intelligent, often all at once. as soon as it is available please let me know so i can buy one.
wonderful stuff.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Clap clap clap the more I read the more I smiled

Comment is about A Mountain Journey (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

So much! To get into your brain, from whence it all came..physics, chemistry and the technocracy--that's a busy mind, Suki. I may be somewhat off, but I thought of Isaac Asimov.

elP

Comment is about Escape To Easter Island A Gated Community (blog)

Original item by Suki Spangles

Hello, just returning from a long weekend spent traveling...

Nicola, thanks for stopping by. Obviously, I've achieved a certain level of comfort in this forum, thanks to people like you and the writing I've been privileged to read. So, the thanks goes back to you for providing a safe place to share.

You know, David, when writing this, I hadn't planned on opening up in this manner. However, it seemed only fair, somehow, after the initial comments I received. I've come upon such honesty, here--such as I would never have deemed possible from any group people. You hit a big word when speaking about memory--"intrusive". It seems that some things never stop intruding, they simply lose the power to take us by surprise.

Thanks, Natasha. I've been a silent witness of the poetry of many writers, here, and have come to see value in the act of expulsion through writing. There's a certain freedom that comes from just saying things which wouldn't otherwise be said in "mixed" company.

And, Suki, you said it..memories can be triggered by any number of random stimuli--even the holders of those memories can't be wholly aware of all the minutiae that may bring them back to life. We only know it when we sense it.

I appreciate the "cold and austere" comment, Stu. I'm not terribly demonstrative in my daily life. So, naturally, I wouldn't write in such a manner as to betray overmuch "warmth". Yet, I find it hard to resist the urge to express any depth of which my natural vocabulary is capable of exploring.

Thanks to each of your for your kind and thoughtful comments.

elP

Comment is about chalk one up (blog)

Original item by nunya

You know, Hazel, I woke one morning last week with this word in my head and kept meaning to look it up...thanks for reminding me to increase my vocabulary!

elP

Comment is about Doggerel (I'm trying everything) (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

Frank, this is good. Let´s see some more. Thanks. Keith

Comment is about Frankie LeFrisp (poet profile)

Original item by Frankie LeFrisp

wow - I've given this the once through and will return in the morning - too much to take in with a sleepy brain.

elon musk our god emperor bow down

oh yeah ?

Comment is about Escape To Easter Island A Gated Community (blog)

Original item by Suki Spangles

Neil, well done, your excellent poem is a worthy choice for POTW. I missed this last week but, thankfully, not our eagle-eyed WOL team who singled this out. I particularly like how you seamlessly shifted from your history to the present with the brilliant rowing scenario.

Congratulations,

Paul

Comment is about 'Rowing' by Neil Robertson is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

thanks for that Stu yes it could easily be a fairport convention song or maybe steeleye span. I am also looking for ward to seeing you, it seems like a long time. yes I am to be performing see you then
cheers
Martin

Comment is about Robbers tongue (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

I can buy that Adam.

Comment is about (blog)

Original item by Adam Whitworth

flee flee
plenty more fish in the sea ?

Comment is about Ugly Words (blog)

Original item by Hannah Orosco

with so much ugliness in the world it's good to find time to hang out in the bits of beautiful that still exist. Thanks for taking me there Keith. Was this of a particular place?
Col

Comment is about A Mountain Journey (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Hannah, Thank you for your compliment on the poem ¨Immense Sorrow ¨. I appreciated your interest. It came as a result of reading and hearing about the town of Accrington during the First World War which sustained horrendous numbers of casulaties. To read more go to Internet and read about the Accrington Pals. It all happened just over 100 years ago. Thank you again. Keith

Comment is about Hannah Orosco (poet profile)

Original item by Hannah Orosco

Thanks Keith, Ray and Hazel.

Keith, considering David's earlier comment, I think there must be concerns about the operations of our police and ambulance service ? (of course, we are only joking). Lovely comment, much appreciated.

Ray, aythangyow, a generous compliment indeed.

Hazel, of course, a cheese with holes, perfect for space ?

Once again, thanks so much to you all.

Comment is about Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

M C. Beautifully yet sadly succint. Thank you for this. Keith

Comment is about THE BREATH OF DEATH (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I could feel the emotions just rolling off of your work. I love this Immense Sorrow poem. You are a very well rounded writer. ?

Comment is about Immense Sorrow (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Thanks for the feedback Colin! Much appreciated. I think the point you make about the father-son dynamic, particularly during adolesence, is reflected mid-way through 'Rowing' and hopefully the aftermath of this period in your life is similar to the one described at the end of my poem.

Thanks

Neil

Comment is about 'Rowing' by Neil Robertson is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks Cynthia! ?

Comment is about Neil Robertson (poet profile)

Original item by Neil Robertson

Just been doing some research into stuff we humans have sent into space. The Dragon space capsule took a whole wheel of Gruyere in 2010. They did it for a laugh apparently.

Comment is about Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Morning Paul. I fear your poem may represent a soon to be forgotten ritual due to the increasing price of cheese. Don't forget the health and safety rules ( I believe conkers has been banned already). All that aside you have given us a hilarious account and there is that Tom Sharpe humour at play. Much more entertaining than the self flagellations of southern Spain.

Ray

I thank you.

Comment is about Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Paul, Despite living in Spain, your poem transported me back to England. Knowing our happy breed I would not be surprised if the cheese was not taken away by an ambulance instead of those wounded in the gathered throng. A great poem of patriotic humour. Thanks. Keith

Comment is about Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

can see richard thompson singing this with his trusty guitar. a tinge of celticness (not a word), a smidgen of fairport convention, a fine poem. looking forward to seeing you in sale, will you be performing?

Comment is about Robbers tongue (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

There's something very hopeful in 'He's not the one' which I like, very much.
Thanks for reading my poem today Martin, now I shall return the compliment and take the time to read more of your.
?

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Congratulations on POTW Neil. I missed this the first time round so it was good to get a second chance at reading.

I particularly liked the lines 'In the blink of an eye, here we are / Reaping the benefits of our mistakes". Makes one think back. And now as a father of teenage boys turning to men in their own rights I am hoping they don't lose the chances that life offers them - through distractions, motivation, self-control - like perhaps I did. But hey, I don't do regrets - I just keep on rowing even if some days it doesn't feel like I'm making much headway.

Cheers
Col

Comment is about 'Rowing' by Neil Robertson is Write Out Loud's Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks chaps, good morning to you all.

Martin, I would also be one of those that would go 'a over t' and break something. I'm loving being back among the crazy Brits!

Col, thanks for the compliment and the critique. I will give thought to v3, to see if I can inject something of the flavour that you describe. I'm a bit cream-crackered at the mo ?

David, on several occasions the winner of the race has literally disappeared with the 9lb cheese! I wanted the ending to appear like the cheese was a criminal who is eventually caught and taken away. I really laughed at the police scenario, btw. And, yes, we Brits, eh? I love our unique sense of humour.

Thanks to you all once again.

Paul

Comment is about Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

well put Ray - not that complaining gets you anywhere.

Comment is about TONGUE TWISTER (blog)

Original item by ray pool

nice one Juan, good to see you posting. Col

Comment is about Breaking News (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

love the rhymes in the first two verses - the 'ou(nd)s and the 'ings - gives a great feeling of motion - but I can't find the same in the third which is a bit of a shame. Can't help but think it needs some more 'ous's or 'ers maybe. Bit of critique for Monday morning Paul.

I'm not sure the pain is worth the gain - as in the taking part in the cheese rolling event not the reading of your poem which was worth the effort.

Col

Comment is about Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I enjoyed this very much Hazel.

Paul

Comment is about Doggerel (I'm trying everything) (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

yes I agree with David the last line is the telling one.

very good Ray

Love it

Comment is about TONGUE TWISTER (blog)

Original item by ray pool

This is a wonderfully in your face piece of poetry which seems to have a good pace. I love the final lines
'I have a dream...wake up king'
Fabulous

Comment is about Breaking News (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

I fear that I would be one of those casualties at the bottom of the hill bereft of cheese and a broken limb. We Brits are delightfully crazy at times.
Nice one Paul

Comment is about Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Ray, I also like this for its cleverness, including the title, and for its message, expressed so well.

Cheers playmate,

Paul

Comment is about TONGUE TWISTER (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks Keith, Ray and Kevin for reading this and for your encouraging remarks with it. When I wrote it I roughly had this idea of a folk song, many of which our old folk songs tell a tale. I take your point Ray about the imagery of strength in this. Thanks Keith and Kevin I am glad it speaks something larger than itself.
certainly if T.V. wants to adapt for a mini series I am up for it Kevin
Cheers
Martin

Comment is about Robbers tongue (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Great writing,
Keep it up dude

Comment is about Breaking News (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

Om Shanti Cynthia.

May you be blessed. Thank you for the valuable comment.
I love your bit on the spiritual intercourse. How true.

On another note when we speak we are saying something we already know. But when you listen you are learning something new. Creating a union and the dance begins!

There is a divine in each of us.
Raj x

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

Original item by Chakraj

Good decision. It's vital to know your voice, to find the version you like and stick to it... often we get distracted by 'rules' and loose our authenticity.
Well said, Cynthia.

Comment is about Girl in a Lake (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thank you for your kind comment.

Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)

Original item by keith jeffries