for a moment I misread the two lines to do with marshmallows and cellophane which made me think of a box of weekend chocolates for those old enough to remember of which our local shop at the time had a dummy display box made of cellophane. Don't know where I was going with that. None the less a very good poem Trevor

Comment is about Lucy’s Lament (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

The line about interplanetary flight definitely gives the poem a real sense of mystery on another level.
Nice one Ray

Comment is about HISTORIES AND MYSTERIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I'm a great fan of this sort of tale Martin, and you do the form justice with a tender and fair hand. The woodcutter carries such a wealth of imagery in the word and belongs to a time of John Bull strength and past glories in a simple frame. Lovely.

Ray

Comment is about Robbers tongue (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

This is a tough subject so beautifully described, puts me in mind of Neil young's song
'I have seen the needle and the damage done'
I fully understand this as I have seen the damage done by the needle to people.
good poem

Comment is about Epidemic (blog)

Original item by Melissa Gentile

At least there is no train strike on Monday - - - it's on Saturday instead!

The theme for Monday night is pick your own favourite poem and read it out - - - but later on use this as a base for one of your own or try and fiqure out what the poet was trying to say in perhaps their strange poetic way.

mine is sexpot by Charles Bukowski

I have here a subject in which I find anything goes and in my poem it does just that!

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks for sharing.

Comment is about chalk one up (blog)

Original item by nunya

Hello Martin, Thank you for this beautiful poem. It says much more than the words you have used. Very special. Keith

Comment is about Robbers tongue (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Darius, I enjoyed reading this as I have often wondered how many poets, writers use a keyboard as opposed to a pen. I must use a pen and paper in order to produce drafts and to correct but also I find something between pen and paper which is more meaningful and allows the mind to engage more fully with what is being written. I am not ashamed to say that I even use a fountain pen. Your Ode to the Keyboard is beautifully written and also an inviatation hard to decline. Thank you for this. Keith

Comment is about Ode to the keyboard (blog)

Original item by darius manning

highly enjoyable - the comments too. Great stuff Ray.

Comment is about IN AT THE DEEP END (blog)

Original item by ray pool

lovely

Comment is about HISTORIES AND MYSTERIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Hello Daniel, I am a relative newcomer to WOL and came across your profile and the poem The Place where only Dead Men Sleep. This particular poem interests me as I have written similarly in a poem called Hell´s Quagmire which is posted on my profile. We write not from experience as we are too young yet you have captivated the atmosphere so well of what life was like in the trenches. I drew a lot of my inspiration from old war time photos and some written works. Your poem has a special essence to it. Thank you. Keith

Comment is about Daniel Dwyran (poet profile)

Original item by Daniel Dwyran

Hello Daz, I am a relative newcomer to WOL and recently came across your profile, the poems of which I have enjoyed, especially Late Meetings, Today we painted a door, Finding Myself and Performance. I like your style and wit. I look forward to reading more. Thanks. Keith

Comment is about dazzer (poet profile)

Original item by dazzer

Not sure why Graham thinks it's "gentile". I'd better ask Ken Livingston.

Comment is about Colette (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

I am envious of this, Harry. Perfect touch and tone. Shades of Coward and Betjeman meets Anfield. Have you ever been able to keep it in yer britches?

Comment is about Colette (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Hello Ray, Thank you for commenting on Just after... Your comment was true indeed. I waited for my sweets which I shared with my Nan. They were always humbugs. It was a different world. Thank you again. Keith

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

A poignant tribute to the decent people in society of whatever hue and origin and a calling out that what happened isn't who we are.

Comment is about CROYDON (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Like Graham, Paul, I struggle to appreciate jazz. I can take trad jazz in small doses but I'm always emotionally searching for structure.
An excellent choice, mind you, for your audio. Well read (mine need around a dozen takes!) with the effect of the alliteration at the end really coming through.

Comment is about Jazz Notes, Harlem 1950's (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Thank you Frances, I feel very encouraged by your comment. The good folk on here, yourself included, haven't half helped me since I started posting in Dec. I'm beginning to feel brave enough to get out there and start doing some readings because I am enjoying all this so much.

Happy days ?

Paul

Comment is about Jazz Notes, Harlem 1950's (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Wow Ray, what a trip ?

Were you, by any chance, also engaged in calling occupants of interplanetary, most extraordinary, craft? ?

Just a thought.

Paul

Comment is about HISTORIES AND MYSTERIES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Very funny Trevor and top marks for:

'And people so cool 'cause they live in a fridge'

Paul

Comment is about Lucy’s Lament (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Having slept on it and awoken - always a good way to start the day peut-être - it strikes me that this pomette is autobiographical - I used to have waking dream moments - when working as UK's most inept glassblower (not my fault that) - of being asleep in a forest glade and a passing band of troubadours waking me up saying, "You've been asleep too long."

Then followed my 'getting' the Incredible String Band (still getting them long after they disbanded) and setting off acid prompted to find 'god' (an ongoing quest - having 'found God' one then moves deeper into that endless reality).


I used the name, Anaïs, as I liked the sound of it - Betty woulda done just fine too, but there's a built in sense of 'any' there so maybe Anaïs means anyone I met on the way - everyone we meet instructs us somehow.

p.s. I just gave it a tryout in Shakespearean tempo - except for the 'bade' stanza it works quite well _ I'll try it out at posh dos :)

Comment is about To Anaïs - A Lover I Met On The Way (blog)

Original item by Rick Gammon

C'mon Joanna, there is a sequel to your poem that's desperate to get out.
I'm waiting!!!!

Raj

Comment is about In this life or the next (blog)

Original item by Joanna S

Well done on your first audio, Paul!

Comment is about Jazz Notes, Harlem 1950's (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Thanks, kJ. I have a reputation for dealing with the big issues in poetry!

Comment is about MANBOOBS (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Good afternoon, all, from the US...

Lots of years ago, when I was only 19, I had what was probably the most traumatic experience of my entire life. I didn't speak about it for weeks but it affected my behavior so greatly that I really couldn't hide the fact that something had gone terribly wrong. I was usually pretty quiet at that age and certainly not aggressive, but, as an example of how acute my anger was, I remember once throwing rocks at an absolutely harmless guy just for putting his arm around me. I did finally break and spoke with a close male friend about what had happened, but the shock didn't wear off for quite a while.

The piece isn't about this experience, specifically. However, it is about the fact that some events can tend to take control until we learn to process and handle them in our own way--even if the shock at the memory never entirely subsides.

I don't usually get so personal, but feel that maybe sometimes that's what writing must ultimately be--and, I've seen some very brave writing from others in this forum. Thanks to each of you for your comments..what a smart bunch you are.

elP

Comment is about chalk one up (blog)

Original item by nunya

Thanks Ray, lovely praise. Your rich experience of music, including jazz, makes your words more special. I bet you have so many fascinating stories to tell and I'd love to hear them someday.

Paul

Comment is about Jazz Notes, Harlem 1950's (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I can't help feeling that this may refer to a split personality elP - one that has to be placated and accepted. Sometimes reality is made up of many layers, not to say threats.

Ray

Comment is about chalk one up (blog)

Original item by nunya

Well thank you all, you lovely people.

Nat, thank you. I love your 'tres cool' comment.

David, thanks, so glad you enjoyed my debut. I feel a John Thomson Fast Show jazz sketch coming on! However, I think your rich, laid back tones would have sounded better reading this.

Col, thank you too. I really wanted to try to record a poem (especially as I haven't performed live yet) and, finally, I did. I so look forward to getting out there and performing - and with your encouragement I think I will. Ta!

Again, thank you one and all.

Paul

Comment is about Jazz Notes, Harlem 1950's (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I like that you enjoyed writing this Paul and it shows. It is hard to describe the experience of free flying in jazz - my own life has been a challenge at the keyboard and I know the ins and outs of effort involved - but to listen is to bleed sound from the veins of the greats.

Ray

Comment is about Jazz Notes, Harlem 1950's (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

thank you for your lovely comment..


Means alot.

x

Comment is about I Lied (blog)

Original item by Samual Jake

Jazztastic Rick. I imagine this would be a challenging one to get the best out of in a reading. Quite different for you I feel, but I do like variety and breadth !

Ray

Comment is about To Anaïs - A Lover I Met On The Way (blog)

Original item by Rick Gammon

A pretty accurate assessment of life after the second world ward, I guess Keith. A quick flashback to those times might bring some sanity into the world of over indulgence and expectations we now enjoy (for some that is). I recall looking forward to the one day a week when I got sweets!

Ray

Comment is about Just after... (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

very funny, and brilliantly read. ?

Comment is about MANBOOBS (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Comment is about Army of pacifists (blog)

Original item by medamorfisis

Wow - that's nearly as surreal as the song...

Comment is about Lucy’s Lament (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

I saw the title and thought Australopithecus AL 288-1 aka "Dinkinesh" in Ethiopia which means "you are marvellous" according to Wikipedia. It's been a strange journey from learning to walk upright to taking LSD and not being able to walk and thinking we can fly.

Comment is about Lucy’s Lament (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Very kind, Natasha. The line about the turd in the swimming pool, I have to confess, is not original. I have reservations about its rhythm too which seems awkward.

Comment is about MANBOOBS (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Melodious meThunks and well done on the audio you brave fella. Particularly liked:

drum lays down the beat
that pumps the bass
that drives the rhythm

Col

Comment is about Jazz Notes, Harlem 1950's (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Nice.
Heartfelt and honest. I'm sure you'll see him again. Hopefully in this life, rather than the next.

Cheers Kevin

Comment is about In this life or the next (blog)

Original item by Joanna S

Just keeping you abreast of the situation, MC.

Comment is about MANBOOBS (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Hehe yes I think a U turn would be a good idea ?

Thanks for your kind words Raj and for taking the time to read!

Comment is about In this life or the next (blog)

Original item by Joanna S

David - thanks for the comment. There is an unpleasant and unsettling aspect of diversity becoming the enemy
within. We can forget that others from less fortunate
origins tend to be less accommodating towards others
seeking the same avenues of escape and relief.

Comment is about CROYDON (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

As usual - certain to have me in fits...
John Coopey's discourse on dandling his tits!?

Comment is about MANBOOBS (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Graham, fingers crossed you will get slowly get into jazz.

Thanks David. Relaxing listening to jazz on a lovely spring day sounds (and is) idyllic. I hadn't realised that Miles Davis felt like that about the term jazz, that's sparked my interest in learning more about this.

Thanks chaps, much appreciated.

Paul

Edit - I've just added audio for this, my first WoL recording!

Comment is about Jazz Notes, Harlem 1950's (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I love the idea of using an art gallery cafe as a place for a liaison where the art is of secondary importance - perhaps a snub to the egos of some of the artists or a celebration to others. The layout of this poem is attractive - the ten line central verse almost verges on a description of a piece of performance art which in itself adds an interesting dimension to the whole piece.

Colin

Comment is about The Art of Cheating (blog)

Original item by Wonderer

Its fine to ask, its a metaphor, with the line that says, I will feel I have the world, because when "I am" manic, I do feel very happy and it's a self district as I have said, in so many words, but I do feel I have the world, not how you would interpret it maybe, but the world to me are my friends, family and home. hope that answers your question ? thank you for reading it.

Comment is about Manic (blog)

Original item by Samual Jake

Beautifully heartfelt. Write more. Thanks Keith

Comment is about luke bodkin (poet profile)

Original item by luke bodkin

hello again - I hadn't thought of the word 'bold' but it works well and if you like alliteration it would work well in front of those 'blue butterflies' especially as an opener - and you could make the other line 'little yellow buttercups' which is a rather lovely use of double letter sounds (tt/ll/tt).

Little touches like that draw the reader in without them realising and can be fun to work at. Looking forward to reading more from you when you get time.

All the best
Colin

Comment is about The Garden (blog)

Original item by Wonderer

Hi Collin,

Thanks for the feedback, I didn't consider the fragile element if I'm honest, I more described what I've seen and put it all in one. Very interesting perception of the garden.

I've amended the little a little. Hope it's a little better. ?

All the best
Aishah

Comment is about The Garden (blog)

Original item by Wonderer

Wayne, thank you for this poem which, I should imagine, is a poem which many a soul sings. Keith

Comment is about wayne jefferies (poet profile)

Original item by wayne jefferies