A clever twist and a strong message with subtlety undermined David.

Ray

Comment is about Situationist Haiku (blog)

Original item by David Blake

Sadly the grosser expressions of feeling have taken over like subtlety and sincerity paved with bad intentions. We must rise up to give extra weight to such terms! I think of the German: danke schon, followed by bitte schon, an acknowledgment of the gesture.

Ray

Comment is about Thank you (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Being unresolved, this carries weight like a threatening wraith of intention, and leaves open any scenario, a tightrope of uncertainty. Nicely expressed, Paul.
Welcome back by the way!

Ray.

Comment is about Stalker (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Colin - I can tell you that IB's "A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains" provided the primary source for my script...
her extraordinary relationship with the scarred and feared
former scout/trapper "Mountain Jim" Nugent, the self-
appointed guardian of the idyllic Estes Park, a forerunner of the "dude ranch", where Isabella stayed while she
explored (with Jim, but mainly solo on horseback) the
surrounding Colorado country and its mountains.
Your deHavilland family connection is made of the same
extraordinary stuff - with a similar centrepiece of a
woman of fortitude and courage. You have every right
to tell of her and her own life's progress in times when
such things were rarely reported - or, if they were, kept
within the immediate circle of family, friends and relations. She would warrant a chapter in any volume
devoted to "Tales of Remarkable Women".

Comment is about Lift-off for anthology inspired by trail-blazing women (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

It has been said that courtesy is the oil that lubricates
the wheels of society. Thanks - or thank you - are
vital emollients of civilised existence.

Comment is about Thank you (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Gentlemen - it's been a privilege to read the considered
comments you have placed here, varying from the
experience of "being there" across the spectrum of
opinion of a subject that contains the most basic
and vital of human values - and the value of life itself in pursuit of a belief.
It has been said that politics is the art of war by peaceful means...achieving your aim without resort to arms.
Of course there is the vice versa of that situation. The
irony here is that old men are usually held responsible
for war, whereas in this case the propelling forces were
the young...with their own interpretation and adoption
of what they saw as "the cause"...a much maligned
(mangled?) version of the word freedom. The latter is
so easy to adopt to suit a purpose since it means so
many different things, according to one's POV. Irish
soldiers - returning from the Great War - found themselves ostracised...even at risk, by and from their
own countrymen, despite being decorated for their
bravery. This has only been redressed officially in very recent times.
David - your own comments were powerfully put - with
the force of one who has been at the sharp end and
known the vagaries of good and evil, and how human
frailties can be abused and marshalled to pursue either.
I confess to a distant connection insofar that my own
late father served as an inspector with the RIC in the
West of Ireland during the original "Troubles" and his
first cousin, an army lawyer/courts martial officer, was
among those murdered by Collins' gunmen during the
morning of the original "Bloody Sunday" in 1920s Dublin.
I wonder how the news of his cousin's murder affected
my father's remaining time in Ireland in those dangerous
days. He survived to return to the UK and subsequently
served as a member of a defence force in a Caribbean
territory for some years before UK army service through
WW2. An adult lifetime barely free from conflict - only
to die prematurely aged 50 from TB. Such is the wayward arbitrary cruelty of life, hard enough without
its artificial aspects inflicted by obsessed human ambition.

Comment is about THE POINT OF McGUINNESS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Aishah, Thank you for some eloquent and powerful verse which speaks of personal pain, frustration, despair and is also a voice for many others who share this predicament. You are skilled as a poet. I have enjoyed enormously each and every poem, for I have read them all. It would be hard to select one but I think ¨Perspective¨spoke to me as it something which troubles my conscience. Thank you again. Please write more, lots more. Keith

Comment is about Wonderer (poet profile)

Original item by Wonderer

After sating his appetite for murder "Has a road to Damascus experience" don't make me laugh, McGuinness the psychopath just changed tack purely to further his political ambition.

The troubles only fizzled out when both sides realised after all those years of slaughter into modern times what silly buggers they had been coupled with today's trend to move away from the poisonous rivalry that religion breeds, not because of Blair's diplomatic skills.

Before God sends him to Hell I hope he is very uncomfortable face to face with the innocents who from his warped perspective were sacrificed to a cause. The older it got the more stupid it seemed (To me anyway)

McGUINNESS WAS BAD (VERY BAD) FOR YOU

Comment is about THE POINT OF McGUINNESS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi, Keith. The entire piece seems a sort of warning against the dangers of patriotic ceremony that is exercised without due reverence to history.

On war, from the movie Love and Anarchy, 1973--
"They've been fighting since the creation of the world. Explain it to me, all this justice. The dead stay dead, and that's it."
--maybe we're really no better off than that for all the wars that have been fought...I can't say. Though, I can't help but be thankful that there have been many who've stood to fight against many blatant tyrannies. As a human being, I don't believe I could live with any less than doing the same if I were given the choice.

I can't forget to mention the title. I mean, no one can deny it's importance. And, personally, I believe that choosing one that is not obviously related to the piece, itself, can cause the reader to think a bit more deeply about the subject and what the writer is trying to convey.

Thanks for sharing this and providing cause for contemplation.

elP

Comment is about Nimrod (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries

Steven, was the accusation actually proven? Especially out of the US? This seems an odd statement from you.

Comment is about Nobel prize poet Sir Derek Walcott dies aged 87 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hello Ankit,

A poem worthy of that great emotion. Like me you enjoy using a similar rhyming technique. Please write some more. Thanks Keith

Comment is about Ankit Gulati (poet profile)

Original item by Ankit Gulati

I echo John, M.C...an `an excellent analogy`

As John Hume said, Northern Ireland is not about territory but about people...but I wonder?

Clinton thought that the relative reproduction scores of the contenders would (eventually) democratically sort the matter out....But - thinking of modern Ireland - I wonder if (these days) It will.

Now that the European argument is coming into the mix, the mind boggles at the possibilities.

I love the aptness of the taste of the stuff (I hated it)

Comment is about THE POINT OF McGUINNESS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi, Keith. Thanks so much, for the comments on my profile and the two pieces. I've always found writing such descriptions somewhat difficult--especially when prompted for anything other than dry biographical facts--so it's good to know that it connects in some way with a reader.

I've been wending through your writing and am finding a common thread of what seems an observant compassionate nature. I will definitely be reading more.

Thanks again and keep posting.

elP

Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)

Original item by keith jeffries

Thanks Colin David and Paul for enjoying this extravaganza. I do get attracted to quirky corners of our historical archive from time to time - just call me the archivist!

That's a thought David, Schindler plotting against Beeching (in a parallel universe of course). Check out "The Train" with Burt Lancaster for a cracking good film.

Ray

Comment is about DAI WOODHAM'S SCRAPYARD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Whenever a controversial figure (especially political ones) die there is usually plenty of invective and strong opinion issuing out from WOL members. Ever let it be so!

The fact that we may all disagree on the departed's merits and failings is undoubted and all opinions should be given equal merit.

When one has had a personal/close involvement with the candidate involved views are more than likely to be keener.

However, strong those views be and however authenticated they may appear by dint of that experience, they count (on WOL at any rate) the same an any other contribution. No more no less.

If tasted in Northern Island I am sure a glass of McGuinness (no spelling error) may taste sweeter than in many other political drinking establishments around the world.

From personal experience I've always found it more bitter than sweet, but that is just my own but equally valid opinion.

Comment is about THE POINT OF McGUINNESS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

elP, your great imagination is again at work here. Another intriguing and thought-provoking poem.

Paul

Comment is about missive (blog)

Original item by nunya

Thanks David, you know, when there is fog on the Mersey the sound of the foghorns makes it amazingly atmospheric.

That Crowded House track is a classic. I find it so interesting how poems can put people in mind of songs, images, memories, etc...things that we as the writer didn't see or envisage. The power and beauty of language, eh?

So sorry for the late reply and thanks again for reading and commenting.

Paul

Comment is about From Out Of Nowhere (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Thank you elP, I enjoyed listening to and watching the Neko Case video. I'm so pleased that you think it has a Radiohead feel, they are a band I have long admired.

Sorry this reply has taken so long, I've been so busy with the move back to the UK. Thanks again for commenting, hope all is well with you.

Paul

Comment is about Memory Thief (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Ray, really enjoyable, so well written with real feeling for the history of the railways. I also enjoyed googling and learning more about the Woodham brothers. Nice work.

Paul

Comment is about DAI WOODHAM'S SCRAPYARD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

You have such a gift Stu. This poem is so rich with words and images. Great stuff.

Paul

Comment is about i am a cloud and when i cry it rains (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

I like that Stu.
A wonderful idea expressed so succinctly.
You were pretty economic with words there.

Raj

Comment is about i am a cloud and when i cry it rains (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Wonderful pathos Maria.
Crisp and coherent.

Keep going.
Raj x

Comment is about infertile (blog)

Original item by Maria Renea

So sad...
Succinct and beautifully expressed.

Comment is about infertile (blog)

Original item by Maria Renea

Up In The Wind is one of the finest debut poems by anyone ever.

Comment is about Day of events at Steep to mark Edward Thomas centenary (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

very touching...i can feel your pain in every word. beautifully expressed. ?

Comment is about The Truth About Pain (blog)

Original item by Rebecca John-charles

thank you Stu! and you are absolutely correct ?

Comment is about He. (blog)

Original item by Qazi Fasih

Thanks! ?

Comment is about the playlist (blog)

Original item by Little Bit

thanks andy! it's to my 3 year old daughter. :)

Comment is about to my sweetest girl (blog)

Original item by Little Bit

An extraordinary participant in the wide ranging world of
writing. I heartily endorse her view of the advantages of
humour and its beneficial effect on our lives - with the
recognition of when to hold back and refrain from cruelty.
Her lively and positive approach to life has clearly met
its equal in the enjoyment she has gained from her work
and those she has met along the way. I bet she's
stimulating and rewarding company - with or without a notepad to hand! I take particular note of
her wise and restrained view of
President Trump - refreshing when
the world and its dog are frantically yelping and nipping at his heels. 93? Seems more like a young 39!!

Comment is about 'I like to make people smile': Win Saha, still performing her poetry aged 93 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Excellent analogy, MC.

Comment is about THE POINT OF McGUINNESS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Rest easy, Graham. We're not playing this weekend.

Comment is about KOPI LUWAK (CAT COFFEE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Well I can admit to having tasted this delectation and can honestly say, very fine it is too!

Comment is about KOPI LUWAK (CAT COFFEE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

MC - I'm actually quite fond of a nice strong cup (not Kopi Luwak, obviously), brown sugar and cream. Decadent but nice.

Comment is about KOPI LUWAK (CAT COFFEE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

From the first time I booked him for a festival in Sandwell, playing piano and reading in the back room of a pub, to the last time I exhanged emails with him, always kind, approachable, encouraging and good to meet at an event.
Dave Reeves

Comment is about Roy Fisher, modernist poet with a love of jazz, dies aged 86 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

"Instant" fun! - but...
I think I'll stay
With my jar of Nescaf-ay!!

Comment is about KOPI LUWAK (CAT COFFEE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

thank you raj!

Comment is about Appreciation (blog)

Original item by Maria Renea

There's another sex offender escaped conviction...

Comment is about Nobel prize poet Sir Derek Walcott dies aged 87 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Wow, I see you as a young bird flying the nest.

You are ready. The time is now. You have everything you need. Just allow it to be like the wind beneath your wings.

Say yes. And fly. Fly high.
You can do it.

Comment is about Appreciation (blog)

Original item by Maria Renea

I like the rhythm and the flow Lisa. Powerful message too.

With the sifting and sorting settled
Every beam of light and dark converge
Meeting in the centre
Of the beginning of my completion.

Superb last stanza. Would love some more.

Raj

Comment is about REMEMBRANCE (blog)

Original item by Lisa Poetic

Chris, the SEWER is brilliant. Thank you. Keith

Comment is about SEWER (blog)

Original item by chris stevenson

I'm expecting a call from Starbucks soon, Colin, to arrange the TV ad photo shoot. I hope they don't get my belly in the shot.

Comment is about KOPI LUWAK (CAT COFFEE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

well I am terrible at mathematics Juan so I am happy to accept your suggestion that I am a literary genius ?

Comment is about Test the test (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

another delicious helping of nostalgia from the pen of Mr Pool. Where would heritage railways be without the foresight of Mr Woodham - up the tracks without a shunt maybe. Great stuff Ray.

Comment is about DAI WOODHAM'S SCRAPYARD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I love the rolling stones references.

Comment is about the playlist (blog)

Original item by Little Bit

It took me a few reads, then I got it, that is except for "the yellow bleeds of threes" the second thought was, the that most bad things happen in threes. but even then there is the "yellow".

Curious

thanks for your profound, simplistic rendition.

Comment is about Repeat (blog)

Original item by MyDystopiA

thank you! I enjoy receiving comments!! x

Comment is about Appreciation (blog)

Original item by Maria Renea

Wow, love this. I can totally relate. Nice work!

Comment is about Repeat (blog)

Original item by MyDystopiA

Great use of repetition, nice flow. I much enjoyed.

Comment is about MAN (blog)

Original item by Dyphrent

Nice rhythm

Comment is about Passion (blog)

Original item by Ivo Cossa

Hello...it's always a pleasure to hear from you all.

Thanks, Suki. I suppose some things are better left unsaid to the masses--people usually think what they want, anyhow.

And, Juan, though I'm not a biblical historian of any sort, I find that to be an interesting topic. As the book of Exodus tells it, Moses broke one set of tablets in reaction to the making of the golden calf. As for the second set, David could be right--it could make for interesting research. About the wording--because "coming night" is part of a prepositional phrase, I don't think "has" will work--thanks anyway, though.

I appreciate that, Ray. It is a pause, in a sense--though, as they say, time waits for no man. The world keeps just turnin', man.

And, David...there are some things that never die, though the transitions we are forced to make would cause them to seem "deceased". I mean, it seems that doors close to some things of which we aren't quite ready to let go; yet, they still maintain a place within us.

Thanks to each of you for your comments. And, I'm glad you both liked it, Nicola and Adam.

elP

Comment is about missive (blog)

Original item by nunya