Harry - just as long as you enjoyed it, I'm happy.
Colin - your comment about "1975" had me checking the
hits of that year on Youtube. Hadn't realised the sheer
range of songs produced and can only say thanks for
the "retro regard"! Not too sure about Eurovision though.
JC - your priceless pastiches of your words set to popular
songs are unique. Keep them coming to lighten our days.

Comment is about LOOK AT ME (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thanks Harry.

Wise words.

David

Comment is about 1916 (blog)

Original item by David Subacchi

Thanks Gideon - nice to get a "flood" of comments . I read this live last night and pleased to say it found the spot !


Ray

Comment is about URINARY PACT (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thank you for reading this Jeff and thanks for your apt comments, including the quote by the great MLK. Paul

Comment is about The Innocents (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

With respect Cynthia, it seems I must be one of your 'average' readers as I had to Google 'Ouroboros' - either because I didn't know the meaning or I had forgotten or I wanted to learn more in order to understand the poem further.

Whichever, I am curious to know how you define an 'average' reader? I have never presumed that anyone having taken the trouble to find a site like WoL and having an interest in poetry was in any way 'average'. (I've edited this paragraph as I felt my original wording was ambiguous).

And as it requires some basic user knowledge of the internet - on which this poem has been posted - it seems unlikely that any reader happening upon this word in this context would not Google the meaning if desired.

I sincerely do not have a problem with Alem's choice of title and it is interesting that he had considered using 'Ouroboros' in the first instant. Personally I thought it was eye catching and intriguing although I am aware that 'Self Cannibalism' is equally so and in that respect I am in danger of eating my own tail!. But it seems we have a different view of our readership?

With curiosity and respect to you both,

Colin

Comment is about Self Canibalism (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

Hits home, as does the topic of the poem. Raj is right & nobody does win a war, even with yourself. Nice quote from Martin Luther King..Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding...thanks for sharing Paul...Jeff...

Comment is about The Innocents (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Never mind African politics Alem,
Ouroboros would have made an excellent title of a poem about what this Brexit thing would be quite willing to do to the British economy.

Comment is about Self Canibalism (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

Dear Colin Hill and Cynthia Buell Thomas Thank you for the feedbacks I created the poem as Colin said but on the second thought I chose Cynthia's remark mindful that may be readers may not know about Ouroboros !

About the spelling you are right as the saying goes a misspelt word ruins a poet(specially in books).I was in haste.I appreciate such feedbacks as the mistakes could be rectified in blogs

Comment is about Self Canibalism (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

@ Colin Hill. Thank you Colin for your comment. I do try to be a little different. I don't always get feedback though because often my elaborations gain only some kind of perplexity. Perhaps I try too hard. Yet when I look back at some of the my works put to music I know they have improved greatly. Your feedback is very welcome though, as Wolfgar has observed himself, I very rarely gain any. Thank you again.

@ Wolfgar, Hello bud, long time since we caught up. This piece is very much inspired by current debate at the upper echelons of society. We are at present on the cusp of developing AI that can teach itself through experience etc etc. We are considering giving AI some kind of human rights. Yet in paradox we are also considering whether a Kill Switch should be enabled too. AI developments coinciding with current robotic capabilities will see the likes of Rachel soon to walk amongst us. If you remember back to the classic film, Rachel was the Tirrel Corporations most advanced replicant. So advanced she too (Rachel) did not know she was a replicant (but did suspect). I also considered how Man often loftily refers to the female of the species as sex objects (a vague reference to bondage in the line 'the scars can be repaired') and also the main characters take on Rachel's beauty defines this.

The main character is at a juxtapose and is devouring himself in brain argument, an internal dialogue that wants an end to the relationship while wanting to save her beauty in a post apocalyptic world where war has ravaged the Earth. There are several references to the film Blade Runner such as 'off world' and the use of the word 'corporation' as opposed to 'organisation.' All in all it is a piece giving thought both about AI and mans destructive ways while wanting so desperately to survive.

There are questions being asked as we have always asked that be centered around our relationship with Death.

Thank you for the feedback. Yes I have a little bit more kit than last we spoke. I have a moog sub 37. What an awesome synthesizer it is. I am still wanting to continue the thread of doing some work with you and hopefully in the Spring you may venture North again with a shed load of work to go through and put to music. It can work as we have proven in the past. Would be good to touch base with you again.

Thank you both for your feedback.

Mike

x

Comment is about Kill Switch (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

You have made some strong, sure points. The metaphor is excellent. Actually, I think your given title is probably best, as the average reader probably doesn't know the term 'oroborous' at all. Excellent photo - very informative.

Always take a moment and reread for a spell check. We all do 'sillies' with the keyboard.

Comment is about Self Canibalism (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

I think Ouroboros would have made an excellent title Alem - an interesting snapshot into the self-absorption of African politics - no doubt no different from ours here in the UK except maybe without the hired snipers to quell dissent. All the best, Colin.

Comment is about Self Canibalism (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

The way I look at it Jeff, it's moments that matter. Each moment opening the door to other moments, like a series of endless doors. Infinite.

I call it The Power of Now.

Raj

Comment is about What a Waste (blog)

Original item by Jeff

Well said Raj, and thank you for reading and commenting. Paul

Comment is about The Innocents (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

So real Paul. Nobody wins a war. But we must continue to stand up for what we believe. What worries me the most is those unfortunate children. Their inheritance is scary and saddening.

"souvenirs of senseless hate,
sacrificial remnants of generations"

Raj

Comment is about The Innocents (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Beautifully expressed Hazel, especially the last 2 lines.

Take the good with the bad, the agonies and ecstasies.
Most important of all accept the fact that from the moment we were born we were destined to die.

So celebrate every moment!
Raj

Comment is about In response to a poetry blog (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

I'm glad it came through like that Colin.
It wasn't meant to be laden with pathos. Ha.

R

Comment is about Final Resting Plaice (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

Thanks again Col, I always enjoy reading your comments. Yes, I hadn't realised the connection between this and Starlingrad (great title by the way). I wanted to write this with those innocent children in mind, the unbearably sad situation they are in and it becoming somehow 'normal' life for them, still being able to find fun in playing football. Cheers, Paul

Comment is about The Innocents (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

I thought at first I misread the title.. then I read your poem.. I almost peed myself.. Thank you for the chuckle! :)

Comment is about URINARY PACT (blog)

Original item by ray pool

@colin hill thank you so much ... indeed it is !!!

Comment is about Journey of My Time (blog)

Original item by RedViolet Sniffy

#mypleasure

Comment is about Journey of My Time (blog)

Original item by RedViolet Sniffy

have to say this made me chuckle Raj from the title to the last line but the picture throws us a curveball and makes us think of mermaids or even whales stranded on beaches - it's a bit of a seafood cocktail of images but enjoyable nonetheless. Cheers, Col

Comment is about Final Resting Plaice (blog)

Original item by Chakraj

I feel this runs alongside my Starlingrad quite nicely Paul - different battles for different generations but the outcomes are all the same - we try but fail in many ways to convey the true horrors of war through our words - but that's no reason not to try - or question, or disagree, or stick to our pacifist ideals as poets - if that is in fact what we are and what we stand for.

and you mentioned the birds too ? They at least have the ability to fly away and escape the horrors. Let's hope they return soon but not as my starling shadow ghosts of the fallen dead. Cheers, Col.

Comment is about The Innocents (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

terrific imagery, production and performance, grandiose in its apocalyptic scale and deliverance - quite different from the usual WoL offerings which is always good to see.

Comment is about Kill Switch (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

hello RV, in my opinion I think this would read so much better without the repetition of 'I am in a journey of my time' - but I like the way the poem ends:

I am in a journey of my time
A journey of My Lifetime.

thanks for posting,
Colin

Comment is about Journey of My Time (blog)

Original item by RedViolet Sniffy

Hey what's up, Colin! Thank you for the tip man : ) this is actually a song that I wrote which is sort of why it has some predictable rhyming scheme, but I totally agree on not relying on substance to be able to fully explore the antipodes of the mind..

But it came to me in that state, kind of unexpected, and who am I to deny inspiration? haha I hope you're doing well Colin, thanks again bud!

Comment is about Herbal Connoisseur (blog)

Original item by Rafael

This is actually a song I wrote and I liked the lyrics so much that I wanted to post it on here lol that's why there's sort of this predictable rhyme going on, but I'll post the song too once I"m done mixing it

Thank you for the comment Randall!

Comment is about Open Up The Door (blog)

Original item by Rafael

I like this one. A little voyeuristic in a way-- a good way as it pulls us into the uncertain mindset of the speaker.

Comment is about Open Up The Door (blog)

Original item by Rafael

Thank you very much for your feedback. I am glad you enjoyed it ❤

Comment is about Introverted (blog)

Original item by Morgan Lovely

Thanks Ray!
Tristan

Comment is about Footprints in the Sand (blog)

Original item by Tristan Ayran

Looking back towards the sea adds a dimension to the experience of sadness because of retracing a path already made, but as one person - just staring out to sea would not have had that impact, I believe. So well done here.

Ray.

Comment is about Footprints in the Sand (blog)

Original item by Tristan Ayran

Songwriting really is your forte, MC. Doubly impressive to come up with melodies as well as the lyric. The best I manage, as you know, is to hijack somebody else's song and bastardise it.

Comment is about LOOK AT ME (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I suspect we'd all be happier to read about your singing, Harry, than hear it!
I love the use of the word "jubilate" as a noun, redolent of the psalms, perfectly suited to the tone of spirituality in this.

Comment is about Because. (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

I like this poem Jeff, there's lot to ponder in it about regret, hesitation, contemplation and just getting on and living. As they say, our lives are just a series of moments....Paul

Comment is about What a Waste (blog)

Original item by Jeff

Well framed!!
Nice

Comment is about Pray for light (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

David,
Given the new crisis in Northern Ireland, this is a timely reminder that Yeats` adjective `terrible` is still
so (tragically) true.

Also a hint for those who restrict the idea of beauty to something akin to mere prettiness.

Comment is about 1916 (blog)

Original item by David Subacchi

thanks guys. this little one is wrote straight from the heart.

i can be romantic when i want (:

Comment is about From Friendship to Love (blog)

Original item by Andy N

Thanks guys. This was written for me lol. I find myself expressing so much sorrow and need to open my eyes to the beauty out there and share it with others along with my sad tales of which there are too many it seems.

I like sad poems too Colin.

Comment is about ON THE WAY (blog)

Original item by lynn hahn

Deep...thanks for sharing.....Jeff

Comment is about Born sick (blog)

Original item by Youthfullyxx

have to agree with graham, when i first read this i was blown away and it is as worthy a POTW winner as there has or shall be I feel.

Comment is about 'She wants to feel 日本 (Japan)' by Randall Eckstein is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Just being playful.

Comment is about Today (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

This is a deep subject for me that I find a bit difficult to address in a few sentences. I find that I'm in such awe many times, that I'm rendered speechless. So, I truly appreciate your willingness to broach it so openly in all of your comments. Thanks so much for your kind words.

elP

Comment is about furlough (blog)

Original item by nunya

Thanks for the comments...:-)....Jeff

Comment is about Next Time (blog)

Original item by Jeff

As a never user of FB with a full life & friends I can say with conviction I've not missed anything I wouldn't have by going left, as opposed to right on a street corner. Revelation is for sure best experienced first hand..hahahaha...& if I'd not spoken to someone in 25 yrs, then rest assured I'm not that bothered about keeping in touch & I'd also be upset if my friends messaged me on FB rather than send a mail or call. But I do realise people enjoy FB, but its not for me....Started some discussions here Trevor!..Jeff...

Comment is about Fuck Off Facebook (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Hi elP, thanks for reading this and posting a very interesting comment, including the quote which really highlights the pressures that musicians like Prokofiev (and artists, writers, etc) must have had to endure from Stalin's regime. Many thanks again for this. Paul

Comment is about Prokofiev's Prayer (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

A very nice poem of faith, Juan. The bitter path that each of us walks is really tailor-suited to our abilities. Or in other words, we all rise to the challenges that we are given. I'm glad you rose and found your faith.

Comment is about Testimony (blog)

Original item by Juan Pablo Lynch

Thanks guys. And don't get me wrong, I do use Facebook myself, hopefully for the positive reasons you mention: keeping in touch with far-flung friends & relatives, and a bit of judicious banter.

I think what tipped me over into writing this was the umpteenth posting of a picture of a large van, surrounded by bollards, allegedly in Belfast (where I was born), and insinuating that the dumb Irish had 'painted themselves into a corner' by trapping the van with the bollards they'd installed. The minor facts that the bollards were removable (or some of them at least!), and that the whole thing took place in Manchester didn't stop people from sharing the libel to poke fun at the 'stupid Irish'. I was moved to point this out to my 'friend' who shared it, and hence this rant! I was also moved to point out that perhaps the reason Irish jokes were so simple was so the English could understand them - perhaps proving my own point!

I do also accept that sheep have always followed, and perhaps tools like Facebook have just made them more visible. Nevertheless, I sometimes resent having to plough through all the crap to find the worthwhile nuggets.

Comment is about Fuck Off Facebook (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Hi Hazel,

That was a kind of catharsis. One moment venerated and then dessicated. Wonderful.

Rajx

Comment is about Today (blog)

Original item by Hazel ettridge

I read this yesterday while in the midst of an article about Rosa Luxemburg. It seemed particularly timely to me for that reason. Anyhow, I came upon this concerning Prokofiev...

'Prokofiev also attended the Bolshoi Theatre's "audition" of his ballet Le pas d'acier, and was interrogated by members of the Russian Association of Proletarian Musicians (RAPM) about the work: he was asked whether the factory portrayed "a capitalist factory, where the worker is a slave, or a Soviet factory, where the worker is the master?..."Prokofiev replied, "That concerns politics, not music, and therefore I won't answer."'

...a great reply that frames quite aptly the assault on artists and their work that was to continue into the coming decades throughout two infamous dictatorships and the entirety of two continents.

A very tender plea, Paul.

elP

Comment is about Prokofiev's Prayer (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

Col, thanks for this feedback, I see your point entirely. I think for me, still at the early stage of writing poems, I am probably too concerned about whether the reader understands what I've written. I thought a lot about the explanation issue, including how much or how little. I suppose I didn't have the courage to post it without, thinking that it might just come across as a touching prayer but without context.

Anyway, I'm glad you liked it and enjoyed something of a history lesson. Please feel free to keep giving me this type of feedback, I find it helpful. Cheers, Paul

Comment is about Prokofiev's Prayer (blog)

Original item by Paul Waring

There is a certain lightness to the language you use that suits the tone of the poem really well..no heavy words. I particularly like the crickets in the house--it imparts to her an almost childlike quality that you handle very tenderly.

A very enjoyable piece...

elP

ps
While I'm here, Randall, I may as well ask about your stint as a teacher in China. I'm looking to get my TESL cert before the end of the year and am feeling like I would like to explore Eastern Europe a bit--still not sure though. Maybe you could provide some insight. Thanks.

Comment is about 'She wants to feel 日本 (Japan)' by Randall Eckstein is Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman