this reminds me a lot of a guy called ronnie ronalde. you may know him, if not he was a whistler, yodeller from the 40s and 50s. he also wrote strangely upbeat seaside songs. i think he did one about yarmouth.

i'm going to find it now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9xjjfHkLZ4

there.

dont get me wrong, im not comparing the two in terms of content, just my mind makes strange links.

(now i'm listening to it i have forgot how awful/amazing it is)

Comment is about HENGISTBURY HEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

living in wrexham, i can relate to tripping over doggers.

Comment is about HENGISTBURY HEAD (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

cheers david. glad it did something for you.

Comment is about blasphemy (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Well done, Chris Coleman. What a lovely item of news!

Comment is about Back of the net: Wales manager Chris Coleman supports local poets in Swansea (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Great article, Greg. If this festival happens next year – and I hope it does – I highly recommend it! Well-organised, inspiring, and thoroughly enjoyable. The organisers deserve a huge amount of respect for pulling it together.

Comment is about Poetry at the Parsonage, Haworth, 2016 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks a lot Colin! Sometimes the meaning is in the eye of the beholder, but it's to interpretation as to what the ending means to others.

Comment is about I Found Where Ponce De Leon Happily Drowned (blog)

Original item by Antony Nedanovski

thanks ray, i'm glad you like the piece. i wasnt sure whether to post it, as a naked suicide sex-jesus poem could be mistaken for being 'a little much' but i was a big brave boy and did it anyway. hurray for me!

Comment is about blasphemy (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Stu, I couldn't help wanting to put a last line in here: "and Jupiter aligned with Mars." Seriously though, I think this is terrific, with its intimacy like a joint suicide. There are overtones of collusion and confusion too and just a hint of Coppola.

Great read, Ray

Comment is about blasphemy (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Very affecting Phil. Stillness can be a yoga aim to find peace, but in your expressed terms it is a place of retreat that offers no peace - and though mercifully I don't know that place in its entirety, I have sensed the depths and so applaud the poem for the its great insight .

Ray

Comment is about The Depths of Stillness. (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

Phil, this is heartbreaking and a truthful insight into what occurs in the mind. You've captured and expressed the feelings into the perfect words.

Comment is about The Depths of Stillness. (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

I really enjoyed your sample poem and Forever. I look forward to reading more.

Comment is about Cody John Blackwood (poet profile)

Original item by Cody John Blackwood

This reminds me of the unappetising language found online.
"A political premature ejaculation"? Tosh, if you know
the man has been campaigning against the betrayal of
self-determination for two decades!

Comment is about The New Normal (blog)

Thank you as always Colin. I really appreciate that you take the time to make suggestions. I am glad the feeling of disconnect came through for you.

Comment is about Laborer (blog)

Original item by Alexandra Lorenz

Thanks R Miller

Comment is about Raoul Izzard (poet profile)

Original item by Raoul Izzard

Hi Ross, great to meet you at the Puzzle Poets on Monday, and to find someone who was such an immediate fan of Trainspotters! Keep in touch, Greg

Comment is about Ross Kightly (poet profile)

Original item by Ross Kightly

Yay POTH. They came to my local P&P in nearby Carmarthen a few months back and gave a great performance. Doing good work in a less advantaged area of Swansea. Never realised Chris Coleman grew up there. Thanks for that WoL. Will be cheering for Wales tonight. Keep dreaming. Don't take them home.

Comment is about Back of the net: Wales manager Chris Coleman supports local poets in Swansea (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I wondered whether changing 'his' Americano to 'my' would add an extra punch to the ending? Although I understand that it might not be a true reflection of your experience - poetry can be a mix of the real and the made up. But don't change it - just an alternative approach that's all. Nice poem btw. I'm sure we've all been in that situation and felt the same hopeless disconnect.

Comment is about Laborer (blog)

Original item by Alexandra Lorenz

I'm not sure I fully understand this Antony but I enjoyed being taken on your bike ride - any poem that sneaks in a mention of Cheever's The Swimmer is good for me. I must read the short story some day as I am only familiar with the movie. I find this a gently thoughtful and layered piece of writing and look forward to reading some more or your words.

Comment is about I Found Where Ponce De Leon Happily Drowned (blog)

Original item by Antony Nedanovski

I have worked in Mental Health Services and have seen and heard much from people fighting to stay alive... Or have been as close as it can get. I've had my own battles as have many others...

Comment is about The Depths of Stillness. (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

I'm coming straight back on this Phil. So glad you got the truth of the feel of this one. This was not fantasy but sad reality - something that can move us and perhaps add a little moment of quality. I tend to write of actual events. The west end hotels I worked in during the eighties were masters of their own destiny and flagships for squandering of money for jollies including us musicians who got mortgages with the results, thank God. This lady was a victim of the system - a job of sorts. Clanricarde Gardens was stacked with tiny apartments for catering staff. There was a disastrous fire there apparently probably due to lack of electrical maintenance.

Cheers, I feel humbled that you liked this.

Comment is about THE GIRL WHO DID JIGSAW PUZZLES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

JUNE WRITE ANGLE – GUEST PERFORMER HANNAH CHUTZPUH SHOWS SHE'S GOT WHAT IT TAKES!

With little sun in the month of June, Write Angle's gig brought warmth through the wit and wisdom of Hannah Chutzpuh to an appreciative and enthusiastic audience. 'By now, you know I'm not straight', she said confidently! The open mikers, as usual, presented an eclectic assortment of poetry. There were lots of new faces as well!

Hannah's poetry is strong and geared to making people feel good about themselves. Her poem about Jo always having to 'ask' for permission, 'could I have some of that, please' while a crowd of friends share without asking, tempted her to want to say 'no'. The audience laughed (but how many share Jo's lack of entitlement). Hannah's theatrical style and 'straight talk lend themselves well to her poetry. – She spoke of relationships ending. 'The house is divided wih masking tape marking the boundaries not to be crossed. ('I don't have the strength. I am plastic safety scissors when I want to be a sword'). I'm being 'reasonable' she said, however if he crossed, she'd kill him. The cat could cross them of course.

Having worked in a refuge for victims of DV, she read of abuse - the majority who go back to the mates in spite of the damage done. She spoke of the dangers of meeting on Facebook. How the first date was so good, they were already planning a second and third, but her fear of strangers, led her friend to check him out. He used different names. She realised she got 'close' - but escaped in time'. 'An abuser is a heat seeking missile'. She spoke of how she tends to pick wisely but realised she'd made mistakes and was starting to notice there was a pattern. She saw the difference between starting to trip, and falling. She spoke of London once being safe but now, with a killing a day, it could be anyone. Getting hurt, learning to protect yourself – once, we could be tall as redwoods. Now, to survive, we're tumbleweeds. We've grown callouses where others have grown roots'.

Pride (and a bit of jealousy) was evident as Hannah spoke of her 60 year old mother who decided 'I don't have to be here anymore'; she bought an Ipad, and now is part of musical bands, has two charity jobs. She's paid off the mortgage, goes to museums and galleries. Meantime, Hannah spoke of working in Job Centre. How to survive 'if you're middle class and bolshy; 'Act as if 'your career got a flat tire and this is the garage' – and 'everyone is behind glass'. Funniest poem was 'Necrokitty Comic Sans'. Hannah sent her dead cat to be cremated. The ashes came back with four poems -, written by her dead cats. 'Dear Pet Crematorium', she responded, furious that her cat should wait till she died to write to her, 'I am not her mum. I do not need to be told to be strong when she knows I am strong. I don't need to look for my cat in the 'first ray of sunshine'. But mostly, 'It hurts that she chose to communicate in comic sans!' Hannah's personality and energy brightened the room!

Colin Eveleigh read 'The lights are on', referring to a football changing room where the lights were never switched off till he put a sign up. It worked, however, not for long! Then, 'Performance', and what it feels like to perform. The fear, embarrassment...Liz Verlander, a 'natural' performer with a great wit and skill, dedicated her poem to Facebook. 'Like' comments to share. 'Inbox me'.Then 'dedicated to her 18 year old daughter Janet' who passed her driving test – She's terrified to ride with her - afraid she might get arrested. 'She's adept at a left but a fright at a right – Janet's response, 'It's my right to not turn right'. Like Hannah, (and yours truly), Janet worked in a refuge and spoke of women who go back to their partners even though facts show every week, two women are killed by their partners. 'He raped you, then called you whore'; but it didn't stop her going back.

G Rimes read about a young refugee who fell asleep in a lifeboat. A sailor bought her food and took care of her. After several weeks, she asked when they would get to America. Turned out she was on the ferry to the Isle of Wight'. Clever poem by a witty man! David Roberts read, Salome 2, about the artist Lovis Corinth who painted her as a lady of the night, then, 'The Irrational Man', the story of the film put to poetry. Lesley Prior then read 'Coriolis' a word that came into her head. 'Is it the name for a band or perhaps a conspiracy theory' (we'll have to wait for the next reading)..Richard Hawtree, often told his poetry is obscure, decided to satirise a sonnet on obscurity, 'Good Readers'. Created for those who crave obscurity – very good poem – well done. Jake, our compère, then read, 'Is it True'. His son asked if he wasn't wanted'. 'We didn't want a child so soon', he responded, but when you were on the way, we didn't stop you coming...Then, 'Fidelity and Hormones'. 'She was ready for marriage, fidelity and faith – though she went with different men searching for 'the one' . He then read 'The secret of a good marriage'. Every man must have a shed!'

Jood read 'All Very Well'. 'It's all very well to break a spell. How was it cast in the first place. Fool yourself to thinking one day all will be well. (a very good poem) Then, 'The Hand of Man' Both poems showing failures but still revealing a lot of hope still remaining. 'The Holy Communion will be reborn in our lives'. She called her third poem, 'Forsaken', 'This miserable little poem'. The audience didn't think so! Jilly Funnell played an instrumental, 'Ragtime Serenade' (by Peter Nuttall) on guitar, followed by a song, 'Hymn for Him', about growing old. It was dedicated to Marguerite Patten, her favourite TV chef, who she loved. Jilly related, saying, 'I'm more Marguerite than Nigella' and, 'we like Fred Astaire and sentiment. Jilly has a natural charm and glow that comes through on stage. She's a 'natural' performer.
Including a bit of 'happy' heckling in the audience and some chatting, (which shows how relaxed these evenings are), everyone was tuned in to the performers and a good time was had by all!

An audience member was lucky and won the £40 voucher for a free meal for two at 'Seven Fish', an excellent fish restaurant in Midhurst.

Please check out our Press Release, soon to come out – for Brendan Cleary plus 14 brand new poets at the open mic, apart from our 'regulars'. It's gonna be a great evening so don't miss out!

Review is about WRITE ANGLE POETRY & MUSIC +OPEN MIC on 21 Jun 2016 (event)

Hi Ray. I read this and thought he's off on some mid life crisis malarky here after your delicious last.

Then I looked deeper and felt ashamed for not seeing the beauty of what you are saying... looking deeper and finding the beauty that others overlook.
And the ability to look for that.
Thank you.

Comment is about THE GIRL WHO DID JIGSAW PUZZLES (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Well done, Frances!

Comment is about Publisher achieves his quest: anthology of 'faith, doubt and wonder' is launched (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

You have truly found the words to describe this bunch, Steve. Just when you thought the reputation of politicians could not sink any lower. A masterpiece! (Surely some BBC radio satire show should be interested in something like this ...)

Comment is about stabberjocky (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

You've conveyed so much about human nature under duress through this exchange between soldiers..so glad to see the "good side" of our humanity get some much needed attention.

Great work and congratulations, Phil,

elP

Comment is about 'Betrayed by the hands' by Phil Kay is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

The staccato short lines are so suitable for this material,
a heart-thudding evocation of what it must feel like,
trying to face "going over the top", with the only real
consolation against the reality of violent death being the company of your comrades.

Comment is about 'Betrayed by the hands' by Phil Kay is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

At a time of great uncertainty in the world, this is indeed timeless, viscerally reminding us that war is more than a game played by politicians.

Great poem, great choice. Thank you.

Comment is about 'Betrayed by the hands' by Phil Kay is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

does a wonderful job of turning numbers into humans and in doing so is infinitely more heartbreaking.

Comment is about 'Betrayed by the hands' by Phil Kay is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thank you so much. Positive words from people who I respect immensely.

I wanted to show more then anything the love that exists in these places... because I do firmly believe that we need to see that as much as the horror.

And also I wanted to write something that could be timeless in the sense that people going to harms way now do not feel different, nor is the bond.

All those men and boys from working places died with the love of the man next to him carrying him. Pals.

Comment is about 'Betrayed by the hands' by Phil Kay is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

JC - all's fair in love, war and politics is best taken with a
pinch of salt. But I say if a prime minister of a majority
government enables a referendum to take place, he is
remiss in his duty to the nation - with the authority and power OF government/civil service at his disposal - if he doesn't plan for the unexpected on a matter of
foreseen national importance.
Agree or disagree, we look to the government to safe-
guard the passage of the SS Great Britain whatever
the weather. I'm not inclined to let its skipper - a bit
too quick to shout "avast!" - to slip over the side so
easily when given ample warning of uncharted waters ahead.
Anyway, what's done is done so let's see how we fare
in future days..."all at sea!" :-)

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I fear not, Carol. Sorry I missed you

Comment is about Poetry at the Parsonage, Haworth, 2016 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I disagree, MC.
In a General Election if an Opposition Party says it will, for example, reduce income tax or double police officers or whatever, it isn't up to the Government to provide a plan to achieve this. It's obviously up to the ones making the claim.
In his excellent book "I Am Pilgrim", Terry Hayes repeats a phrase several times throughout. The phrase is "a banquet of consequences". We are dining on that now.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

The title of this spoof is clever and the rendition matches
it well. I am heartened by the good humour found in
the accompanying comments
However, for decades the country has been led down the
paths of deceit by all three major parties, and when
Cameron agreed to the EU Referendum he had a DUTY
to put into place a contingency plan in the event of a
"Leave" vote. The fact that this was NOT done is par
for the course when considering the collective EU
collusion of our politically employed in my own adult
lifetime when the same had sworn an oath of allegiance
to the Sovereign. As the old song goes:
"Nice work if you can it,
And you can get it if you lie" (oops...that was "try", I
think!).
Nigel Farage has no responsibility towards government
action. His indefatigable campaign to return self-
determination to the country was an extraordinary
accomplishment that history will surely acknowledge.
It was and IS the duty of government to respond and
enable the necessary actions that are required.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Empires rise and empires fall
History tells us so,
But the trick is knowing when to call
"Time" - and when to go.
(Past and present)

Comment is about Deluded Fools (blog)

A timely evocation of my favourite annual sporting event
just begun across the Channel The effort and the anguish is palpable in the short line style. Good stuff!
P.S. Is "planes" actually "plains" in this context?

Comment is about Tour de France (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Was it you Greg taking pics during my performance?

Comment is about Poetry at the Parsonage, Haworth, 2016 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

A delightful addition to the realm of nonsense imagery
tantalisingly close to the political reality. Superior stuff
of a most inventive kind. Bravo!

Comment is about stabberjocky (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

Clever stuff.
How many times...how many times..I forgot to give
Consideration to an intended buy - memory like a sieve!
But temporary forgetfulness is merely mental fragility
Or concentration on other things - not incipient
senility! (I hope! :->)

Comment is about SCATTERBRAINED (acrostic sonnet?) (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Cheers, Laura! It was hard work - and impossible - to see everything, but I gave it a good go!

Comment is about Poetry at the Parsonage, Haworth, 2016 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Nice one Phil :) Very stream-of-consciousness this one, too. Keep writing fella.

Comment is about 'Betrayed by the hands' by Phil Kay is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Fantastic review Greg - wish I could have been there meself.

Comment is about Poetry at the Parsonage, Haworth, 2016 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Blimey Lynn,

When the women start forgettin` the groceries Civilisation is
doomed!

Comment is about SCATTERBRAINED (acrostic sonnet?) (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

This is verbally ambidextrous..sort of genderless.

Comment is about You (blog)

Original item by jami

Harry - Many thanks on your compliment re my sonorous drone.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Steve,
This this is nonesense verse...plus!

I particularly like that `Ruperturtle, stabberjock, and also that fibberoons, babbulluntruthoozled, backstablades` and slithygove`

...and the `Machiavelliadastardly` is an absolute gem!

It is gloriously `applied` nonesense.

This deserves a wider airing.

Blimey! Between John with his music `takes` and this the site is becoming a hot bed of satirists (Not to mention Jonathan Humble with his rhythmic `run ons`)

Comment is about stabberjocky (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

John,
Didn`t `get` the link in the title (c-l-e-v-e-r man!)

The sonorous drone of the tune fits the misery of the state
we`ve got ourselves into perfectly. (not to mention your
lyric)

And talking about our fellow `old and uglies`, I think it`s them who got us into this state.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

what an inspired and wonderful piece of lunacy. lewis would be proud i am sure.

farage gone now as well i see. at least he left it a couple of weeks i guess...

Comment is about stabberjocky (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

It's a fantastic poem which puts me there, in the trench with him, with my hands shaking and the taste of fear in my throat. A wonderful piece of work. As David says, Phil, your boy would be proud.

Comment is about 'Betrayed by the hands' by Phil Kay is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

JH - For those of us old and ugly enough to remember him (my poems only seem to attract your type!) Harold Wilson's "A week is a long time in politics" was never more true. One minute all the cards were laid out in suit on the table; today they're all up in the air.
You are, of course, most welcome to my masterpiece as your anthem.
Graham - How right you are. We still remain tribes. Only our toys have become cleverer.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

KED, when the world is a Federation, you'll then start fighting the aliens. It will never be enough! There is always change. It is built-in.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey