A pleasure to read Helen, neat and well rhymed and full of activity.

Stanza eight: no quotation mark at the end...should that `we` be they? (I know I sound like an old moaner, but it`s all this political stuff) :)

Ah...Greece!

Comment is about Ode To A Holiday Rep (blog)

Original item by Helen

Thanks for the comments, Ken and Graham.
The point for me was that you didn't need to be an EU groupie to prefer to be in than out. It was hugely imperfect and in need of much continuous negotiation to shove the monolith towards progress. But (cf 2 weeks ago and this week) it was better in than out.
And I don't find much comfort in the view of MC that if we all give it time it should work out for the better. Hope has never impressed me as a political strategy.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

The people who couldn't see any of the many peripheral bigger picture consequences beyond the end of their tunnel visioned hysterical race motivated vote.
The stay ins were out Trumped


Integration in it's every aspect, like it or lump it, will happen eventually.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Which lot is that?

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

It's you lot not watching enough

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

KED, have you been watching too much Star Trek?

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Good Stuff John.

Anyone with half a brain must have realised the ultimate aim of the EU to be a fully integrated Federation, which I for one, am all for. Plans on such a massive scale invariably have severe growing pains which are bad enough without being hindered by the Berlin wall building Luddite-ish blinkered Brexit's who cannot see further than the end of the week. Boris's haircut renders him unable to see beyond the end of his nose.

When, far into the future, the World is a Federation under a single flag. There'll be no one to fall out with?

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Stu. I nearly had second thoughts with this, but why not - memory is a great thing. It reminds me of the old muso joke: what's the similarity between lobster thermidore and a blow job? You can't get either at home. You were right about the instrumentation by the way: the pink flute.

Phil: congratulations on POTW first off ! Wonderful and moving (and David's offering). Thanks for the appreciation. I put my all into this, in a manner of speaking. I offer my envy to all who may be thus engaged.

Ray

Comment is about MADE TO MEASURE, MADE FOR PLEASURE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Harry - it's not so much that I wish for the automaton
world, more like I witness it so often - especially in the
manufacture of motor vehicles, with alarmingly life-like
machines doing work that lines of humanity used to do
in other days. It is, depending on one's POV, a mixed
blessing but a logical descendant of the industrial age
this country endured and exported to be adapted by
and enjoyed by emergent economies. Our genius for
invention and creativity across the board, in peace and
in war, has been hugely important to our survival and
prosperity - long may it continue.
All good wishes.

Comment is about `Dat old debil consequence` (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

MC - I always argued before the vote that through all the confusion, the claims and counterclaims, that there was one immutable certainty; that we knew what Stay looks like now but we didn't know what Leave looks like now. Well, we do now!
Lynn - Yes, it seems a curious interpretation of "Great" Britain that risks Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales leaving the UK.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you, Ray! You got it :)

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

Ah, but you did the job in the best possible place, as far as I'm concerned.

And yes, you were a stunning rep, no complaints here! :-)

Comment is about Ode To A Holiday Rep (blog)

Original item by Helen

Well written, John and I enjoyed your take on Massachusetts.

I'm not sure how the "Great" in Britain will equate if Scotland and Northern Ireland leave us.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you for commenting on Tired. I am happy that you enjoyed it. Congratulations on Poem of the Week last week. I didn't get a chance to comment but I enjoyed the piece a lot!

Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Thank you, Lynn! I am glad that you enjoyed it.

Comment is about Tired (blog)

Original item by Alexandra Lorenz

Amazing description... hopefully it was written in celebration?

Comment is about MADE TO MEASURE, MADE FOR PLEASURE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Not much more I can add to previous comments, as I totally agree with them. A very good piece of work and yes, I smiled at the bass catarrh too.

Comment is about "Ben and Tillie" (blog)

Original item by Rick Gammon

Excellent lines, Alexandra, I really enjoyed this poem.

Comment is about Tired (blog)

Original item by Alexandra Lorenz

Thank you so much.. EP... you have expressed it all... and its the greatest closest bond.. to be in danger and risk death with others.. and to survive.. but thats the bit that leaves men broken... not all survive...
Ian and Ray thank you so much. I'm glad you felt it.
David.. my friend... there is no greater praise then that of authenticity. And sadly I have to thank you for that.

Comment is about Betrayed by the hands. (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

Isn't it interesting the way that all empires have fallen. However, even Britain is a mongrel of nationalities and tribes that have invaded, settled, bred and departed, making us what we are!

I'm liking this new genre Preeti!

Comment is about Deluded Fools (blog)

Thanks Stu, I appreciate your comment so much!

Comment is about Time to kill (blog)

Original item by Alexandra Lorenz

Thank you Colin I think I agree about the last verse. I'll have to think about how to change it

Comment is about Tired (blog)

Original item by Alexandra Lorenz

Wotcha Ray - Thanks for sweet feedback - like your work - legend mate :)

Comment is about Diamond Geezer (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

the ongoing inward spiralling gradual descent and never ending collapse of our inglorious empire - time to wallow in the global shadows, take a step out from the limelight and watch from the wings, maybe. Whether we are as deluded as you suggest, well, only time will tell.

'A compelling short poem Preeti !' to quote and steal from Ray.

Comment is about Deluded Fools (blog)

this is excellent

...in the spaces between my toes

...aching melancholy
wanders into my body

...sad songs...chords of the past

if I have a criticism, and it's a minor one, the last verse, to me, reads a little less smoothly than the others. Maybe it's the 'from'.

thanks for posting.

Comment is about Tired (blog)

Original item by Alexandra Lorenz

bloody hell ray. spasms of discontinuous grace. thats brilliant!!!

all of this is fantastic. seedy and sweaty and dripping with filth.

(whats it actually about by the way? i assumed some sort of musical instrument but i could be wrong and you could just be a filthy old man)

Comment is about MADE TO MEASURE, MADE FOR PLEASURE (blog)

Original item by ray pool

The hours are the great cats of this scene

this is such a wonderful line.

i really enjoyed this. its a fine use of metaphor and language. and really, that cat line is amazing.

Comment is about Time to kill (blog)

Original item by Alexandra Lorenz

yes! yes i am. im really glad thats coming through. im dealing with loads of internal strife at the moment and trying to ejaculate (aha) my frustrations and distaste into my work.

Comment is about i loved me but now i'm dead (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Thank you Colin, appreciate it. I think the repeated words do help to reinforce the message sometimes.

Glad you liked this, elPintor. Someone must stand up for the disinherited, and we can all do that if we look with compassion.

Ray

Comment is about TRAPPED IN TIME (blog)

Original item by ray pool

A wonderful piece of work Rick. Like a page torn out of a yellowing past with all the detail that makes it funny, poignant and gut wrenching. A thoroughly compassionate poem. I agree bass catarrh is terrific.

Ray

Comment is about "Ben and Tillie" (blog)

Original item by Rick Gammon

A real smorgasbord of imagery and frustration Stu. Very stylized and hard to get a grip on (apart from the last line of course). Hard hitting and gritty , admirable. Are you on a psycho analysis of your past by any chance?

Ray

Comment is about i loved me but now i'm dead (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Well done with this Tom. Such a difficult trick to pull off and this is fascinating and clever as well as amusing.

Ray

Comment is about Diamond Geezer (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

An intriguing theory of mass karma - one I certainly concur with; fate bites you in the arse when you thought the going is good! I think you are implying that we are being flooded by the fear of being overwhelmed , therefore a motive for brexit.

A compelling short poem Preeti !

Comment is about Deluded Fools (blog)

I really like this piece, sad but raw and authentic.

Comment is about Lustful company (blog)

Original item by Alexandra Lorenz

Out of the chaos might come something worth having, if
we have the bottle to stay the course. The appalling
ignorance of many about the activities and aims of
the EU is startling. Let us recall the words of Jean Monnet - principal architect of this post-war power
grab involving the diminution of nation states.
"Europe's nations should be guided towards the super-state without their people understanding what is
happening. This can be accomplished by successive
steps, each disguised as having an economic purpose,
but which will eventually lead to federation."
When was that ever told to the British who voted for a
trading market - and whose own politicians sought to
collude with the deceit and maintain the pretence?
For what Brit. worth the name would go along with it?
The EU vote said "Out" so let's get on with it and show
the world that we are worth more not less of the
"Great" in Britain.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A very palpable sense of tension, here..

Anyone who has any doubts about the nature of those who choose to serve should take a close look at a bunch of new recruits with their newly shaved heads and their faces--so young. They are forced to find strength and courage they could never understand until a moment it's necessary--in situations they could only imagine.

I was looking at David's comment and it brought to mind a conversation I had with my father when I was still a teenager. I knew even then that even if you couldn't agree with a specific war or military action, there is a great love involved in risking and maybe, ultimately, giving one's life for the men and women around you.

elP

Comment is about Betrayed by the hands. (blog)

Original item by mentalelf. Philk.

M.C.
I delayed this one `cause I heard of some conference that is actually about this perfect universal automated world that you wish for, but can`t trace it (can anyone help?)

However, having experienced the automation surge of the seventies (1200 jobs reduced to 250 in my own factory, and then complete closure I know summit about it.

I worked in the tobacco industry and all the British factories progressively closed and their production is now
transferred to factories overseas. They are still very profitable.

As they tell us, the Car industry survives in Britain only because we are in the E.U... Industry thrives best where
affordable labour (and consumers) exist...usually within a geographical location handy enough not to add excessive
transportation costs...(Ideally the E.U.) A large consumer base means a lower unit charge cost - which supports the viability of exporting (which is why the five times more populous E.C. will lick us (and any other country our size) hollow when it comes to exporting competition)

The poem was about a shortage of `fleshed`people (also known as consumers, producers and tax-payers) And we should be aware that - even with half of our children now being born to mothers who themselves were born overseas-we have not yet reached the stage of keeping
up the numbers of the above.

E.C. I respect you and your poetry very much. But I think that our beloved and proudly historical Britain will be slowly and inevitably lessened by what you advocate. (We
forget that they too have proud histories)

Comment is about `Dat old debil consequence` (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

I like this very much, Ray. Even those who haven't overcome circumstances such as these know or know of someone who has--if they've only half a mind to see them.

There's a great amount to be said about going on with living with your humanity and sense of right in tact in spite of the efforts of others to bring you down to their level.

The last verse is like a silent triumph over victimization that works very well.

elP

Comment is about TRAPPED IN TIME (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Harry - your last paragraph seems an apt and very pictorial image for me. The tune will be familiar to anyone under 90! It is the Bee Gees Massachusetts which is where I get the title from Masses Choose It).
John - I fear the pattern will be Brexiters becoming becoming more post-rational (hardened) until, as I replied to Spot, in 5 years time you won't find one.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Greg. Proud to have a poem in this anthology.

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

Original item by Greg Freeman

I loved how you show the lives of this man and woman and your relationship with them in so few words. Especially loved - bass catarrh. Touching and funny. Thank you.

Comment is about "Ben and Tillie" (blog)

Original item by Rick Gammon

A rather ironic conversion that Stu - to a pharmacy. It would be nice to turn back the clock just once to see the glory of all this that has gone. The scenery was made for looking out on of course! Thanks for reading.

Ray

Comment is about CAMBRIAN RAILWAY (blog)

Original item by ray pool

And I champion that 'nonsense' is never without 'no sense', especially from the writer. Who knows what the psyche is really expelling in such silly ideas. And why not? Any survival skills are greatly to be treasured.

Well done, Lynn.

Comment is about The Snurdle-urdle-urdle (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Anything progressive will vanish from Britain, including progressive people.

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

John,
I couldn`t do better than echo Steve`s comments about the verses and the encapsulation, only to add what an apt choice of a `sad`tune also.

You are quite right, the E.U. will want it `quick and clean` What the Tories want (full control over immigration) will be impossible for the E.U. to agree to. So we will exit and (as foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says `slowly slide` down the economic league.

Normally a `form of words` would be found which would fake the impression that it was being controlled while it went on as usual. But I fear that (given the job needs of the other twenty or so owners of vetoes) that this will be out of the question.

The ship of state is going down as a (slender) majority of the crew sing `Land of Hope and Glory` while the rags of the Labour party sink in a battered dinghy singing the `Red Flag`...What a bloody carry on !

Comment is about THE MASSES CHOOSE IT (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I think the repetition of some of the words works well in this piece Ray.

Comment is about TRAPPED IN TIME (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Nice way of exploring personality traits. You certainly have a point but I don't think you can generalise to all "sensitive" people. We all share a little bit of sensitivity (hopefully).
I do like the line " brewing like an abandoned teabag" & " they don't have an off switch". Maybe they do, they just haven't been shown where it is.
PS I didn't read the title and think "No they don't".

Comment is about Sensitive People Have Faulty Thinking (blog)

Original item by Peter Knaggs

Thank you both. We explore all ways of getting out of situations. Now that I've thought about it and wrote it down, I can explore alternatives.

Comment is about If I Died (blog)

Original item by Chrissy R.

Thanks so much, Ray. Those are very kind words.

elP

Comment is about extended stay (blog)

Original item by nunya

great stuff this ray. i lived very close to the cambrian railway, or rather a dead and dying station turned into a pharmacy which is, of course, the nature of the beast as you so poignantly put it.

Comment is about CAMBRIAN RAILWAY (blog)

Original item by ray pool