I should add, hastily, that I was the sole purchaser only because Cathy had brought just two books along for her reading and none to sell; not because of any lack of interest in purchase by other audience members. Buy these books if you get chance. They are truly superb.
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Otherwise typically excellent this, it is a poor review that neglects one of its major contributors, first-up guest poet Greg Freeman, with his assured delivery and wonderfully evocative, beautifully understated poems, particularly the one telling of his father's time on the death railway contrasting with his pre-war quiet job as a railwayman.
A great guest spot, Greg. You were, almost literally, on fire.
I agree about the overall standard of poetry, too. I felt particularly privileged both to hear Cathy Benson's magnificent poems, and have the privilege of being the sole purchaser of her books, complete with her handwritten notes therein. I read the books heading West over the Atlantic, and was transported back to my own childhood. A great evening in a great venue with some great poets.
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks all for commenting. For broadening the context David ! Gossamer does suggest a slightly sexual element , but to no " a veil ". Haha.
Comment is about DANSE MACABRE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Perhaps you were protected by the religious nature of the flapjack Stu. It seems rather strange that the idea of an allergy should be suggested before the experience of it. Which comes first, the chicken or the nut? I grew up with rationing, and in those days no allergies ever mentioned. (old fart).
Comment is about nut (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Reminds me of Philip Larkin's famous lines about what
your mum and dad do to you!
(They don't mean to but they do).
Comment is about nut (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
The fear of words that marks such brutality only makes
us understand the primitive desperation for "control" that
drives these deeds.
Comment is about Syrian poet opposed to president is killed by Islamic State extremists (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I recall the "Scotsman" some time ago when the single
track from Paignton to Kingswear was honoured with
its mighty presence.
These lines can only have been written by someone who
knows what it is to be a "steam buff".
"The haunting call of a steam train's whistle
Is written on the wind like an epistle".
Comment is about 60103 (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Haha :D Nice one :D
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks for feedback - It goes with the territory. Just don't drink and drive lol. I had a couple of Guinness yesterday.
Sláinte mhaith !
Comment is about Irish and Proud (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
Whenever you might think you are really pushing the boundaries with a poem, that you're writing something incredibly inflammatory, and then read that our fellow poets are being murdered for theirs...it brings you to your knees. I have no words to express the tumult of emotions that these killings create in me.
Comment is about Syrian poet opposed to president is killed by Islamic State extremists (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I call it God's own country, too, Laura!
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
What a lovely review Greg. It's left me with a warm feeling has that :)
Glad you enjoyed the North, or God's Own Country, as I like to call it ;)
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Fri 18th Mar 2016 10:04
a brilliant 'bare bones' type poem.Thank you.Jemima.
Comment is about crawl back in (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Fri 18th Mar 2016 09:58
phew! she had a close call Ray.Thank you.Jemima.
Comment is about DANSE MACABRE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
love this ray. like a nursery rhyme gone sour. and you used the word gossamer, which is by far the best word ever. excellent.
Comment is about DANSE MACABRE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Fri 18th Mar 2016 09:37
OzoomBoozoomSquzoom
Fri 18th Mar 2016 05:02
Interesting take. She-She is beautifully poised to take on the world.
Comment is about Women lie (blog)
Original item by kimafia Jones
<Deleted User> (13762)
Thu 17th Mar 2016 22:48
kinda starts off on a Bob Dylan note and twists into a bizarre and dark nursery rhyme - great stuff Ray
Comment is about DANSE MACABRE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
A great eulogy on a very personal level and readily understood in all its humour and poignancy. An enjoyable read Jon. It contains the whole span of your life and is quite moving.
Comment is about Her star (blog)
Original item by Jon Darby
Hello there, Sheridan! - great to see you again! - do let me know when you are planning to bring your camera, so I can put on some makeup and make myself look half-decent! (no, Nigel, not 'indecent!!! - too late for that!!!) - Seriously, Sheridan, really lovely to see you again!
D
X
Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)
Original item by Stockport WoL
Shenelle Dujon
Thu 17th Mar 2016 17:55
Shenelle Dujon
Thu 17th Mar 2016 17:55
With regard to where, in the political spectrum, the preponderance of utterances of outraged virtue originates, I couldn't possibly comment.
Comment is about ENLIGHTENMENT SENSE (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
jan oskar hansen
Thu 17th Mar 2016 10:15
for the new generation, the holocaust appears as ancient history and no matter how much we ram it down their throats it is for them still boring
Comment is about Lucky: Graham Buchan, Lapwing Press (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Some writing is a pleasure to read. I can only say thank you.
Comment is about Her star (blog)
Original item by Jon Darby
ingenious....lovely use of words mate.nice one.
Comment is about Magical Boy (blog)
Original item by Richard Alfred
great poem...moving...the broccoli references are ace as is the s.a.d. light with a broken bulb.
Comment is about Winter (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
This was set as a challenge, to write something for a poetry club using star as the inspiration. Before very long, the memories of my Mum came flooding back and i came up with this. She was so unassuming yet played a massive part in my life.
Comment is about Her star (blog)
Original item by Jon Darby
Thanks martin. I am glad you enjoyed it. Will I be seeing you in Manchester for UTF's 'Verse Case Scenario' in August? Its in the same place I believe.
Comment is about Winter (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Hey Demi...many thanks for your comment...i really appreciate it...i like your samples...are you gonna post some stuff too...very thoughtful and interesting
Comment is about Demi Samanthe (poet profile)
Original item by Demi Samanthe
Thanks Jemima. I was thinking that it's a natural desire for crowds to gather with the focal point a sort of worship, as they become easily influenced eg pop concerts and of course religious ceremonies, sports arenas etc A rather deep subject this time!
Ray x
Comment is about THE CROWDS FORMED (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Steve Smythe
Wed 16th Mar 2016 19:34
Saw Winston perform at Sale's Waterside Arts Centre in Greater Manchester, on March 15th. His set was very engaging and great fun. Thanks.
Comment is about Through a glass, darkly: Winston Plowes finds poetry in an emptied pint of beer (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Heady stuff. But that's where it begins and ends, after all
- in the head.
A pressure-cooker portrayal of female eroticism...as I see it.
Comment is about Riversong (blog)
Original item by Pixievic
Wed 16th Mar 2016 09:55
"a death wish and a resurrection" ressurection..? maybe,but only according to the diluted views of the "blind" eh Ray? Another great poem.Thank you.Jemima.
Comment is about THE CROWDS FORMED (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Many thanks for your note on Inappropriate, Cynthia :) Glad you liked it.
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Haha thank you Mr C - is that a good or a bad thing?!! ;)) xx
Comment is about Riversong (blog)
Original item by Pixievic
I really like this, Tom. I could almost hear the evening moving from friendly chatter to silence. Well written!
Comment is about Balcony Porto Cristo (blog)
Original item by Tom Harding
Movement seems to vie with sexual allusion for prominence here Vic, but that would be stating the obvious - so I did. :-)
Comment is about Riversong (blog)
Original item by Pixievic
Very interesting and arresting poem Tom. I'm curious at the last two lines which must provide a key to the questioning mind. A nice touch to have the analogy of the divers..
Ray
Comment is about Swallows (blog)
Original item by Tom Harding
'quite right both..... entrenchment can mean sticking one's head over the top with the obvious risks. Vive la differences (or should that be les differences). Moderation and compromise doesn't necessarily mean capitulation.
Ray
Comment is about ENLIGHTENMENT SENSE (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
I must say how much I enjoyed this as a tribute to our four legged friends. Such a nice rhythm to the piece and quite touching as the integrity of the horse is maintained although in reduced circumstances.
Ray
Comment is about The retiree (blog)
Original item by Leo
Quite, MC.
I find it enlightening that many of the comments I post on Facebook are reviled by fellow leftie chums because I am not as unconditional in my views. Many of my pals seem uncomfortable embracing diversity of opinion.
Comment is about ENLIGHTENMENT SENSE (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
This is my blog piece which Andy picked up on in the first place: https://angelatopping.wordpress.com/2015/08/12/applauding-between-poems/
Comment is about Applause or the sound of silence - should you clap between poems? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
A neat "lead" towards the final "oh right" realisation in the pay-off.
Imaginative and enjoyable. From my own part-ownership
of a racehorse in the past, they are cared for by their
owners and given a proper paddock retirement if their
temperament is suited to it. I recall my own shared
ownership found a retirement afterlife as a "hack" for an
appreciative owner.
Comment is about The retiree (blog)
Original item by Leo
Hi Sheridan
good idea please bring your camera along on the next meet.
it was great to see you and your poem was well put together and read out in a true poetic voice.
Comment is about Sheridan (poet profile)
Original item by Sheridan
<Deleted User> (6895)
Fri 18th Mar 2016 16:35
jeez! we aint gotta put up with you again have we?
'working class kid'
blah
blah
blah
'middle class accent?
bollox!
get back to the Boars Head in Middleton
where yer belong
(doing a fucking brill job)
well it sounds brill when we're pissed (alcoholically)
P&S
Comment is about A voice said (blog)
Original item by Paul Blackburn