I was reading up on the WOL piece on the TS Eliot prize, all interesting, and of course Sarah Howe's poetry is certainly worth the read. On the other hand, a comment by barbkay on Katy Evans-Bush's article (see WOL link) seemed pretty balanced, to paraphrase, to the judges: don't tell me how good she looked, give me the work!
Thinking the whole competition thing should probably be avoided, I came across the judge's report from last year's The Interpreter's House prize, the judge, Liz Berry, in judging anonymous entries, declared that she immediately recognised an admired poet's work, so had to be very careful to mark it fairly, along with the two others he submitted, I suppose. This raises questions. Perhaps the organisers felt the wind knocked out of their sails, a bit. Maybe not.
Anyway, it strikes me something's not right with the poetry bake-off. I am beginning to think competitions should generally be avoided. At least, add a pinch of salt when the laurels get shared around.
By the way, I am not including the 2015 Interpreter's House Judge's Report 2015 here. Feedback is the only thing that can be asked of a judge's report, and Liz Berry clearly conducts herself entirely properly in that.
Comment is about Liz Berry to judge Black Country Museum's poetry competition (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear,
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair,
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't fuzzy,
was he?
Comment is about THERE WAS A GIRL (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Thanks again Martin for taking the time to read & comment - always appreciated - us creative types often become 'unglued' I think!! ;-) xx
Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)
Original item by Martin Elder
Thanks Martin - I love the moon but I do seem to be effected by its cycles!! It's the 'lune' in me!
Comment is about Moonshadow (blog)
Original item by Pixievic
I've heard that poem too, Stu. It's a goody and children love silly things - but then we should sometimes be flippant - it's a kind of cleansing.
Here's one I wrote years ago:
turnips are a special kind of plant
they havn't got an uncle or an aunt
they sleep together in all kinds of weather,
they'd like to move around
but they can't.
Comment is about THERE WAS A GIRL (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Sun 24th Jan 2016 12:04
Hi Cynthia, I live just north of Sydney, so Christmas is always a hot time, but I love it, very relaxed, summer holidays for the children etc. A lot of restaurants do 'Christmas in July' which is a great time to enjoy the traditional pudding and food which is all a bit much in the heat. Needless to say, we don't get a white Christmas (or even a white winter in most places) but still sing all the traditional songs anyway. I love the idea of a white Christmas, it looks so pretty, but I'm sure the reality of the cold would be quite a shock to my system :)
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
reminds me of a poem i read my daughter.
'As i was walking down the stair,
I met a man who wasn't there,
He wasn't there again today,
Oh how I wish he'd go away'
Witty and brief!
Comment is about THERE WAS A GIRL (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Like it a lot David ' A word to the wise ' sums it all up, the poem flows well, almost twisting and turning as it goes. Fab
Comment is about On Ambition (blog)
Original item by David Blake
I love the line 'Whispering shells' fantastic you are so good at dropping in these killer lines in your poems.
Comment is about The Pusher (blog)
Original item by Andy N
This is lovely Vicky both in it's simplicity but also paints a wonderful picture with such few words. I love 'pending thoughts unglued' I am with you there
Comment is about Moonshadow (blog)
Original item by Pixievic
Thanks Ray , this is one of these rare occasions when I just woke up one morning recently and was inspired to put these lines down.
Comment is about You and I (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Thanks Ray I count this as a real compliment. Dylan Thomas is my poetry hero
Comment is about Smoke room (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
A Winter walk down by the canal
just does not appeal to me anymore
after reading such a superb poetic tale.
Comment is about The Pusher (blog)
Original item by Andy N
Now there's a thought Wolfie!
Life with a twist of lemon but I'm not bitter...
Thanks . I left A out of the title, gulp, now rectified.
Ray
Comment is about THERE WAS A GIRL (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Fantastic news. Can't think of anyone better for the job. Good luck!
Comment is about Stepping up to the mic: Steve Pottinger is Write Out Loud's new chief executive (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
...and she looks, upwards, watching?
Comment is about Suzanne Iuppa (poet profile)
Original item by Suzanne Iuppa
Cheers Martin. Insightful I'm sure. Tommy x
Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)
Original item by Martin Elder
compelling and powerful in its simplicity, Martin.
A sentiment perfectly expressed.
Ray
Comment is about You and I (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Just caught up with this Martin. Fantastic detail and completely frozen in another time (which I well remember). My grandfather was a frequenter of Battersea boozers and used a Tommy lighter well before the war. This has the rolling quality of Dylan Thomas in full flow.
Ray
Comment is about Smoke room (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
many thanks Martin. I'm happiest when describing things and those words have a certain gravitas to go with the graveyard.
Ray
Comment is about HIGHGATE CEMETERY 2006 (blog)
Original item by ray pool
she deserves it for tame alone. the whole collection is really interesting and tame is just stunning. people like to argue though i suppose. maybe private eye should boycott the oscars.
Comment is about First the cheers, now the arguments over TS Eliot Prize winner (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I love the richness of your description in this poem Ray
'Remote mausoleums, museums
of the everlasting soul
sarcophagi in regency rows'
fabulous
Comment is about HIGHGATE CEMETERY 2006 (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Thank you both so much R and Andy. I really was in two minds whether to post this or not.
Bless you
Comment is about You and I (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Congratulations and good luck Steve
Comment is about Stepping up to the mic: Steve Pottinger is Write Out Loud's new chief executive (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Fantastic news :)
Comment is about Stepping up to the mic: Steve Pottinger is Write Out Loud's new chief executive (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
And I can't think of a better person to do it. Am honoured to call Steve a mate, and it's gonna be exciting working with him on all future WOL adventures! :)
Comment is about Stepping up to the mic: Steve Pottinger is Write Out Loud's new chief executive (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
leah
Fri 22nd Jan 2016 16:45
Justin came Just in Time to 'Save the Day'!
As some of you may have noticed in our forthcoming news, Adnan al-Sayegh was due to guest perform but he'd double-booked a poetry tour in Paris and Egypt and we were in a bit of a conundrum till Speech Painter suggested Justin' and we're pleased he agreed to do it.
Justin Coe, a favourite with poets, 'brought in' a carload of poets from Bournemouth's 'Poetry on the Spot' including Bob Hill and Carrie Carrie (who'd just seen him at the 451 and was keen to see him again).
No way to describe Justin Coe, except as someone who bursts on the stage with instant energy and charisma. He knows how to connect with the audience; a fabulous performer who teaches kids poetry, as well as being father of three. The audience was totally responsive, as his theatrics went from serious to profound to humour. Starting with 'Pretend you're at the Royal Court... ' he did both parts of a poetical two-hander, called 'The Village Jesus', (every lesson he taught was like the sermon on the Mount) and, 'If someone steals your crisps, give them all your crisps' .. 'keep your pride inside'.
Justin saw 'Werzel' as someone worthy to follow and described his school days from adolescence up through puberty when 'a single pubic hair marked he was normal'; he then discovered boys. A love affair between inquisitive youths leading him into all kinds of problems, including telling his parents. The word 'Gay' became his word! The more he rebelled, the louder it sounded. He finally became its defender but, still, his curiosity led him to ..how to 'do it' and Werzel was sent in to teach. So many questions...all had answers. There's no way to describe the physicality of Justin's ability to express his anger at repressions and his excitement discovering new thinsg. Werzel was his hero until Justin asked a single question that got the wrong answer. He then understood, 'The only Jesus that believes in me is the Jesus of the Gays'.
He spoke of his childhood in Deal, the summer job he had – (it didn't last long). 'The only thing that's true in life is death'...He played guitar with the audience singing - even mimicking the teacher of a dyslexic class (from his book). The audience also 'pushed' as his first child was being born. The description and poetry that went with it, were real and 'touching', it would have been hard not to relate. Much of his poetry dealt with childhood issues. It worked. Of his many concerns; 'One day, there'll be no homeless on the street'.
We couldn't have asked for a more successful evening. He proved a hit with a full and very enthusiastic audience. And our new premises, 'Folly Upstairs' is a huge success. 'Great room. 'Perfect for a poetry and music evening!' - constantly being said ... for which we thank Jerry, Gavin, Johny and Chloe for the room and even helping set it up!
Following, Bob Hill did a tribute to David Bowie as did several others. 'I don't know where I'm going but I know it's better than this'...he recited of times in history, persecution of peoples, 'that needed to fail'. He talked of hearing the adage, 'If a child lifts his father, his scrotum will blindfold him' and told of a time he, his father and son got together – of knowing when men needed to know when to step aside, and let their sons move in. How each generation takes over the previous but only when it's the right time. David Roberts did a tribute to David Bowie as well ('Starman') and a poetical summary of 'The Purple Rose of Cairo', 'Manhattan' (the place for falling in love) and 'Vicky, Christina, Barcelona'. Richard Hawtree's poem was based on the oldest surviving medieval Welsh lullaby, 'Dinagads', an account of battles in the old North, the 7th century text known after its protaganists (worth a listen to the youtube).
Carrie Carrie, first timer, did 'On the Bus' based on two passengers together but with a barrier between – 'we occupy different spaces'. Colin Evesleigh who teaches about mindfulness, read about 'Just a Thought' and then continued with thoughts of overthinking...'The passing moment..is this all it is. If you want to be mindful, you need practice…'. Lynn Fornieles, an architect and artist, inspired by a piece of charcoal pencil, wrote 'Mark on the Wall', creating a lovely visual experience of the charcoal, embers...fresh wood..everyone around the fire. Stories being told.
Phyllida added some new songs to her repertoire on the harmonica including 'Life is just a ball'. Damien O'Vitch, who recently had his poem in the 'Hammer & Tongues finals at Albert Hall, performed a very angry poem, 'Prayer' for some 'young blokes he saw in a takeaway' saying 'the world doesn't revolve around you', 'we've only just met, yet, . you show this car crash of your personality'. Then, 'Warm Public Love', where 'cheeks against yours is an embrace'….ending with 'please wash your hands'.
Bruce Parry played a lovely Irish tune, 'Ineshea' on his hammer dulcimer and followed with a poem about 'Charity Shop Ghosts' – describing each item having its own life..wanting 'to be seen again. To be wanted again'...finally ending up tidying all the vinyl records (a labour of love, m'thinks') as he sees the shops as museums. Jilly Funnell, guitarist and songwriter did 'I need Words', about finding words that come from her gut. Then, the clever 'Jeremy, Jeremy' (name rings a bell) 'Your beard hasn't tickled me once this week' and 'I'm labour till I die', then 'pick up the phone. Get permission to call me from Ken Livingstone.' Finally, a song for Richard Digance, next December's WA guest performer, 'I'm not Ginger Rogers. You're not Fred Astaire. Still we just might pull it off'.
Audi Maserati did the Salvadore Dali, from his dada notebook – 'want to feel the buzz of being alive', and other poems, 'The Piano and the Peach' as well as 'Afternoon tea', when Aristotle and Billy the Kid were discussing nuclear fusion and Buffalo Bill came in through the window. 'Timing is everything'. Together, they 'sorted out the world'. All good fun! Chris Sangster, having spent 'the longest day of his life', with Jackie - babysitting - ended the evening with his ukelele and two songs, ''Sweet Dreams', and 'Goodbye Love' which speaks for itself. Also a poem, 'Quest', about adventuring across the sea creating an empire. A good beginning for an ending!
The raffle for the wonderful, exotic 'Lemon Grass' restaurant was won by a newcomer – a great prize. We hope she enjoys it. (it's one of our favourites).
It was certainly a full and eclectic evening with people standing at the bar, sitting on chairs or relaxing on sofas. Roars of laughter were the keynote for the evening and, hopefully, inspiration came through for those who haven't yet got up to the mike – and for those who did!
My apologies for any mistakes I may have made. It was a good start for to new year!
Review is about WRITE ANGLE POETRY & MUSIC +OPEN MIC on 19 Jan 2016 (event)
tender and lovely, martin.
i know something you should submit this.
if i forget to let you know. email me or text next few days.
andy n
Comment is about You and I (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Cheers adam
Comment is about Time wasted, time wasted, time wasted me (blog)
Original item by David R Mellor
Thanks Colin . Nice that it struck a personal chord - it can all get overwhelming !
Thanks Wolfie for putting this into a perspective. A deeper meaning can often be revealed with such a simple experience . It says a lot that Buck House can be appreciated openly but the other property is a symbol of the repression of secrecy . Semtex, anyone? I was attracted by the atmosphere pure and simple!
Ray
Comment is about HIGHGATE CEMETERY 2006 (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Hello Kelly,
Re: samples, usually members just post one poem on their sample page (which can be changed occasionally of course) to give a flavour of your work. The blog section is for new efforts and/or commenting and the discussion forum for having a say in current conversations or starting your own.
I hope you settle in well,
Graham
Comment is about Kelly Dark (poet profile)
Original item by Kelly Dark
<Deleted User> (13947)
Fri 22nd Jan 2016 02:18
Martin, this is absolutely beautiful. To have a love endure and still give you those smiles...that is special. Thank you for sharing. I have truly enjoyed it. :)
Comment is about You and I (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
The clarity in this! Phew! No need for a dozen interpretations here.
Comment is about Time wasted, time wasted, time wasted me (blog)
Original item by David R Mellor
If I get any lip from Our Gert I give her a smack in the mouth. (Don't tell her I said that!)
Comment is about A Wonderful Opportunity (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
John,
I had one like that, when she said it was Thursday, it was Thursday!...(no matter what day it was)
Comment is about A Wonderful Opportunity (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
<Deleted User> (13762)
Thu 21st Jan 2016 21:33
thanks for reminding me I should go visit Highgate Cemetery one day Ray. I once spent an hour or so searching for Jim Morrison's grave in Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris many years ago. Wonderful places. I found him eventually but didn't leave a cigarette - He seemed to have a plentiful enough supply at the time.
Always enjoy reading your poems. Hope you are well.
Comment is about HIGHGATE CEMETERY 2006 (blog)
Original item by ray pool
<Deleted User> (13762)
Thu 21st Jan 2016 21:23
the words blow through the lines and whisper to us in a beautiful way
Comment is about Monsoon winds (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Hello Stu. Thank you for stopping by and reading my work. I'm grateful for the complimentary comment that you left. All the best. Emer
Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)
Original item by Stuart Buck
That's great Chris - point him in the direction of my blog for more on the subject.
Rob
Comment is about On The Edge (blog)
Original item by Chris Briggs
Very very nicely put Tommy. It is indeed a tapestry of words.
Comment is about Monsoon winds (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
A really good sense of the weather beaten , battled weary ,particularly like the way the poem tails off at the end.
Nice one Ian
Comment is about I Am The Scarecrow (blog)
Original item by Ian Whiteley
Rob, I don't mind any advice at all, it's always good to get another viewpoint on work and actually now that I have looked at it through your eyes, i understand exactly what you mean. I am going to edit it now. Thanks.
Comment is about Male Bonding (blog)
Original item by Chris Briggs
Thanks Rob, the poems not from my own perspective, I listened to a friend of mine talk one day about how depression started out as a speck of dust and how it takes over. He came through it but lives with the spectre that the speck of dust is lurking there ready to grow, I said I would write and share this for him.
Comment is about On The Edge (blog)
Original item by Chris Briggs
Robert, what a great idea! I will have to work on it and see if I can turn it into a song!
Comment is about Stay (blog)
Original item by Tiffany
Many thanks Stu. Much appreciated.
Comment is about THE REFUGE OF BEAUTY (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Tiffany - I can imagine this as a soul or R&B song. It does evoke a feeling of a woman pouring her heart out at the recent loss of her man. You should break it down into verses and add a chorus and you'd have a hit.
Rob
Comment is about Stay (blog)
Original item by Tiffany
Shirley-Anne Kennedy
Sun 24th Jan 2016 15:20
Verse off is 7:30pm not 7pm. Look forward to seeing you there :)
Comment is about Write Out Loud Middleton at the Ring O' Bells tonight (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman