my first girlfriend was from bridlington! what a shit hole.
Comment is about A RIDE ON THE FOOTPLATE OF LORD NELSON (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Thanks Stu. Out of my territory I'm afraid, but that line has a great vista for the enthusiast! I used to gig in Bridlington , I think that was the terminus. Great. Steam trains make a great brush stroke on the canvas, as Turner realised!
Mark , your comment deserves some attention! Actually, your guess was nearly right; the Schools ran mainly out east to Ramsgate and I think Hastings before electrification. Much admired by the footplate men. The Lord Nelson were reckoned to be underpowered - though obviously iconic and just as romantic with those names!
What a thrill to be where you were - repressed power bursting out. How lucky we were - I watched the same locos at West Drayton at high speed. A joy.
Comment is about A RIDE ON THE FOOTPLATE OF LORD NELSON (blog)
Original item by ray pool
lovely memories here ray. some of my favourite childhood moments are aboard steam trains. pickering in yorkshire was my favourite haunt, which also boasts an astonishingly fine second hand book shop.
Comment is about A RIDE ON THE FOOTPLATE OF LORD NELSON (blog)
Original item by ray pool
If the reaction of the "Son of God" to the priests in the temple is any guide then today's impertinent posers in
the name of the Almighty would have merited a similar
reaction. Religion has - like politics - always been about "control" - the primary reason why the two were at
odds so often in history here in the West. The way in
which Islam forces infants to recite endlessly from their
chosen holy book is the most obvious indication of how
fearful and rigid is the framework for that religion.
The report that Saudi Arabia's money is behind the
proliferation of mosques here in the UK poses its own
questions. Why is Islam apparently determined to spread its message through the often vilified "West",
home of the "unbelievers". Is there more to this than
an escape from fundamentalist strictures?
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
You mean you haven't got your picture up in the loft, JC?
Comment is about TRIG'S BROOM (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
You have to be a southern lad for that particular loco name
to ring a bell. Was is a "Schools" class, Ray?
My own memories include living beside the main London-
Bristol GWR line at Box and as a 12 year old lad being able
to climb unsupervised to the rickety "halt" platforms just
west of the famous Box Tunnel and watch the far end
pin-point of light suddenly darken and know that in a
matter of seconds an express would roar out of the nearest
end and thunder past me - mere feet away - unhindered by health and safety and all the rest of modern cotton-wool cossetting.
Comment is about A RIDE ON THE FOOTPLATE OF LORD NELSON (blog)
Original item by ray pool
A great response Harry. Says it all. I mean you have to wonder why so many Muslims have left their countries of origin in the first place, to com and live here in the West - because of dictator type doctrines that take away civil freedoms. You can't blame for them for wanting to settle in the West and peacefully prosper and live their lives.
It is all down to interpretation and how ambiguous that could be.
Personally, I believe that GOD is an alien. That's just my interpretation, but I don't force that on others with a fear of death.
I just don't get religion - it's a form of slavery in a way. Having to pray several times a day. Did God really want that from his people?
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I bet you got that little bit of wind in your eye didn't you Ray?
Isn't it wonderful how these lovely old beasts conjure up clear memories. I can smell the coal!
I took my two oldest grandsons to see Bitterne (a Gresley streamline class) when it raced through here a couple of years ago. Their faces were incredulous!
Comment is about A RIDE ON THE FOOTPLATE OF LORD NELSON (blog)
Original item by ray pool
<Deleted User> (14707)
Mon 23rd Nov 2015 13:27
nice to known this..
Review is about Pemberton Pens on 18 Nov 2015 (event)
My hallucinatory drug these days, Graham, is Night Nurse.
THFC - Dare to Believe.
Comment is about TRIG'S BROOM (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
You've ben on those little pills again haven't you JC?
On a more serious note, working on the seven year renewal principle, shouldn't we have won the cup and league a bot more often??
Comment is about TRIG'S BROOM (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I write them down but I barely share them with ppl
Comment is about love is like the ocean (blog)
Original item by michelle hatten
Ashraf`s situation is due to what we would call an extreme
form of theocratic Islamism.
As a guy said on Sunday Morning Live last week, the issue
facing Islam is the interpretation of the Koran.
The media coverage has rather enhanced the alarm effect
of the recent jihad terrorism and this talk about a different
kind of internal terrorist `war` makes me wonder about:
1...The various - and unresolved - `Arab Springs`.
2...The establishment of a possibly rallying `Caliphite`.
3...The historic example of the amazingly rapid military
spread of Islam in the sixth and seventh centuries.
4...The (apparently?) opposite attitudes of Iran and Saudi
to the `theological` situation of ISIS.
5...Ukraine and the probable `rickerty` nature of any
combined U.S. European, and Russian action against ISIS.
6...The ambiguity of some Moslem interpretation Of the
Jihad type sections of the Koran.
And wonder which branch of Koran interpretation commands
authority among the `silent majority` of the Moslems who
dwell among us in Britain.
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
cripes! That's damned clever and guides the mind well. I might try that myself - if so I will indicate that as an intention. Never too old to learn.
Ray
Comment is about shadow (a tanka horror story) (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
a masterstroke of Spielberg proportions - did you "see" that mountain as well?! I love "our entrance fee was fear". Youth is a wonderful thing - you don't want to lose the sense of wonder.
Very nostalgic for me Stu.
Comment is about The Beverley Westwood UFO Adventure Club (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Thanks for your recent comment on my own page.
"Let us listen so that others might speak,
Let us speak so that others might listen."
.........................................................
And long may it be so.
Good luck.
Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Confiscate all properties and investments, the rich
saudi's hold in this country.
What the royal saudi's get up to behind closed doors, would under the rules of islam. more than likely earn any one else the death penalty
And I refuse to dignify them or their rotten country with capitol letters
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Even medieval lands had their places of sanctuary against
a harsh and cruel world beyond. Long may these exist
for our sanity and safety today. But I'd prefer a cup of Earl Grey, myself. :-))
Comment is about Savour the Fall (blog)
Original item by J F Keane
JC makes powerful points in this context. Autocratic power
fears and cannot abide wilful and arbitrary challenge that
unsettles/undermines its authority.
David Addington - you are thinking of Idi Amin, the "butcher
of Kampala". I had a copy of a hilarious "p...-take" in
book form of that grotesque by the then editor of the
famous "Punch" magazine...putting side-splitting words
into Amin's mouth - as if it was his diary. In Uganda, it
would have undoubtedly warranted the death penalty!!
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Some very valid points made about the wider human condition in pleasing effective rhyme form.
To a degree we may all be "immigrants" but fall outside
the definition once qualified by a measure of time which
defines degrees of origin, descent and contributions -
passwords to the vital communal meaning of citizenship.
The Channel - that moat described by Shakespeare - has
allowed us to survive while setting out to save freedom
for others and - I do not forget - building an empire that
allows us influence even now far beyond our size.
The advent of global media has allowed the television
to enter the meanest homes across the planet and now,
despite what we have achieved and since given up, it
seems our northern shores are now targeted by those
for whom/by whom we are to be lectured on our "obligation" to offer them places to live far removed
from their own ethnic, social and religious ways of life.
It makes no sense - and is thereby, nonsense in the
literal meaning of the word.
Comment is about Bordering On The Rediculous (blog)
Original item by Ian Gant
these short but powerful verses are becoming your thing. i love them. they are lyrical and dark. im thinking berlin era lou reed.
Comment is about Bone Marrow (blog)
thanks ray! a tanka is five lines with a strict syllabic count.
5,7,5,7,7
its tough but rewarding!
Comment is about shadow (a tanka horror story) (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Unquestionably the former, John.
Poetry is so impotent in liberal democracies precisely because any silly bugger can and does say what they like.
The Arts can be so powerful in autocratic regimes because they can't.
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Really menacing this one Stu. A flip side of parental responsibility , a primeval fear I imagine. This five line format is reminiscent of the five/four musical rhythm which disrupts the comfort of the four line form. Think "Take Five" Dave Brubeck as an example. It gives some impetus and is quite unsettling in a way. Is this the Tanka form? A really strong offering !!
Comment is about shadow (a tanka horror story) (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
It is interesting how the ruling regimes in many other countries seem to have such interest in what poets, writers and artists say/do. Is such creative oppression reflective of authoritarian values or rather the relative impotence/insignificance of the arts in western countries?
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I've limited a previous reply to support Mankind's
actions against harmful effects on the world's climate
yet not lose sight of the natural climactic changes
being wrought by Nature in the context of the long
existence of this planet, with making them public - in
the context of "how and why" in this reported process
of change - equally vital to our overall understanding
of the Earth and its life support systems.
Comment is about DO YOU BELIEVE? (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
I see this as a sinister "relation" of the modern trend for
medicos to prescribe antibiotics at the drop of a hat,
thereby encouraging "lazy nature" to take the easy option
and render itself more vulnerable to bacterial mutations
that seek to make us their homes - even unto death - as
they find ways of overcoming our physical defences
against infection.
Comment is about Modern Science (blog)
Original item by Harry O`N eill
I really like this poem. I love Autumn too. Very symbolic Ian.
If you get chance have a listen and view of this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kpW69pL6OI
A song I wrote with a friend where we use the first few verses of Keat's Ode to Autumn and then our own imagery after.
I get what you mean about how Autumn is like an afterglow of our lives before the metaphorical death of winter and uncertainty of our lives.
Comment is about A Song For Autumn (blog)
Original item by Ian Gant
and back to the poetry as the world, sadly ticks on and we are here to write about it - the human condition...
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Stu, thank you for your lovely comment. I can't lie, I'm a genius. But then again, the truth is that I don't actually know how that happened. The best things come to those who w w w wait though.
My wife thought this poem was stooping low; but I thought humour can redeem most things and also remove their sting. She took a lot of persuading!
Ray
Comment is about SERVICE WITH A SMILE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Simple but lyrical. Love this, best wishes, Steve
Comment is about Bone Marrow (blog)
ray. first off, let me say how much i enjoyed the fact you posted two blank pages before this called 'ser' and 'ser'. i believe it was a mistake but if you say it out loud, it sounds like arkwright from 'open all hours'. he was always giving 'ser...ser...service with a smile'. that is a quite brilliant error. or perhaps it was intentional, in which case you are some kind of genius.
secondly, the poem is jaunty and well written. strong rhyming as well. especially functions/injunctions. thats inspired!
Comment is about SERVICE WITH A SMILE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Lynn Hamilton
Sat 21st Nov 2015 18:39
Thanks for all your comments on this one. Much appreciated. xxx
Comment is about I Nearly Need (blog)
This sort of barbaric mindset reminds me of the lines in
a famous Oscar-winning David Lean epic - placed in
the mouth of TE Lawrence when he confronted Sherif Ali
after the latter shot another Arab at a life-giving well in the desert. His condemnation of the behaviour of Arab peoples ("silly, barbarous and cruel" as I recall) still
seems entirely relevant today in Saudi Arabia.
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Hi Wendy, :-) (With permission M.C.:) "...We must all write things down and leave a thread because if we don't who will listen". Regards Wendy . Indeed Tommy
Comment is about Wendy Higson (poet profile)
Original item by Wendy Higson
With permission M.C.: "...We must all write things down and leave a thread because if we don't who will listen". Regards Wendy . Indeed.
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
I hate to draw uneasy parallels, David, but you could almost suggest your path could be the straight and narrow. You're really the lone warrior, a hero in my book.
Ray
Comment is about THE UNPROTECTED STREET (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Astute observation Ray re 'Taxi' Tommy
Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)
Original item by ray pool
Thank you Ash for your words, to touch is to be touched. Tommy
Comment is about Ash (poet profile)
Original item by Ash
a heartfelt poem, very touching
Comment is about Paris, 13 November 2015 (blog)
Original item by Dorinda MacDowell
People in Syria and Libya a few years ago "flocked together to take out their oppressive leaders", David, and look what happened. It's not as simple as that. But I agree that the west needs to be a lot tougher on Saudi Arabia.
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks so much David. We are exactly in harmony with this theme I know. I read it again today and had to insert a word on the penultimate line! The grand send -off usually escapes the underdog.
always nice to get your response.
cheers Ray
Comment is about THE UNPROTECTED STREET (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Another poem from my new pamphlet, "Speak The Unspeakable: Cool words for an overheating world"
Comment is about No Warning (blog)
Original item by Tim Ellis
Reminds me of Idi Amman (not sure if I spelt that right), who also persecuted poets and artists if they refused to promote the police state of Uganda.
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
It will never happen though, because us humans are just too fucking dumb do anything about it.
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Sick, that's what it is. 2015 and this type of thing is still going on, on Earth. Haven't we learned anything?
The world powers are supposed to be tackling extremism and yet we are allied with Saudi. I think it's time that we all flocked together and took out all oppressive regimes and leaders across the globe to ensure a more positive future for the human race.
I'm only being hypothetical - mouthing off. Not that other people are not thinking the same. It's upsetting to say the least and cruelly misguided.
Comment is about Saudi Arabia sentences Palestinian poet to death after appeal against 800 lashes (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
They call it Subtherapeutic Antibiotic Administration
(Which is just another term for making the farmers richer)
Comment is about Modern Science (blog)
Original item by Harry O`N eill
MC, the increase of ice in the Antarctic is sea ice. The ice sheet on the land is melting, but the meltwater going into the ocean freezes more easily than seawater, and it is exacerbated by increased cold winds coming from the interior of the continent. This video explains what's happening better than I could https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10154639113640008 The world's climate is an incredibly complex system, so I'd recommend you take note of what climate scientists have to say - they understand it better than the rest of us!
Comment is about DO YOU BELIEVE? (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Thanks Ray, Stu and Laura again for giving it a second reading I am really grateful for all your comments. It is good to get positive feedback from such brilliant poets, as yourselves Patricio and David. After a disappointing week this has made my day. Cheers !
My problem is that I have to resist the temptation to tinker with it any further.
Comment is about Dark (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
Lynn Hamilton
Mon 23rd Nov 2015 19:19
Thanks to you both for reading and taking the time to comment. xx
Comment is about Bone Marrow (blog)