Fabulous - not sure why. Why do you say 'yet...'?

Comment is about Vertices iv (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Your iconic 'eye' is a master stroke. It could be male or female. I'm still uncertain whether it is famed by fabric or long leaves; the texture suggests 'plant' wrapped about a human face. Either way, the picture is mind-startling. I was glad to see it again.

I remember the famous photo of the green-eyed girl from Afghanistan, Time magazine cover, years ago.

Comment is about David Blake (poet profile)

Original item by David Blake

Nice poem, but it feels more like a song. very good it creates a really warm atmosphere.

Comment is about sleepnow and movecloser (blog)

thank you for your comments..please do read some more :) ill have a look at yours x

Comment is about Corr Lens (poet profile)

Original item by Corr Lens

Looking at the terrible warlike-ness of that guy hanging
on the cross there reminds of of some poet or other who once said that we were all sentenced to Life, but that God commuted it to death.

Comment is about QUI ES IN CAELIS (...who art in Heaven...) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

It's a 'Mab Mab' World at July's Write Angle!

The air in the room above the pub was a bit heavy but it didn't stop the audience and open mikers from welcoming guest Performance Poet, Mab Jones with the smiles and applause she deserves, ('4 hours on the train - I felt like a burnt sausage').

All in all, it was a highly successful evening. Mab, winner of two poetry arts awards (£20,000 + £5000) was right on target with her poetry -..Into feminism, she did a 'Page 3 poem', 'Yesterday when I was walking, I saw a pair of 'tits'. Not birds flying but a newspaper, opened to that page, following as she continued walking. Some male disagreement was heard, and laughter- Mab handled it well. It's easy to be comfortable with her. She is a 'natural' at holding an audience and being 'herself'.

Her voice is soft and lilting but there's an inner strength that comes through - she's always ready to interact with the audience, and share her insights and much of herself. ''I'm reading poems I've hardly read before. Aren't you lucky'. (yes, I felt we were)! They had a freshness and vitality. A poem about a potato 'who wished it was more beautiful'. Poems about how it is to not feel pretty, and 'Dream Woman', Also, The Weed', about the perfect woman made of flowers. She spoke of how, after many failing relationships, she's now truly in love. (even though she's a bit heavy and far from perfect', he adores her).

She did some Welsh poems, exploring the language and idiomatic expressions – again sharing with those in the audience who understood. You don't need to be perfect – just be who you are. was her theme! There was a Sonnet about a building in Cardiff and did we know that Cardiff was once the Ashes capital of the World.

'Meet Me in Bridgend', and a true story of a mouse in her kitchen (she didn't want) that popped out of her toaster. 'The Man Who Loved a Goat Too Much', but it was consensual - 4 legs good, 2 legs bad...she fantasied the idea that one day, all species and races will marry...in Wales. Her humour comes through –along with her concern for how women are treated, and should be. But her ideas of femininity,although strong, do not overwhelm but are handled in a fun and positive way! So much more but never enough! Write Angle already awaits her next visit!

Following, open miker Bruce Parry played a lovely song 'Ashton Farewell' on his hammer dulcimer, then told of his mother's doll collection, discovered, after she died (for the kids to play with). It contained dolls (from the '70s) with big eyes and big heads. Bruce demonstrated- by pulling a cord, it changed her eyes and mouth. Only one problem. They were marketed by Parry toys but withdrawn from the market, because they frightened the kids! However, now on Ebay, they're selling for £650 ea. Some worth over £1000. Inspired by this, Bruce then read 'The Doll with the changing eyes, followed by Possessions', 'The mountain's my castle'...the stars are my magic...(a talented poet). Then, 'Rhine Cruise', a 9 day journey with friends through Switzerland, Germany, including hundreds of locks, all together – knowing they wouldn't meet again till the next year.

Janet Turner, from The New Forest, had written a poetry book, proceeds of which all go to 'Jacks Place', a hospice for teenagers – She read several poems from the book. 'Poppies Bow Their Heads', 'Grandfather's Bench' and ''A Phony Farewell'.

Barry Smith carried on with the atrocities of July 7th, caused by terrorists, on the underground and bus. He explored not just the awful things but the mundane things. 'last farewells of companionships', a stop at MacDonalds for a solitary last supper before catching the first bus home'. Another atrocity, 'The last Jew in Vinnitsa'. inspired by a photograph which survived. 'There is a pistol at his head and there is another man with a camera'.. Barry put the point that what isn't said is often more important than what is. His last, 'Current Affairs', about 9/11, when he was called by his wife and told about it as he was on the beach on the Isle of Wight. That beach, with its rocky surface came alive! Another wonderful poet.

Graham Sims, (aka Daryl Revko) from Cheltenham, did a comedy routine with the audience thinking it was poetry - there was a burst of laughter and applause when he finally announced, 'it's really funny doing comedy when you don't get a laugh!' ...a 'natural' at the mike. Martin Myers, new to WA, of Irish and Pakistani background, when asked where his family originated, said 'if you ask people where they're from, you don't get an answer. You get a conversation'. He read 'Adam/Elspeth, 'Elspeth/Adam', an interesting poem of conversation in the office 'It's always so quiet in the office these days. Almost as if we've been cast adrift' . Much applause followed.

Audi Maserati followed with his ukulele performing from his new opera - about the ocean, there before the land. Full of mysteries. He played the first and second movements. 'Jelly fish are beautiful'...Sea Horses...(all good fun) – followed by 'Reggae Love Song'. (I wish I was a jelly fish). A talented performer we're lucky to have with us.

Jezz announced, 'Happy Christmas everybody' , following with his skill, talent and charismatic personality, making it hard not to feel emotional, hum or tap along. a cowboy song, played with his 'home-made' guitar and a harmonica. David Roberts, a Woody Allen fan, did 'Interiors', about the 'dark of the mind'. 'Shadows and Fog', 'We live in a world of shadows and fog'. Then, 'Bananas' – about exotic living – enough bananas, pina coladas. Are we all bananas'. Tim Dawes, read a sonnet. 'Northey Airwaves' Then, 'Reflections on Age and Death again' , (not a happy poem), 'a single bare tree in a bare meadow' 'to bring on the black of night'. 'Falling body or failing mind'...'Please god, take not Shakespeare from me'.

Jeananne Naumcymk, long time away from the mic, did a poem about mundane days - but nights are 'risqué'. (Dreams etc), then. 'Past Loves'. Remembering relationships...finally ending with the one meant to be! (husband no 3). Then, a poem about a pigeon. Her cat finally 'handled the situation, Scott Charlesworth, new open miker, did 'Don't forget the Women' and 'Britain', cynical poems about the state of the country!

The two free meals for 'Nagshead', Chichester – were won by Graham Sims, who won it the last time he came from Cheltenham to Write Angle. (It was not fixed, honest injun!)

A good evening for all, with a variation of themes and a big Thank You, Mab, for joining us and making it very special!

Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 21 Jul 2015 (event)

Hi Cynthia Thanks for lovely coment on my Bruegel poem. It's a piece that has caused me endless problems over the years. I've been trying to sort it out for a new selection of my poems. The version here has had radical surgery, but after the comment of some of my poetry friends I am moving back closer to the original which has 4 X 6 line stanzas, but still hopefully sorting out some bits that weren't quite right. I'm glad that you like it. I often worry that it is the kind of thing that doesn't have much appeal these days!

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

People write for all sorts of reasons. Good you have found yours.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

This is great. You are not smug and you don't try too hard. The result is a damned fine read, subtle enough and not slave to any style

Comment is about Tom (blog)

Original item by Corr Lens

Why would he do that? I would love him, your friend

Comment is about dont post a poem (blog)

Original item by Corr Lens

Wow. Way to go. This is stunning.

Comment is about Singing Too Loud (blog)

Original item by Corr Lens

Corr, thanks so much for reading and your comments on my work on the lack of rain. I have been reading with alarm California's drought like conditions and Nestlé's attempts to privatize water. I love your comments, narcissistically, because they're so like mine ;)

Comment is about Corr Lens (poet profile)

Original item by Corr Lens

Thanks Graham :) The bodily parts just happened, tumbled through :0

Final smile? It's almost a smirk, mission accomplished kind of. Not smug tho. Hate smug.

Comment is about hurt (blog)

its the wife's favourite as well! it'll get re-aired this monday at voicebox in wrexham as i'm going to perform it (complete with shite french accent)

Comment is about maize (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

challenge accepted!
in fact, wait two minutes and you can have it.

Comment is about I (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Romans eh! what have they ever done for us?

Comment is about "Oh you are a mucky kid" (blog)

Original item by Tommy Carroll

Thank you Harry. Fascinating memories.

Comment is about CILLA (blog)

Original item by David Subacchi

Hello Steve,
I think I am a Methodist. That's when I went to Sunday School as a nipper.
Now I am more of a Fallen Angel. God awaits me muttering under his breath, "I can't wait to meet YOU".

Comment is about QUI ES IN CAELIS (...who art in Heaven...) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

The smiling is wry I think!
Boobs, balls, tits, you've even mentioned a prick(liness) well done for this very short, caustic, rant.
The final smile is self-satisfying.

Graham

Comment is about hurt (blog)

Good read, Lynn.

Comment is about No Answer (blog)

Knock and the door shall be answered unto thee. Tommy

Comment is about No Answer (blog)

War (and history) is indeed a complicated thing, Harry. Enemies become allies and vice versa.
...and if I was on the internet at 3am I wouldn't tell anyone, Tommy!

Comment is about QUI ES IN CAELIS (...who art in Heaven...) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

John I 'ridiculed' him over his political inexactitude and social consequential inaccuracies not the calendar. Anyhow it's 3am and I can't be arsed being more precise. Tommy

Comment is about QUI ES IN CAELIS (...who art in Heaven...) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Could I just point out:

1...that casualties in the two (secular) world wars make all
that religious stuff earlier look like pea-shooter affairs (look up your Wiki statistics)

2...Those ancient civilisations in South America had a very `civilised` habit of skinning people alive and chucking them down some of those high pyramid things. (their ancestors seem to have somehow got themselves a Pope
elected recently)

3...When I befriended Horst (one of the last group of German POW`S in 1948 Egypt we were both Christians.
His compatriots had built a charming Bavarian - style church ( I well remember the Stilla Nacht hymn sung at their last imprisoned Midnight Mass.)

4...I just missed the last Italians (who were a legend at
Tel El Kebir Depot.)

5...If we go into the Middle East they`ll be fighting for Islam. We - I suppose - will be fighting for Capitalism,
With the aid Of Saudi Arabia? or Opposition of Iran...And if the Russians get involved what a merry hotch potch that is going to be!

6...Lads, grow up, wars are complicated things.

Comment is about QUI ES IN CAELIS (...who art in Heaven...) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I'm happy to go along with much of this, Graham; but equally, if someone believes otherwise that's fine by me.

Comment is about QUI ES IN CAELIS (...who art in Heaven...) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A sincere and touching praise one David (I like that Mersey
connection.

From 1952 I spent the first ten years of my married life off
Scotland road at 78 Bostock street (where Cilla used to play as a girl) I never remember her but my only claim to fame since is that I lived a couple of doors away from one of the aunties.

She was a genuine one hundred percent character.

Comment is about CILLA (blog)

Original item by David Subacchi

M.C.,

lovely, humble, and dignified

That girl (real or imagined) should be ashamed of herself

Comment is about MEASURES (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Thanks Ray and David - I really had no idea where I was going with this one so I very much appreciate both your takes on it.

It struck me when I was writing and re-writing that if I changed a word or two then the whole meaning changed in an instant. I don't think I have ever written anything quite like that before and doubt I could have done it deliberately.

At one point it was veering onto the whole illegal immigrant / slave labour / zero contract debate but that was not what I was intending. Again, thanks.

Comment is about I'm here (blog)

Folks,
How encouraging to see some of the old forms used and investigated for modern possibilities.

Particularly the iambic pentameter which suits our language
so well, and which by hurrying up - or slowing - the syllables
between the beats when reading aloud can sound very modern to the present day ear.

Obviously, the free style rules the roost, but I do think that
we should strive continuously to batter it into some sort of rhythmic order.

Comment is about Two Formal Poems (re-posts) (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Lots of powerful text , and a developing and ongoing theme to unravel with a sense of the pain and anguish.
Great stuff !

Comment is about Autobiography (blog)

Original item by Andy N

Intriguing, like a moment that carries potential with possibilities flowing through it. Lovely imagery!

Comment is about Cycles (blog)

Original item by A.M. Clarke

A relevation indeed and I can now see more clearly. I agree with David on this. I think the title is great !

Comment is about £1 (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Hi Stu. I'm an utter novice to this style and it has me intrigued! I'll follow it up . It seems such a scant form and therefore needs a clear mind to make the most of it.
regards Ray

Comment is about 10,000 lux (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

This is a tragic story Colin. Bleak and with a sense of longing and loneliness, as I see it. It typifies so much that is at the heart of society and its limitations at ground level. A fine punchy piece of work. Love it.

Comment is about I'm here (blog)

Religion (all of it) has only ever been about power. Power over ignorance, control over fear. The fear of damnation etc.

With science has come knowledge (for all levels of society) and the religious power brokers have lost much of their control.

Belief can be found in everyone to some extent, even atheists believe in something, if not a religious hereafter, a belief in contentment.

Heaven (a horrible promise) can exist here on earth, in our lifetimes if only we could be content and thick-skinned enough to shun false witnesses.

Comment is about QUI ES IN CAELIS (...who art in Heaven...) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

this is good. I liked it.!!

Comment is about Do you need me? (blog)

Original item by The Dumb Genius

Thoroughly enjoyed these, Cynthia. The site needs more formalised stuff.
The Spenserian Stanza feels more rhythmically satisfying to me. I think it's the final short line of the Sapphic which stops it being put to bed like the Alexandrine does.
As a minor point (I'm contracted to complain about something!) I never enjoy the use of "did" and "does", which always feel to me like spacers.

Comment is about Two Formal Poems (re-posts) (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Elizabethan in style, MC. Your usual high standard.

Comment is about MEASURES (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi Steve,
I remember this now! Must have stuck with me (no plagiarism intended!)
I have written a lot of haiku and tanka but never pursued any other form. I love Japanese poetry though. I'm challenging myself at the moment to write less/mean more. its tough but its enjoyable.

Comment is about 10,000 lux (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Oh dear, how true and sad! Being a musician I have heard some kindred material . May I include a version I heard once?
Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard
to give her doggie a bone.
When she bent over
Rover took over
and gave her a bone of his own.

Comment is about Old Mother Hubbard (blog)

Thanks david,
The condensing of emotion and description into few words is something I like/am not very good at. so i set myself a challenge, to write less than ten words about certain subjects. further results will no doubt be broadcast.

Comment is about £1 (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

I love this Ray but I hate driving behind them - their big white arses blocking the view like white goods on wheels.

I have an auntie and uncle who spend most of their lives exploring Scotland in their caravan - it's the islands this year I believe - completists bagging and ticking boxes before their fuel and savings run out. I often wonder what they are running from until I look at the mess their kids have made of their lives and wonder who's fault is that? - never been there for them.

Cheers.

Comment is about MOTORHOME (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I must admit, Stu, when I wrote that line and read it back to myself, LOTR came to me as well.

Its true that she has a lot of illnesses eating away at her at the moment but I truly believe that she will prevail and one day show her full beauty to all those who appreciate her.

Cheers,

Darren.

Comment is about OH ENGLAND (blog)

Original item by THE PEN AND THE PAGE

She will always be beautiful to me. Thanks so much for your kind words, MC.

Comment is about OH ENGLAND (blog)

Original item by THE PEN AND THE PAGE

cheers cynthia, glad you liked it

Comment is about Performance (notes to my self) (blog)

Original item by dazzer

love the image of trees telling tales with their sighs. reminds me a lot of the ents from l.o.t.r but that's just me...
i have to agree with m.c, its nice to have a bit of appreciation for old blighty. it has a lot of problems, but it also has some fantastic countryside and lovely people. and a belting sense of humour.
i have traveled a lot, and while it was a wonderful experience, i always feel comfortable here. having said that, i do live in a rather spiffy part of the u.k so i have good reason to praise it.

Comment is about OH ENGLAND (blog)

Original item by THE PEN AND THE PAGE

thanks Lynn - your one word, much appreciated. x

Comment is about therapy (blog)

thanks Steve - glad you didn't ask me to explain them!

Comment is about The Lowku Arena (blog)

I'm coming back to you on your comment on Clippie. First of all its very gratifying to receive input from the fair sex, as it is a rarity and nice to know it has not been interpreted from a "feminist" perspective. I have not only the photo, but the paraphernalia that clipped the tickets and the rack! She seemed so fresh faced that time just disappeared in the interim.
Regarding the wider issue of mathematics, I feel it that the esoteric side of it should be more widely acknowledged, as it would humanize the subject and include the more far reaching consequences of a love of form and our utilization of it. There is nothing weird about science, but maybe more research should be done to broaden it out. The future is there to do it, so lets hurry up while we have time!!
The Kabbalah was adopted by the Jewish faith long before Christianity as far as I know. (The tree of life is worth checking out). Regards, Ray.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I have an itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny inkling of Sacred Mathematics of Ancient Civilizations, enough only to be impressed by the thought processes of so long ago, and the relative lack of real progress made since then. There was a U.S. Mathematical Movement to reintroduce some of the ideas, complete with ancient vocabulary. It was worth a look-through, enough to appreciate it, not to master it. Ye Gods! So to speak.

Also, I know of the kabbala? (spelling uncertain). I'm pretty sure it came up in 'Foucault's Pendulum', and I had to search out some info, just for my own satisfaction. I have a lengthy computer printout somewhere, offering a kind of precis. Hardly adequate, but an effort to be a bit knowledgeable. I could be totally wrong about this connection.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool