i love this. It rings of bondage and robbon dance but to me sounds like a nevada work camp. I fucking love what it made me see. I want more! time to sift through your blog!!!
Comment is about static (blog)
Original item by Rachel Bond
Hi Michelle, welcome to WOL, just been reading a few of your poems, good stuff, you will have to treat us to a rendition at WOL!
Anyway, keep up the good work, thanks for reading 'It doesn't sit right' have to have a good rant now and again! :-)
Comment is about Michelle (poet profile)
Original item by Michelle
<Deleted User> (14241)
Fri 31st Jul 2015 23:50
If only I wasn't thousands of miles away.......
Comment is about The joy of slam: sign up to be a superhero in Commonword contest (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks for all the comments I guess the nature of these things are very complex and aren't going to be put to bed tonight. It may have been a mistake to address so many points without giving enough time to each. I guess the overarching message was towards bettering how our society works. Night all
Comment is about Hunting (Game and Witch) (blog)
Original item by Matthew John Rutter
This is a really interesting poem Stu with almost a feel of the Wicker Man , primeval in its feel. I think we need to approach mother nature with a large begging bowl at this stage of our "civilization." Some very nice use of words.
Comment is about you reap what you sow (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
f a c t a l e r t...f a c t a l e r t...f a c t a l e r t...
The lion was killed not murdered.
If the lion was called 'Robert Mugabe'
I doubt that there would be as much objection.
As it was it was named after an English gangster.
And while the 'world weeps' for a lion, millions of Zimbabweans live in abject poverty.
All trophy hunting should be banned.
Dentist's shouldn't be able to afford such luxuries as trophy hunting.
Comment is about Hunting (Game and Witch) (blog)
Original item by Matthew John Rutter
<Deleted User> (13762)
Fri 31st Jul 2015 20:18
Hello Matthew, my apologies if my previous comment came across as slightly terse - perhaps 'rant' wasn't the best word to use.
Animal welfare in all its guises is such an emotive issue that, in my opinion, it doesn't help to lump them all together under a rainbow umbrella that aims to solve all the problems with one magic pill. It simply will never happen.
I actually agree with a lot of your points but at the end of the day it is a criticism on people for not believing in your point of view wholeheartedly. Sadly change often only comes about when one headline grabbing event happens that draws a particular problem to the world's attention. Let's hope that this is the positive outcome and legacy for Cecil's death.
As Graham pointed out, 'your piece covers so much ground it doesn't scratch the surface of any of it.' Using Nazis, Jews and immigrants as reference points in a discussion about animal welfare is perhaps not helpful.
(I've been called various names today for no good reason so maybe next time I'll just keep my trap shut!)
That said, I did go on to read your previous entry titled 'On the universe, thinking and string theory' which I quite liked and, yes, I think would read great as a poem or in a more poetic form.
Don't let me or anyone else put you off posting what you want to write in whatever form you choose - but I reserve the right to comment if I feel so inclined!
All the best.
Comment is about Hunting (Game and Witch) (blog)
Original item by Matthew John Rutter
very true. from dust we came and to dust we shall return as it were. this came from the tail end of a very interesting (if somewhat pretentious) film called the fountain by a very interesting (if somewhat pretentious) chap called darren aronofsky. spoiler free summation - hugh jackman ends up with flowers growing through his body as a metaphor for eternal life/rebirth. its a good film if a little saccharine and touches on several important philosophical points.
Comment is about you reap what you sow (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Stu, whenever I see weeds growing through a concrete slab I am in no doubt where we'll all end up and what will be here long after we've gone.
Comment is about you reap what you sow (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Hey JC,
Just wanted to thank you for your comments on my work. It is nice to know that you enjoy it.
Much appreciated :)
Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)
Original item by John Coopey
An emotive subject in today's muddled climate about
"animal welfare". We owe it to our world to keep the
balance of nature as we alone have the mental attributes
to contribute or destroy beyond that of any other species.
In the wild, unless suitably armed, we would be meat for
any passing predator like a lion blissfully free from any
programming about morality and more interested in meat
for survival. That can be a lesson for humanity: eat only
for survival and, if possible, for the sake of keeping the
balance previously mentioned. In the latter case, I refer
to all species whose actions and proliferation can
threaten the existence of others and put at risk that
essential balance.
Big game hunting has, perhaps, sounded its own death
knell unless it restricts its activities to that balance,
whilst a bigger problem is killing certain species for
their ivory/horns etc. - for reasons that are either
centred on profit or inane belief in erotic enhancement
- or both, originating in less thoughtful and intelligent
lands that paradoxically suffer from over-population.
Back in the day, in Africa, two man-eating lions terrorised those engaged in building a railway and no one
minded when they were eventually disposed of. We need
to find a balance between what is necessary and what
is NOT - especially when our increased global awareness
brings its own reward of knowledge of how to address
and deal with the dangers to our world and its vast variety of inhabitants. We alone have that knowledge
and power. Let us use it responsibly and hope that
the hunting of the lion Cecil marks a turn towards
hunting with a camera rather than lethal weapons when
and wherever the opportunity presents itself.
Comment is about Hunting (Game and Witch) (blog)
Original item by Matthew John Rutter
Cheers Andy
must dash just meeting the barmaids sister down at the pub she says she is looking for a house share we will tell her she has to share everything then we will have a housewarming tonight!
Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)
Original item by Andy N
Sadly Matthew your piece covers so much ground it doesn't scratch the surface of any of it.
Of course you are right who would want to kill a lion, who would want to kill a whale, an elephant, a rhino etc.
Even worse is the fact that young lions are now bred just for the sport of hunting (heard on radio 4 programme) which is doubly deplorable.
Trying to make people feel the same empathy for mass produced, grown for food animals as that of majestic wild ones is a little ludicrous.
Keep to the real tragedy here. A magnificent beast has been needlessly slaughtered by a rich twat! For what!
Comment is about Hunting (Game and Witch) (blog)
Original item by Matthew John Rutter
good stuff seriously thou. nicely paced etc
Comment is about One Suggestion Is All It Took (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
another autobiography piece, Nigel?? lol
i am going to put up my autobiography probably tomorrow.
Comment is about One Suggestion Is All It Took (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
You see them as separate issues, I see them as intrinsically linked under the rainbow of treatment of animals. Its not a criticism of people and it is good people care about game hunting. As for inflicting it upon you here I can only apologize if it doesn't fit within the remit of what can/should be posted. If it was a poem about the subject would that be acceptable?
Comment is about Hunting (Game and Witch) (blog)
Original item by Matthew John Rutter
<Deleted User> (13762)
Fri 31st Jul 2015 10:45
you make many presumptions in your rant - not sure why it's been inflicted on us here btw - and you make the common mistake of mixing arguements - farming and hunting are two different issues and many of us who have expressed dismay on Facebook with Cecil's death have also quietly campaigned for other forms of animal welfare. If nothing else, Cecil's death at the hands of a rich American dentist has made a lot of people aware of trophy hunting, regardless of their views on factory farming. Is that a bad thing?
Comment is about Hunting (Game and Witch) (blog)
Original item by Matthew John Rutter
You caught me, I thought writing under a fake name would work but heaven knows i'm miserable now.
Comment is about Hunting (Game and Witch) (blog)
Original item by Matthew John Rutter
Preeti Sinha
Thu 30th Jul 2015 19:07
Oh Graham! I have not heard of the Searchers but the other guys, yes :o Hope you jived to them! Let me check them out on yt :) If my dad was around, he would have helped some.
.
Comment is about How does it feel (blog)
Sarah has just got back to me there will be a display of all her work at another exhibition at St Mary's in the Autumn.
The Place, Space and Memory exhibition was just put on the website.
Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)
Original item by Stockport WoL
Strip naked
then look
love bites
all over
bronze suntanned
tender flesh
your wait
has ended.
Comment is about Katy Megan (poet profile)
Original item by Katy Megan
Preeti, to my undying shame there were two songs that wouldn't leave my head.
Every time that you, walk in the room....The searchers
Mrs Brown you've got a lovely daughter....Herman's Hermits.
Comment is about How does it feel (blog)
Preeti Sinha
Thu 30th Jul 2015 13:13
Harry, that's funny and endearing :0
Thanks David :)
Haha Graham, what did you listen to?
Agreed MC
Thanks Martin
It's only when poets take themselves too seriously does it rankle. Greatness speaks for itself: when you try too hard you come across as desperate.
Comment is about How does it feel (blog)
I like the simple enjoyment of these lines - so easily
placed alongside my own from days at the coast. The
rhyming may be slightly loose but the overall feeling is
- like the pleasures it portrays - rather satisfying.
Comment is about See Sea (blog)
Original item by Ste J Bee
:)
Believe it or not, I think there are over 1200 words and expressions - only about 120 here.
Could be a challenging one to learn and recite.
Comment is about Brahms & Liszt (blog)
Original item by David Lindsay
<Deleted User> (13947)
Wed 29th Jul 2015 23:40
I can really identify with this Stu. I need to atleast have a pen with me. I'll write on scraps of paper if need be but I need a pen. Nicely done!
Comment is about notes (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Hit the nail on the head Preeti. I often feel completely ludicrous as does my poetry. I once had a discussion with a guy who owns a bookshop in Hay on wye to whom I stated that I sometimes think that the only people who like poetry are other poets. But that doesn't mean we understand it any more than anyone else.
Comment is about How does it feel (blog)
Hi M.C
Thanks for your comments on going with the flow. Yes you are right it does refer to Manchester. Although not a native Mancunian the North west has become my adopted home. But I feel that this journey can be quite familiar to any number of people commuting in any conurbation. I have memories of being carried up the escalator by the crowds at Victoria station in London in the rush hour many years ago.
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Thanks for the comment JC.
This began as material for a song lyric but it seemed to
change into poetic form before my eyes even as I wrote it.
Comment is about LOVE SONG (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Your narrative takes the reader along with you - seeing
and experiencing the various vignettes of a commuter's
travels. This is exhilarating stuff!
I assume the "Piccadilly" shown links these lines to
Manchester - a city unknown to me as a Londoner with
knowledge of another Piccadilly.
Comment is about Going with the flow (blog)
Original item by Martin Elder
An unusual subject for poetry. I relished the neat lines
"Preparations to increase virility
unguents to ease facility"
In short -
"Shall I compare thee to an Ann Summers' day?"
Comment is about SEX SHOP (blog)
Original item by ray pool
An extraordinary - and extraordinarily entertaining and
word-informative - essay into the appellations connected
with the effects of alcohol. I have certainly found a
number previously unknown to me and as a beer-drinker
of yesteryear (and occasionally nowadays) their
discovery delights me.
Comment is about Brahms & Liszt (blog)
Original item by David Lindsay
Thanks for the informative reply. I do recall that Poland
was one such source. I don't begrudge less blessed
economies making money where they can and improving
their lot but it would irk me to hear that our "heritage"
trains are driven by foreign coal when we have our own!
Comment is about WHEN COAL WAS KING (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
All the more effective for being so simple, MC.
Comment is about LOVE SONG (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
this is absolutely fantastic. you had me hooked from the cheeky boston reference.
Comment is about Little Man, Big Heart (blog)
Original item by Attila the Stockbroker
Balance is all Stu!
On any particular day out walking with my wife we can be a) optimistic about the life we see in this big melting pot called Milton Keynes or we can be b) totally disillusioned that some people can shit anything up if they are a mind to.
It takes me minutes to get out into fields for a good deep breath. Personally I think we all suffer from world conflict fatigue.
Comment is about seen but not heard (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Hi Cynthia,
I can't thank you enough for your comments on 'The Has-Been Poet' and indeed others that you have commented on.
I was blown away by what you said and it means more to me than it probably should.
Perhaps my work is not current enough for some readers but I am drawn to formal stuff and I want to write it in a modern way, knowing only too well that not all will like it.
The fact that you do makes me more than pleased.
Thanks again x
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
The coal industry has indeed been in private hands, MC, for almost 20 years, with most deep mines being bought by RJ Budge (now UK Coal).
The market is still there-coal still provides the majority source of electricity generation but the coal is almost all imported. I assume revenue costs of production in such an unpredictable process as mining are prohibitive for private investors, compared to countries where they can just scoop it out the ground.
Comment is about WHEN COAL WAS KING (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
An interesting position is taken in these lines though
I'm not sure, for example, that WOL criticism I read is directed at the author of a poem as much as towards
what is written and the understanding (or
misunderstanding!) of its meaning or intent.
Posting poetry need not allow responses on WOL.
But if allowed, is reassuring praise to be valued over
constructive comment - as distinct from "gruesome hatred" and other worthless attacks, of course? Confidence in carefully crafted work must be its own reward for the simple reason that aiming to please
can never be the sole purpose of a poet with
something to say.
You can only do your best. Let that suffice and be
content.
Good luck!
Comment is about Silence (blog)
Original item by Honestlyfrank
If poetry means anything to the reader then let its author
be content.
Comment is about How does it feel (blog)
I like to think that poetry serves varied purposes: to
entertain/please and/or challenge via its form and subject matter, and to stimulate thought and opinion on the
last mentioned according to perceived worth.
But that's a personal POV of course. Right - off my soap
box.
Comment is about seen but not heard (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
JC - a well-engineered recollection/CV of your past
associations with that industry. Betjeman might have
written something similar. In a purely personal vein -
I've always been intrigued by the absence of any interest
from "the private sector". The country has seen a huge
development of privately run railways...thanks to the
enterprise and spirit of dogged enthusiasts. Where do they
get the coal to power their numerous forays for pleasure
across the country? Where is the prospect of a mutually
beneficial business arrangement between what remains of
the coal industry and UK "steam"?
Comment is about WHEN COAL WAS KING (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
hi dan not seen you in a while, cheers for the comments on workers unite. it was meant to be a song, as my singing voice isnt up to much it became a poem....the cowards way out!!
cheers again daz
Comment is about Daniel Dwyran (poet profile)
Original item by Daniel Dwyran
hi dan not seen you in a while, cheers for the comments on workers unite. it was meant to be a song, as my singing voice isnt up to much it became a poem....the cowards way out!!
cheers again daz
Comment is about Daniel Dwyran (poet profile)
Original item by Daniel Dwyran
I've been waiting for some time now and the vampire still hasn't arrived!
Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)
Original item by Nigel Astell
Its quite the truth, that a lot of people still do not know him.
His works really spoke, and inspired people to think differently. In a way that brings people closer to nature.
I am glad, that you have shared your thoughts.
Best Regards.
Comment is about Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, you will be missed! (blog)
Original item by Jojomon
Corr Lens
Sat 1st Aug 2015 11:10
i hope this includes me.
Ludicrous
Comment is about How does it feel (blog)