I am really not sure and more than a little concerned about this appointment. I suppose the title phrase "bring things up to date" is part of my disquiet.
If Armitage sees his raison d'etre to be a modernizer he could do more damage than good.
He is obviously a popular choice (the parallel with CAD's appointment as poet laureate does not go unnoticed) and will clearly try to embed the current X-factor profile of performance poetry into the bosom of academia.
The problem I have is with his most likely legacy. In my opinion CAD has done little to justify her (popular) Laureate appointment and SA's smacks of something similar.
Armitage is undoubtedly a talented performer but in the big chair of one of our most prestigious establishments, I fear for his future credibility.
Comment is about Simon Armitage wins Oxford professor of poetry election (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
AWR - Always With Respect.
I meant 'nastiness' as your poetical intent, your 'judgement' on 'judgement'. Huw's comments are always very particular, and reasoned.
Comment is about Judgements (blog)
The subject is good, Preeti, tugging the common heartstrings. I really like your choice of detail and diction to express it.
But, about halfway, in the 'books' imagery, I found the positioning of the ideas awkward, and then consistently so to the end. I got lost trying to figure out how the 'spoon' related to a 'recalcitrant child', even with the comma, which didn't suggest clearly to me a break in thought. I just wonder why you choose to make your ideas a bit difficult to follow with your given line breaks.
And, then, of course, it may be just my problem. I realize this.
Comment is about Missing You (blog)
"And a warm man aft
To block the draught"...hmm
Ps I live off Edge Lane tc
Comment is about Linda Cosgriff (poet profile)
Original item by Linda Cosgriff
The subject is nervy and timely, sharply presented with drama and sympathy. I like the voice of reason trying to take charge, uselessly. You have a great feel for the development of mood, lassoing the feelings of your diverse readers with different details; what doesn't catch one will catch another.
This is very, very sharp in idea and execution. I find that even I sometimes presume that a poem is personal experience (which should be an absolute no-no!). But if you have provoked such a response, be pleased, because you must have written something really well. And hit hard.
Comment is about THE 19TH FLOOR (blog)
David - using the word "mob" in the context, it is defined as a "disorderly crowd of people" and since "disorder"
crosses a range of behaviour - from obscenely vocal to the physically offensive - my own observations place the "SS"
among the more easily inflamed assemblies with
political overtones when lapses into violence become
frequent - and more effectively orchestrated.
More placid causes that provide little opportunity for their
rabble-rousing antics have little attraction for them but
these are outnumbered by the rest that we see on the
streets, especially here in the capital.
Finally "most types of mobs" allowed me some pleasing
alliteration to catch the eye in the opening line. If you
think of it as artistic licence, I won't object.
Comment is about THE SOCIALIST SHIRKERS PARTY (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Apart from the shine of the words themselves, the aura of real intimacy glows. The second stanza is really lovely.
Damned if I know whether anal intercourse is part of this, or not, but probably not. 'violation' could suggest almost anything.
Comment is about Beholden to Behind (blog)
Original item by Katy Megan
Well - I really laughed. A little humour at the expense of fine poetry suits me fine - when it's so obvious, you can just enjoy the fun.
Comment is about That Shallot (blog)
Original item by Dave Carr
I had to come back to this work because I really like it, and just ran out of time before. The subject is superb.
May I suggest culling unimportant words that construct 'prose-like sentences'. You have strong, evocative words here, setting clear images. I would give them full force, impelling your 'scene' forward.
Do you know what I mean?
Comment is about Vaccary Walls (blog)
Original item by Graham Ramsden
Great lines on a largely unknown/ignored scientific situation. Apart from your shared thoughts here, I appreciate the update.
Comment is about Universal Time Co-ordinated: June 30th 2015 (blog)
Original item by Margaret Holbrook
IMO, a splendid poem, creating a believable character, her personal history and life-supporting dreams, in a few well-chosen, polished words. WOW, Mr Young.
Comment is about the education of norma (blog)
Original item by jeremy young
Would that be a regular handshake Ray?
Comment is about UNDUE CEREMONY (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Thanks for your comment, not a head for equation type things, so can't answer, I'm afraid, even though I do find it interesting.
Comment is about Universal Time Co-ordinated: June 30th 2015 (blog)
Original item by Margaret Holbrook
Haha good riddance ;-)
Comment is about This God Forsaken World (blog)
Original item by David R Mellor
Yippee!
Comment is about Simon Armitage wins Oxford professor of poetry election (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Hello,
Thanks for the kind words regarding 'molecules'. Your work is confessional which is hard to write for me (i prefer to keep a distance) so I will follow your progress with a keen eye.
Have a great day!
Comment is about Ash (poet profile)
Original item by Ash
Good morning Ash, what a coincidence! Give me awhile to read them. :-)Tommy
Comment is about Ash (poet profile)
Original item by Ash
Thanks for all your responses to this one. I did cut to the chase, and although I do have a sense of wonder it does not preclude common sense!
Comment is about IT'S FUNNY HOW RELIGION ARRIVES (blog)
Original item by ray pool
<Deleted User> (9882)
Sat 20th Jun 2015 10:20
ditto previous comments.If I hear those wrongly coupled,contradictory words 'Holy war' again-I'll scream.
Thank you.
Rose.x
Comment is about IT'S FUNNY HOW RELIGION ARRIVES (blog)
Original item by ray pool
It has to be said, the racism revealed in his letters, written in the early 70s, is shocking and abhorrent. And he idolised Margaret Thatcher. And yet I love Larkin's poetry.
Comment is about Larkin to get Poets' Corner memorial (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Wow. I was moved by this. Its simple but speaks so loud. Bravo!
Comment is about taxi (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
<Deleted User> (13762)
Sat 20th Jun 2015 08:17
your poem trips off the tongue nicely Ash but stumbles in places and perhaps loses momentum towards the end. I like the shampoo line but I'd split it like this:
'and when you lay your head on my shoulder
all I smell is your coconut shampoo'
and similarly:
'and randomly wake up just to say
are you alright?'
- separation helps to highlight the important words.
I would be tempted to end:
'and you brought me light
I never knew existed'
which leaves the poem slightly open-ended. Just my opinion of course. Good luck.
Comment is about Ash (poet profile)
Original item by Ash
<Deleted User> (13947)
Fri 19th Jun 2015 23:36
I read this a few days ago and it has been repeating itself in my head every since. Mostly the one line in which you described the child's face after your smile. 'Like sunshine dazzling through clouds' How beautiful :) Such a wonderful read.
Comment is about Child in a Stroller (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Indeed Ray, it seems that religion came into being from wonderment and fear then someone noticed an opportunity and the rest is bloody history. Fine post Ray. Tommy
Comment is about IT'S FUNNY HOW RELIGION ARRIVES (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Incredible that such situations exist - "putting the brakes on [ time/mass] = C ... have I heard of this somewhere?
Comment is about Universal Time Co-ordinated: June 30th 2015 (blog)
Original item by Margaret Holbrook
Thanks M.C.for your fulsome comments on 'can poetry lift the spirit', which expressed a very exact commendation on the art; it certainly would not do if everyone had the skill for then there would be no requirement for it I feel.
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
sorry tom its just the way of the world ,thanks for comment
Comment is about The NEW Ten Commandments (blog)
Original item by David R Mellor
Hi Stu, thank for reading the monster poems! In fairness, you look quite young from your avatar, it was Swamp Thing, Godzilla then Dracula but you can have a sticker for trying.
Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Welcome to WOL, Vanna. And you must feel free to express yourself in making comments upon other person's works also. Sharing is a big deal on this site.
Feeling confident enough to accept advice/constructive criticism is a sure sign of a sincere writer. And you never have to take it, just consider it.
Comment is about Vanna (poet profile)
Original item by Vanna
Poetry lifts the spirit when it enables us to see the ordinary
in an extraordinary way, or touches some inner core of
feeling that mundane words cannot reach, or expresses
something for those who lack the means or the moment
to make that leap of imagery and human emotion yet
know the joy of its existence.
Comment is about CAN POETRY LIFT THE SPIRIT (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Hi,
Got them all except the fifth. Not sure about that one, except maybe loch ness monster?
Otherwise I'm hoping its Frankenstein, Mummy, Werewolf, Creature from the Black Lagoon and the last is Dracula. I enjoyed this more than a thirty year old should i think!
Comment is about What Monster? (blog)
Original item by Neil West
In Vanna's piece the last ten lines are reasoning, pure and simple.
Comment is about Facing A Break Down (blog)
Original item by Vanna
Okay Sir,
Thanks
Comment is about Rules of Success ( Kamyabi ke Niyam ) (blog)
Original item by GAURAV JAIN
Thought provoking Vanna!
Whilst I agree that we are, all of us, only an eggshell away from mental failure (to use HT's definition) it is the ability to continue to reason that keeps us balanced on the high wire.
PMA, self-esteem etc are all governed by the ability to reason. The better the reasoning, the calmer the ride.
We do however have to make time to reason, think, meditate etc.
Comment is about Facing A Break Down (blog)
Original item by Vanna
Thank you. Any advice and/or constructive criticism is welcome. I love writing, and some I wrote years ago.
Comment is about Happy Ending (blog)
Original item by Vanna
Sorry Gaurav, I have tried to do it too and did not have success either. I will seek advice.
regards,
Graham
Comment is about Rules of Success ( Kamyabi ke Niyam ) (blog)
Original item by GAURAV JAIN
Sir,
i tried.
but i did not find were is the add poem option.
i m confused how to translate poem.
please help me if u can.
thank u
Comment is about Rules of Success ( Kamyabi ke Niyam ) (blog)
Original item by GAURAV JAIN
Lynn Hamilton
Thu 18th Jun 2015 13:13
I enjoyed the whole but those first four lines are just so.
Comment is about look see here she comes (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
ji haa aakash bhai................ bas thoda bhut likh lete h
Comment is about GAURAV JAIN (poet profile)
Original item by GAURAV JAIN
aakash
Thu 18th Jun 2015 12:27
Bahut khub Gaurav CA ki padhai k sath sath kavita likhne ka b sauk farmate hai kya aap
Comment is about GAURAV JAIN (poet profile)
Original item by GAURAV JAIN
Gaurav, I don't know whether this will interest you but you can perhaps translate this into English to obtain a wider audience.
If you cut and paste you poem into the Translation Wiki under the more title on the homepage, you could give it a try.
Go to Homepage
Click on More
Add poem
submit your name
paste your poem
I have never done it but give it a try
Comment is about Rules of Success ( Kamyabi ke Niyam ) (blog)
Original item by GAURAV JAIN
<Deleted User> (13762)
Thu 18th Jun 2015 06:34
I sometimes wonder if writing poetry is a bit like watching a football match or collecting stamps where the variations are endless - but ultimately the outcomes are much the same - a pointless waste of time to while away our earthly hours.
Comment is about CAN POETRY LIFT THE SPIRIT (blog)
Original item by ray pool
This is great news when a genuine observer and commentator on life is rewarded amongst the "greats" of society who may have garnered their place by judicious placement .
Comment is about Larkin to get Poets' Corner memorial (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Got that wrong didn't I, Corr?
Comment is about DAVE DON'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Interesting observation, Corr. It didn't occur to me to test the theology with empiricism.
Comment is about THE POWER OF PRAYER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
When it appeals to the likes of "Terry and June" it will
surely be gaining ground (for those with memories of a
famous TV couple!).
Comment is about Calling Terry and Julie: poetry bookshop is opening soon near Waterloo (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
M.C. Newberry
Sat 20th Jun 2015 16:40
It is an interesting conumdrum for those who believe in
religion that humanity is given a mind that has evolved
to question its tales from two thousand years ago and
can thus doubt their efficacy except as a crutch for
those in need of it. The purpose of religion has been
the struggle for control of other men's minds and bodies
from a very young easily influenced age. "Once upon
a time" still holds a fascination as people mature (?) -
and even now, in parts of the world, it still affects
the peace and well-being of the human race when logic
and reason are seldom employed in securing a stable and
improving future. My own view?
"Whenever mankind looks to gods
It's likely men will be at odds!"
Comment is about IT'S FUNNY HOW RELIGION ARRIVES (blog)
Original item by ray pool