'I couldn't quite grasp what it was about'. Yep, I'm with you there.
Comment is about Roger Philip Dennis wins National Poetry Competition (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
again Lynn I thank you for your kindness.
I accept your compliment, it means a very great deal to me - namaste or whatever that thing is when you put your hands together and thank you blessings.
and likewise allow me to thank you for expressing it.
Comment is about jeremy young (poet profile)
Original item by jeremy young
Lynn Hamilton
Thu 2nd Apr 2015 23:15
Jeremy. My comments are not out of kindness, it is the way you, in my humble opiniom, lovingly strum the words and form a tune x
Comment is about jeremy young (poet profile)
Original item by jeremy young
thank you Lynn and Lea for your kindness.
Comment is about jeremy young (poet profile)
Original item by jeremy young
Thanks for your thoughts, MC. you don't have to be a religious person to feel the spirituality of the place.
Comment is about LIKE A VERGER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
You have convinced me. This flows along nicely under it's own steam. marvellous.
Comment is about I Used to be Defensive (blog)
Lynn Hamilton
Thu 2nd Apr 2015 16:59
Thank you Mr T Carroll esq for taking a peek and your comment. You have obviously misread me a little by assuming my taste is of such a high quality. Think more warm Skol! Looking forward to having some time read your work. x
Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
I recall an old BBC Radio slot called "Thought For The Day"
- and this would fit that concept to perfection. And
JC's voice puts the listener in direct contact with the
material..."from the heart".
Comment is about LIKE A VERGER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Sterling yes, dollars no.
Comment is about Breasts Gone Wrong (blog)
Original item by Jacqueline Phillips
Lynn Hamilton
Thu 2nd Apr 2015 14:11
Anita - you're here! Fantastic. You were kidding me. xx
Comment is about Anita Connor (poet profile)
Original item by Anita Connor
Lynn Hamilton
Thu 2nd Apr 2015 13:25
Just been reading through some of your work and I have have to say that I find it beautiful. You are a very talented man. Lynn
Comment is about jeremy young (poet profile)
Original item by jeremy young
Thanks for looking in Anita. The last verse came some time after the first two. I couldn’t quite get it right but I'll work on it!
Comment is about The Ballad of a Middle Aged Man (blog)
Original item by Steve Higgins
Hi Greg I knew I wasn't the first to write on the theme of 'Nothing' - Rochester and Thom Gunn to name but two got there before me, but I didn't realise the MP team had got there before me as well. A commendable piece of wisdom very well expresed!
Thanks again for the great night you organized at King's X.
Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Hi Harry Thanks for the interesting comments on my poem 'Nothing'.
Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)
Original item by Harry O`N eill
Thu 2nd Apr 2015 02:52
Thank you so much for taking the time to read 'Passion and Determination.' I really appreciate your comment and I'm so glad you liked it.
Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)
Original item by Harry O`N eill
True
Comment is about The way to learn fuckall (blog)
Peter...Amen.
Comment is about Eternity (blog)
I like this...it is really about cost.
I particularly like the idea of the sown seed `unbounding` into a tree, as a feeling of power in tinyness
Comment is about Passion and Determination (blog)
Original item by Clive
Hello Harry,
Not such an old gimmer are you? recognising the Madonna song?
As for that communion wine - it's 15% ABV!
Thanks for posting.
Comment is about LIKE A VERGER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hello Harry,
Not such an old gimmer are you? recognising the Madonna song?
As for that communion wine - it's 15% ABV!
Thanks for posting.
Comment is about LIKE A VERGER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Read and enjoyed your poem and loved the subject matter! Am new to this site so am not sure how comments are supposed to be made or in what context. So forgive me, I felt the last 3 lines are not quite right! x
Comment is about The Ballad of a Middle Aged Man (blog)
Original item by Steve Higgins
Nat,
twelve defensives...and only one conviction?
You fibber!
Comment is about I Used to be Defensive (blog)
John,
your love of the architectural historic comes through so strongly in this that - the first time you opened those west doors - the angels must have sang:
Just like a verger
Blissed for the very first time.
and don`t forget, some of those monks were ace at turnin`out that fortified wine.
Comment is about LIKE A VERGER (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
That first verse is a bit of a tongue twister! lol I wanna too x
Comment is about I Wanna (blog)
Dear IAL Thanks for kind comment on 'The Ice House'.
Comment is about Clive (poet profile)
Original item by Clive
Oh.
I thought you were being sarcastic. :(
Comment is about Left Behind (blog)
Original item by Zach Dafoe
Preeti Sinha
Wed 1st Apr 2015 09:36
Brando is God ! Love that !
Comment is about Shit brained angel (blog)
Preeti Sinha
Wed 1st Apr 2015 09:34
Perfect ! So, so true :0
Comment is about The way to learn fuckall (blog)
Preeti Sinha
Wed 1st Apr 2015 09:31
I love that you are so openly vulnerable...great writing
Comment is about Don't. (blog)
Johnny Tafulu
Wed 1st Apr 2015 04:40
Its getting old...Conspiracies are set to destroy sell outs honey.
Comment is about moon is shining bright as day (blog)
Original item by jeremy young
Johnny Tafulu
Wed 1st Apr 2015 04:34
Lol thank hun I'm glad you enjoy the kinky appeal.
Comment is about How I Want You (blog)
Original item by UInk
your diction is fantastic.
Comment is about moon is shining bright as day (blog)
Original item by jeremy young
"Spent cartridges of fellow men" absolutely LOVE this line!
Great write :)
Comment is about THIS GALLIPOLI (blog)
Original item by Jacqueline Phillips
Many thanks to Michael for taking such time and trouble with this interview, at a time when he is obviously also preparing for the Easter superjams to celebrate his 80th birthday. Much to my regret, owing to family circumstances I won't be able to get to any of them. But I would certainly aim to be at the 11 June gig at Kensington town hall.
Comment is about The 'Grandfather of Albion' at 80: Write Out Loud interviews Michael Horovitz (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
well done Laura - keep up the good work
Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Ian
I would hazard an educated guess that it is a paid opportunity, as there will almost certainly be gigs on the horizon, unless of course the artist is planning to never play in public, or only intends on playing for free, forever.
So you do believe that a job ad is equally comparable to a poetry competition then? Interesting perspective. As I mentioned - best you contact the organisers involved, if you believe their practices to be discriminatory.
As a long-term member of the Write Out Loud team, it is part of my responsibility to keep an eye out for such things, but thank you for your kind offer.
Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
it depends whether this is a paid opportunity - who knows? If it is someone trying to get a few lads together to form a band - then we've all done it and I would say UK employment law has nothing to do with it.
I would guess that if any females would like to be in his band - that they would be treated fairly when it came to whether they could sing like Bon Scott and Jim Morrison - but that's just a guess.
As for the poetry competitions - there may be more money in it - discrimination, in any form, is still discrimination.
I'll keep an equally wary eye open for any future breeches.
Cheers
Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Ian
Would you agree that a job ad, which is what this is, in essence, should comply with such employment laws as still exist?
Following on from that, do you believe that a job ad is equally comparable to a poetry competition?
Do you not think that such a public site as Write Out Loud should be aware of potential legal implications relating to content on the site, and act accordingly?
Finally, if 'female only' poetry competitions DO discriminate, in your opinion, I suggest you contact the organisers, rather than pull that issue into this particular thread.
Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
leah
Tue 31st Mar 2015 14:43
Write Angle 'Marches' On with AF Harrold as Special
Guest – But Where Was our Usual Crowd
When I apologised to one of our 'seasoned' guest performers a few months ago, that the audience was smaller than usual, (about 20) he said he often performed with audiences of 3 or 4! 'You do the same as if it was a full house! After all, they came to see you. They deserve your best shot!'
Thus, AF Harrold (Ashley), last night's third-time, guest, also faced a smaller crowd than he deserved– as audi maserati said, 'It's too bad. He's a great performer' – however it didn't stop the ginger bearded giant reading and performing some wonderfully clever and imaginative poetry from his collection of books! Laughter was heard throughout from the moment he stood up. And a smaller audience made for an intimate and relaxed evening, allowing for more than usual interaction with the guest, who happily took advantage of the chance to improvise, leading to: 'okay..stop talking, everyone!' ...all in good humour! The audience loved it!
An 'original', with a soft voice (beware sarcasm), AF started with 'My mother always encouraged me to talk to strangers. You never know when one of them might have some sweets.'
He went to a mirror exhibition....didn't see any mirrors but lots of pictures of himself!' He talked of, 'finding a lady bug in jam means it's going to rain. Finding a horse in jam means your luck's gonna change. Dogs are cats in dog suits. Ants can only count to seven'. (Loved the story of the tunnel of love). 'All action happens in the car in front....as his girlfriend pointed out on her mobile phone... from the car in front'....his timing is perfect. Then, onto the meanings of the star signs. Gemini. Shoot one twin through the head. Empathetically linked, both drop dead'...'Pisces. Dining alone. Chokes on a bone'
He makes fun of audiences...'they don't understand my humour'..in a loveable, acceptable way. Talks of his many books. 'Harold', a 'simple ordinary man...who, got a job as a tree surgeon. All went well till his first day! .. He worked on a submarine but on his first tour of duty, he confused periscopes and horoscopes. So thrilled to be a secret agent, he told all his family and friends. On love, Harold wanted to write a diary so he could meet a woman but had nothing to write. Finally he meets one, tells her about his diary. But, thinking he kept a dairy, she was no longer interested when there were no cows, only a diary. – But now, Harold had something to write. 'Today I met a pretty girl but it didn't work out.' On ducks, 'a duck in the hand makes the glove moist; A duck who makes honey is actually a bee; No duck is a quack..a duck in the hand is worth two in the sack..a duck in the pond makes a lot of ducks ponder....his mind quickly travels from one thought to another. AF is a ginger bearded wonder, and a delight to have as a guest!
Maria Hewitt, at the open mic, read poems about depression, 'The Black Hole', 'I like the idea that I'm at the centre of the milky way'. On January's 'The Prophet Mohammed', 'where does that leave God? A very moving poem about her father who nearly died after breaking his pelvis. Chris Sangster, playing that wonderful Appalachian mountain dulcimer, did a poem to rival last month's guest's 'I'm a good screw'. His, I'm an extremely good lover, (thought maybe not so great at other things). Then, a lovely song, 'Sometimes I wonder', on the mandolin. 'What's it all about..then sees the sun...'
Richard Hawtree read of the Isle of Inish-more. Beautifully visual, 'This is the Irish of Doubting Wisemen'. A land of Christian and pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. The ever loved audi maserati – (after a long nature walk) did the poem 'I want the rhythm, I want to feel the buzz of being here..and, from his dada notebook, 'The peach speaking to the piano'...got many laughs. He played 'Mountain Winds' on the mandolin, creating a spiritual sound of wind blowing. 'It's a duet sung by one person', he added. He sang a song about Lancashire, where his roots are. 'I love it because it lets me yodel!' Again, laughter. 'Imagine the moon tumbling into your hand'. (lovely).
Phyllida Carr then played the harmonica, adding to her repertoire of songs, The Irish National Anthem and other familiar songs. It didn't take long for everyone to sing along. Chris' voice shining out! Imogen Thompson spoke of 'suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 40.' Then, a very moving poem about her brother who'd hung himself. 'Take me away from this moment'...very powerful. Then, two love poems. 'Alice', 'Bring light to my embers and let me burn'. Very strong, emotive poetry.
Jezz and Matt then got up singing and playing guitar. A great team, their energy and style brought the end of the evening to a treat of wonderful music starting with 'an Irish style song'-. The very talented Jezz playing on the mandolin he'd made, himself! Quite an achievement!
The Raffle prize was two free Thai meals (all inclusive) at the Hamilton Arms.
If anyone has ideas on how to get the audiences we used to have, please share them with us.
Review is about Petersfield Write Angle Poetry and Music + OPEN MI on 17 Mar 2015 (event)
OK - I wouldn't have felt discriminated by it - better?
Is this the same discrimination that allows for submissions to 'female only' poetry competitions - for example?
Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
What great descriptions. I have read this poem through a few times now and each time I do I find new meanings.
Comment is about long light (03/29/2015) (blog)
Original item by Zach Dafoe
I very much enjoyed this poem Judi - Thanks for sharing it
Comment is about Bed (blog)
Original item by Judi Strega
<Deleted User> (9882)
Tue 31st Mar 2015 09:27
cool! bugs me when anyone advises you to forget the past-
yeah right! x
Comment is about The way to learn fuckall (blog)
It's not about 'being offended' Ian - it's about discriminatory practices.
Comment is about Wanted: 'poet-type' to front new band (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (13516)
Mon 30th Mar 2015 21:38
I wanna too Natalie. Love this x
Comment is about I Wanna (blog)
Trevor Maynard
Fri 3rd Apr 2015 03:10
PRESS RELEASE
THE POETIC BOND IV
ISBN 978-1503034525, available in paperback through
AMAZON and www.thepoeticbond.com
Framed by the poems "How To Love A Woman" (Patrica Pfahl) and "The Scent of Trees" (Belinda Dupret), Trevor Maynard has curated an eclectic anthology of poetry, mostly garnered from social and professional networking. The idea is to capture the zeitgeist, Poetry of The Now, organically grown and nurtured, to explore the human condition, entertain, and educate.
As well as the single poem sections FOREWORD and AFTERWORD; there as QUESTIONS, seven poems seeking answers to love and life; CONSUMED, eight poems jumping off from technology and social structure of modern consumerist society; EARTHLY, nine poem on Nature and Man’s place in/against it; and HUMANE, explorations of the human condition, ten poems of mortality and loss.
Below is a taste of the poetic style and themes in the anthology, which will hopefully give you a good feel for the book as a whole. All clips are copyright the authors and are used by permission. They reproduced from The Poetic Bond IV, edited by Trevor Maynard, and published by Willowdown Books © 2014.
At the Cost of Others’ Eyes © RH Peat
“Film of dust upon your heart
will you kneel in this quagmire
for the scraps the jackal has left behind,
or will you soar like a Snowy Owl
before the sheer mountain's white cliffs
wanting to be those eyes inside the night?”
Daddy, who the moon in half? © Bonnie Roberts
“I lie in my scratchy Mission blanket,
Shiver for the Truth,
Plead, hold out my arms,
Like the Starving Pilgrim.”
Wrangle © Mark Beechill
“Get to work
Stare at a screen
Fudge numbers
Stare at the scars on my hand
Hide in the toilet
Doubt the meaning of existence
Eat lunch
Feel sleepy
Go out
Walk in the woods
See a squirrel
Come back
Stare at the screen
Watch the clock
Think about the cat
Think about girls
Listen to the music in my head
Hide in the toilet again”
Art Show © Rosalind Brenner
“Her body is the war zone.
Her art, the bi-polarity of existence.
Behind her a naked man and woman,
face to face. Walk through the narrow space
between them to the rest of her exhibit.”
Obsidian © Patricia Pfahl
“warriors
many laughing women
showing berry-stained teeth
keep the meat
scrape the hide”
Another Kind of Sunset © Clark Cook
“on the hard wet sand at the frothy edge of the receding tide, a red snapper lies in curved rigid pose, one side half-skeletal…”
Alzheimer Blues I – It’s OK © Diane Jardel
“Oh I’ve put your pyjamas on again
But you are laughing so it’s OK
You have to watch me like a baby
But I know it’s OK when you smile at me.”
What was left © Cigeng Zhang
“Petals fallen
Essence rotten
Where to join
A funeral march”
Clarity © Trevor Maynard
“Every moment so clear, as if it were
Yesterday, or now; we staggered from
Party to party, abject in our failing with
Girls; astonished at our success, with girls
That innocence, growing up together, clarity”
To Set a Big Cry Free © Peter Hagen
“It’s full of
hunted reason”
Editors' Notes
1. FOR A PDF PRESS COPY OF THE POETIC BOND IV, contact Trevor Maynard at poetry@trevormaynard.com on 0 44 7966 079968 or by snail mail at Willowdown Books, 105 Crockford Park Road, Addletone, Surrey, UK, KT15 2LP
2. Trevor Maynard, UK based poet and writer, manager of Poetry, Review and Discuss Group, a major poetry group on LinkedIn. His new poetry collection is KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON (was published November 27 2012). He is also the author of several plays. Further information at http://www.trevormaynard.com
3.The Poets of The POETIC BOND IV (2014) are; Christine Anderes (USA), Mark Beechill (UK), Scott Pendragon Black (USA), Rosalind Brenner (USA) Clark Cook (Canada), Catherine DeWolf (USA), William DiBenedetto (USA), Belinda Dupret (UK), Bonnie J. Flach (US), G A. Franke (USA), Ingrid Gjelsvik (Norway), GK Grieve (UK), Peter Hagen (Norway), Seamus Harrington (Eire), Diane Jardel (Eire), Trevor Maynard (UK), Clare Mikkelsen (USA), Jude Neale (Canada), Hongvan Nguyen (USA), RH Peat (USA), Patricia Pfahl (Canada), Bonnie Roberts (USA), Sayed H. Rohani (Afghanistan), Peter Alan Soron (UK), Cigeng Zhang (China)
Comment is about The Poetic Bond IV.jpg (photo)
Original item by The Poetic Bond