Unusual poem and one I can certainly relate to - probably others on the site too. Poets tend to be highly sensitive and have strong imaginations, and that goes right back to childhood. Poetry's role is often to face up to highly personal truths which people sometimes avoid. Despite that, this is the first poem I can recall reading which touches on the subject of bed-wetting. Well done.
Comment is about Night Scented Stock (blog)
Original item by Ian Whiteley
Powerful. There's a reminder of this reality in every Big Issue - the Missing Persons section is a heartbreaker. Glad your own situation is working out, Thomas.
Comment is about One Million Broken Souls (blog)
Original item by Tj Steele
Yeah, I hear that Isobel. There's a lot of broken homes these days, marriages don't often last long anymore, and that can have a big affect on kids. I can understand the step parent thing too, I didn't get on greatly with my step father. Luckily for me, my partner and my daughter get on like a house on fire.
Comment is about One Million Broken Souls (blog)
Original item by Tj Steele
Enjoyed this nostalgic pastiche, Richard. I too was brought up on penny bangers and thre'p'ny canons. Or, if not a turnip, a tin can with holes punched in it, swung around with irresponsible disregard for health and safety.
I particularly like the image of "stench of charring turnip on the drift".
I'm not as fond of the rhythm of the final line though, which seems to clunk a bit.
Good that you're back.
Comment is about Remembered Hallowe’ens of Childhood (blog)
Original item by C Richard Miles
Rob Barratt
Thu 24th Oct 2013 23:47
Yes, but can he be that hard-up?
John Cooper Clarke’s Flogging Oven Chips
I was watching telly. ITV
When a familiar voice jumped out at me
A Mancunian accent from the past
A cigarette-induced breathless rasp
The name of the poet was on my lips
John Cooper Clarke was flogging oven chips
I couldn’t believe it. I listened again
The sponsor of the sacrilege was Mr McCain
Not the US politician from the Christian right
But the frozen chipped potato man. It gave me a fright
Was it the acid? Too many trips?
No, it was John Cooper Clarke flogging oven chips
The monotone was unmistakeable
The Manchester moan was quite unfakeable
There was no doubt it was JCC
It was one of my heroes talking to me
But it wasn’t quirky questioning quips
John Cooper Clarke was flogging oven chips
It just wasn’t right. It just wasn’t fair
The emaciated man with the coiffured hair
And the irremovable red-lens shades
The machine gun delivered tetchy tirades
I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t get to grips
With John Cooper Clarke flogging oven chips
It wasn’t funny. It wasn’t droll
I reached right over for the remote control
I turned off the set. It was all out of place
And I remembered the monster from outer space
So I picked up one of me thin felt tips
And wrote “John Cooper Clarke’s Flogging Oven Chips”
Comment is about From Chickentown to McCain chips: but does Cooper Clarke's new ad put you off your tea? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Ian,
Thanks for your comment on `Who`
(Just got back -dead beat- from holiday)
Comment is about Ian Whiteley (poet profile)
Original item by Ian Whiteley
Thank you for your kind words, Greg. Glitches due to inexperience have now been ironed out and the edition available on www.dempseyandwindle.co.uk now is bigger and better than ever - and all formatting has been agreed with key writers.
We want to thank the 54 writers who submitted their poems for publication so enthusiastically. It was a privilege to edit the book and I hope to compile a follow-up next year.
And that includes you, Greg - thanks for your support!
We've set up a facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/popupanthology) to help us to prepare earlier in the year for the 2014 Anthology.
Review is about Pop Up Poetry Anthology Launch on 22 Oct 2013 (event)
I'd like to pay tribute to Janice Windle and Donall Dempsey, for establishing the Pop Up Poetry spoken word night that is celebrated in this wonderful book. It's an entertaining, eclectic, democratic mixture of names you've heard of and those you haven't, occasionally wild, often whimsical, which reflects the personality of the event at the Bar Des Arts in Guildford, presided over in flamboyant and inclusive fashion by Donall as compere. The book, with pictures of all the contributors on the back cover, is a delight to dip into. Sorry to hear that one or two glitches have emerged post-production, but these should not be allowed to mar the overall excellence of the product. Did I mention that I have a poem in it? It's an honour to be included.
Review is about Pop Up Poetry Anthology Launch on 22 Oct 2013 (event)
This is a sad one TJ. I think often a lot youngsters move out and on because they can't hack a parent's new partner. Where the blame lies you can't always know. Teenagers can be hard to bring up, much harder for a step partner, I'd imagine. It's very sad when they vanish without trace though. That's can't be an easy thing for any family to live with.
Comment is about One Million Broken Souls (blog)
Original item by Tj Steele
Hi Cynthia. Time spent mulling almost exactly one lifetime. Your diligence in extracting and pondering much appreciated.
Comment is about RIGHT OF THE UNCONCEIVED (blog)
Original item by Barrie Singleton
RE 'Lethal Weapon' (Cynthia) I thought you would KNOW! That makes it all the more dangerous. Your words, honed to a scalpel edge!
That is the lethal Weapon. (:o)
Comment is about Barrie Singleton (poet profile)
Original item by Barrie Singleton
Not been on here for a while but thought I'd post this one after digging it out of the archives to share something seasonal with work colleagues!
Comment is about Remembered Hallowe’ens of Childhood (blog)
Original item by C Richard Miles
thank you Ann mam..i will soon make new blog entry
Comment is about The Train Girl:A Meeting or Coincidence (blog)
Original item by SATYAJIT BEHERA
Good for you for putting your poem on the blogs section. I'm sorry you haven't had any other comments yet. People don't seem to make comments as often as they used to on this site. One way to get to know others on here is to make comments on their poems. Good luck with your writing anyway :)
Comment is about SATYAJIT BEHERA (poet profile)
Original item by SATYAJIT BEHERA
I really like this poem Satyajit. It's heart warming and honest and sweet. Hope you write more soon.
Comment is about The Train Girl:A Meeting or Coincidence (blog)
Original item by SATYAJIT BEHERA
Hi Jim - welcome to WOL. I like your Editor Poem a lot. Hope to see more of your work on here.
Comment is about Jim Pitt (poet profile)
Original item by Jim Pitt
I like it too. I like the image of all the lead burbling out of his heart!
Comment is about It Has To Start Somewhere.... (blog)
Original item by Jim Pitt
Hi Stephen - welcome to WOL. I hope you will enjoy the site :)
Comment is about Stephen Mead (poet profile)
Original item by Stephen Mead
Hi TJ - a very warm welcome to WOl. Hope you are enjoying the site!
Comment is about Tj Steele (poet profile)
Original item by Tj Steele
Hi Cynthia thanks for the kind cooment on the 'rope trick'.
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Excellent writing Dean, enjoyed every word of it, and, for a lot of people in this day and age, it holds very real truths.
Comment is about The Devil's Box (blog)
Original item by Dean Carroll
Thanks, Cynthia. Glad you enjoyed it. I was a bit nervous about tampering with a John Cooper Clarke poem, but when would I ever have a better reason? ;-)
Comment is about Never See A Nipple... (blog)
Original item by steve pottinger
Thank you very much Greg, I am new to all of this and needed a little help.
Comment is about Deadline approaching to enter National Poetry Competition (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Hi Isobel, thank you for the welcome, very kind and very much appreciated. Yes, you did make me smile, and have a little chuckle, but I promise I wont use it as an excuse ;) Hope you like what you read, and thank you again :D
Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)
Original item by Isobel
Hi TJ - thanks for your comment on Touch and Go - I'm glad I managed to raise a smile but hope I give you no excuses for wild behaviour whilst travelling in Spain ;))
Welcome to WOL - I look forward to reading your work!
Comment is about Tj Steele (poet profile)
Original item by Tj Steele
Would that last comment be meant for yourself Cynthia ;?)
Thanks for your comment on Touch and Go - I didn't realise it was just as bad in cold climates - having to wear a leotard - the thought of it - was it a question of touch and stay? I think we are very spoilt in England - there are a lot of gentlemen around - and you don't realise it until you live elsewhere.
Meanwhile, I'm hoping you can make it to the November Tudor, which is 14th November. There's a bed at my house for you and a rumbustious welcome awaiting :) xx
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Greg - I checked Fireball XL5. I even checked afficionado. But I never checked Milliband. I never realised.
MC - As a lifelong Labour voter I have to say that I too was shocked that we'd elected Ed over David.
Comment is about Milliband (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
A very good poem, Simon, and timely. As a symbol, Auschwitz now embodies so many current areas in our world.
Comment is about Forever Let This Place Here Be (blog)
Original item by Simon Austin
Great theme to exercise, Isobel. But not just in Europe. Try the Frozen North, even with layers of clothes! In public transport, leotards were a must. Men are so pathetic in that sexual prison. Laughter was always a swift defuser.
Comment is about Touch and Go (blog)
Original item by Isobel
Thomas, if you click on the blue link that says "More details" at the end of the first paragraph, that should take you to all you need to know.
Comment is about Deadline approaching to enter National Poetry Competition (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I thought that common sense had fled
When the Labour Party chose "Red" Ed.
What drove the brothers from brother Dave
With dazzling smile and regal wave?!
Comment is about Milliband (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Imaginative concept, neatly expressed.
Comment is about By the Book (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
Good one, Dave. Well-expressed. Excellent title. What are the 'naughty bits'?
Comment is about The manikin and the mannequin (blog)
Original item by Dave Bradley
Can anyone tell me how to enter this competition ???
Comment is about Deadline approaching to enter National Poetry Competition (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Well done - fast and funny, accurately spearing a social farce.
Comment is about Never See A Nipple... (blog)
Original item by steve pottinger
Hello! thank you for reading.
Tommy - I was sober when I wrote this and no I didn't use a cut up method. I don't ever use that - these are all my own words and sentences that have been written in the flow of the idea!
Thank you Cynthia! x
Comment is about Vodka (blog)
Original item by Marianne Daniels
Would you kindly explain what you meant by my 'lethal weapon'. I'm really keen to know.
Comment is about Barrie Singleton (poet profile)
Original item by Barrie Singleton
That is strong Cynthia, very powerful words, and I very much enjoyed it.
Comment is about Crash (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
This has much to say and you have obviously spent a lot of mulling over it. The premise is quite interesting, using the 'unconceived' instead of the 'unborn' - it neatly shifts the emphasis.
Comment is about RIGHT OF THE UNCONCEIVED (blog)
Original item by Barrie Singleton
Your poetry fills me with the same wonder that I feel when I look up into the stars - perceptionally close and intellectually distant - a surround of mystery - but soul filling.
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Marianne, this is superb. Talk about acing the use of 'subterfuge'. Such master crafting of word and line to express your ideas.
Comment is about Vodka (blog)
Original item by Marianne Daniels
I found this very entertaining Isobel, it did make me chuckle. Now when I holiday in Italy or Spain, I know to blame the chorizo :)
Comment is about Touch and Go (blog)
Original item by Isobel
HI Ms Daniels :)Is this work written during the effects of drink/drugs? or cut-up? or ...? Tommy
Comment is about Vodka (blog)
Original item by Marianne Daniels
A sub-editor writes: I know you'll say it's poetic licence, John, but it is, of course, Miliband with one 'l'. Unless you're writing about someone completely different! I remember Fireball XL5 with great affection.
Comment is about Milliband (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
What ho, MC!
Glad you liked "Today's Wedding". I see a lot of them (and funerals) as verger at Selby Abbey. I often wonder how they'll turn out - the weddings, that is. (The funerals are more predictable).
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Hello Dave,
I hope you are keeping well.
Thanks for your thoughts on "Today's Wedding". Yes, i suppose the custom of taking the man's name is in decline. That rather reassures me as I have 2 daughters, and unless they choose to stay "Coopeys" I am "The Last of The ...."
Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)
Original item by Dave Bradley
In those days a try was worth 3 points.
Comment is about Rugby Fatboy Blues (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
barrie singleton
Fri 25th Oct 2013 11:29
A feast of primitive glory! That's the Ape Cynthia.
I felt I owed you a visit and a proper ponder. I see the 'Human Condition' is a shared engagement. If only the Ape had never developed that cerebral tinsel, to become The Ape Confused by Language! This poem is as ripe as that carnal brie, but harking back to 'Metaphor', I see one brave reader has offered a 'solution'. My problem is I can't marry title and poem! (:o)
The psychological brutalising of infant, child and mother, by our cultureless, Mammonised, society, weighs on me. I think I might just drive into a 'raped' field and weep myself to dissolution.
Comment is about Lunch with A Banker (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas