Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

Profile image

Chris Co

Wed 11th Sep 2013 09:19

To see more of some of the great musicians that have played at ThePoetry Spoke;

www.wirralpoetry.com/musicians/

Comment is about ThePoetry Spoke September 19th - Poetry Night & Guest (blog)

Original item by Chris Co

Profile image

Ian Whiteley

Tue 10th Sep 2013 18:24

as always MC, we seem to disagree.
I could shoot down (ouch) virtually all your suppositions about this murder - but it would simply be by referencing Vincent Bugliosi's book - so rather than fill space here I really would urge you to have a read of it and see if you remain so sceptical of the lone nutter theory.
Also - the Stephen King book 11-22-63 is a damned good read if you can stand the fictionalisation of events (but, I suppose you already have) - cheap shot :-) once you get started with the similies there's no stopping)
unlike some of our other disagreements of view - I'm not particularly precious about my views on this one - just pointing out a couple of damned good reads
cheers
Ian

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Profile image

Julian (Admin)

Tue 10th Sep 2013 17:22

What a brilliant idea Winston, and well done with the US connection. Come on you lot, you are good at found poetry.

See a poem and pick it up
and all the day you'll have ...

a found poem!

Comment is about Mark this: Winston Plowes judging US magazine's found poetry contest (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Lynn Dye

Tue 10th Sep 2013 16:43

Wow, powerful stuff, Mike, agree with your sentiments, well written as always. Lynn x

Comment is about Headlong (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Profile image

John F Keane

Tue 10th Sep 2013 16:06

I think we need a few more to merit a second book, Andy.

A few possible names for the collage 'poet':

COLLAGE POEM

Glacem Poole
Poole M. Glace
Glacem E. Pool
Glace M. Poole

Comment is about September Collage Poem - The Sun (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Profile image

Andy N

Tue 10th Sep 2013 13:03

good fun John and for once I remember what bit I wrote.

Miss doing these. Will be their be a second book of these poems?

Comment is about September Collage Poem - The Sun (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Profile image

dorinda macdowell

Tue 10th Sep 2013 07:04

WOW!
Thoughts mingle
And blend
We write
And
It
Is
Good................

IT IS GOOD

Comment is about September Collage Poem - The Sun (blog)

Original item by Stockport WoL

<Deleted User> (6895)

Mon 9th Sep 2013 17:46

whhhhatttt!!!ignore a field mouse-never!
wear cotton wool wellies? always!!
awwww,accidents will happen.This comment comes from a so soft hearted Mr Wilde,who once risked his life by dashing out in between gaps in traffic on a bypass with his trusty shovel to lift a dead but beautiful fox off the road so he wouldnt get 'kersplatted' anymore and could be given a decent burial....sniff sniff.Be careful with those big feet Starfish! haha!xx

Comment is about Ode to a Field Mouse (blog)

Original item by Starfish

Profile image

terry ireland

Mon 9th Sep 2013 17:19

Very moving piece.

Comment is about stroke (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Profile image

Ian Whiteley

Mon 9th Sep 2013 17:04

thanks for commenting on 'stroke' starfish - unfortunately a true story which was difficult to get down in words without sounding overly sentimental - hopefully I got the tone about right :-)
cheers
Ian

Comment is about Starfish (poet profile)

Original item by Starfish

Profile image

Ian Whiteley

Mon 9th Sep 2013 16:39

Hey MC
sorry it's been a while me getting back to you - been in sunny Dorset on holiday :-)
interesting stuff regarding the whole JFK 'drama' - must say that I am an avid reader on the whole topic and consider the ultimate 'bible' on the various theories etc to be 'Four Days In November' by Vincent Bugliosi (I highly recommend this as a captivating read - if you haven't read it already)- which basically disproves every crackpot conspiracy theory that anyone may choose to believe (good grief, I even read recently that they are theorising that vice president Johnson set it all up!)anyway - my own take on this - having read the books, seen the videos, listened to the theorists - is that it was, indeed, a lone nutter - and all the rest has been allowed to fester thanks to the ineptitude of the federal and local investigations.
I felt sorrier for the wife and kids - that picture of Kennedy's young son saluting the coffin has got to be one of the most heart-wrenching shots of the whole sad mess.
thanks for commenting - interesting stuff

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Profile image

Nigel Astell

Mon 9th Sep 2013 15:38

The Sun Must Wait

Mirrored cool sunglasses
Extra large T-shirt
Silverfoil baggy shorts
Just hanging loose
Stuck at airport.

Comment is about Write Out Loud at Stockport tonight (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Nigel Astell

Mon 9th Sep 2013 15:16

I like the use of red
with it a soft calm emotion
of a love so strong waiting
still searching the best to come.

Comment is about The Best (blog)

Original item by Katy Megan

Profile image

terry ireland

Mon 9th Sep 2013 14:45

Too true, and nicely said. Loved it

Comment is about Choices (blog)

Original item by Jonnie Falafel

Profile image

Greg Freeman

Sun 8th Sep 2013 19:45

During our chat at the book fair yesterday Clive Birnie of Burning Eye pointed me in the direction of a very interesting blog by Adele Ward, of Ward Wood Publishing, on the economics of publishing poetry. Here's the link to it http://adeleward.blogspot.co.uk/

Comment is about The ups and downs of publishing at the poetry book fair (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Starfish

Sun 8th Sep 2013 18:42

Really enjoyed this...and there's nought wrong with winceyette pyjamas, though flannelette are warmer!
Starfish

Comment is about MARRIAGE BED (blog)

Original item by Rodney Wood

Profile image

Starfish

Sun 8th Sep 2013 18:29

Beautifully and effectively written on a difficult subject. Brilliant.
Starfish

Comment is about The Masterly Strategy of Inactivity (Not In My Name) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

Starfish

Sun 8th Sep 2013 18:23

This is beautifully written and poignant.
Starfish

Comment is about stroke (blog)

Original item by Ian Whiteley

Profile image

Donna Marie Beck

Sun 8th Sep 2013 11:51

Hey Shirley, i'm glad you liked my poem 'Wise Sea'. I wrote it a few days ago when i was on holiday in Spain. There's a part of me that's a bit intimidated by the sea but i have a lot of respect for it. I appreciate your comment.

Comment is about Shirley Smothers (poet profile)

Original item by Shirley Smothers

Profile image

Katy Megan Hughes

Sat 7th Sep 2013 10:18

Not quite sure how to respond to that. I know the poem seems bitter and sad. I think its a situation that is more common than we like to believe and tragic for all parties involved.

Last poem in the collection to be posted next week...then I don't know what to do next!

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Profile image

Pete Slater

Fri 6th Sep 2013 19:48

Thanks Andy appreciate your comments on THE RAIN.

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Profile image

Isobel

Fri 6th Sep 2013 17:23

The head of state is there by birth, not by selection, so I don't see her as a role model. We do have an excellent female poet laureate though - and I've never felt marginalised by men on the performance poetry scene. In fact I've seen plenty of excellent female performers.

If there are less of us, it's possibly down to a lack of confidence in performing or maybe the fact that many of us are occupied elsewhere looking after kids....

I do think subtle discrimination can exist in certain areas - private industry, where a lot of deals and promotions are cut on the golf course...




Comment is about Are female poets subtly 'excluded' by men? Discuss at black and Asian writers conference (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Adrienne Silcock

Fri 6th Sep 2013 17:11

Thanks to you, Greg! Great site!

Comment is about Adrienne Silcock (poet profile)

Original item by Adrienne Silcock

Profile image

Isobel

Fri 6th Sep 2013 17:10

Brilliant poem John - lovely to see that other side - it's there in most of us but not everyone is brave enough to reveal it.

The Holocaust has come to mind a lot for me too. The fact that we never thought it could be repeated without our own active involvement. I do think the waters are a lot muddier in Syria though. You can imagine our intervention being totally unwelcome by a large number of the resident population - and then a huge wavering of opinion from initial supporters when they experience the full impact of foreign intervention.

Better dialogue needs to be achieved with Syria's neighbours - though that is probably wishful thinking on my part. Your poem DOES have a good poke at the empty inanities that get spouted from certain ranks though...

Comment is about The Masterly Strategy of Inactivity (Not In My Name) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Fri 6th Sep 2013 00:51

An emotive sequence of analogies to stir the
conscience. Wish life was that straightforward.
But certainly a challenging item from this source
to remind us of so much fallibility in the human
spirit when faced with the strutting bully and
his eager cohorts, be it across the street or
across a continent.

Comment is about The Masterly Strategy of Inactivity (Not In My Name) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Thu 5th Sep 2013 21:37

Religious poetry is sure to get some comments Joseph. Welcome to WOL.

Comment is about Joseph J. Breunig 3rd (poet profile)

Original item by Joseph J. Breunig 3rd

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Thu 5th Sep 2013 21:35

The other side of John Coopey. Really strong stuff on a difficult subject John. Much respect. I wouldn't have the guts to attempt it. Well done old friend.

Graham

Comment is about The Masterly Strategy of Inactivity (Not In My Name) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

Nigel Astell

Thu 5th Sep 2013 15:36

Art on art
hold that page
instant news breaking
read published tweets.

Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)

Original item by Stockport WoL

Profile image

Nigel Astell

Thu 5th Sep 2013 15:26

I have nothing to say to you
my heart is made of solid stone
on it is carved life of displeasure.

The same words uttered by my Father
I have nothing to say to you
means I have lost faith in love.

Sounds like you did have some connection!

Comment is about Your Father (blog)

Original item by Katy Megan

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Thu 5th Sep 2013 15:21

Certainly, as an English man I would be very
disappointed IF women suffered this type of
marginalisation. Surely, talent and something
to say should be the only terms of reference.
However, in an existence when one's mother is
such a huge influence and we have a woman as our
head of state, I often wonder if women are
pursuing a disguised agenda for preference instead
of "equality" in the opportunities that life offers...or does that now constitute "sexism"?!!

Comment is about Are female poets subtly 'excluded' by men? Discuss at black and Asian writers conference (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

<Deleted User> (11402)

Thu 5th Sep 2013 12:51

Thank you for your generous words :-)

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Profile image

Greg Freeman

Thu 5th Sep 2013 05:07

Adrienne, apologies for my earlier oversight! Welcome to the community of Write Out Loud, and I hope you'll post some more poems here some time. Greg

Comment is about Adrienne Silcock (poet profile)

Original item by Adrienne Silcock

Profile image

Adrienne Silcock

Wed 4th Sep 2013 17:02

Thanks, andy n, for your comments.

Comment is about In tribute to Seamus Heaney (blog)

Original item by Adrienne Silcock

Profile image

Andy N

Wed 4th Sep 2013 13:04

what a first image, pete certainly dragged me straight in.

excellent piece m8

andy

Comment is about THE RAIN (blog)

Original item by Pete Slater

Profile image

Andy N

Wed 4th Sep 2013 13:04

maybe a bit long for my taste here, Simon but the piece is good stuff and the ending works well. good stuff m8

Comment is about She, Mourning (blog)

Original item by Simon Austin

Profile image

Andy N

Wed 4th Sep 2013 13:03

not a fan in particular of the poet in question, but the piece is excellent - particularly like the ending.

Comment is about In tribute to Seamus Heaney (blog)

Original item by Adrienne Silcock

Profile image

Adrienne Silcock

Wed 4th Sep 2013 10:50

Thanks, Ann. Nice to be here!

Comment is about Adrienne Silcock (poet profile)

Original item by Adrienne Silcock

Profile image

Adrienne Silcock

Wed 4th Sep 2013 10:49

Thanks, Greg...and hello!

Comment is about In tribute to Seamus Heaney (blog)

Original item by Adrienne Silcock

Profile image

Greg Freeman

Wed 4th Sep 2013 10:42

Fascinating, striking creatures. Keen observation here, Adrienne. Enjoyed this.

Comment is about In tribute to Seamus Heaney (blog)

Original item by Adrienne Silcock

Profile image

Ann Foxglove

Wed 4th Sep 2013 10:39

Hello Adrienne - a very warm welcome to WOL. Good to see you blogging! Hope you enjoy the site :)

Comment is about Adrienne Silcock (poet profile)

Original item by Adrienne Silcock

Profile image

Ann Foxglove

Wed 4th Sep 2013 10:32

Hi Genevieve - a very warm welcome to WOL. Hope you enjoy the site. Maybe you might put some of your poems on the blog section. Good stuff!

Comment is about Genevieve Walsh (poet profile)

Original item by Genevieve Walsh

Profile image

Ann Foxglove

Wed 4th Sep 2013 10:13

Hi Dom - a very warm welcome to WOL. Especially as you are in wonderful Cornwall - and I love the Miracle Theatre! I hope you will find the time to make use of the site and enjoy it too!

Comment is about Dom Power (poet profile)

Original item by Dom Power

<Deleted User> (11409)

Wed 4th Sep 2013 09:41

The Free Verse poetry book fair was set up by myself of CB editions and Chrissy Williams of the Poetry Library in 2011. The fair is for readers and listeners and (we hope) buyers, just as much as it is for publishers – because without the former, there’d be no publishers at all. Most poetry publishers are ignored by most bookshops, and the fair was first set up to provide a platform for poetry publishers to make their work known directly to readers. In the first year 23 publishers showed their work; last year and this year, more than 50 publishers are participating, and the book fair is the only platform in the UK to present the full range of contemporary poetry – from traditional to experimental, and including performance – to an interested audience. Poetry publishers from throughout the UK – and this year guests from New York and Belgium also – show their work.

The book fair is not really configured for individual poets to read or perform their work – all the reading slots are taken by the participating publishers, who have paid for their tables. But for any poet who is looking for a publisher who might be interested in their work, there is no more comprehensive a range to search among – and the fair IS for making contacts and new discoveries. This year the free readings will extend beyond the closing time of the fair itself, in the pub on the opposite side of the square, until late into the evening. Please do come, if you are at all interested (there’s no entry charge) - we’d really like to welcome you.

Comment is about Publishers and poets set out their stalls at day-long bazaar (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Simon Marks

Wed 4th Sep 2013 02:36

Tremendous!

Comment is about I'm The Urbane Statesman (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Profile image

Gemma Lees

Tue 3rd Sep 2013 17:43

AUGUST 2013:

This month we had 11 poets and audience members with Andy N as guest.

GOOD BITS:

Loved hearing all the different poets, I enjoyed the one about winter and Ken's retirement one, I enjoyed it all thank you, Gemma's a wonderful host as always, great mix of poets, good night, small audience but a good mix, just like being home, good poets, great topics that made one think, a lovely ambience of relaxation, listening to great poets, nice chilled evening and welcoming, :), nice relaxed night, made me as a headline act feel welcome, excellent quality of poetry, Katie's first one brought a lump to my throat.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Maybe a little warm, not enough hours need more, could do with a few more folk but not a problem, more people here would be nice, few more here but it's summer these things happen....and my favourite comment of the night....

What? No cakes? No caviar? No brass band? Chocolate fountain? All you have here is quality poetry, good company, chilled atmosphere and witty hosting! TISK!

Review is about Write Out Loud - Middleton on 22 Sep 2013 (event)

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Tue 3rd Sep 2013 16:19

It is only right to add to my previous "post"
that the content is of a quality that I, for one,
have come to expect from this poet - and endorse
the comment from DB about the last verse.

Comment is about TEDDYBEAR (blog)

Original item by Ian Gant

Profile image

Dave Bradley

Tue 3rd Sep 2013 15:12

I was very struck by this Ian. A well-crafted blend of sadness, observation and philosophising. Great last verse - we're all living that question.

Comment is about TEDDYBEAR (blog)

Original item by Ian Gant

Profile image

Greg Freeman

Tue 3rd Sep 2013 08:20

I read three Seamus Heaney poems at the Phoenix Cultural Centre in Woking last night. The Phoenix is primarily a music venue, with strong Irish roots. Nice to think that Heaney poems were being read around the same time in Sowerby Bridge - and in probably a lot of other places, too.

Comment is about 'The felling of a great oak': Seamus Heaney 1939-2013 (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Profile image

Isobel

Mon 2nd Sep 2013 21:31

I like this poem Ian - it is very keenly observed and the analogy you make in the final verse is an excellent one.

I think we are becoming more public in our sharing of grief. It's not something that bothers me but I do sometimes wonder if I'm becoming mawkish when I start reading bench inscriptions, paying more attention to the young loss of life.

There's an area of wildlife local to me where the council has allowed a proliferation of benches all in one spot, overlooking a valley. It's a bit depressing really - you feel like you're in a graveyard. And yet, I suppose it would be cruel not to allow people to remember in the way that they choose. At least we haven't progressed to putting permanent photos up like they do abroad.

Comment is about TEDDYBEAR (blog)

Original item by Ian Gant

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Mon 2nd Sep 2013 20:56

A topical observation on something that seems
a feature of this modern society - the habit
of transferring what used to be private grief
into a public event. Perhaps it is a product
of the pervasive media-aware society we've
seen emerge but I'm not sure that I'm for it.
How many times have we seen "grief stricken"
family hold press conferences about their loss?
Even worse, when later it is reported that
criminal charges have been made against the
participants. The lawyers and police are also
culpable in this activity - as if it is some
sort of reality TV show in which we are asked
to take sides and sympathise/condemn according
to our emotions/prejudices. I for one wish the
professionals would just get on with seeking justice and spare us the tendency towards "hearts and flowers" - surely best left to social workers in private.

Comment is about TEDDYBEAR (blog)

Original item by Ian Gant

More Comments

◄ Prev123 … 299 … 598 … 897 … 1196 … 1495 … 1794 … 20372038203920402041 … 2093 … 2392 … 2691 … 298629872988Next ►

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message