This is very touching, Hazel. It sounds like an important personal experience. But, if it wasn't, no matter, because you still have made a very strong, humanistic point for us all.
Comment is about The Tenant (blog)
Original item by Hazel Connelly
Hi Steve - thanks for taking the time to comment on my "little old lady" poem.
Comment is about steve pottinger (poet profile)
Original item by steve pottinger
Very good, Indigo. The punctuation is essential to the expansive thought. Perhaps another font would highlight the marks a bit more, so that they have as much prominence as the words themselves.
Comment is about Spring Tanka (blog)
Original item by Ushiku Crisafulli
Steve - so much emphasis has emerged from certain quarters about the expense of this event that it seemed financially viable to make comparisons. I'm surprised someone hasn't made something of "money to burn" and her cremation!!
Comment is about £10 million for this? (blog)
Original item by steve pottinger
This is very effective,well-structured with a fast pace, clear imagery and a shrewd plot. It strikes home to the heart of all women. I really enjoy it.
Comment is about Happy Endings (blog)
Original item by Alison Smiles
Interesting! I recall the lines in "Me and Bobby McGee"..."Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose...". Not that I agree with that but it's a point of view that can be understood. At least there is no confusion here between solitude and loneliness...two different things entirely. One is a state of being, the other a state of mind.
Comment is about freedom (blog)
Original item by HIDDENGIRL
Some very romantic images, whether real or imaginary, a lovely moment. What is an 'aromatic smile'? I am intrigued - Wine? Cigarettes? Cherry-flavoured lipstick? It is an unusual combination.
Comment is about Moonlight, Roses and You (blog)
Original item by Mike Hilton
Looking good. Do you want 'from nights' or 'through nights'? Just curious. 'through' possibly gives the idea of lengthy time passing, like 'getting through the night', as well as 'many nights passing', if that was your intention.
Comment is about Traces of you (blog)
Original item by Andy Ainsworth
May the iron lady rust in peace.
Comment is about steve pottinger (poet profile)
Original item by steve pottinger
cheers for your comments on my poem for the iron lady.
Comment is about steve pottinger (poet profile)
Original item by steve pottinger
This has a certain panache, Andy, perhaps a bit wordy, but still emotionally sincere.
Comment is about Hillsborough (blog)
Original item by Andy N
I like this - powerful diction for emotive images - so laden with the sound of 'oh', it is surely intentional, like groaning? 'crone wept bones' and 'pebble-eyed children' are very innovative expressions.
Comment is about MQ-9 (blog)
Original item by Paul Sands
thank you marianne, so glad you like it. your comments are always valued xx
Comment is about Marianne Daniels (poet profile)
Original item by Marianne Daniels
thank you marianne, so glad you like it. your comments are always valued xx
Comment is about go to the woods (relist) (blog)
Original item by Rachel Bond
Superb, dangerously infectious writing, yet superbly controlled. Thank you.
Comment is about Virus (blog)
Original item by Marianne Daniels
I enjoyed this, Ged. Nice work, beautifully expressed.
Comment is about Ripples of Detriment (blog)
Original item by Ged Thompson
A proper good rant. Well done, sir!
Comment is about Class Action (blog)
Original item by Ian Whiteley
I enjoyed this, MC. Despite my politics. ;-)
Comment is about St. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL - APRIL 17, 2013 (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
I especially love the punch of the first two lines, Julian. And chuckled at the reference to her turning....
Comment is about We have become a dead grandmother (blog)
Original item by Julian Jordon
Another good one David - there's something very mysterious and other-worldly about historic sites - and you've captured that mythical air really well
Good 'un
Ian
Comment is about History (blog)
Original item by David Blake
<Deleted User> (6895)
Fri 19th Apr 2013 22:37
So accuracy of definition becomes semantics = to suit. The problem with much that is posted.
Comment is about St. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL - APRIL 17, 2013 (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
<Deleted User> (6895)
Fri 19th Apr 2013 20:48
Blimey!that corner shop image
reminds us so much of our old one
where we used to spend Uncle Vic's
half-a-dollar on Jubblies
and Uncle Joe's mint balls.xx
Comment is about OLDEN DAYS (blog)
Original item by Pete Slater
Harry, thank you for your comments on my review of Cynthia's performance. YOu are dead right about the fact that she clearly rehearsed it and created a themed set, although it was less that I think than a single piece in five parts (not six, got carried away). Whatever, it did demonstrate the difference between knocking out a reading, and preparing for a quality performance. If you got something worth saying, it is worth saying well.
again, thanks for your comments. Much appreciated.
Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)
Original item by Harry O`N eill
A simple walking pace - like the horses - and an excellent observance - 'a little old lady' was exactly what she was, smothered in that flag.
Comment is about St. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL - APRIL 17, 2013 (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Delicious. The opening six lines are a quality 'catcher', the hardest skill to hone.
Comment is about Virus (blog)
Original item by Marianne Daniels
Hi Larisa,
Thank you so much for the comment on my poem "I'm Not Perfect". I wrote this poem because I'm not perfect and I don't want to be. The many mistakes I've made have made me stronger.
Thanks
Shirley
Comment is about Larisa Rzhepishevska (poet profile)
Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska
Very sad and very moving Tom. especially for anyone who's been there.
'except those hands we gripped
would not grip back'
Those are hard lines to write about one's mother. John's right about the simplicity being powerful. A few words can speak volumes.
Comment is about As She Lay Dying (blog)
Original item by Tom Harding
Whether it was state or whether it was ceremonial is just a question of semantics - the point I'm making is that the tax payer paid for it - not the family - that gives the public cause to air their grievances and their thoughts - that is what is causing the controversy.
Comment is about St. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL - APRIL 17, 2013 (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Her view at the time was undoubtedly coloured by the deeds which are conveniently forgotten
as history takes charge. But, as the saying goes; those who never change their minds, never correct their mistakes.
Mandela knew enough to be seen with her in
later days in very amicable circumstances that
continued thereafter. He too was a politician,
after all.
Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Isobel, I don't doubt that the Lady wouldn't have been enthused by my reference to her as a "little old lady" -but, unlike her larger than life personality in her pomp, nature had certainly reduced her to that stature in physical terms - as it does all of us who attain great age. It's just a fact of life that serves as a telling contradiction between what she was and what she became as illness and age took its toll.
Correction: this was a ceremonial funeral. The funeral of that other famous politician, Sir Winston Churchill, was a STATE occasion. I was there and the difference between the two was (and is) obvious.
Comment is about St. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL - APRIL 17, 2013 (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Thatcher called Mandela 'that grubby little terrorist' She used the Malvinas war to bolster sagging popularity- hey she did ok for her class.
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Thatcher called Mandela 'that grubby little terrorist' She used the Malvinas war to bolster sagging popularity- hey she did ok for her class.
Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Sadly, even in death mis-information is maintained.This was a ceremonial funeral NOT a stateoccasion. I was present at the STATE funeral of another politician - Sir Winston Churchill, planned under the operational title "Operation Hope Not" by the man himself - and the difference between the two was obvious.
As for Mandela's "foe" - cue the photograph of a clearly
delighted smiling Mandela shaking her hand outside
Number 10.
But I like the louche sardonic wit employed in the EM poem in question. Shades of "Private Eye".
Here's another - seen elsewhere.
"What is a socialist?
One who has yearnings
For the equal division
Of unequal earnings.
A dreamer, an idler - or worse,
All too willing
To put down his penny
And pick up your shilling."
Comment is about The Iron Lady's funeral blues poems (article)
Original item by Julian Jordon
Chris - I do hope this finds you in improved health. It is no sin to look after number one when it comes to personal well-being!! I enjoy reasoned and polite differences of opinion, recalling a friend from long ago who held the view that "argument is for the vain; discussion is for gain."
Comment is about Chris Co (poet profile)
Original item by Chris Co
<Deleted User> (10123)
Fri 19th Apr 2013 12:30
'Spent'
Not seen it yet.
tag it: A day in the life of comp
that should do the trick
don't forget to send your votes
chow for now, nick
Comment is about Noetic-fret! (poet profile)
Original item by Noetic-fret!
Harry hi :o)re 'Wandering expositions' the solitary 'where' (line 11) below is for effect; a conceit that acts as a pivot for the lines above and below thus: The 'where' is a conjunction and aims to puzzle/halt/amuse the reader for its solitude. And is indeed pivotal for the contrived nature of the final five lines.
Thank you for taking the time to consider the change.
''There are stand alone conjunctions
in hope that it amazes
where
in solitude it functions
in contrived schematic phrases. ''
Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)
Original item by Harry O`N eill
TC - thanks for the reminders about Clem Attlee. I have a book full of old press cuttings when he was opposing MacMillan's enthusiasm for joining the Common Market. His defence of the interests of the Commonwealth (as was) was admirable. I recall a witty poem - supposedly from his POV - which finished with his personal status -a Knight of the Garter, an Earl and OM. A neat and funny bit of "so there!!"Thatcher's achievements were more on the international stage - hence her fame and popularity beyond these shores. When diverse figures of the stature of Gorbachev and Mandela were both happy to visit and shake her hand then she was clearly doing something right in the world.
Comment is about Tommy Carroll (poet profile)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
Nice one, JC.
To paraphrase an old song title..."The wrong is ended but the malady lingers on!"
Comment is about My Biggest Fan (When You Say Nothing At All) (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
<Deleted User> (10123)
Fri 19th Apr 2013 12:06
Feelings running! Freedom of expression is ours to keep - they can't take that away, no matter what.
Hope you don't mind me mentioning that your line:
'but told to cow and bow in awe'
could be:
'but told to kowtow in awe'
from Chinese - probably me being 'picky' - ta muchly, Nick.
Comment is about Class Action (blog)
Original item by Ian Whiteley
Tommy,
Why don`t you fix line eleven, stick another two lines on to it and make it a `with it` kind of sonnet?
It`s good.
Comment is about Wandering expositions (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
John,
A robust and witty (and a musical) piece of
vigorous self-defence (mess with me at your peril!)
As a musical ignoramus (I listen and like the song, then forget the singer and the name of it immediately ) I note the way you use the songs.
listening to some of the `unchained` types of song (I can never think of their names) I wonder if the `run` of them would suit the
`freer` un-rhymed poetry?
Some them sound impressive when I listen.
Comment is about My Biggest Fan (When You Say Nothing At All) (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Julian,
I was very interested in this...It looks like Cynthia has paid her audience the respect of a careful preparation and a practised delivery. (not to mention the obvious quality of the poetry)
Having done - and heard - guest-spots, I was struck by your admiration of the `linked` nature of the set. Given that the poems read are often disparate in theme, I think it is very important to get some sort (any sort) of a link to string them interstingly together.
And what a wonderful setting!
Comment is about A voyage around her grandfather: Cynthia Buell Thomas at Sale (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Laura,
Thanks for your considerate disagreement.
You`re right about the word `underclass` I shouldn`t have used it. Until four factories in my road closed (with the loss of thousands of unskilled jobs) and the closely-packed streets of terrace houses knocked down and replaced by a playing field and a sparse new estate. The vast majority of that so-called under-class had been working and contributing to the economy.they didn`t abandon employment. employment abandoned them (and fobbed them off with benefits) A truer name for them would be `The abandoned class`.
Thanks for pointing it out.
Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)
Original item by Laura Taylor
Bonny, you're my Best groupie. I need to acquaint you with your full range of duties.
Comment is about My Biggest Fan (When You Say Nothing At All) (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Excellent - will get a copy when I can afford it.
I have page envy - you're all going to be nestling in besides Leonard, and Maya, and Joni! Well done everyone :)
Comment is about Write Out Loud poets line up with famous names in Heart Shoots charity anthology (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Clement Attlee's achievements
Dates in office
26 July 1945 - 26 October 1951
Political party
Labour
Major acts
National Health Service Act 1946
Made healthcare free on the basis of citizenship and need rather than the payment of fees or insurance premiums
National Insurance Act 1946
Introduced social security, in which persons of working age had to pay a weekly contribution and in return were entitled to a wide range of benefits when they could no longer work
Coal Industry Nationalisation Act 1946, Electricity Act 1947, Transport Act 1947
Nationalised the coal industry, electricity utilities, railways and long-distance haulage
Town and Country Planning Act 1947
Planning permission now required for land development; ownership alone no longer sufficient
Children Act 1948
Established a comprehensive childcare service, reforming services providing care to deprived and orphaned children
Nurseries and Child-Minders Regulation Act 1948
Paid child-minders now registered and regulated; inspection regime in place to check their methods and facilities meet basic minimum standards
National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949
Allowed the creation of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, gave the public rights of way and access to open land
Interesting facts
Nationalised one fifth of the British economy.
Margaret Thatcher's achievements
Dates in office
4 May 1979 - 28 November 1990
Political party
Conservative
Major acts
Housing Act 1980
Gave security of tenure, and the right to buy homes, to tenants of local authorities and other bodies.
...that's all!
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
How much of the £10 million was for protecting our monarch who attended the funeral?
Ps - enjoyed the poem and the observation at the end.
Comment is about £10 million for this? (blog)
Original item by steve pottinger
M.C. Newberry
Sat 20th Apr 2013 15:12
Hello Cynthia - thanks for your measured comments on my "little old lady" poem.
Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas