Hi Ian - welcome to WOL. I like your poems - if you feel so incliuned you could put one on the blog section - more people see stuff when it's on there.
Comment is about Ian Whiteley (poet profile)
Original item by Ian Whiteley
Hi Timothy - welcome to WOL. Hope to see more of your poems on here soon :)
Comment is about Timothy Greenhalgh (poet profile)
Original item by Timothy Greenhalgh
Hi Ged - a very warm welcome to WOL. You seem to be at home here already! Great :)
Comment is about Ged Thompson (poet profile)
Original item by Ged Thompson
Hi Andrew - welcome to WOL. I like your poem about the boxing hares. I've never seen a hare - its one of my life's ambitions!
Comment is about Andrew Fusek Peters (poet profile)
Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters
Aw, sorry you deleted yourself! Better get cracking and put some more poems on here asap. Welcome back btw!
Comment is about cbyrne (poet profile)
Original item by cbyrne
In poetry terms I feel that 2012 has been an "interesting" year - and I don't mean that in any kind of a derogatory sense. WOL has continued to be what it has always been, and properly should be - a meeting place for the diverse worlds of poets and their works. This rich amalgam of styles, abilities and interests is what makes WOL a special place to visit; to marvel and smile at what moves people to write and to share their thoughts, to discuss, argue and thrash out concepts and nuances with those from the full spectrum of the poetry rainbow, to learn, be inspired and have one's eyes prised open by the matchsticks of experience, wisdom and intellect, to enjoy wandering through the blogs as a beachcomber; seeking out those unexpected bottled messages sent from distant shores in unique and considered languages for the finder to marvel at and interpret.
There is nowhere else like WOL. Thanks Julian, for your continuing work and dedication, and thanks to all those who make up the team that keeps WOL fresh, vibrant and informative, challenging and the ever-expanding forum it deserves to be.
Just one (very small) niggle:
"Write Out Loud ran its quota of monthly poetry nights in all the usual places: Wigan, Middleton/Rochdale, Sale, Stockport, Bolton, and Marsden . . . "
. . . believe it or not, it is rumoured that there is (intelligent?) life beyond those dark, Satanic hinterlands of the north-west. If anyone ever fancied a WOL weekend in Devon I would be happy to suggest a perfect, and very affordable venue . . .
Just off to paint my wheelbarrow . . .
Best wishes to all for a very happy and creatively enriching 2013.
Regards,
A.E.
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Julian - whilst some may see their task as exploring new frontiers, others are needed to hold the fort!:-)
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Some fine lines - food for thought indeed - in this valuable introspection into poetic intent that serves as an introduction to the New Year offerings from all on WOL, let alone the wider world of poetry and verse today.
Comment is about Eyes On A Winter Page (blog)
Original item by Ian Gant
I remember (at times) staring past each others shoulders- I remember reading you: the lines you have now left in another's sand, I read your posts like some 'ackowlagement' acknowledgement of its past. Though the shoulders were always in the way. I 'appoligise' apologise for this. My miss-spelling is my way of saying sorry. Tommy x
Comment is about Rachel Bond (poet profile)
Original item by Rachel Bond
tony sheridan
Wed 2nd Jan 2013 19:58
Hi Isobel. Patrick made me look up and wonder. Great tribute. Take care, Tony.
Comment is about The Sky at Night (blog)
Original item by Isobel
Thanks for commenting on Agapanthus, John. They are quite tender plants, aren't they, originating from South Africa. I haven't had a great deal of luck with them. And maybe they don't like it so far north?!
Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)
Original item by John Coopey
tony sheridan
Wed 2nd Jan 2013 19:40
Hi John. LOVE THIS!! Take care, Tony.
Comment is about The Red Wheelbarrow (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Cheers M. C. You are not as relatively square as I thought :-)
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Good news indeed! - thank you for this, John!
Dorinda
Comment is about Stockport Council; Museums & Cultural Attractions Consultation (blog)
Original item by Stockport WoL
tony sheridan
Wed 2nd Jan 2013 16:40
Hi Steve. Happy New Year. Take care, Tony.
Comment is about Steve Higgins (poet profile)
Original item by Steve Higgins
<Deleted User> (6895)
Wed 2nd Jan 2013 13:27
Hi Lynn-hope you get sorted with your P.C. probs as soon as possible.
Patricia and Stef.xx
Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)
Original item by Lynn Dye
*If sustainable arrangements, which generate sufficient income to cover front of house staffing costs, can be agreed by 31st March 2013, the proposal will be withdrawn. If this is not possible, the proposed new weekend only opening hours will take effect from 1st October 2013.*
I wonder how we might contribute to the 'sustainable arrangements'?
Comment is about Stockport Council; Museums & Cultural Attractions Consultation (blog)
Original item by Stockport WoL
December 2012
Just wanted to say a big and humble "Thank you" to fellow poets at the Ring 'o' Bells in Middleton for voting me "Poet of the Year" In such good company this is praise indeed. I had my first experience of reading my "poetry" at the Ringers in June 2011, and I was made to feel welcome and comfortable from the very first. I'm so pleased. ENOUGH!! I would also like to thank everyone for their kindness, support and understanding. Looking forward to 2013 with friends and fellow word creatives at the Ring 'o' Bells.
Cheers yawl.
Pete once known as the "Bus Driving Poet"
Now known as
Pete...."The Bus Driving Poet of the Year" HOW MAD IS THAT??
Review is about Write Out Loud - Middleton on 23 Dec 2012 (event)
Sell-by date haiku
No smell of decay -
Good grub - there's no harm in it.
Get it down yer neck!
Comment is about Sell-By Dates - The Great Rip-Off (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
tony sheridan
Tue 1st Jan 2013 19:57
Hi John. Happy New Year. Take care, Tony.
Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)
Original item by John Coopey
tony sheridan
Tue 1st Jan 2013 19:55
Hi Mike. Happy New Year. Take care, Tony.
Comment is about Mike Hilton (poet profile)
Original item by Mike Hilton
Nice sentiments - be it about events, things or people.
Comment is about NEW YEAR THOUGHTS (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Fascinating read - I so agree. It's ironic that I should read this now. You've made me feel a lot better about the 3 chickens I now have roasting in the oven! I bought them from the butchers counter at Asda and they had a best before Sunday date on. They smelt ok though - so I decided to risk it. I can't remember the last time I ever had a stomach upset - or my kids. There's a lot to be said for toughening yourself up to bacteria anyway - sheesh when I think back to how we lived as kids :) Antispetic disinfectant sprays might make a good poetry fodder also!
Comment is about Sell-By Dates - The Great Rip-Off (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
This is good news for Stockport WOL
Comment is about Stockport Council; Museums & Cultural Attractions Consultation (blog)
Original item by Stockport WoL
WOL has something for everyone who loves the written/spoken (and sung!) word. Those who strive to keep it going "behind the scenes" are worthy of the highest praise.
Well done and thank you for this invaluable "window on the word" (pun intended).
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Path of time
Sun and Moon
Will it fly
Back to you
Rope sealing tight
Truth and hope
To end lies
Fear and mistrust.
Comment is about Fairytale (blog)
Original item by Katy Megan
Many happy new years to you
Your poetry gives me a thrill
Very much under your sexual spell.
Comment is about Katy Megan (poet profile)
Original item by Katy Megan
Say cheese! A good point, well made. I've often wondered about these dates and just how much stuff is needlessly dumped by folk who worry that going beyond the dates is inviting food poisoning. And who wants that?! Certainly, I see the thinking behind the idea. Big concerns need to keep a tab on the range of stuff they sell and wouldn't be too keen on being accused of selling tainted food. I guess the secret is choosing the type of food that is least likely to be affected and hanging on to it in spite of the shown date. A calculated risk perhaps. I like bananas but can't recall seeing a sell-by date on any I've bought. But then their appearance gives the game away...unlike other stuff that hides its deterioration from sight(and sense of smell). Bon appetit!!
Comment is about Sell-By Dates - The Great Rip-Off (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
What ho, Bonny!
All the best for 2013 to you and yours. And many thanks for commenting on my latest masterpiece, "I Blame The Scapegoats".
Comment is about Yvonne Brunton (poet profile)
Original item by Yvonne Brunton
Hello MC,
Thankyou for your thoughts on "I Blame The Scapegoats". It really does amaze me that people seem not to realise that we are all the problem. It's the mentality of being stuck in a traffic jam and blaming all the other motorists.
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Happy New Year, will look forward to your shortened versions of my poetry in 2013! Lol
Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)
Original item by Nigel Astell
Steve (P), many thanks for those lovely words which are much appreciated, and for the brilliant poem and video. As Steve (Waling) says, 'tis a corker; and if Steve says that, it is.
ditto all of you, including FRancine - bonne voeux a toi aussi.
Salut.
Julian
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
What a fabulous synopsis Greg! It's all coming back to me now...
Bonne année 2013 !!!!!
Comment is about Poetry trails and poets jailed: stories that caught the eye last year (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
It's heartening to see people still use real paper & writing pads & stuff!
Comment is about Antosh Wojcik, March 2012 (photo)
Hi all, And lets not forget that we wouldn't be able to read all this news without our excellent WOL News editor, Gregg. Well done to all and yes, as Iso says lets hope 2013 is a prosperous and successful year for WOL and its many members.
Comment is about Poetry trails and poets jailed: stories that caught the eye last year (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I don't think I could say it any better, Steve!
I enjoy the diversity that is present. I am happy to see some familiar faces reappear from the shadows long enough to make their presence known.
Although I don't always comment - I do appreciate many of the interesting articles that are written - thank you Greg and Julian!
For me, contributing to the Poet Tree Project had to be a highlight.
I love when people join together and accomplish amazing things that can brighten someone's day or make an everlasting impression.
Bonne année et meilleurs vœux à tous !
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks Mike, I am truly humbled and honoured by your comments - I told my wife and daughter and they reminded me that that is why I write - to reach out to others. please feel free to pass it on. All my best. Andrew
Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)
Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters
‘What Seest Thou Else?’
There once was a man who fell in love with Darkness. And this Darkness was available to buy even during daylight hours, even to a man who had obviously sold his hopes to the dusk. When the purveyors of night saw him coming, they licked their thin lips, and felt leaves of gold blossom in the empty vaults of their cold, dead hearts.
They, who displayed Darkness in all the shapes, sizes and colours of the un-rainbow, smiled at the man who fell in love with the Darkness. They agreed with his choices, praised his discernment, happy for the moment that forever denied the existence of the gods of consequence, and let him go on his way.
The man who fell head over heels for Darkness, now cradled it in his arms like a babe, crooning sweet nothings as he took it away. At first, the Darkness permitted such indulgence. Once unwrapped, it let him stroke, and pamper and boast about its extravagant charms.
But the Darkness was not satisfied with such half-heartedness, such lack of commitment. Words were all very well. It was deeds that would make him a hero. The Darkness followed him everywhere, stuck to his body like a shadow. Only at noon, with the sun high overhead, did shadows dissipate, and, as the Darkness bloomed like black roses in his hurting head, the man began to entertain doubts. Yet doubts were for the weak, the bullied, the ill. He was strong, the owner of all that night had to offer.
And it came to pass that the man decided he had to share his gift with the many, to bring the Darkness, to display its glory in broad daylight. Then he would be remembered as a man who, like Icarus, took on the sun and won. And on the appointed day, at the anointed, unholy hour he came to the place of great potential and let the Darkness pour forth.
Let us not dwell too much on what the Darkness did then, except to say it exceeded all expectation. So much so that others who came from that blind country besieged the stores where Darkness lay in abundance and emptied them out, lock, stock and barrel.
Sadly, there were a few mothers and fathers who became blinded to the Darkness’s many attractions. But even their grief was good for business as usual. As the moderate spoke about the need for daylight, for insight, there were others, the mad-unholy ones who twisted logic into blindfolds to hand out to any would give them money. In their righteousness, they declared that the only way you can beat Darkness is to put it in the hands of every single citizen, for the more Darkness there is, the better we will be able to see. And the podium they stood on was built from the bones of children.
As for the man himself, he was swallowed by the cold tongue of twilight. His turn was done, the baton passed. For once there was a man who fell in love with the Darkness…. And all shall be well. And all shall be well. And all manner of things shall be well.
Andrew Fusek Peters 2012
Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)
Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters
I too have been thinking about the relationship of personal responsibility to society recently. I've just read Lynn Truss's excellent book "Talk to the Hand".She quotes psychiatrist, Theodore Dalrymple, who on the subject writes, "When a man tells me, in explanation of his anti-social behaviour, that he is easily led, I ask him whether he was ever easily led to study mathematics or the subjunctives of French verbs."
Comment is about A NEW YEAR ??? (blog)
Original item by Ian Gant
Looking for the CAUSE for the deed...
It is easy to loathe what is feared
And fear what is misunderstood,
When a gun is used for bad reasons,
We forget the times it does good.
We'd rather not face the reality
That it's humans who do those bad things
A gun does not choose your morality
Or decide whose doorbell death rings.
By all means restrict those who own them,
Subject them to every last rule;
A gun can protect in the right hands
But it's dangerous in the hands of a fool.
And America, the land of the therapist
And the pill for every perceived ill,
Blithely ignores the peril
Of how tablets make people kill.
So, whilst youngsters get fed medications
To chemically "control" their behaviour
By parents and profiting corporations
Who ignore their main roles as "saviour",
"Inexplicable" gun tragedies will happen,
The culprit may be caught and condemned,
But the weapon that was used will be guilty,
More than the person who was known to offend.
Keep it quiet that his mind was affected,
By the effects of what he was on,
That a society thought fit to prescribe
Before the deed he embarked on.
It's easier to blame the gun that was used,
Much easier and acceptable by far,
But when a drugged driver mows down a bus queue
Do we hear of the dangerous car?
Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)
Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters
As usual, this writer produces something that encourages us to think beyond the surface. There is certainly much to worry about but I am reassured by the fact that there is also a greater readiness to face and, where necessary, face down the injustices of past "morality" and "righteous" behaviour towards our fellows. We can always change things...but the trick is to keep the balance. Adaptability has always been nature's key to survival...why not ours? "Humanity" needs no lessons from the religious texts...only to promote its own essential definition of decency towards its fellows and the world at large...and that can be seen in the numerous charities, foundations and other bodies of all sorts working to improve the lot of this isolated oasis and its inhabitants spinning on in an eternity of space.
"We rightly recall the curse of what's worse,
But let's not forget the rest of what's best"
Comment is about A NEW YEAR ??? (blog)
Original item by Ian Gant
What a great review Greg - can't believe so much has happened in one year. You brought back plenty of memories with that meander through 2012.
I also love the picture of Winston cycling off into the distance there. I wonder what 2013 holds in store for us - plenty of new funding for the site, let's hope...
Comment is about Poetry trails and poets jailed: stories that caught the eye last year (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
My comment is included above, so this is just to add to what I'm sure will be many voices saying how sorry we are to hear the news about Janet. She was missed already, having moved on from the poetry scene, and now there is no prospect of a return - very sad.
Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
steve mellor
Mon 31st Dec 2012 15:13
Reading Winston's Haiku made me think back to my poem part-written for Janet (and 2 other WOL'ers who hopefully will also remember), which appeared (in a smiley voice) on WOL about 3 years, after I had known her for a short while
Pendle Witches
Pendle witches, come again,
To take revenge,
Charming and bewitching.
Centuries waiting to avenge
The mockery of trials
That brought about their end,
When, at Lancaster Assizes,
Their death sentence was penned.
Now, scores will be settled.
Vengeance will be wreaked
On unsuspecting souls
By this awesome clique,
The barb, their chosen weapon,
To craft a victim’s shroud,
Dispensing vitriol, and wit,
Writ, and spoke, out loud.
Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
As my comment included above said, Janet was so supportive of me entering a new world of poetry after a difficult time in my life. She was a very warm person full of encouragement, this is indeed sad to hear.
Janet attended a lot of events in Wigan and Bolton, although she would say to me 'I might not be able to get to Bolton this week Jeff, if I'm working (taxi driving) - no problem it was a pleasure to know you Janet & see you when we did X
Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks for your comment on my latest Yvonne. Yes - some people just like to dominate/intimidate, be it their wifey or their children.
I suppose there must be women like that around too, but I think it's less common. That might have something to do with the physicality thing or the economics of who pulls in the bigger wage.
Relationships are much healthier when there is equality I think - though maybe it's horses for courses.
x
Comment is about Yvonne Brunton (poet profile)
Original item by Yvonne Brunton
This made me laugh. It's the kind of thing I'd do and the kind of thing my kids would say :)
Comment is about The leftovers (blog)
Original item by hugh
I'm sure a lot of people would agree with you on this one Mike. The thought of people having that kind of 'liberty' is a horrifying prospect. I'm just so glad we don't have that kind of mentality or reality in this country.
x
Comment is about Trading Bullets for Lives in Acts of Freedoms (blog)
Original item by Noetic-fret!
You're right Yvonne and it seems there will be more of these situations developing with more cuts on the way.
People will have less opportunities to 'dig' their way out.
Happy New Year
Mike
Comment is about Yvonne Brunton (poet profile)
Original item by Yvonne Brunton
Ann Foxglove
Thu 3rd Jan 2013 17:00
Hi Tom - a rather belated welcome to WOL! Good to see you putting your work on the blog section. Hope you enjoy the site!
Comment is about Tom Chapman (poet profile)
Original item by Tom Chapman