Have just read Steve Pottinger's poem - and it is a corker. Even though it's long and discursive, it doesn't feel (like a lot of performance poems do) like it's too long or trying to be too explanatory. Beautifully restrained and yet angry.
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
very kind comments Mike, I would love to see the comments on your facebook page - how I do I find it? Please feel free to pass it on - am really trying to go back to why I started writing in the first place - the reflect back the world, to say something, to come from the heart {excuse the cliche but there is no other way to put it}. I think Wilfred Owen did that, as did Gerard Manley Hopkins, Edward Thomas etc... - I used to do arts presenting on tv many years ago and did a prog on Wilfred Owen - I went to the house he was in a youngster in Shrewsbury and also met one of his descendants, who let me hold his war medals, his lighter and his christening robe - touching the hem of history! Anyhow, thanks again Mike,
Andrew Fusek Peters
Comment is about Noetic-fret! (poet profile)
Original item by Noetic-fret!
Further to my last, on my facebook page which is also frequented by ex soldiers like I; they are singing your praises.
Best wishes at this time
Mike
Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)
Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters
Hi Andrew, I cannot congratulate you enough for the words you have written here. It amplifies the way I feel about gun laws after the recent events in the USA. Well done my fellow poet. I could not have put it better myself.
I was so compelled by your poem that I pasted it on my facebook page to show those nearest and dearest the sentiments that not only I feel but others too. I hope you don't mind this. I have never done it for other poets but your poem is so damned accurate, profoundly accurate that I cannot congratulate you enough on having the strength to say these words and tell it like it is.
Thank you Andrew.
Mike
Comment is about The Gun - a response to events in the US (blog)
Original item by Andrew Fusek Peters
<Deleted User> (9882)
Sun 30th Dec 2012 23:06
Yes Yvonne that is unacceptable on my part and shall be remedied :)
Comment is about Hole (blog)
Original item by Paul Sands
Reading this article brought back memorable smiles of my visit to this friendly, entertaining and inclusive event and reminded me that
1) I am forever learning new words (tchotchke - see below) and
2) I must revisit in 2013 :-)
tchotchke -
noun, Slang.
an inexpensive souvenir, trinket, or ornament.
Origin:
1965–70, Americanism; < Yiddish tshatshke Polish czaczko bibelot, knickk nack (now obsolete)
Comment is about The Spoken Word: an American in York (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I prefer some help through punctuation to see exactly where the author is headed but a lack thereof does make for interesting interpretations of where the caesura may lie, however I make an impassioned plea for all apostrophes to be incuded.
Comment is about Hole (blog)
Original item by Paul Sands
yes Isobel and treat them well as they will be stuck with you for much longer than they eveer anticipated!
Comment is about I Blame The Scapegoats (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I don't read stress or psychosis into the driver's actions/reactions just a mysoginistic need to control - be the one who makes the rules and all the decisions, not trusting a mere woman to be capable of these actions. And the addition of the back seat witness (another woman)feeds the desire for power.
This poem shakes with the strength of the emotions it portrays and its slightly disjointed form reflects very accurately the way one's mind is working in this kind of situation. The woman is doubly humiliated both by her man and by having her treatment witnessed by a third party.
Sooooo Goood!
Comment is about The Driving Seat (blog)
Original item by Isobel
As others have mentioned here.
Janet was an instant friend of the WOL on line community and to anyone who came to the many open mic events and met her. I have pasted in (below) a light hearted Haiku (with its original title) which I posted on these pages back in 2009. The fun comments that followed on were typical of Janet and her friends and I know that she would take this the right way if she read it today. We will miss her.
Haiku For Janet
Private hire arrives.
Dilemma of etiquette,
back seat or the front?
Win x
Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
clever - I've read of people who find out where funerals are taking place and then tag along for free food.This poem gives a touch of humour to a delicate subject
Comment is about Ee Love (blog)
Original item by Dorinda MacDowell
Thank you Philipos. Most of my work is that way, deliberately so.
Comment is about Hole (blog)
Original item by Paul Sands
Move over Mariott Edgar make room on the pedestal for Anthony. This is really enjoyable - not too long because the rhymes ( creative or what?) give so much momentum to the work that it never slows down. Great fun!!
Comment is about PARTY! (a shameless re-post!) (blog)
Original item by Anthony Emmerson
Philipos
Sun 30th Dec 2012 21:25
Neil, this is my favourite kind of poem. And my favourite part is: You smile and want to carry winter with you in a Brueghel framed in ice. Well done.
Comment is about Winter Heart (blog)
Original item by Neil Fawcett
Philipos
Sun 30th Dec 2012 21:10
Paul, certainly a good read & a new word (chined) to add to my knowledge bank. Actually I quite like the lack of punctuation & capitals. Well done.
Comment is about Hole (blog)
Original item by Paul Sands
<Deleted User> (9882)
Sun 30th Dec 2012 20:22
beautiful! hey!you suit grey!
Comment is about Magic Fields (blog)
Original item by jean lucy thompson
steve mellor
Sun 30th Dec 2012 19:54
I have to echo what Julian says about how easily we lose contact.
I met Janet on only a handful of occasions, but, from the beginning, she made you feel as if you'd known her forever.
An easy soul to be with.
Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Punctuation, yes Graham, guilty as charged. I've been living on the advice I heard on tape from a certain Mr Hughes and really shouldn't :) Many thanks for your kind words
Comment is about Hole (blog)
Original item by Paul Sands
reminds us of the humanity and needs of those for whom what is regarded as a 'normal life' is out of reach.
Comment is about GIMME SHELTER (blog)
Original item by Mike Hilton
Ah a touch of levity about a somewhat touchy creature. nice one.
Comment is about Why are there no spiders in the Wizard of Oz? (blog)
Original item by Marnanel Thurman
I went to a couple of venues with Janet and can remember laughing and chatting with her. She was very supportive of me when I first entered the poetry scene and was always very encouraging.
I know that she had many interests to occupy her outside of the performance scene but I like to think that she might have come back to us one day, given the opportunity.
54 is no age at all - it really makes you appreciate the fact that you need to make the most of every day.
This news really upset me too.
Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Yes, shocked and sad to hear...
Though we never met in person - we did chat online several times.
I will always remember her generosity and warmth. xx
Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I really liked this Paul, although being a fan of punctuation (sometimes a dirty word in poetry I know) I found some of it hard to read and keep in rhythm with. The words spill well onto the page. Well done!
Graham
Comment is about Hole (blog)
Original item by Paul Sands
This was far more penetrable for me Marianne. There are some really good words here. good to see that you are still in great form. I'm not sure whether this is a fine finish to 2012 or a fantastic start to 2013. nonetheless, brilliant stuff. Happy New Year!
Comment is about the Clock (blog)
Original item by Marianne Daniels
I was shocked to hear of Janet's death. She was all the things mentioned above, and always generous in her support of other online poets. She was also curious and eager to learn and improve. She was a great timekeeper on the Wigan slams, too. What a sad loss. It reminds me just how easily we (I?) lose contact with others if we don't pay attention.
Comment is about Death of north-west poet Janet Ramsden (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thank you for your good wishes after my recent accident. After spending a lot of time in hospital over the last few weeks, my thoughts turned to this poem by Charles Causley "Ten Types of Hospital Visitor" enjoy!
I'll be back soon I hope. All good wishes for a Happy New Year.
Maggie
Comment is about Victory at Christmas - (December 2012 Collage Poem) (blog)
Original item by Stockport WoL
Torn nightie
Sweet sugar
Stays sticky
At bottom
Of mug
When discarded
By your
Gentleman caller.
Comment is about Gentleman Caller (blog)
Original item by Katy Megan
Steve, that is so funny, both high and low in Marsden. Isobel, you are so right about Steve Pottinger's Starbucks poem. I have just shared it on Facebook, I think. We should tell the world about it. it's even better with the video.
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
steve mellor
Sat 29th Dec 2012 08:55
Highlight/Lowlight (all in one) was definitely the Saturday afternoon as part of the Xmas Lights switching on at Marsden Mechanics
:-))))))))))))))
I am still slightly traumatised (something to talk about though). 100 - 150 seats, but nobody sitting on them for most of the performance by the wonderful (present company excepted) group of readers who form the Marsden poetry group. I think we got up to an audience of 4 or 5 by the end.
Best Gig? Marsden Jazz Festival 'Jam', pretty much the same as it has been for the last 3 years
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
December 2012
We had a full and festive night at the Ringers this time. Joy France read us a Christmas poem with a twist and Ken had us gleeful with laughter with his usual witty humour. Norman and Mike made us think with some serious poetry. John spoke of a family friend. While Carol faves us her own count down to Christmas. Andrew Warhouse gave us a lyrical piece while Julia Mclay gave us a short but sweet piece about her son, Peter the lesser read us a tribute to Marlene. While Christine reminded us of war. Allvin Sawdust was on the buses. Robin Parker delivered us a parody on the joys of Christmas shopping. Gemma read one of her soon to be available children's tales. I read about the annoyance of that Caller Unknown. James Whitrow delivered a fascinating showcase featuring poems on relationships and giving it time and lastly but not least our newly nominated poet of the year Pete Slater delivered professionally some poems about the recent loss of a loved one. Now to the feedback.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Collision of events took edge off things, Noise from downstairs, shout louder, Full house of poets and empty downstairs even with a live band, Room set different, Turn up on time.
I apologies about the noise downstairs, there was no notice given about the band. Setting the room differently is not a problem but need ideas on how people want it and probably help moving things as I can't with my back. As for the turn up on time, I cannot force people to arrive and I'm happy to start at 7.30, after letting people leisurely arrive. What do others think? Feedback on this would be helpful. There's only one person who I know has a problem with this, do others?
GOOD POINTS
Great night, Interesting night, Lovely buffet, Excellent poets, Great entertainment, Peter the great, Good night some really interesting people expressing themselves, Like a pair of comfy shoes, good people, good words, Electric as always, Spirit and Christmas, cracking food, quality poetry and Tommy too, Brilliant night as always, thanks, Poems, nice buffet, all the people, Beautiful people, Such fun, so profound, Great spread of words, excellent company, Great buffet, poetry, welcome for Tommy.
Some good feed back there and everyone loved seeing Gemma Lees return and meeting little Tommy too
Review is about Write Out Loud - Middleton on 23 Dec 2012 (event)
This is my favourite poem of the year. There were possibly others but I don't remember them all. This one is recent.
http://www.writeoutloud.net/public/blogentry.php?blogentryid=32733
Favourite events - easy innit - every Wigan WOL Tudor I've been to plus the Marsden jazz festival. Also the Diggers festival in Wigan, where Laura performed alongside Attila the Stockbroker. That was a great day out.
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
On the whole I'm quite glad to see the back of 2012 though I'm glad WOL has prospered. If I get one more jolly round robin, I'm likely to explode. Whoever invented the concept of that annual brag needs shooting.
Happy New Year everyone. x
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
There is a certain irony in the knowledge that
the "war baby" generation (that includes me)
that grew up during the post war years of real
deprivation and rationing that went on into the
mid-fifties, is now envied and resented for
what they managed to achieve out of a broken-down, bankrupt Britain, in hock for decades to
the USA, a debt only recently paid off.
Clearly, the parenting generation that followed
on didn't take to heart the reality of what had gone before and that you don't get owt for nowt. There was a distinct belief that they
were somehow "owed" and deserved things "now"
and this is easy to pass down the line so that
we have reached a stage where old folk are
ridiculed and talked of in "disposable" terms
and sinister obsessions with "kids" and their
"needs" become substitutes for the failings
of those holding the fort in modern adult society.
The "war baby" generation (mid-60s onwards)is NOT part of the disastrous failures in the
political oversight of our financial system, nor of the activities of those who occupied
the vital banking positions that served us so recklessly and so badly. Those failings come from the later "want it now and want it all" offspring that followed. But while they had recent history to learn from, they were sure
their way was best and ignored/despised the
lessons that history provides. Like Icarus,
they got above themselves and got burnt...and
the flames have engulfed the rest of us.
Comment is about The Fairytale of New Britain (Lucky Man) (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I think Kipling would have nodded upon reading
this stirring yet poignant reminder of the real
cost of war...a cost that continues to be paid
long after the event itself.
Comment is about The Final Act (blog)
Original item by Tom Chapman
I like the way you tell this story through prose. And a top story this is. My guess is that there are many Jacks around from the 2nd World War and beyond. We just never know because many keep their pain to themselves.
I can't say more than that other than many do not understand their pain unless they have lived it too, but there, my guess is Jack would not want that for anyone.
War is a sad indictment of man. Something I myself wish would never happen in the modern world. There has been enough blood shed now. I wish we could all live in peace.
Have a great new year.
Mike
Comment is about The Final Act (blog)
Original item by Tom Chapman
Brilliant Kealan, he was a musical genius! A sad loss.
Mike
Comment is about Ravi Shankar Died The Other Day (blog)
Original item by Kealan Coady
Mmmm - though I'd agree that we look to easily for scapegoats, I'm not sure I can whole heartedly agree with where you lay the blame either John.
It is human nature to want to own a home - an englishman's home is his castle and all that. It is human nature to seek out the cheapest food and food providers. If you bought everything at your corner shop it would be a very dear do. It is human nature to want a bit of sun and warmth when you have been pissed down on all year.
Easy credit is a problem though and yes - younger generations seem to embrace debt a lot easier than their elders. There is a desire to have everything and have it now, that has been fostered and encouraged to a large extent by banks and building societies. And just where did this need for brands and designer goods come from - advertising and the creation of a need that was never there before.
For me the problem comes down to too many people on one small island. Yep, we are all living longer which doesn't help. No doubt childlessness will one day be totally overcome once they learn how to grow wombs and perfect test tube pregnancy. The human race has grown too big for its boots. There aren't enough jobs to keep people employed and without that employment people are bored. Boredom is the worst of all evils - it leads to all kinds of problems. On top of that we have a welfare state that we have no hope of affording in the future and not enough land to provide all these castles.
I don't think there are any easy answers to it all - other than offering voluntary euthanasia - and that wouldn't be much of a vote winner, would it?
Meanwhile - learn to love your kids - you will be stuck with them for much longer than you ever imagined :)
Comment is about I Blame The Scapegoats (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Hello Tim
Seasons greetings to you.
Thanks for your thoughts on "The Red Wheelbarrow". You may have guessed that it was my tongue-in-cheek contribution to the dabate on the original in the Discussions section.
Comment is about Tim Ellis (poet profile)
Original item by Tim Ellis
Hello Greg
Hope retirement is suiting you although I suspect it won't have kicked in yet.
Thanks for the comment on "The Red Wheelbarrow". "Sheer genius" may over-egg it a little!
Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Hello AE,
Thanks for your thoughts on "Fairytale of New Britain". Whilst I take a more "personal responsibility" view of the state of the nation, I do like the idea of a contest between parliament and poets. Of course, we have elected them to parliament but appointed ourselves as poets. Perhaps a more democratic method of determining poets/poetry might not be a bad idea?
Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)
Original item by Anthony Emmerson
Hello MC
Thankyou for your thoughts on "Fairytale of New Britain". I find it rather sad that mine was the "chosen generation". We really did "never had it so good" and the saddest thing is - no subsequent generation will.
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Cheers MC for your observations on Gimme Shelter. Your comments are very much apprecited.
Happy New Year
Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Ged - thanks for your comment about "Thoughts At Christmas".
I hope you find more to enjoy while you add to
"the brew" that WOL provides.
Cheers!
Comment is about Ged Thompson (poet profile)
Original item by Ged Thompson
Hi Tommy. Liked this a lot. "leaves the echo of
our space." a highlight. Win x
Comment is about Dragging the luggage (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
tony sheridan
Wed 26th Dec 2012 20:44
Love this! Well done mate! Take care, Tony.
Comment is about HUMAN SPIRIT (blog)
Original item by NICK ARMBRISTER
steve pottinger
Mon 31st Dec 2012 12:31
I'd like to wish everyone who's involved in running and maintaining WOL the very best for the coming year. The hard work and enthusiasm you've put in to creating such a precious resource for those of us who love the spoken word is something to wonder at. Whenever I browse the site, I find something to enjoy, and the gig guide is a masterpiece. You're the unsung heroes of this enterprise, and without all your hard graft the world of UK poetry would be a very great deal poorer.
Put your feet up, enjoy a glass of something reviving, and find room for another mince pie. Happy 2013!
Comment is about Year of the Red Wheelbarrow: but how was 2012 for you? (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman