Powerful - element commanding - stuff.The `trawling` Butterfly` and `plucks` are impressively stilled into the spanned rhythm of the fourth stanza.The `heart space` is excellent.Makes the reader feel that he (or should it be she?) is lord of everything.good poem.

Comment is about Glamorous Exercises (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Tight and cleverly written in this format Cynthia. Great, Heavy mystical / earth mother overtones for me. Winston

Comment is about Glamorous Exercises (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

great images in just a few words Ray, my kind of poem. Loved it. Win

Comment is about Snowmen (blog)

Its many years since I have been there but this captures the noise, mystery, history and heat of the place. good stuff Stella. Win x

Comment is about My Florence (blog)

'lo Cynth :)

Astute? Moi? Don't get called that very often! ;D

Re my right knuckles - it's 'make'. I found a tube of orange dayglo paint at a festie in July and went a bit mad with it. The 'borstal dots' first, then a smiley face on my face, and then got all inspired cos you see a lot of 'love' and 'hate' homemade tattoos on a certain generation of men, so after long inebriated thought, I went with 'make' and 'love' :D

Then I forgot about it and didn't let it dry so it smeared everywhere, doh!

Heh - glad it's not just me who ends up tearing their hair out sometimes on damned words.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Laura, you are so astute. I didn't just 'fiddle' with the last verse, I nearly tore out my hair - would I or wouldn't I include it? Finally, I decided to go with it, for another 'dimension' maybe, for absolute clarification of intent, but the 'pulling power' of the other four verses is definitely compromised. If we were face to face, privately, I would be even more honest.

What is written on your right fist? Is it 'fake'?

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Thanks for the comments, people; very encouraging. I tucked a 'u' into glamorous, figuring it must be the British way (even though the spellcheck was raving red lines - but it's American oriented, and I ignore it lots.)

'glamour' is an old word for magic, spells, enchantment, visions etc, usually defined as visually 'spell-binding', but including all the other essences of attraction as well. It is originally from the ancient Scottish language, with connections to 'Grammar', and the mysticism of written signs if I remember rightly.

I love the way poetry can go anywhere with its imagery, depending on the reader's interests and experiences. One line set this poem off, days ago. Even that line has been drastically altered, but all the comments are spot on, because the concept went in circles around me, and I had to chase it down, like tackling a wild laughing imp.

Comment is about Glamorous Exercises (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Diana Moran was the Green Goddess. I once shared a picnic with her and Lionel Blair!

Comment is about Glamorous Exercises (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

No problem John. Good poem, and delighted to see the poor old thread get some publicity. Ali and Nino is an unusual book.

Even if I wasn't relaxed about such things (which I am) this is being written from very far away and it's amazing how geographical distance puts things in perspective

Comment is about Poetry Slam (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Dave - I owe you an apology.
I recently posted a blog entitled Poetry Slam which was based on an idea I had in my head. I knew I'd got the idea from somewhere but couldn't remember where - a film, a book?
I've just discovered it was from your discussion thread A Slam with a Difference.
My poem is virtually plagiarism (although I didn't know it) and I apologise.

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

I've just discovered where I got the idea from.
It's bull-buggering Dave Bradley and his discussion thread on Slam with a Difference.
Apologies, Dave. Now I've read your thread again this is downright plagiarism.
I knew I'd seen it somewhere.

Comment is about Poetry Slam (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks John - I sent off for my Poetic licence at the same time.... (shock n' aw)

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi Dave,

I like the altered usage of repeated words- I think I know where this comes from though I could be wrong.

Never ending sky
faultlessly blue, earth moving
golden California

My Best

Chris

Comment is about really (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

No - it's not an obvious one Ray. Maybe that's because I can't imagine feeling that level of sadness once my kids leave home :) It has more the smack of a permanent leaving - an overwhelming loss - and only because I read your explanation have I probably picked up on that.

If you were going to tweak it, I would put something in about the loss of laughter/chatter - that might give more of a clue.

Comment is about Snowmen (blog)

Yes - we don't have many structured poems on here - it is good to know that form is still alive and kicking.

I didn't mind the change in rythm at the end cos it did mark a pulling together of all that went before, much like Graham said.

I was reminded of the Green Goddess who used to do exercises on breakfast tv back in the 80s. I think her name was Diana Geneen.

You do convey rather well the way athletes have such amazing physical presence and power.

Comment is about Glamorous Exercises (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hi Alan, Welcome to WOL. Winston

Comment is about Alan Shepherd (poet profile)

Original item by Alan Shepherd

Hi Peter, thanks for your comment! It's good to know somebody agrees with me.

By the by, I really like your poem 'Hares' - it has a very Ted Hughes-esque firmness which is hard to come by in a lot of poetry.

Comment is about Peter Asher (poet profile)

Original item by Peter Asher

Cynthia, typing this having read everyone else's comments as well. Is there a ballet thing going on here?

I can picture a beautiful ballet dancer doing her exercise routine at the barr and following the verses of your piece.

One thing for sure is the interplay and final coming together of the elements works really well. Ray is sadly right about the extra "u" in the title, but titles can be spelt any way you please. Very best regards, Graham

Comment is about Glamorous Exercises (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I'm sure the earth forgives you - she's big like that.

Comment is about I Made The Earth Uncomfortable With My Hammer (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

reminds me of...
"I knew a man called O'Reilly"
"Oh, really ?"
"No, O'Reilly"

Comment is about really (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

thansk cynthia. im studying fine art, which hasa similar type of criticism to that here so thats good. will have less time to post but hopefully more inspiration. itll be my 2nd year. :)

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

How thoughtful and kind of you to give my poem another go. Thank you so much - a really lovely start to the day for me! Glad it worked for you this time. I was wondering if I had missed to convey it. Have a lovely weekend - it's Friday! Yaaaa! XX

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

I like the poem mostly. I tend to agree with Laura about the last verse. I find the title mystifying - it's misspelt, I think - glamorous. But still, Glamorous Exercises... means?

Comment is about Glamorous Exercises (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I often find your stuff fairly impenetrable, whilst recognising that you look as if you know what you're doing. This one I get and it's good. You ought to end on the title line, I think - the last 3 lines don't seem to add much.
And stick an "and" after bursts

Then slow bursts with each blow

Comment is about I Made The Earth Uncomfortable With My Hammer (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Just a quick one...

Loving the new picture - very studious!

Hope all is well, keep up the good work.

Comment is about Winston Plowes (poet profile)

Original item by Winston Plowes

Thanks for anniversary wishes, John. x

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks John, I will do when he can decide what he wants!

Comment is about Anniversary (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Hello John (Speechless)many thanks for the encouraging words so appreciated.

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi - many thanks (Armagh)B.

Comment is about Shirley Smothers (poet profile)

Original item by Shirley Smothers

I reckon the hardest thing is getting a publisher interested - there are lots of super writers on WOL who deserve to be published, but it's not easy. If you had poems with illustrations like those I reckon you'd have a much better chance - only my 2 cents though :)
good luck with it. B

Comment is about Shirley Smothers (poet profile)

Original item by Shirley Smothers

Lovely cadences and very evocative, Cynthia.

Comment is about Glamorous Exercises (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

HI CYnthia THanks again for your generous comments on Scholars. The Victorian classroom was indistinguishable for my own 1950s one!

Comment is about Glamorous Exercises (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

A rhyme alone does not make a poem. Limericks rhyme, but I would certainly not regard them as 'poetry' 'The Thought Fox' certainly does not rhyme but that is certainly a poem. Which one of the two would the PS describe as a poem?

The PS may not regard my poems as 'poetry' but there again I would not regard the PS as an 'authority'.

Comment is about Peace breaks out at the Poetry Society (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Philosophical Haiku

Tautologically exact.

Makes one reach out desperately for some sort of a rock.

good-un

(Incidentally, are there many satirical Haiku
around - or is this a contradiction in terms?)

Comment is about really (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Hey fantastic!! :D Which one/s did Full of Crow accept? I'll have to have a look. Haha, they just rejected 5 of mine so have doggedly sent them another 5 :D

I was so excited I put mine on me biog on here heh. I got into Feathertale online, plus their actual book - a Best Of coming out early next year, with Biting The Bullet! I get a copy of the book for payment so still have to buy me own chips, like ;) I got into RedFez too,with Write for Revolution, and that's just online but it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, innit?!

Waiting on bloody loads more - have got a few more links for you too, so will email them to you.

Nice one, well done - knew you'd get published!

Comment is about Kealan Coady (poet profile)

Original item by Kealan Coady

nice one laura and yeah i got into full of crow magazine, not out til next spring though and i got two into amphibi.us, theyre only online magazines but fuk it like, still waiting on a few replys, hows it goin with u?

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Hi Stella, This works. Its the words we can't read (the things we can see) that makes it work. I could join in with the crit of the petty line but what a great piece overall. Win x

Comment is about Day's End (blog)

Happy Anniversary, Lynn
We've just had out 31st.
Have you given him his prezzie yet?

Comment is about Anniversary (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Well, you've got the break in there, but I can't see a season, although you do have a 'sense' in the feeling part.

Comment is about really (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Wow! This is excellent, LOVE it. Such an original idea, so well executed.

Any luck with publishers yet chuck?

Comment is about I Made The Earth Uncomfortable With My Hammer (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Was just recommending your Poetry Slam enthusiasm of a few years ago to some people wanting to wake up a village community with events ideas - have moved there in last few months. Looked you up to see where located if they replied - and what a super surprise to see how you have hit the heights! Congratulations!

Comment is about Mark Niel (poet profile)

Original item by Mark Niel

Isobel, thanks for your comment on my last offering. It is nature poetry but I tried to use it as a kind of backdrop to reflect the break down of a relationship, so the two would hopefully work together. Maybe that element of the poem needs strengthening. Hope to see you soon. XXX

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

John, many thanks for commenting on my latest - much appreciated.

Comment is about John Coopey (poet profile)

Original item by John Coopey

Win, many thanks for your comments on my latest, very much appreciated. I shall think over your suggested change - thanks. XX

Comment is about Winston Plowes (poet profile)

Original item by Winston Plowes

Dave, thanks for commenting on my latest - glad you liked it. It is indeed praise from one who knows those Torridon peaks! Never doen the horns - too rocky for me! XXX

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Laura,
thanks for the comments on my latest. I chickened out of the relationship (wisely) and the climb was just a backdrop reflecting that fact! XXX

Comment is about Laura Taylor (poet profile)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Hi Andy, thanks for commenting on my latest. Hope you're doing well. I'm fine, thanks. Hope to see you soon. XX

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Cynthia, your comments on "Liathach" meant a great deal to me as you have really "got it". Thank you so much. XXX

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Ha! Nobody understood it elsewhere either. It's obviously a flawed masterpiece - but I really like it. I found myself writing with the voice of someone whose kids leave home and the loss is such that he makes replicas. This is not my voice, not how I would feel come the glad day!Maybe I should change the title.
Thanks Steve and John.

Comment is about Snowmen (blog)

have a peaceful night Lynn.
see thee on the morrow.

off to cop some zzzzzzzzzzz,s

fingy&wotsit.xx

Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)

Original item by Lynn Dye