Oooh! You were at the WOL thing were you - wish I'd had time to go. I loved it last time! Hope it was good! (I'm sure it was!)xx

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Thanks guys - I guess we sometimes just have to get on with it. We have our health and our strength - that's OK. I'm happy with that!

Comment is about meat and potatoes (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Enjoyed this Dave.
Effective use of the repetitive "What were they to do/sell/how to live" etc.
Almost disappointed youadded th footnote - I'd have liked to have thought it was inspired by Pendle Hill.

Comment is about Witches (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Hello Ann
I didn't know what to make of this.
In one direction my attention was grabbed by the imagery and metaphor - so apposite. In another my attention was grabbed by the underlying emotion - a resignation to lower emotional expectations in life.
I'll try to work on something to make you smile.

Comment is about meat and potatoes (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Like Dave says, I certainly identify with it. The worst thing is seeing someone out of context, say, while you're on holiday.
Nice, lynn.

Comment is about And Your Name Is...? (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Hi Alan

Thanks for putting those samples up on your profile.

Comment is about Alan Gillott (poet profile)

Original item by Alan Gillott

I'm admiring the technique in this, Ann - yeasty, yearning, knock, lopped, docked, vase, dance. The sort of poetic tricks we were talking about in the youth hostel at Mankinholes this weekend!

Comment is about meat and potatoes (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Cracking poem, and a great souvenir from a very jolly and rewarding weekend. (Thanks to Sean, Win and Julian!) Hope you had another good cycle round the moors today, Alison.

Comment is about My Wheel Two Love (blog)

Original item by Alison Smiles

Hi Dave,

I read the first verse and thought, "yes please!"

The second I found wonderful too until "Mars", I'm bothered by the rhyme, I'd prefer to contemplate their beauty from afar.

The third verse is very wordy. doesn't flow as well as the first two, which have a gentle rhythm, though I appreciate the sentiments expressed.

Comment is about Our Blanket beneath The Stars (blog)

Original item by Dave Dunn

Absolutely lovely Anthony, I too like Isobel was worried, as I read, that there was a darker side to Kenneth and I was afraid almost to find out.

So glad I continued, having known such joy, I can appreciate the poignant sadness that tinge fond memories...

Comment is about The Other Side of Kenneth (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Ouch, this is so solemn, I want to whisk you out and show you a sweeter world - very moving Ann.

Comment is about meat and potatoes (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Oooh, interesting - I totally agree and nice questions at the end, though what's the long spoon about?

I show my ignorance I'm sure! (smile)

Comment is about Witches (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

This is wonderful, so heady, I am caught up in the desire to be near "him"

Thank you...

Comment is about Sighs of Miles (blog)

Hi Alison,

What a lovely way to describe a bicycle, seeing so much more than the merely functional, letting your imagination play...

My bike, when I was a kid, was a horse that I rode across fields and fast down hills - I was free then, thanks for the wonderful reminder of simpler days...

Comment is about My Wheel Two Love (blog)

Original item by Alison Smiles

I couldn't begin to say how much I've enjoyed reading this! Especially loved ,"It's why we're drinking away sores,and rioting in hammered,high street,small scale wars".

Got goosebumps when I got to that bit!Fabulous,and socially relevant for this time!

Comment is about New poem: Workers of the World... Fragment... (blog)

Anne

Thank you so mulch for having a read of my latest.

... But they grow for a bit beyond March don't they?!

Actually ... if you look at Breck's catalogue, apparently, summer flowering Daffodils are available!

Thanks for revealing what a complete anus I am in the flower garden. If you can think of a different one ( flowering March to late August) I'll change the name!

Monty (Don) Fassbinder

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Hi Ann,

This is difficult to comment on. Not because it's a difficult poem, but because I don't know whether you are writing from an autobiographical standpoint.

I seldom write about myself, but, as recent brief exchanges show, there's always a little of the self that does creep in in any writing - it would be strange if it didn't.

I like the way you very aptly describe the "meat and potatoes/getting in the coal" of ordinary existence. Unusual, yet extremely apposite metaphors.

Yet, if anyone can write like this; summon up that imagination and creativity - dream even, then I don't see them "in the corner of that empty room." Certainly not for long anyway . . .

Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about meat and potatoes (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Hi Isobel (re: RIP)- many thanks for your comments not a nice topic I know but this is life in the raw and sometimes we have show what is happening around us - so am grateful that I might have pitched this about right x

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

Dave (re: RIP)I am sorry if this opened up old wounds and can only empathise with your loss - it took courage to go back and read the poem again and I appreciate your comments even in the light of your difficult circumstances

Comment is about Dave Bradley (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Spring is that time of year isn't it.

As Isobel says, Ann, the imagery is fresh. It's a good poem, but more than just a poem. Still, life's full of surprises.

Comment is about meat and potatoes (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Excellent. So many people are going to identify with this!

Comment is about And Your Name Is...? (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Crumbs - everyone seems to be posting sad ones for April.

The imagery you have used is fresh and clever, Ann and I love the flow, innovative use of rhyme and the ideas.

A clever, well structured poem that I hope isn't based on true life. x

Comment is about meat and potatoes (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I'm terrible at names too Lynn! An embarrassing situation well described! (But look on the positive side - maybe you are more memorable than she is :)xx

Comment is about And Your Name Is...? (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Hello Fatima,

Your poem 'mother' was very moving to me. It made me think firstly of my mother and her thoughts. It made me think of me as a parent also. 'I don't enjoy being a mother' is such a great line. Seems so shocking sandwiched as it is between 'gawking faces' and 'calculating oneself'. I suppose that is the whole point. I look forward to reading more of your poetry on this site ...

Thank you


Fassbinder

Comment is about Fatima AL Matar (poet profile)

Original item by Fatima AL Matar

Dear Kate

Spare a thought for the triple-chinned thirty-something invisible bloke that proliferates who not only finds his person overlooked by the opposite sex in his 'good years' but after nearly four decades of contorting his lips and ,looking like a complete tit in the process, still can't even muster a whistle in order to subject others to intermittent 'interest' from time to time!

I did use a cazoo once but it didn't quite have the impact I had hoped for.

By the way I love this poem of yours Kate. Like your erstwhile offering about getting upto naughties while the kids are next door, it shows a light touch with a very funny idiom and more than just a kernel of truth within.

Mwoar please.


Fassbinder

Comment is about Invisible Woman (blog)

Original item by Kate Tym

LOL
Sounds like you had fun ; )

Comment is about The Yeung Sing Hotel (blog)

Original item by Isobel

I love your poem 'My Hearts Triumphant Cry', Valerie.
Congratulations on it being nominated for Poem of the Month!

Comment is about Valerie Cook (poet profile)

Original item by Valerie Cook

1. In those days a try was worth 3 points.
2 "Green and gold" - not Australia but Henry Mellish Grammar.
3. Pie and beans is de riguer after a rugby match.

Comment is about 84 - 0 (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Hi Anthony - Re; RIP thanks for commenting - true what you say about mankind sometimes we are not very nice - especially when loved ones left behind must pay the price in such a case as this

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

I liked it from the line 'what is the stuff of life'. In fact it actually really works as a minimalist piece from that line onward as well.

I like the orientation of the answer and its gentleness.

Comment is about The Stuff of Life (blog)

Original item by Isobel

Thank you Graham - I'm glad it worked for you. I'd just like to point out that the line about acid/alkali wasn't intended as a pop at my ex at all. Acids and alkalis were being discussed during revision so I am staying close the true story. They are also total opposites which is quite an accurate reflection of our personalities - no-one being at fault for that.

The poem is looking at how curious it is when our children inherit different traits from our own. My son is not arty at all - sees the world in quite literal, concrete terms. There is always common ground somewhere though - I hope that comes across. x

Comment is about The Stuff of Life (blog)

Original item by Isobel

This is just a bit of fun, posted for my cousins down south, who spent last week-end with me in the said hotel. It had to be experienced to be believed. x

Comment is about The Yeung Sing Hotel (blog)

Original item by Isobel

Hi Anna,

Clever title and witty take on the subject! Some good half-rhymes - reminded me a little of Wendy Cope. Enjoyed!

Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about A man after my own heart (blog)

Original item by Anna McCrory

Hi Marianne,

I always feel as if I've strayed into another realm when reading your work. You have not only a unique way of seeing things, but also a very creative way of recording your thoughts. "Through a glass darkly . . . "

Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about Narci (blog)

Original item by Marianne Daniels

Hi Tom,

Can I say that I think that you have an enviable abilities in both your writing and illustrations. Anything which complements the written word, dragging it from the dusty and sometimes inaccessible page is to be admired and welcomed.

Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about The Living & The Dead (blog)

Original item by Tom Harding

When I write, I just hope that in the piece somewhere there can be a killer line/word/expression etc.
"To matter amongst the matter" Genius! Isobel
I also like your observation (easy for a mum) of his father's lips but your eyes. Well done Isobel, another well written piece.

Comment is about The Stuff of Life (blog)

Original item by Isobel

A remarkable and special poem. Almost inspirational in the vision it presents of lifelong enthusiastic love-making with one other. Some may find that unsettling or unconvincing, but I find it heart-warming

Comment is about The Other Side of Kenneth (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Thanks for your comment Elaine - the poem is based on a true life moment, as you may have guessed. Kids are great for inspiring, aren't they?
Missed you at the Tudor last month. Hope you can make Aprils. x

Comment is about Elaine (poet profile)

Original item by Elaine

You are right - I wouldn't have said 'why, no' - it sounded more poetic than 'no' though - the line needed one more syllable. The way we say things isn't always that pretty and I don't think it hurts to bend things a little in poetry.
I can't see myself on the South Bank Show any time soon - but yes, I am slowly growing in confidence - that's what it's all about really, isn't it? If I could gift anything to my kids, it would be confidence. I should write a poem about that...

I like the chair picture. It tells me that you don't take life/yourself too seriously. I would like to have seen a picture of you climbing up there also - that would have been funny! xx

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

I love this Anthony. I'm not sure whether such men exist but life could be perfect if they did. You managed to wrong foot me. I imagined Kenneth had a nasty side that no-one knew about but he was just a good lover at the end of the day.

Your poem reminds me that you can never judge a book by its cover. It is a lovely glimpse into an ideal world, tinged with sadness though.

I'm not going to comment on use of language - I can't be arsed when I just enjoy something. x

Comment is about The Other Side of Kenneth (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Hi Val,

Congratulations on POTM! A celebratory and uplifting poems of what might be a dark moment in a life - well done! You go for it girl!

Regards,

A.E.

Comment is about Valerie Cook (poet profile)

Original item by Valerie Cook

Andy, this is fantastic - love it. The whole poem is like a sign of those times & also an expression of human nature. There is something of the belittling of the other - the view of the riot: "By all accounts / It was little more than a protest" - not your view but the official view & "Without even / A thank you for attending." The repetition of "all I could..." is really inspired - there is something about the way you are underselling the action here that makes it all the stronger.
Having heard your Moss Side poem I can really hear your voice in this poem. Good stuff - very vivid & powerful.

Comment is about Up on the Roof (Strangeways) (blog)

Original item by Andy N

So sparse & simple. It seems very Japanese with a hint of Zen Buddhism in there. The stanzas echo haiku. This could all be filtered through western eyes of course but I'm convinced!
Some of the detail is almost random but I like this - it paints a picture & helps to tell the tale. Very enjoyable.

Comment is about Plum blossoms in snow (blog)

Original item by Dave Morgan

Fantastic, great wit and such tight writing.

Comment is about The Student (blog)

Ann, you have such a fine touch - another lovely poem. X

Comment is about foxheart (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Interesting, Kealan. It's all still faith at the end of the day - knowledge is possibly just the coincidence of an agreement between some homo sapiens that our perceptions intersect. Or am I just over-thinking it all?!
You seem to me to be saying that holy texts have got nothing on lived experience anyway. Like it.

Comment is about How Can god Be When Spring Rains (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

So very touching and made all the more so with the beautiful photo you have used for the illustration. You have written such a finely felt and loving poem, Ann, bless you. xxx

Comment is about The Tooth (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Enjoyed this - the "certainty of youth", great words. I love your son's answer very much - without carbon there'd be no love! Perfect. xxx

Comment is about The Stuff of Life (blog)

Original item by Isobel

Great stuff Greg. A poem to make everyone think - and there aren't too many of those about.

Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about Question 17 (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Hi Isobel,

Sorry for the delay in responding; I haven’t had much time or inclination for the pen of late.

“Haven” is a very old poem – although I still have a soft spot for her. Any fan of Coronation Street – or the shipping forecast for that matter, could probably date it fairly accurately. I freely admit to having no knowledge whatsoever of the musings of the celebrated Ms Cartland - the perils of using one’s imagination! As for the character, she may or may not exist; all I know is that she was somewhere around the misty periphery of my butterfly mind. I guess it was written to illustrate how we are able to isolate ourselves from the larger world, living in our own warm cocoons while life and its wild perils carry on regardless. Sometimes people seem able to do this without feeling the pain of loneliness.

Your own writing/performing seems to be going from strength to strength – deservedly so. (Yes I still read, even when I’m not writing!) Yesterday The Morton Arms – tomorrow The South Bank show! Who knows? You go for it. You know I admire the “directness” of your writing, and I suspect others do too.

“The Stuff of Life” is very clever by what it implies and leaves unsaid. A poem to read “between” the lines of. I think it probably says a lot about you. Just one word that I felt was superfluous – the “why” as in “Why, no.” I admit it’s not exactly the proverbial sore thumb – but I can’t for one second imagine a solid northern lass like yourself ever saying it in preference to the plain “no”! (Sounds a little too “Gone With the Wind” for your neck of the woods! But then you probably don’t give a damn!)

I have tinkered with my profile a little – and yes, that really is me on the big chair. (Or is it that the chair is normal and I’m really tiny?) I may change it all again soon – even back to the guy with his head up his butt – more me sometimes . . .

Take care,

A.E.

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel