Hi Cynthia I'm really flattered by your comments on Gasometers. You never know when you write something whether it will appeal to others or even make much sense. I thought this one was a bit risky in places, so am really pleased you liked it.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I think this is perhaps the best poem you've ever done. It's hard to say, I have loved so many. So good is: 'the road drones on'.

'I sense the shades', whether deliberately or not, is a superb word to use for 'ghost' in conjunction with 'the trees' because poetic ideas spawn other meanings automatically, and 'shade' and 'tree' are connected in our everyday lives. A picture cannot help but form in our minds through your sheer choice of words. The physical reality, like the 'yoghurt pot' and the 'vole', are expertly set against the reality of empathetic feelings, an excellent structuring of two worlds existing side by side. And then you tie up the poem with action, placing the vole secretly behind a graven stone, pulling the two worlds together as your conclusion. 'graven' is superb; it sings with meanings far beyond 'grave'; the first involves living people who actively remember a loved one, and the second is a black hole with a dead body in it.

Forgive my enthusiasm. I feel excited.

Comment is about field boundaries (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

You reflect the power and might of the sea well with great use of alliteration. I'm wondering if this is part of series of poems. Might we see a calm sea next? I'll look forward to the contrasts. x

Comment is about Ocean Thoughts I (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

You are such a bad girl...but your poem's a lot of fun! Would agree with Rachel that 'sticky going dry' is a bit of a wicked line.
I obviously need to watch more telly Cynthia cos I haven't noticed any naughty adverts at all - I'll go grab my remote and check it all out. x

Comment is about that lingerie thing (blog)

I think I would avoid 'artsy-fartsy' and go for the obvious, as simple as 'Sticker'. We all have them, had them, or have kids who adore them; it would ring bells with all readers, leaving them to ride the carousel of their own memories. Just a thought.

Comment is about Through The Window (blog)

Original item by Emma McCourty

It's charming, and sincere, and captures the mood of contentment. What else do you ask of poetry? The 'driver actually enjoying the scenery' is a great touch.

Comment is about Gwithian (blog)

Original item by Crackling

You say its rubbish I don,t-and never would-you were then and to me now-spreading happiness-how can that be rubbish-glad you had a nice time-best regards-Stefan Wilde.

Comment is about Gwithian (blog)

Original item by Crackling

Ok, ok, its rubbish - I just needed to get some words out on what a wonderful day with two friends.

Comment is about Gwithian (blog)

Original item by Crackling

Thank you Greg and Cynthia for your lovely comments. I can't name the piece, it's tricky...any ideas most welcome :o) The gnome sticker is one I had with a fairy book as a little lass. I left him on the window when we moved. Bit of nostalgia there. Thank you :o)

Comment is about Through The Window (blog)

Original item by Emma McCourty

Mike, this is breath-taking in the breadth of your concept and the depth of your presentation. For me, any 'weakish' spots are overridden by the majesty of your personal understanding (if that doesn't sound corny beyond belief!) and your sincerity.

Comment is about African Plains (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Good morning Larisa-just saying that I hope you and yours and McCoy are all well-catch you later-Stef-xx(M-xx)

Comment is about Larisa Rzhepishevska (poet profile)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

There's a lot under the surface here, Emma, "too much to tell". Families on the run from someone, seeking refuge. The familiar comfort of Snow White, Spot the Dog, and the Faraway Tree ... but there's something about that gnome you just don't like. Brings back memories? It's very powerful, has a good rhythm and structure, and repays several readings.

Comment is about Through The Window (blog)

Original item by Emma McCourty

This is fantastic, Emma, but I can well see why you haven't got a title yet. There are so many superb images of which 'spilling salt tinged stories' is only one. I think the ending is superb, with its final sensual punch of smell and touch, personifying the 'gnome'. How far are we from the Mountains of Thor, I ask you?

Comment is about Through The Window (blog)

Original item by Emma McCourty

Re: 'why' - great response, Josh, well argued.

Comment is about Joshua Van-Cook (poet profile)

Original item by Joshua Van-Cook

Good morning Lynn-hope you are well-enjoy your week-see you later young Lady-Stef-xx(B-xx)

Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Good morning Bernadette-just popped in to say hope you are well and enjoy your day-catch you later-Stef-xx

Comment is about bernadette herbertson (poet profile)

Original item by bernadette herbertson

Thanks, Greg. I think the poem takes a wrong turn at "We hesitate to laugh and listen".The opening line is what I used to find myself thinking during certain experiments with illicit substances.The 2nd half of the poem is reality intruding, I guess.
Thanks, Stefan and Dave. I like smithereens too.
Thanks Cynthia.It isn't packed with Dusty Springfield allusions, just the one line. I do love that song, though.

Comment is about Dusty (blog)

Thanks all - I knew the two "to"s close together were no good, and took one out. Not sure if I need another word in the line. But I think the first verse grounds the poem in some way, places it, turns it into more of a real event rather than a general musing on life. But then I find the "less is more" thing out of character for me, though I am trying! xx

Comment is about field boundaries (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Some intelligent comments here, Ann. Is it OK to just say I like it?

Comment is about field boundaries (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Good evening Lynn-if I hear the word mermaid once more!!! haha-good poem love-do you think mermaids have a web...site? and do you think they like fish fingers? too funny eh Lynn-catch you later-off to surf...the net! oh I can,t stop me'self-Stef-xx(B-xx)

Comment is about If I Were... (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

I've read this and re-read this time and time again. The first verse is totally unnecessary in my opinion, but the rest is pure magic. The only other criticism is the two so's that follow each other (not good) but I love the dead vole idea, lovely words.

Comment is about field boundaries (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

A poem that simultaneously strikes awe and fear of the dormant power of the sea. I like this a lot. Everything is clear but nothing is overstated and while the menace is clear, what can happen is still subject to imagination.

Comment is about Ocean Thoughts I (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I can see what you're saying Cynthia. However I was trying to come across from an angle of the picture being nearly completely unambiguous. I do think that 'why?' is a question while not under-asked exactly but that curiosity only seems to go so far for quite a few people and that 'why?' can be asked about a variety of subjects a lot of times before all possible light is shed.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thanks for commenting, Cynthia. 'Lovely chum' is a phrase which the friend in question uses about her friends, so that's how I think of her

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Hi Lynn - thank you for recent comments - you are very kind! xx

Comment is about Lynn Dye (poet profile)

Original item by Lynn Dye

This does a great job of describing the latent brooding menace of the sea, Cynthia

Comment is about Ocean Thoughts I (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Thank you Gus for your lovely feedback on 'Enlightenment 82' will stop an d read your work soon and leave a note :o)

Comment is about Gus Jonsson (poet profile)

Original item by Gus Jonsson

Thank you so much for the feedback. Its lovely :o)

Comment is about The Enlightenment 82 (blog)

Original item by Emma McCourty

Mmmm...
'A fishnet defender'

'And finally
To the real thing.
Stood over him
Domineering.'

'Its all in the mind
All in the detail'

'Make for sticky dreams indeed'


xxxxx

Comment is about that lingerie thing (blog)

Your words express what many feel in such a profound and touching way.

'Mirrors are useless'

'The answers are in others words
They know us better'

'I have taken her and interned her
She is my prisoner now in friendship
And I thank her, but she never knows it'

Tu touches sur l'idée que 'L'enfer, c'est les autres' dans ce poème...


xxxxx

Comment is about on the verge (blog)

I agree, this is fabulous, and I don't get all the allusions. But I do 'get' the language that carries me 'to blueness drenched in our percussion'. Some marvellous, innovative imagery in the command of skillful diction and poetic melody. One to reread many times with ever greater appreciation.

Comment is about Dusty (blog)

This is really good. The metaphor never slips out of your grasp of imagination or meaning. The last few lines are an excellent summary of the novel idea shot down with rationale.

Comment is about cryogenic (blog)

Outstanding, Dave, a real jewel to be revisited many times.
Is there a meaning of 'chum' beyond 'friend'?

Comment is about Lovely chum (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Lauretta, this is really good, an excellent theme from boyhood drooling to real experience, developed with poetical and sensual skill. The last few lines are superb.
Have you noticed the even greater freedom of lingerie advertising on telly recently, or of body washes?

Comment is about that lingerie thing (blog)

Hi Ann. Yes, I went on an Arvon course in 2004, for prose not poetry. I hadn't really looked at the small print, but when I got there discovered the course was primarily designed to root out bad habits. It was tough. I think I wrote my best piece at the beginning of the week, and my worst at the end. Two people left the course in midweek. We were given a template to construct fiction, and I could see the sense in it, but I don't think I've ever used it. Write the kind of poetry you enjoy writing - I guess that's obvious - it shouldn't be like a grinding school exercise. But sometimes it's enjoyable to try something new. And read as much as you can. And don't beat yourself up about not getting published. Blimey, that's good advice. It's about time I started following it!

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

This will appeal to a lot of readers, Pete. It has many relate-able images and strong emotions expressed with vivid language. It covers extensive ground.

Comment is about on the verge (blog)

You are welcome dear Lady-despite being a southerner-but a blummin gorgeous one to boot!(not physically I hasten to add)massive bag of kisses'n'ugs-Stef-xx(B-xx)

Comment is about MERMAID (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Lots of social comment in this one, Dave, and totally agree with all of it. Good piece, Warm regards, Lynn x

Comment is about Future Archaeology (blog)

Original item by Dave Dunn

Love this, Dave. It does get the imagination conjuring up images. Really good poem xx

Comment is about Lovely chum (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

Hi Alain, thank you for your kind comments on "Candyfloss", much appreciated. x

Comment is about Alain English (poet profile)

Original item by Alain English

Thanks Stefan, fish n grips could be right, hey! lol. xxx

Alain, thank you for kind words, naturally I can't speak for all females though!! x

Larisa, appreciate your advice, and your rhyme is very good, but on this occasion I think it would alter my meaning too much - I am hinting by the lady not being a dancer, that she may be ready for romance! xxx

Comment is about Candyfloss (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Thank you kind sir :-) Love, Lynn xx

Comment is about MERMAID (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

Some people do have fascinating ways of expressing themselves - hands being a great one. I think I told you about the person I knew whose every sentence was prefaced by a tongue poking out - most disconcerting - a horrid habit - I'm amazed no-one told him about it. I digress.... nice poem x

Comment is about Lovely chum (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley

See! what the flips wrong with that! good poem Lynn-thanks-Stefan-xx(B-xx)

Comment is about MERMAID (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

One for the kids!

Comment is about MERMAID (blog)

Original item by Lynn Dye

This is so lovely, Ann. I was tempted to try a mermaid poem after Bernadette gave us the image, but I feel my attempts are rubbish in comparison, lol. Love, Lynn xxx

Comment is about mermaid wedding (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I think the video is so funny, Ann, thanks for making me smile so early on a Sunday morning! Love, Lynn xxx

Comment is about Oh No! It's Dance Round the Kitchen time again! (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

No, I didn't spot the anyone in a blue cardy - sure it wasn't a blue rinse? There's a rather nice guy in a Fairisle pullover though - might be you? 'Cept he's not so pale! Actually, the chap singin' is rather lovely. Think I'm gonna be the lady singin'! ;-)

Comment is about Oh No! It's Dance Round the Kitchen time again! (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Just proves that it ain't never too late!

Comment is about Oh No! It's Dance Round the Kitchen time again! (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Mmmm... Lovely one.
Leaves a lot to the imagination... to make that move ; )

Comment is about Lovely chum (blog)

Original item by Dave Bradley