Sorry I didn't get a chance at Hebden Bridge the other night to say how much I enjoyed your Cleck and Heck poem, Freda. I love all those West Yorkshire place names from back in the days (many years ago now) when I was a sub-editor on the Yorkshire Evening Post, commuting from York, and wondering what all these wonderful-sounding places like Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike were actually like. There's great poetic mileage to be made out of public transport, I believe ... Best wishes, Greg

Comment is about Freda Davis (poet profile)

Original item by Freda Davis

This really made me want to cry Tom. Your poems are so delicate and sensitive but powerful too. The bit about the hanging bathrobe, brill. And the last line! Poor chap! And thank you for commenting so generously on my Pinny! xx

Comment is about To A Teacher (blog)

Original item by Tom Harding

Re Pinny. Thanks for your comments. Ah! Marriage! The man I lost and I were never married. Far too bohemian - which was all very well until he dropped down dead without making a will. Which, funnily enough didn't matter at all regarding money and stuff, but was just more hassle at a terrible time. He was a right pain on occasion, but we really loved each other and he was never boring and had a heart of gold. AND was my best friend too. I think this poem just comes from how I feel seeing couples everywhere. They seem to be more in evidence around bank holidays! I don't think I'm the marrying kind. Miserable selfish old loner, that's me! ;-) Did try it once a million years ago. And I have my two children who are lovely, tho grown up and living in London. And I know that marriage is not a bed of roses etc. Maybe that's the trouble - I just want a bed of roses!!

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

Ah! Marriage! The man I lost and I were never married Isobel. I think this poem just comes from how I feel seeing couples everywhere. They seem to be more in evidence around bank holidays! I don't think I'm the marrying kind. Miserable selfish old loner, that's me! ;-) Did try it once a million years ago. And I know that marriage is not a bed of roses etc. Maybe that's the trouble - I just want a bed of roses!!

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Ah! Marriage! The man I lost and I were never married Isobel. I think this poem just comes from how I feel seeing couples everywhere. They seem to be more in evidence around bank holidays! I don't think I'm the marrying kind. Miserable selfish old loner, that's me! ;-) Did try it once a million years ago. And I know that marriage is not a bed of roses etc. Maybe that's the trouble - I just want a bed of roses!!

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Hi,
Thanks for your comment :-)

Comment is about Tomás Ó Cárthaigh (poet profile)

Original item by Tomás Ó Cárthaigh

Hi Ann
Thanks once more for commenting! :-)

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Hi Emma,

Thanks for commenting on 'for you'. Isn't it nuts being 'mummy' lol.
Sorry i missed you on sat, hopeful will sort that out soon :-)

Comment is about Emma Robinson (poet profile)

Original item by Emma Robinson

Hi,
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on 'looking back'. It's not parental break-up at the core it's sibling break-up and the death of one and whats left over.
Does that make sense?
Regards
kath

Comment is about Antony Owen (poet profile)

Original item by Antony Owen

Hi, Thanks for reading and commenting :-)

Comment is about Kealan Coady (poet profile)

Original item by Kealan Coady

great poem. it's impressive how you keep hold of the rhyme whilst maintaining an unorthodox rhythm. that's not easy to do.

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I think you probably had a very good marriage from what I have read Ann. That probably colours your vision of how things must be for other people. I think there are lot of troubled marriages out there where people just endure cos the upheaval of not enduring would be too traumatic.
I do empathise with you in many ways though! LOL
You may be frustrated that this poem has inspired more comment than others. I think it is because it stops people in their tracks with its honesty and frustration - nothing wrong with doing that from time to time. I feel like chopping that wood up with you...

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

yes it held something for me too. simple, nice. Win :-)

Comment is about There is no god (blog)

Original item by Steven Dark

some great lines in this Max, must get to grips reading more of your series of poems, Win :-)

Comment is about For This (blog)

Original item by Max Wallis

A whimsical moment well-caught. I like the gentleness in this, and the scene 'switch'. Good choice of words.

Any chance you might ditch the photo?

Comment is about Daydream (blog)

Original item by Steven Kenny

Haven't you posted this before? I remembered it as soon as your name reappeared the other day. Katy's comment is excellent.

Comment is about Shapeless & Transcendent (blog)

Original item by Steven Dark

This is very captivating. I like the 'casual' but effective rhyming.

Comment is about There is no god (blog)

Original item by Steven Dark

A noble thought shared by many.

Comment is about The Title Of This Poem Is Longer Than The Actual Poem (blog)

Love the pattern! and the opening two lines - a real hook! Oh, I think it's serious enough. Especially when you leap so quickly to protest such honesty. Your 'perfect couple' does seem really outdated though, like post-WWII propaganda to shove the woman back into pinnies and the kitchen. I think married women have exactly the same thoughts, and often envy the 'freedom' you express. Flowery frocks are big news this spring. Splurge a little. Are you Conservative, by any chance? (Only kidding.)

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Not from Rome by any chance? (psst!-disillusions+)like what you get when you have been married too long or so called friends use you!cheers Marc-Stefan.

Comment is about Marc Anthony (poet profile)

Original item by Marc Anthony

I must apologise - my first comment was to say that this was not too serious then I got all serious! Sorry chaps! Guess it meant more to me than I thought. And I do appreciate any comments I get on here, good, bad and naughty!

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I shouldn't say condescend to comment cos I know I am very lucky to get the comments that I do. Love ya lots everyone!! xx

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I only dip in quickly and only comment sparingly now, but you are right, I guess I must be shallow too
TC XX

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Just occasionally I get peeved that you can write a poem (IMO) that is really interesting and maybe good and no-one says anything. Mention bog paper, being tied to bedposts or say fuck and people condescend to comment. I'll get off my soapbox now (and probably get told off.)

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

You bother because you like poetry and also to have others appreciate it, regardless of wether it is missinterpret it or not. . it is a point of contact, forgive me I have been drinking too.......
Love TC XX

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Hi Therm - no, this is not a naughty poem - but only a lonely lady would understand. Why do I bother? xx

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Ha Ha you naughty minx ;-)
XX

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

How wonderful about the crow! I love all birds but especially corvids! And owls! I must confess that I bought an old taxidermy crow and a raven on Ebay. They are so beautiful and full of character. The raven dates from around 1910 and has a wobbly head! I hope this doesn't upset you or your crow, but I feel that I have given them a home here with me. One of them might appear in a poem tomorrow if I feel like it! xx

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Thank you for the happiness :) I never thought I'd marry and have no idea how it happened. But it did. The wedding was absolutely awful, though. Then my cousin asked me to run away with him minutes after the ceremony, which was a bit of a surprise since he's gay.

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Thank you so much for your comments on Pinny. It was written in a sort of stream of conciousness and I think you have summed it up very well, the ins and outs I mean, not liking it! For that I am eternally greatful!

Comment is about Alison Smiles (poet profile)

Original item by Alison Smiles

You are simply and beautifully ageless and timeless.
As for crows, well, one crow. I've a hand reared crow with a crooked beak. She had a severe chest infection and throat parasites as a chick -- they scarred her crop so she can't store food in it and we have to feed her till round 11pm at night in winter. Her crooked beak grows unwieldy twice a year and we hand feed her then, too. She didn't have wings for a year. just sort of stick things. Her feathers have recovered but she's stunted (due to the parasites). She was going to be put down by the vet but we persuaded him to let us take care of her. She can't go free because she'd starve and because she was so young when we got her that she thinks we are her parents. She's clever and playful and extremely gentle. She kisses my face and hands and hides her toys down my collar. A wonderful bird! So I smell of crow(s).

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

My Habitat pouffe. She is scared of the cat. Her best friend is the settee. She only speaks fluent stoolpidgeon. She does not like the way she looks. Sadly, she never went to school as there wasn't one at Habitat. She never met her father Terence. Her secret is she watches Bargain Hunt. She is happy that she WILL have a new cover! She doesn't know what she will never have, so she is happy. She is passionate about the cat. She hates the cat - cos the cat is frquently sick on her. Hence new cover (for pouffe not for cat).

Comment is about Go on Google (article)

I have bought a packet of googly eyes and will report back shortly on how the objects I endow with googly vision respond.

Comment is about Go on Google (article)

No way would you be a Katywoman Hatta - I'm just showing my age! And what a bitter twisted soul I am! xx

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Wasn't there a Roman writer called Frilly Pliny the Elder? I bet he felt the same way, too, although he had the convenience of a vomitarium. I am married. Am I therefore a Katywoman? I don't do Bisto because I'm vegan, but I do do tapioca pudding and jam. I might smell a bit of crows and hens, though.

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Fantastic - loved the way it moved from bitter cynic to real woman, and the surprise ending!

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I'll get out me Marigolds too chuck! xx

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

@Stef. Many thanks for the comments Stef, they are greatly appreciated. Erm.. I never considered my work inspirational but I'll take the compliment :). Thanks.
And Ann, I'm planning to add more audio - as time allows. The quality on the one here is not good. And thanks, also :)

Comment is about Steven Dark (poet profile)

Original item by Steven Dark

Wow, what a great voice you have. You should do more audios. Deffo!

Comment is about Steven Dark (poet profile)

Original item by Steven Dark

Hi again Wytch-ta for 'baited' comment-will have a butchers at Katys poem.must be a bastard in the grip of any kind of stimulant without doubt-as you suggest we must remember lots of those poor souls are not always in that situ because of their own actions.If we can,t afford pity at least,then what is this world coming to? all power and undying thanks to those people who help and give unconditional support to these sufferers.It cannot be an easy task at all.Thank you-Stefan.

Comment is about Steven Dark (poet profile)

Original item by Steven Dark

great idea with the title, its ironic and witty, on reading it nirvana's song lithium comes to mind (the bridge part)

Comment is about The Title Of This Poem Is Longer Than The Actual Poem (blog)

Not too serious this one - honest!!

Comment is about pinny (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Thank you Ann! Hopefully you'll hear me in person sometime.

Comment is about For When the Wind Sighs + Audio (blog)

Original item by Max Wallis

Fantastic! And you read so well. Haunting and full of longing and passion.

Comment is about For When the Wind Sighs + Audio (blog)

Original item by Max Wallis

thank you hatta, I'm glad you've enjoyed them.. the slam was great, thank you x

Comment is about I wish I can live life by Abu Al Qassim Al Shabbi translated by Fatima Al Matar (blog)

Original item by Poetry in Translation Group

Rubbish Hatta! Your poems are brill! xx

Comment is about patina (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I really like this - sorry I don't have some profound comment but I just thought I'd say I liked it a lot.

Comment is about Shapeless & Transcendent (blog)

Original item by Steven Dark

I'm patina dog, I'm patina Putin, I'm patina smile on a face of a fluffy ol' fog. 'Patina' is a beautiful word and this poem is achingly beautiful. My, ahem, poems have little more than a bit of a buff by comparison :) xx

Comment is about patina (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I like both the imagery and structure of this piece. Complementary and expressive.

Comment is about For Fortune (blog)

Original item by Max Wallis

Greetings Gandalf-geezer Gus, gyring and tweezerless/I'm toujours tapping tapping tapping/my poem-world's sense-tensile mapping/though neighbours knock and me they're slapping/for my relentless tapping tapping.

Congratulations on doing so well at Wigan Slam!

Comment is about Gus Jonsson (poet profile)

Original item by Gus Jonsson