Bedpost is the term I generally prefer to tie myself to in that regard.

Comment is about Hearts and flowers and shit (blog)

Original item by Dermot Glennon

yes thanx for your words. the two planes in the pic are the same as in my poem. the topic matter affects my views a lot so i did this poem. everything has a price including war. i find history fascinating, never boring, it reaches out to touch me.

Comment is about havoc poem (blog)

Original item by NICK ARMBRISTER

thanx for your comments Cynthia on my poems. i watched a film called overloard about d-day the other day and took the a-20 havoc/boston warplane pics you see from it. the 2 poems are about the same plane, the film showed great footage of them flying over holland at zero feet and shooting up the dutch barges, as mentioned in my poems. i know war is futile and stupid but the imagery can be quite fascinating. pity the poor ppl caught in the middle tho.

Comment is about ghosts poem (blog)

Original item by NICK ARMBRISTER

Hi Val,
thanks for your comment on Mr. Skoulikaris and i think you're probably right. I've decided that i will edit the ending. I just hate the thought of 'fate' or 'death' as it were in this instance to be the ending so i might look for other ways around that. :-)

Are you back home now?
Janet.x

Comment is about Valerie Cook (poet profile)

Original item by Valerie Cook

Hi Rodney,
thanks for reading and commenting on my poem Mr. Skoulikaris.
Incidentally, i feel you are probably right about soulmate not being quite right so duly editing.

Janet.x

Comment is about Rodney Wood (poet profile)

Original item by Rodney Wood

OK, i fell for it too.
Like Cynthia, i didn't expect a chapbook either but you caught me in a reading mood.

1, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, i thoroughly enjoyed reading and 'tasting.'
I'm afraid the others are either too political for my taste or would take too much searching for info. That's not a slight on your poetry, just a little ignorance on my part. I can be a lazy begger too. :-)

Janet.x

Comment is about CARRIB NOTEBOOK (blog)

Original item by Rodney Wood

This made me laugh.
That one line ''give them a false sense of security'' changes the whole theme of romantic love to one of possessive love or dominatrix, whichever term you prefer to tie yourself to. :-)

Janet.x

Comment is about Hearts and flowers and shit (blog)

Original item by Dermot Glennon

Deep and affecting.

Cynthi'a comment made me wonder and after some thought, i think it depends on ones perception of 'tranquilizers'.
I know people who swear by them for making them feel better while others think of them as dulling the senses.
I rather liked the last two lines because it's open for the reader to think further than the ending of the poem.

Well done,
Janet.x

Comment is about Various Complications. (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

The thoughts here are genuinely compassionate and, I think, part of us all. I'm glad the poem ends with positive action.

Comment is about In the Dead of Night (blog)

Original item by Carmine Grimshaw

Like the 'havoc poem' your description of the planes and the action is straight forward and venal; the imagery of 'deadly guns like vicious teeth' is sharply accurate in both sight and purpose. Past and present united with a question to finish the poem is good poetic strategy.

Comment is about ghosts poem (blog)

Original item by NICK ARMBRISTER

Mr Armbrister, I think this is an excellent poem, clear and unaffected, a 'telling' poem that needs no quirky imagery. After the strong real visuals, you end with 'war discussion/assessment', a chilling reality in itself.

Comment is about havoc poem (blog)

Original item by NICK ARMBRISTER

I can totally relate to this.
Somehow though i don't feel the desperation that Isobel speaks of within it. It's more a recognition of the self and ones needs.
Once that occurs in a person, they can then begin to move forward and ultimately go on to find self love.

This is a very touching poem which will affect many a reader in some way. This is what i love about poetry. It makes one feel. :-)

Janet.x

Comment is about Untitled (blog)

I am not presuming this situation applies to you. Why should I? But your grasp of the idea is distinct and expressed with powerful imagery. It speaks with compassion and wisdom. I am so bold as to offer one of mine, just to underline the universality of those demons of your own thoughts.

Indulgence

there is no greater darkness
than the intelligent soul
self-induced
into depression

I need something
someone
a flame!

I spin
in a void
mindlessly
full of mind

never feeling the least hope
that one day
I may know
myself

Cynthia Buell Thomas

Comment is about Untitled (blog)

Well-written and very entertaining.
I would synchronize the tenses for full impact.

Comment is about Wasted On A Till (blog)

Excellent point about 'knowledge as a tranquilizer' and clearly explained. Thanks.

Comment is about Kealan Coady (poet profile)

Original item by Kealan Coady

interesting stuff m8.. it's certainly one for readers to rewrite several times.

Comment is about Various Complications. (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Hi Val
Your far, far too kind, but I thank you anyway. Pleased you enjoyed it.
Steve

Comment is about Valerie Cook (poet profile)

Original item by Valerie Cook

Thank you Ann x

Comment is about Untitled (blog)

Ditto all that Isobel has said. Powerful stuff. The idea of the black box is a good one. "I misplaced myself amongst the wreckage". xx

Comment is about Untitled (blog)

Incorrect Chris... for Onne is kissing and I am 'surprised'.

Do you perform your work?
If so, where could I catch this?

Comment is about chris stevenson (poet profile)

Original item by chris stevenson

Thank you Isobel x

Comment is about Untitled (blog)

Thank you Isobel for your comment on my poem 'untitled'.

Comment is about Isobel (poet profile)

Original item by Isobel

I like this one too. It is unusual to describe birth from the perspective of the child and you have done it well. I think all births are pretty violent whether they are natural or not - lotsa blood, lots of 'jagged seams'... just why do us women forget and keep on doing it? I like the deification of the mother and the simplicity of the ending. You put it all in a nutshell - all the trauma and noise is over the minute the baby is put to breast. Beautiful. x

Comment is about Newborn (blog)

Desperately sad but beautifully expressed. Some very powerful imagery in here that really haunts you. The only consolation in all the desolation is the fact that this person is not alone - someone cares. x

Comment is about Untitled (blog)

Hi Val, thanks for the comment re Kids In Buckets. Its also our first go at an audio as I thought I should modernise! I am hoping to take some childrens poetry to the Edinburgh Fringe for Jenny to perform if I can find a venue, if you have any tips please let me know as I have no experience. Anyway the reason I am commenting is its good to hear from you, I have missed you and hope you had a great and poetically inspiring time in Australia. I hope to see you again, Jane

Comment is about Valerie Cook (poet profile)

Original item by Valerie Cook

Enjoyed this poem when your daughter read at the Howcroft.
Thanks for posting Jane. x

Comment is about Kids in Buckets (blog)

Original item by jane wilcock

Brilliant Steve,loved it.xx

Comment is about Baby Bobbies (blog)

A poem in true Dermot style. XX

Comment is about Hearts and flowers and shit (blog)

Original item by Dermot Glennon

Ahh Dermot you shouldn't have, no really Dermot hahahaha

Comment is about Hearts and flowers and shit (blog)

Original item by Dermot Glennon

Maybe I am always "other" or else there are lots of me's! Just enjoy inhabiting other worlds I guess!

Comment is about swimming with humans (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Thanks for the comment on my purple cow!Much appreciated.
Rach
x

Comment is about Rodney Wood (poet profile)

Original item by Rodney Wood

Hi, don't worry about the chat thing, i'm sure it will be sorted, though i wouldn't be able to tell you how!x

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

thanks for the cooment ann.

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

tanks for the comment cynth wen i say knowledge is a tranquilizer i mean it is medication from the pain of not knowing. Also the reference to death of an embryo is the sub conscious anguish of a foetus from losing something attached by d.n.a.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Both! (your comment on my dolphin poem). Someone was telling me yesterday about how they'd seen a pod of dolphins when they were on holiday in New Zealand. Some people were swimming with them, but my friend said she didn't think that was a good idea as it might upset the dolphins. I'm not sure if she meant upset in quite this way, but that's how I saw it. Poor unpaid councillors to the human race! xx

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Good afternoon Cynthia-(re my'letter' poem).As always,thank you for your observations and fair comments.Yes I see your point.The overall target I was aiming for was the sender being as you suggested uncertain,but also frustrated that the person he or she had written to had no knowledge of the senders desires and wantings.This little poem mentioned lines of meanderings(outside the actual poem itself)and by the tone of his/her wording,he/she hoped would hold some appeal maybe.Thank you again so much.As I have mentioned to you before,your comments are a very good inspirational measure,be they praise or criticism.I shall always look up to you and your wonderful work on this site.my very best regards. Stefanx.

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

When do you sleep!

The turns and twists of your imaginings are delightful: the constant voice of 'other'. Do you find this kind of exploration relaxing, or manic?

Comment is about swimming with humans (blog)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

I wasn't expecting a chapbook when I started, but what I'm reading, a bit at a time, is very insightful and provoking. I have Rasta in my family, so Jah is frequently part of my day, not to mention reggae which I totally love. Rene Fleming and Bob Marley are not so far apart.

Comment is about CARRIB NOTEBOOK (blog)

Original item by Rodney Wood

I missed this, Dermot. It is really good. Is 'strawman argument' your brainchild, or a common usage I've just missed? Whichever, it is an excellent observation about contentious,useless discussion.

'Written in stone' is hilarious. More like 'hammered' eh?

Comment is about Dogmatism (blog)

Original item by Dermot Glennon

This has some challenging thoughts well worth pursuing. 'People observe the sky .... we will always be the servant' is really perceptive. I question two ideas: if an embryo multiplies, surely it is better if one 'part' dies. And secondly, who would want knowledge at all if it were a tranquilizer? Perhaps I misunderstand though I have tried to read carefully.

Comment is about Various Complications. (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Cela me fait imaginer plein de choses aussi Isobel...
Mais tu sais, c'est peut-être un secret ; )

Comment is about Hearts and flowers and shit (blog)

Original item by Dermot Glennon

Like what??? Will you be reading this shit out at the Tudor Dermot? I'm looking forward to your take on the valentine theme - it promises to be entertaining and very different to what I will be reading...

Comment is about Hearts and flowers and shit (blog)

Original item by Dermot Glennon

Wow - 'Take Me' is brilliant, love the repetition makes for a convincing argument. Great work!

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Hi Ann, great comment! Made me laugh. I agree about that line too - was just being lazy and not fixing it, I will have to think of something more self explanatory or something which at least makes sense! Cheers, Thom

Comment is about Ann Foxglove (poet profile)

Original item by Ann Foxglove

Really good deep poem - loved the last two verses particularly. Really impressed!

Comment is about Various Complications. (blog)

Original item by Kealan Coady

Lovely poem Thom, real passion!

Comment is about I Am A Violent Man (blog)

Original item by Tom

Hi Thom - some great lines here, and the feeling of panic is very well expressed. "My neck aches, looking back" and "lights a bonfire of panic in my brain" are great. The line about the crashing ducks threw me off balance a bit. Made me think of the rows of china ducks on old lady's walls, but maybe that's just me! (I don't mean I'm an old lady with ducks on me wall!;-)) xx

Comment is about Love On Borrowed Time (blog)

Original item by Tom

This definitely made me laugh DG : )

Comment is about Hearts and flowers and shit (blog)

Original item by Dermot Glennon

I like this one.

Comment is about I Am A Violent Man (blog)

Original item by Tom

It's great to see stuff that stands out from the crowd, like a purple cow in a field Jerseys.

Comment is about Man Overboard (blog)

Original item by Rachel McGladdery