Paul the UFO has either flipped upside down (relative to Earth at least), or, has caught fire.
Can you see the afterglow? Paul you are in slow motion, drawing out the pain of impact, your soul has been evacuated to the insides of the spinning, hovvering machine and yet you destroy it. It was just a spring cleaning UFO trying to dust you down and play you into shape.

Behold and kneel to the Poetry King Paul, for mash get smash.

Comment is about Paul Blackburn hit by UFO at Stubbing Wharf, Hebden Bridge, Oct 2008. (photo)

Hello Sian, thank you for the message about not being very prolific of late. Had a tough time for the last two weeks with a little Grandson having important surgery and the day job writing (gratefully) being really busy also. I see you've been busy and I promise to comment soon. In the meantime I've posted my last year's Easter piece concerning our current religion of shopping.

Comment is about Gone to Earth (blog)

Original item by sian howell

The memories that are linked with scent are just so powerful to me. It's a heartbreaking but beautiful emotion. And thank you all for your kind comments.

Comment is about My Grandfather's Pipe (blog)

Ahhh moving on... difficult to do sometimes...
These lines are powerful:

'our memories sleep
untroubled –
two distant lives away,
but still shiver
in these bitter winds.

walking in whiteout,
compass broken,
no footsteps to retrace

and no home to go to.'

Comment is about moving on (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

walking in whiteout, compass broken, no footsteps to retrace. I've had a beer tonight as its been my birthday this past week. My emotional blurb is stimulated, this one, had me weeping.
Mike
x

Comment is about moving on (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

I'm with everyone else! Super Poem.
I too have a grandfather / father pipe poem
as Anthony and Bill say, the smell and its instant memories

Comment is about My Grandfather's Pipe (blog)

Wow. Again you have me engaged, not just for its content, but also the different styles you can write in. You have a fantastic talent Emily. Nice one
mike
x

Comment is about My Grandfather's Pipe (blog)

Yosh Man, this is far more important and has much more to say than a couple of your previous rants. there are the shocklines backed up by subtlety, that many can relate too. Its engaging and quite an advancement in the way its written and its content from previous writings. This is far more like it, this is far more important. And WILL get you noticed.
Nice one
mike

Comment is about COLD (blog)

Hi Emily.
I found this had a very comforting familiarity. I too have the pipe my Grandfather used to smoke. His tobacco of choice was "Digger Flake", and had a wonderful aroma, which, if I smelled it today, would bring back so many memories. Familiar and treasured objects seem to hold almost a magic essence of the person they once belonged to. You have captured this essence in a moving and memorable tribute to your Grandfather. This is a beautiful piece of work.
Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about My Grandfather's Pipe (blog)

Hi Mike...glad you liked "Gone to Earth" don't quite know how it came about...I just started writing and it happened that way. First Aid for Kids... yes so much unecessary loss...all children should learn First Aid as part of their education , in my opinion, also basic Childcare, Drama, Art and Creative Writing should be compulsory too whilst we're at it. Sian X

Comment is about First Aid for Kids (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Hello Emily. I love your description '...tobacco feelings tower high'. the sense of smell is a powerful one, and it evokes so many memories; I used to love the smell of the old men's pipes; that and steam trains, at Bolton station, waiting to go to Blackpool -yes I'm that old !

Comment is about My Grandfather's Pipe (blog)

Hi antony thank you for your comment i really appreciate it! Although i have to say being compared with eminem is lovely, But im nowhere near his level..... lol....Im just trying to be myself and write in my own style..Thank you for your encouragement and ill look out for more of your work....Take care mate...

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

I really like this as it is somehting I can relate to

1, 2 , and 6 are particularly strong verses, with detail. I'm not sure about the other more general verses which do speak but not with the same impact for me, but it is a very deep and emotional poem.



Love the first line it is so overwhelmingly powerful

Comment is about moving on (blog)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Or... "gotta get over you" as Roddy Frame once sang.

Beautiful, heartfelt poem, Gary, and I think it's safe to say we've most of us (if perhaps not all of us) been there.

Comment is about 'Angel' (blog)

Hi Deb,
you know i enjoy reading all of your poems and this one is no exception.
Lovely imagery, powerfully moving and beautifully written.
Janet.x

Comment is about Springtide (blog)

Original item by Deborah Jordan Bailey

Hi Rodney,
have you been meditating?
The things you describe here are often seen as the unexplained and incomprehensible but there's always a reason for it to be there in whatever texture or colour it shows itself as.

Not seen you on here for a while. Hope you're well.
Janet.x

Comment is about IT'S JUST WRONG (blog)

Original item by Rodney Wood

Hi Mike,
i remember as a kid going to the local St.Johns ambulance for first aid for beginners. I was taught mouth to mouth rescucitation at swimming lessons. I often wonder why i don't hear of many doing the same these days but often ferry people who have nothing more than a scratch to the local A and E.

Your poem reflects a lazy society and you're right, so many lives ruined or lost because of ignorance. Good one.

Incidentally, i read most of your work and can relate to much if it in many ways. It's the political ones i get a bit bogged down with though and it depends on my mood as to whether or not i can read through them.

Janet.x

Comment is about First Aid for Kids (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

Hi Yosh,
I read this and immediately thought "Eminem." It has the same immediacy and observational qualities, and a message that is universally indentifiable. I agree with what Mike says, in that sometimes the more subtle a message is, the more powerful it becomes. There are some cliches here, but I don't think that's always a bad thing - when you are talking to the people it's more effective to use the people's language. I would like to see you perform this - with the passion that obviously fuels your writing. The best of yours I've yet seen. Bravo!
Regards,
A.E.

Comment is about SOMETHING TO BELEIVE IN.... (blog)

Hi

Darren is always spot on and has a very critical eye much needed on here as we cannot often detach ourselves from our own work - so thank you Darren. It is also good to see that you receive it well.

I do agree with the comments made and also feel that detail rather than general statements would bring this to life and actually engage the reader more . eg 'walls closing in 'sun stopped shining' are excellent - need more of that than 'i cannot live without you' which is very vague and often said / used. Needs infusing with more .

On the whole has great potential - do re-post if you decide to re-write it!

Comment is about 'Angel' (blog)

Hi Sian
thanks for connenting on the Razor Shell haiku.
Winston

Comment is about sian howell (poet profile)

Original item by sian howell

Hi Antony
Thanks for connenting on the Razor Shell haiku.
Winston

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Hi Andy
thanks for connenting on the Razor Shell haiku.
Winston

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Hi Jeff,
just want to say it was lovely to see you again last night and as usual you did a great job as compere. You always make everyone feel welcome and appreciated for their efforts, and i especially appreciate that, being a woman who walks in alone looking around for a friendly face.

I like your lighthouse poem by the way. It reminds me a little of how i feel sometimes.
Janet.x

Comment is about Jeffarama! (poet profile)

Original item by Jeffarama!

Yo John, great stuff at the Octagon, great stuff last night, thanks for your comments, keep up the good work, good to have chat, maybe see you at a gig soon cheers Jeff

Comment is about John Darwin (poet profile)

Original item by John Darwin

Hi Louise, great to see you (and Zoe) last night, loved your poems see you both soon Jeff X

Comment is about Louise Fazackerley (poet profile)

Original item by Louise Fazackerley

Hi Sian,
this reminded me of two different yet similar instances in life.
1. when you walk into a strange place alone for the first time and it feels like all eyes are upon you until the door opens again and the next victim walks in.

2. When you go back to somewhere you used to visit frequently and everyone turns to look at you before whispering in the neighbours ear about where you've been and how you look.

Incidentally, i agree with Darrens comment about the whisper line. Rumours sipped from the whisperings makes more sense to me too. :-)

Nice poem with a touch of reality.
Janet.x

Comment is about Lily (blog)

Original item by sian howell

I will send ya poem for duet later.

Also need you to look at story I have written - please can you help with that? can't access hotmail at mo soon here for now. Thanks MG

Comment is about Winston Plowes (poet profile)

Original item by Winston Plowes

Hi Steve

further to our chat I was wondering if you could kindly take a look at a short story I am writing - it is from a maleperspective and subject close to my heart so finding it very difficult. Need some honest criticism to develop it. Let me know thanks

Comment is about Steve Regan (poet profile)

Original item by Steve Regan

Hi Winston,
thanks for your comment on my poem 'the one which nearly got away.'
I performed it at Wigan last night but to be honest i didn't hang around to notice the reaction it got 'cos i was too busy getting to the bar for a much needed drink. :-)

Janet.x

Comment is about Winston Plowes (poet profile)

Original item by Winston Plowes

Hi Andy,
thanks for your comment on my latest offering 'the one which nearly got away.'
I see where you're coming from with the first line but will keep it in for performance purposes because of the intention within its contents. Although it isn't a rant, the frustration with it in the beginning, leading to a compromise is part of the making up process in many relationships. :-)
You know me well enough to know that i like to present things as they are rather than beat around the bush. well, at least things the way i see them. ha ha.

Janet.x
Janet.x

Comment is about Andy N (poet profile)

Original item by Andy N

Hi Sian,
thanks for your comment on my poem 'the one which nearly got away.'
I wrote it specifically for performance which is the reason it's quite different from some of my other postings which are ok for 'read arounds' but not so much if i decide i need to let off steam, so to speak. :-)
Hope you are well,
Janet.x

Comment is about sian howell (poet profile)

Original item by sian howell

Hi Steve,
it was lovely to finally meet you and June last night. Hope to see you again soon.

Thanks for your comment on my poem 'the one which nearly got away.'
Janet.x

Comment is about Steve Regan (poet profile)

Original item by Steve Regan

Hi Anthony,
thanks for your comment on 'the one which nearly got away.'
and thanks for the inspiration to write another poem. All i have to do now is imagine what it's like in the life of a shredder. :-)

I love the George Best tribute by the way.
Football isn't really my thing but he was so popular and well known and his life so colourful, i enjoyed reading about him here.
Stay well :-)
Janet.x

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Wow Sian... simply exquisite

Comment is about Gone to Earth (blog)

Original item by sian howell

What a tease!
I'll only tell if you tell first ; )

Comment is about my botanist (blog)

Darren has said much i agree with. it is a very sincere piece of work. I feel there may be an overuse of punctuation, i found when i took out some of the punctuation it flowed more easily to the tongue. I did write quite a lot of verse in this style, i have developed a little since then and I'm sure your work will. A nice poem all the same.
Mike

Comment is about 'Angel' (blog)

Nice read, very sensitive, something caught by your intuition has inspired you for this one i think. I have been there, seen people that inspire me to write, when i dont know them. Strangers, people, you are an observer. Nice work.
Mike

Comment is about 'The Lady By The Sea' (blog)

Yosh man, i agree with clarissa, it could quite well be put to music. I think if you could team up with someone who can programme some choonage you could fair quite well and get a fantastic amount of satisfaction from it. It has its relevance in todays society, i did feel as if one or two of the lines were rather cliche, but then they do say, 'cliches are cliches for very good reasons.' Yup, top notch poetry here Yosh man.
We all have angles, i am just wondering what material influences you, and further, i have a sneaking suspicion that you could even write more somberly, adding punches that would be more mind grabbing in the right places, as opposed to a continual shout. If you see what i mean. Hard hitting and relevant. Keep em coming blue!
Mike

Comment is about SOMETHING TO BELEIVE IN.... (blog)

WOW! The wordage and imagination in this is fantastic. I cant say i remember any of your past writings but i damned well goona look out for them now. Such fantastic talent. I read it several times and found new depths each time.
Frightening and beautiful.
Nice one!
Mike
x

Comment is about Faces (blog)

hello Sian, this one put me in a calm place. i felt as if it was an inner voice of the writer, and though solemn, there is a quietness about it that niggled. Almost as if, sedation against ones will couldnt ignite the scream inside. It seemed to me, a heart forlorn and lost. Nice work Sian, deeply touched me.
mike
x

Comment is about Lily (blog)

Original item by sian howell

I'm so humbled by this one i cannot think of anything to write. Except to say, it's too touching for words. Be well!
Mike
x

Comment is about ‘Sympathy Synchronicity' (blog)

Sian, thank you for your comments on chess. however did you know i would comment on this one. It is obvious, a nice erotic piece that had me............sporting wood!
x

Comment is about Gone to Earth (blog)

Original item by sian howell

shucks thanks Francine, Steve, Clarissa, Sian
I wonder what you saw in this?
It has some hidden stuff..................

Comment is about my botanist (blog)

Hi Sian
If you look at all your blogs you'll see some of them listed in previous months
P

Comment is about sian howell (poet profile)

Original item by sian howell

hi paul, I just wondered where all my other entries are...I have only rough draft copies and I'm wondering why I cant access the ones before my last two. Sian x

Comment is about March Stats (blog)

Hi again yes it is a woman's magazine but literary of course and it' s very good i subscribed to it years ago and read it often as i learn a lot from the writers in it . Good luck with it if you do and thank you for being so receptive. :-) i read all your poems they are very powerful with a subtle voice and i like that.

Comment is about Lily (blog)

Original item by sian howell

Hi steve...Yes i wish to perform! More than anything! Do you have some info for me please? And would you mind if i tagged along with you some time?....Yosh(shane)

Comment is about garside (poet profile)

Original item by garside

I don't know how you feel about this - just a suggestion - have you thought of sending this off to Mslexia?

Comment is about Lily (blog)

Original item by sian howell

excellent ....really like the movement of the words on the page too. Like this as I am very visual with poems as a reader. Adds another dimension to it.

Comment is about Springtide (blog)

Original item by Deborah Jordan Bailey

Sorry Rodney, I posted my reply in the wrong place, new to all this, but I am sure I'll catch on. Once again, thank you for your comments, I welcome them from all, good and bad. After reading your profile, and your 'myspace' link, you have given me inspiration to write my next piece of work. ??

Comment is about Rodney Wood (poet profile)

Original item by Rodney Wood