This not only write out loud's popularity but performance poetry in general there are not enough websites like this one and write out loud's owners/organisational chiefs could do with more funding to achieve its aims
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR PERFORMANCE POETRY!

Comment is about March Stats (blog)

This is wonderful and I especially like the structure as I am attracted to poems that have been thought out in form and structure.

You write well :)

Comment is about 'Free As A Bird' (blog)

Loveit ! love it! it's a great poem and I am even more delighted to see that a guy has chosen this - female psyche : ) Thank you Andy!

Comment is about Learning To Kiss (article)

Congratulations to all and of course our worthy champion Michael.

Guiness was in bottles... Rubbish stuff ... try to arrange draught....well it is good for you!

Great night.

Gus

Comment is about Michael Wilson is the Write Out Loud 2009 Bolton Slam Champ! (article)

Congratulations!!! Nice to speak to you over a fag.

Comment is about michael wilson (poet profile)

Original item by michael wilson

"It's like your first gig on the front row
It's like your first girl on the back row..."

Ah yes, Jeff. Now that's what I call poetry!

Fucking superb.

Steve

Comment is about Jeffarama! (poet profile)

Original item by Jeffarama!

wow, mints with chocolates! every year, I buy 2 boxes of chocolate mint cookies, as I love them!I eat soft mint candys every day, I dont know what a cadbury mint is like, it may be very good. No to the tummy tuck, its natural to get plump as you get older.nice little poem

Comment is about Cadburys 'Snaps' (blog)

Brilliant!
brings back the instamatic kiss and memories, the journey up the learning ladder just to throw the rules out, I think we go full kissing circle in the journey thru life.

'Unlearn all this' great observation, so true
and uuuuhhhh the Kissing moustache! could work both ways!

Comment is about Learning To Kiss (article)

well done all!
super stuff
congrats to Michael on his win

Comment is about Michael Wilson is the Write Out Loud 2009 Bolton Slam Champ! (article)

forgot to mention.............

"Did stop a boy from hanging himself."

this is clever.
certain colours were painted around stairwells of hospitals and (bizarre I know but go with me for a sec here..) Nuclear fallout shelters/government shelters, the idea being bright colours would deter people from hanging themselves.

I'm not sure if that was on your mind, it does however make an interesting sub plot within the poem, especially if you link it to automatic writing.

the dyspraxia reference is again clever (and for me) upsetting (in a no probs way) I suffered a little and was totally behind at maths by like a year!, so had tutoring at home, and again I dont know wether you intended this or not Dom but ........wait for it.............I was stuck on the purple maths cards! they had different colours for different levels of mathematics , closing my eyes i can see green, orange and the dreaded purple plastic boxes of the maths cards.

as I already said there are several related threads intertwined, not obvious unless you look for them, impressive, and enjoyable poem.

Comment is about PURPLE (blog)

Original item by Dominic Berry

"gets all scented oil and Stone Henge about it"

I like this idea, it made me think that something simple can be made complex or overblown, I like the way it kinda nods to the new age, with the scented sticks, it reminds me of the mid 90s when it all went sun moon and stars OTT, but then the other surreal verses leave me wondering and I like that, i keep reading them back, the poem forced me to think and I wanted to get into the space you were in when you wrote it,to understand your purple, to ask why, what, when and where, the surreal imagery is imaginative and complex. Anxiety i find implied in the bitten skin (round the nail) I found as the darker side, along with the choice of black coffee/ghosts the comparison with purple veins/blood (as inside the finger and lips) I found that exciting, theres plenty in the poem to think about and I'm forced to keep re reading trying to strip down, looking for the thread

'strutting / straps' I liked the alliteration on this little couplet too.

I think the poem is a journey into the psyche of the author and I feel there are strong elements of automatic writing, this I always find enjoyable in a poem.

Its message is not clear cut on first reading, possibly alienating a casual reader, this to me makes no matter as there is so much going on the depth and skill carries it.

You mentioned that you are colour blind, if true maybe this could be hinted in the poem (as you may not always have the intro, assuming of course you are not being ironic!) I think that is what it revolves on, or that is the hook, your imagined colour, I almost felt the poem being called 'My imagined purple' or something of that idea.Is purple just too simple a title I wondered, maybe does not do the justice to the poem.

anything that forces you to think makes the brain work, especially with the wonderful snippetts of imagery in here.

Having seen you perform I was always perplexed as why you had not posted any poems, time , opportunity the right moment perhaps?

'the language of time travel ' here we have connections with stone henge and a reference back to what I called 'sun moon stars' AKA that new age craze, early to mid 90s (rave/goa trance era) whilst you may not have intentended, I detect a thread and a theme intertwined with others, like fibres, I recall your earlier poems (in your more gothic era) and this echoes those, darkness is always exciting as you cant wait for the light to arrive, your already there sometimes ('shadow of the top hat') some people hide from the sun under the rims shadow, so again we are in the psyche here, the more I read this the more things connect and I build (or see) what I want to see, the poem is vague enough in its complexity to allow this to happen, I dont feel it preaching or steering me and I like that. I feel the poem is allowing me to be me, yet reaching for the answers in the author. Its not often I find this, I'm quite happy actually reading this, its made me think and explore. I feel like I have been on a little journey, I notice that it is rounded off and completed with 'the words you choose not to say' this offers almost the answer and of course ties in with your introduction of 'purple writing' so ends it very neatly (though im no fan of neat endings!) if I held up the word purple would it mean the same as if I held a purple card, asked you to write all that unfolds?
thanks for sharing the colour purple!

Comment is about PURPLE (blog)

Original item by Dominic Berry

Hi Steve,
just want to say thanks very much for commenting one of my profile poems. I accept it as a great compliment from you.
I do try to get it right even though it might appear to some that i have no respect for the finer details of poetic mechanics.
much obliged,
Janet.x

Comment is about Steve O'Connor (poet profile)

Original item by Steve O'Connor

Congratulations to all the winners, especially of course Michael Wilson. Well deserved!

It was indeed a fantastic turn out with some experienced as well as not so experienced performers. I spoke to quite a few of them and the general concensus seemed to be that everyone had entered the slam in good spirits with no real thoughts they had any chance of winning. Me included :-)
Great camaraderie amongst performers and spectators alike which made for a fantastic event which i thoroughly enjoyed and wouldn't hesitate to enter again, regardless of the fact the marks for my own performance were low.
Better get some practice in.
Janet.x

Comment is about Michael Wilson is the Write Out Loud 2009 Bolton Slam Champ! (article)

Absolutely fantastic Yoshman! I particularly like the line that says 'it's surprising, how nobody gives a fuck, until it's thier turn for crying!' I couldn't have put it better myself. There is some truth in the old addage, ignorance is bliss. Although these days, with so much goin on, and so much unfairness in society highlighted, I do wonder, if those that are ignorant, are doing it on purpose. In other words, turning the other way and neglecting to acknowledge the plight of those who really are suffering in society. It shouldn't be that way of course. But man has become a selfish devil unto himself and those around him. Particularly in the West. Brilliant piece of work, I been spouting about your work on the net, I hope you don't mind, hopefully you will gain more exposure. Be well blue.
Mike
x

Comment is about I CAN TAKE A LITTLE PAIN... (blog)

No 'they' probably don't stop to think Mike. another brilliant piece of writing highlighting the forgotten people. sian x

Comment is about Wake Up (blog)

Original item by Noetic-fret!

The event was splendid and tremendous! And Nivelan, yes I did drink all the Guinness but it was only about 3 cans!!

Comment is about Michael Wilson is the Write Out Loud 2009 Bolton Slam Champ! (article)

Congrats on last night, you were amazing!

Comment is about michael wilson (poet profile)

Original item by michael wilson

Sounds like it was a good night. A friendly yet competitive slam. Wished I could have been there.

Comment is about Michael Wilson is the Write Out Loud 2009 Bolton Slam Champ! (article)

Well chuffed to come in 4th in my slam debut!!! Thanx to all WOL for staging event, judges for doing the tricky bit, and everyone for watching and cheering us on (well done poets!) - good fun & great night! Thank you all for your support over the last year - fantastic!

Cheers and see you soon - Jeffarama! X

Comment is about Michael Wilson is the Write Out Loud 2009 Bolton Slam Champ! (article)

Good work George enjoyed them greatly.

Richard

Comment is about George Stanworth (poet profile)

Original item by George Stanworth

Congratulations on tonight! It's made me look at your page and I've got much more from reading your work. I particularly enjoyed the tension in 'drowned world' the uneasy sense of doing nothing, of filling time with over-thinking. I'll look forward to hearing more :)

Comment is about michael wilson (poet profile)

Original item by michael wilson

i thoroughly enjoyed your work tonight- and look forward to hearing more :)

Comment is about John Darwin (poet profile)

Original item by John Darwin

Tonight was the best poetry night I've ever been to. Nearly every poet was brilliant and the odd few who weren't brilliant were promising. I think I'll be coming to Bolton a bit more often :) Marking poems is a silly idea but when a bit of competition brings out poets of such high caliber I think it's well worth doing. Long live the poetry slam! When's the next one? x

Comment is about Michael Wilson is the Write Out Loud 2009 Bolton Slam Champ! (article)

Congrats Michael! Well deserved win.

Comment is about michael wilson (poet profile)

Original item by michael wilson

Congratulations on the win tonight! It was nice to meet you.

Comment is about michael wilson (poet profile)

Original item by michael wilson

Wow this news is on the web before I came home to nearby Kearsley! Grand event, worthy winner, much enjoyed by myself and girlfriend. Thanks to all - though next time there has to be more Guinness at the bar. Grr. You know who you are.

Comment is about Michael Wilson is the Write Out Loud 2009 Bolton Slam Champ! (article)

beautiful and poignant I like the marker pen line too - great imagery. I agree sadness / grief reproduces the best poems.

Comment is about This (blog)

Original item by sian howell

hiya sally

it's 'Oh, l'amour!' in 'Oh, Aubergine!!' :-D

hee hee have a happy day, dominic x

Comment is about home is where the heart is, ain't that what they always say? (blog)

Hi Sian, sadness is not good when you live through it, but as the building stuff of poems it can produce poignant gems such as the one you've posted. 'This' is ...art.

Comment is about This (blog)

Original item by sian howell

Hi Sian
This is very sad. comments left on email.
Win x

Comment is about This (blog)

Original item by sian howell

I know this estate, like many estates up and down the country im sure. Spent my time living on one, watching my back for the local bullys. But yeah, the times when fear didnt get the better of you, there was 'some', fun. We used to have the water fights with the old washing up squeezy bottle. All that changed when the glue sniffers moved into the block of flats in our street. At least back then, there was always some sun to guarantee these games, or games of football. Nice one Yosh!

Comment is about ESTATE SUMMER (blog)

I think the clue is in the line 'child with a knowing smile'. Perhaps it is an expression you have used before, but have forgotten, and wish to reclaim that part of you. Its the baggage you carry, that we all carry that makes us forget the child we once knew. Yep, really cool.
Mike

Comment is about I smashed myself (blog)

Original item by Daniel Hooks

Hi Sian, I hope your well. This is a very touching poem. To me, it speaks of a disappointment that seems hard to escape from. As if your almost caught in some kind of trap. I hear ya.
Mike
x

Comment is about This (blog)

Original item by sian howell

Hi Sian,
good work.
" I am penned into my own situation comedy
with black permanent marker."
Great lines these i feel.

Janet.x

Comment is about This (blog)

Original item by sian howell

thank you for taking time to read my work x

Comment is about Steve Regan (poet profile)

Original item by Steve Regan

i like this , it leaves me a little open mouthed when i make the image in my mind :)

Comment is about haiku 'Fauteiulle' (blog)

Original item by Freda Davis

a fitting tribute to a truly great ambassador for music i first remembered listening to peel and his dance "bits" but expanded my musical taste in no small part down to him and he will appreciate your testament to him no end, congratulations andy !!!

Comment is about The Greatest Gig Of All (article)

a telling tale of "usage" if you catch my meaning a true heart on sleeve piece i feel and a twang of guilt is intended for the appropriate reader, nice write sian just remember we arent all idiots ;-)
(most, but not all lol)

Comment is about This (blog)

Original item by sian howell

Hi Steve,
my terrace is a quasi, with a red brick porch.
I don't think the house bricks would ever come up red no matter what they were scrubbed clean with. :-)
You're right about the sun though, it can be felt in the porch.

Are you going to the Bolton slam on Monday?
I'll be there so it would be nice to meet you but if not, i'm definitely going to the Wigan one in April.

Janet.x

Comment is about Steve Regan (poet profile)

Original item by Steve Regan

Hi Anthony,
thanks for my haiku and i'm very well thankyou.

Thanks for your comment to my 'regal' haiku too.
Inspiration came
from your haiku coo's and kews
gardens of eden.

Janet.x
ps. it's fun to be silly for a change, some of the threads get so serious. :-)

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

My God Freda...bring it on. A night in front of Corrie will never seem quite the same again.
I blush at the very thought of rummaging for that 'loose' change. What have you done?!!
:)

Comment is about haiku 'Fauteiulle' (blog)

Original item by Freda Davis

Rock on Gemma,
I used to love the glock but i played in junior school so i'm better than you, so there! (joking of course) :-)

Love the colour in this poem, it's fun and zingy.
Took me back a while too i must say. I'd forgotten all about the old glockenspiel.
Janet.x

Comment is about For anyone who got a crappy instrument to play in music lessons at high school (blog)

Original item by Gemma Lees

This reminds me so much of me...
I am such a free spirit...
I've read so much of your poetry
and I find it very real, honest and touching...

Comment is about LIFE IN FREESTYLE (blog)

love it really brought a smile to my face and rekindled some old memories there, thanks for that i always wanted to be a whizz on the piano (or keyboards in my school) and was continuously disheartened by my friend who could here something once and play it back nigh on perfectly haha i hate him ;-)

Comment is about For anyone who got a crappy instrument to play in music lessons at high school (blog)

Original item by Gemma Lees

Hi Winston, you have a lot of comments on your blog dont you. Hope to see you a week on Monday for 'Waxing Lyrical' at the Puzzle. I am going to send the call out soon.
Freda

Comment is about Winston Plowes (poet profile)

Original item by Winston Plowes

Thanks fr your comments on my poems Antony,
I like yours too. Very evocative the misty early morning stuff. As for the fluff, keep searching.

Freda

Comment is about Anthony Emmerson (poet profile)

Original item by Anthony Emmerson

Nice observations in this one. I have worked in this place a couple of times and it feels rather cut off from anywhere despite been in the middle of a massive built up area if that makes sense. Great stuff, Winston

Comment is about Salford Shopping City (blog)

Hi George
Liked this concept and poem and layout... Could it be even better with a bit more bite at the conclusion?
Winston

Comment is about IT Support (blog)

Original item by George Stanworth

Ah but did he do it?

Short and to the point and i like the layout too.
Janet.x

Comment is about IT Support (blog)

Original item by George Stanworth

Hi Phil,
"merge your boards, catch the next wave.
then together we will surf, atop the white horses we ride, pool our efforts side by side."

Truly lovely words and sentiment. Good imagery too in many places.
Community spirit is lacking in so many places these days but there are like minded groups popping up here and there too so maybe there is hope for the future.

Janet.x

Comment is about Bring on the Fusion (blog)

Original item by Phil Golding