Thanks so much, Stephen. I'm not so sure about being a gardener, though 😂. Thanks for the likes, Clare and Nigel.
Comment is about Wild Strawberries (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
I can only echo John's words, Clare. A real pleasure, this one.
Comment is about Sunny. (blog)
Original item by Clare
A point well made, Uilleam. It looks like a rather sick own goal.
Some teenage scribblers have got to go, I reckon.
Comment is about Britannia in Cloaca Maxima Est-Britain's in the Sewer (blog)
I loved this poem, John. It is a story of achievement and redemption. OK, it's only a garden, but what a garden. And what a gardener!
Comment is about Wild Strawberries (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
A breathtaking poem, Pete. I like the way it builds and builds, until the finishing line we can't quite reach.
But did the ball cross the line at Wembley in 1966?
Comment is about Line (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
A poem transformed into a litany until the vanishing line. Poems such as this require reading between the lines to discover the real meaning of a line.
A Clever piece of work.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Line (blog)
Original item by Edbreathe
Thanks for comments Manish, Stephen, & John! I so enjoy reading the tidbits of analysis. You make me notice things in the poems I didn't notice when writing them. That's one of the things I love about poetry and all forms of art...it often taps into the subconscious (even at times the "superconscious" (soul) level) perhaps?). A poet without a reader is like a song without a melody. Thanks to all writers & readers on WOL!
Comment is about Sacred Spaces (blog)
Original item by Hélène
A problem shared is a problem halved, as they say. A delightful, subtle poem, Helene. Such skill! 😀
Comment is about Sacred Spaces (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Aweso/e, KJ. Another classic. Get your narrative poetry book published. It would be a best seller! 💪
Comment is about Armadillo... Draught British Sherry (blog)
Original item by kJ Walker
Delightful poem, Clare. Whimsical and lyrical, but with a sprinkling of your wisdom, too! 😀
Comment is about Sunny. (blog)
Original item by Clare
Thanks John.. Yeah, I knew it wasn't full iambic pentameter but i enjoyed writing it still and glad you liked it too. means a lot. Cheers buddy
Comment is about Early Spring Sonnet (blog)
Original item by Andy N
I really appreciate your analysis, Uilleam. Thanks so much! 😀
Comment is about At Water's Edge (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
I love the conclusive lines, Holden. So very true!
Comment is about Indistinct... (blog)
Original item by Holden Moncrieff
John,
This poem brought me to the verge of tears. The bond established with another creature, who despite the difference between us, gives us a new and different perspective on the world in which we both inhabit. Even if there is a gap there is also a deeper connection as we become a part of each other. As you say it makes absurd the notions of race, nationality and religion along with other human prejudices. With my two dogs we stand together. I cherish them beyond words. They are incomparable to to anyone else I know.
A poem which takes our humanity into a different place; one of mutual harmony.
I thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Drinking where the riverbed is dry (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
Spot on, Uilleam. We should use our own rational powers not seek ancient scripture do justify our actions!
Comment is about It Sez So In The Bible! (blog)
This poem had a profound effect on me, John. Relationships are so important, even though deep down we understand their limitations.
Comment is about Drinking where the riverbed is dry (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
'Small smiles' seems to me to be the key to this poem, Hélène, followed by ' parting of the clouds'. So delicate, but so important.
Thanks for this.
Comment is about Sacred Spaces (blog)
Original item by Hélène
Thank you, Graham. I must confess that you have introduced me to the 'Red Wheelbarrow'. Perhaps a writer is not always in control of their poem, which is a good thing as it drifts off into unexplained areas.
And my thanks to Nigel, Clare, Hélène and Stephen A.
Comment is about The Ants (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Well I must be an excellent reader-I've several shelves full of unfinished books!
Comment is about Good Readers (blog)
Original item by Robert C Gaulke
I like the way you juxtapose age with youth, and paint a picture with the minutiae of an anthropomorphised old leaf.
Comment is about At Water's Edge (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
Well done David.
The subject of poetry in translation has always mystified me. How on earth can there be a "faithful/accurate" translation of a poem?
Comment is about David Cooke looks back on poetry stops and starts as he unveils a bumper volume of poems (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Not in full iambic pentameter but that only makes it more fesh and contemporary. Reminds me of this sonnet by Keats, which is maybe my favourite sonnet ever:
After dark vapors have oppress'd our plains
For a long dreary season, comes a day
Born of the gentle South, and clears away
From the sick heavens all unseemly stains.
The anxious month, relieved of its pains,
Takes as a long-lost right the feel of May;
The eyelids with the passing coolness play
Like rose leaves with the drip of Summer rains.
The calmest thoughts came round us; as of leaves
Budding—fruit ripening in stillness—Autumn suns
Smiling at eve upon the quiet sheaves—
Sweet Sappho's cheek—a smiling infant's breath—
The gradual sand that through an hour-glass runs—
A woodland rivulet—a Poet's death.
Comment is about Early Spring Sonnet (blog)
Original item by Andy N
Thanks Keith, means a lot you like it. The capitalisation I need to relook at as I've had a long day and am a little tired but considering that's what my third Sonnet ever, I'm pleased with it.
Comment is about Early Spring Sonnet (blog)
Original item by Andy N
Andy,
This poem was refreshing and hopeful to read. Well rhymed and written in a good descriptive style.
Thanks
Keith
Comment is about Early Spring Sonnet (blog)
Original item by Andy N
Many thanks for your interest, Graham. My main reason for heading out to Cumbria was to visit Julian in his new abode, but I did also want to investigate Norman Nicholson and his locale. I'm interested in the poetry of place, and in poets and places, and of course Nicholson, partly because of his health, was more or less rooted to his place. He wrote about it almost all the time, and very well.
Comment is about An attic room with a view of the railway sidings: on the trail of Norman Nicholson (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thank you Keith. You are very kind. We each need to resurrect ourselves from the slough of despond we so easily slip into and we need to seek to make the lives of ourselves, and of others, happier and more fulfilled. Easier said than done, I know. Happy Easter.
“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Comment is about Good Friday (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
A poem that defines friendship. Also an important message that sharing things with someone does loosen up your heart. Thank you for this.
Comment is about Sacred Spaces (blog)
Original item by Hélène
As much as the content is fascinating, I'm finding that I am also enjoying seeing you, Greg, discovering this new environment that you have moved to! Can't wait for more travels!!
Comment is about An attic room with a view of the railway sidings: on the trail of Norman Nicholson (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks for reading and for your comments, Steve. Nicholson's poetry is certainly well worth a look.
Comment is about An attic room with a view of the railway sidings: on the trail of Norman Nicholson (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I miss my mom everyday too, Mike. Thanks for putting these feelings into poetry.
Comment is about A Miss Mum Day (blog)
Original item by Mike Bartram
Thank you Stephen! And thanks everyone for the likes. 👩❤️👩
Comment is about Conversation with the Sky (blog)
Original item by Hélène
I want to live there! A poem that invites the reader to enter a magical realm of poetry & beauty. I love the lines
"here we creep to the window and see the sea
throwing it’s tantrum to the waves."
Comment is about conte de fées [fairy tales] (blog)
Original item by Mirabel
The final lines of this poem define what is required of us. Resistance through integrity and sheer perseverance to the end of our lives.
John, thank you for this fitting tribute to a day which reminds us of how brutal and cruel the world can be.
Thank you
Keith
Comment is about Good Friday (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
thank you for your kind words keith very much appreciated
Comment is about Just a few questions before departure (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
JD., you excel yourself with this magnificent poem. It encapsulates the many thoughts and questions we ponder on should there be a life eternal. Certainty rests in the fact that as particles of energy which we were before and during our earthly life will continue as energy after death. Our identity and memories including our worth will, I believe, depend on the last line of your penultimate stanza. I have really enjoyed reading this poem which is also descriptive and imaginative. When it comes to colour or black and white, I should imagine that would be determined by the BBC. Make sure you are up to date with payments.
Thank you indeed for this
Keith
Comment is about Just a few questions before departure (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Who'd a thowt that master uv
Thi Inglish spoke on' ritten wurd,
Were 'appen as like as not, it's sed,
A compleat on' utter Brummie Bard!
😊
Comment is about Bard Times (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
Two White Vans
People carriers
Passport control
Registration plates unsure.
Bank heist
C.C.T.V footage
Vans not stolen.
Forged banknotes
Laundry money
Police surveillance team.
Fly-tipping
Familar faces
Maximum fine £20,000.
Drug smugglers
Contacts tracked
Undercover raid pending.
Delivery vehicles
Insurance covered
Legal possibility considered.
Comment is about DSC_8879.jpg (photo)
Original item by Stockport WoL
Stuart,
This poem is an invitation for us all to unburden ourselves and to move on. There is no need for us to carry on with unnecessary luggage. For me the poem speaks of the strength of the individual which must rise above all difficulties, in the firm knowledge that we are not alone nor ever have been.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Looking back... (blog)
Original item by Stuart Vanner
Intriguing Stephen.
The last four lines reminded me off The Red Wheelbarrow!
Comment is about The Ants (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thank you, John B and Manish. Yes, when I look at it again, this poem doesn't give you all the answers. Not yet, at least.
Your comments are much appreciated.
And thanks to Keith for liking this.
Comment is about The Ants (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
This is about a fairy tale house, I still need to edit and work on the ending.
Comment is about conte de fées [fairy tales] (blog)
Original item by Mirabel
Hopeful and soulful, Clare. Lovely poem!
Comment is about Tick With The Tock (blog)
Original item by Clare
I love the poignancy and story telling of this poem. It leaves space for the reader to create scenarios of their own. 😎
Comment is about The Ants (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thanks Ruth. What an utterly brilliant response. I like the idea of you having elocution lessons. You certainly have a beautiful voice, Ruth. 😎 Happy Easter to you and your family, too! 😀
Comment is about At Water's Edge (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
Each picture tells a story and a memory returns. I have spasms of looking at old albums but close the book with few feelings of nostalgia and no remorse, save knowing that it is all behind me where it belongs. The march is forward.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Glory Days (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Having read these poems, I feel even more enthusiastic. If we are not moved by verse like this, our world is becoming a very sad place. Poetry like this should change the world. If it does not, the world is at fault.
Bravo to everyone involved!
Comment is about Rallying against the invader: anthology of 100 Russian anti-war poems is launched (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thank you for this splendid poem, Keith. As I read it, I listen to the Good Friday music from Wagner's Parsifal, which makes us believe that peace can be achieved and mankind redeemed.
A peaceful Easter to you.
Comment is about Every Day is Good Friday (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
John Botterill
Mon 10th Apr 2023 19:40
Love this, Stephen. Had me intrigued from the start. I want to watch the episode, now! Intriguing ! 😀
Comment is about Law and Order (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage