A very thoughtful poem. The notion of a silent majority of strengths is reassuring.
Comment is about The Strength Least Expected (blog)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
Maybe Rhubarb is just a state of mind. All right, it isn't.....
Comment is about Mr Rhubarb (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Yes Ray, I think farcical sums it up. Perhaps it owes a little to the likes of Spike Milligan. Or to a minister who mobilises the Met police to race around London looking for his son's socks. This was one of those instances when the idea seemed amusing and I tried to fill in all the absurd (over-!) activity associated with the event.
Aviva - yes, reading it again there could be a metaphor for a number of things. I'll take the hole in the ozone layer if I get a like from David Attenborough.
Thanks to both of you for the comments and to Stephen, Holden and Brian for the likes.
Comment is about The mysterious case of the hole in the trousers (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
This was a truly inspiring performance.
Comment is about 'Democracy can never be defeated': Amanda Gorman is youngest poet to perform at inauguration (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Trevor,
Congratulations. I am waiting my turn but like you I shall be heading for the sunshine.
Keith
Comment is about First Jab (blog)
Original item by Trevor Alexander
I think now of a row of houses, each occupant with an ear to the wall, this is a smile from ear to ear that I've not considered before..?
Comment is about field recordings (blog)
Original item by J.E. Oleary
Thank you Brian, I am happy that the thoughts wrapped in the poem landed still in a state worth thinking about. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it and thanks for taking time to comment.
Thank you Paul, you are right this is a dramatised and realised version of many common truisms. Thank you for taking the time to comment and thankyou for your positive wishes, I hope I won't need to seek much but I feel like I have a get out of jail free card now. May you find all you seek also.
Comment is about The Strength Least Expected (blog)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
If it's one or two fish just occasionally seen
The scale of the problem won't be too extreme
But if there are constantly fish in profusion
The optician might have to trawl for a solution.
Comment is about There's something fishy going on (blog)
Original item by hugh
I think I would rather them grow up for the simple fact I wouldn't have to wipe their butt anymore.
Comment is about BABIES (blog)
Original item by d.knape
No tears, only cheers.
A degree in not answering questions is their DNA (do not answer)
Comment is about Mr Rhubarb (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
That was great! I enjoyed that. you should sing it with some guitar!
Comment is about Mr Rhubarb (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Thoughtful evoking thought. Thank you.
Comment is about The Strength Least Expected (blog)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
Philipos
Wed 20th Jan 2021 21:55
Hello Aisha, yes the storms, plenty of motivation in them to write about. Enjoyed.
I hope you and yours keep well.
P
Comment is about The Storm (blog)
Original item by Aisha Suleman
Thank you Trevor and Tom for your comments.
Thank you to everyone who has clicked 'Like' for this poem too.
This was written three years ago as a New Year's Resolution poem but only because I had something to resolve about how I was feeling about things. And it turned out to seem prescient almost as things had been under great upheaval but became so much more so and in so many extra and unexpected ways throughout the year that followed but I found the poem a great help.
And now, it seems very suited to the year we've just had and the one that we are embarking upon too. It is the nature of sand (and life) to shift, and the nature of humans to try to stand upright and find a sense of balance, after all.
Comment is about Resolution (blog)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
<Deleted User> (18980)
Wed 20th Jan 2021 19:07
Ray - stick with WOL. We can ignore you without you knowing.
Only joking...you're one of the leading lights.
Comment is about POETRY GIG (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Where was this, Ray? Or are your lips sealed?! I think I know, but I may be wrong ...
Comment is about POETRY GIG (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Philipos
Wed 20th Jan 2021 18:13
Hi, and thanks a lot for liking and commenting favourably on one of my Blogs.
I hope that the time you spend on WOL will be of benefit to us all.
Blessings.
P
Comment is about old shoes (poet profile)
Original item by old shoes
<Deleted User> (13740)
Wed 20th Jan 2021 18:12
Really enjoyed this Aviva. We've got to take some time to appreciate the fortune of the moment when we can.
Comment is about Resolution (blog)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
Maggie Sawkins
Wed 20th Jan 2021 16:18
Write Out Loud has always been a great free resource and the place to go to for poetry promoters and poets alike. I'm personally indebted to its founder, Greg Freeman. Not only has he reviewed my own work, but has also attended and reviewed a number of our Tongues&Grooves events here in Portsmouth. It's heartening to read about the ambitious future plans. I'll definitely keep coming back to see what's happening in the wider poetry world and I'm more than happy to make a donation.
Comment is about OUR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN IS UP AND RUNNING – AND 'ONE COMMUNITY' WILL DOUBLE YOUR DONATIONS (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Of this to some glowing tale
I must take a dim view
Da gave Ma a shiner?
Ma gave Da one too?
Comment is about Time to shine (blog)
Original item by hugh
It's an ill wind that blows no good, Keith. When America sneezes, we catch cold.
Comment is about An ill Wind Blows (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
I can really feel the melancholy building in this poem... literally.
I think the structure of the text itself represents the tall tower too.
Comment is about Hive (blog)
Original item by simon lucan
Beautiful sentiments wonderfully conveyed. Thanks
Comment is about Resolution (blog)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
Thank you Keith, I very rarely write about politics, it is not my favourite topic.
I try to write a daily poem and try to reflect on my thoughts, feelings or the days news.
When I was contemplating my write today Nellie The Elephant came into my head, so I just went along with it.
Comment is about Donald The President, Trump, Trump, Trump (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Julie,
I gather from this poem that you are not in favour of Trump. You are not alone I can assure you. All governments which have politicians as their Heads of State are prone to the occasional twerp. Thank God for the Queen.
Thank you for this humourous poem
Keith
Comment is about Donald The President, Trump, Trump, Trump (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
<Deleted User> (13740)
Wed 20th Jan 2021 12:16
Yes I am a cough drop, a nice strawberry flavour, why do you say such things x what do you mean x
Comment is about The Man On The Bridge (blog)
Original item by d.knape
Thanks for the kind comment Stephen G and for all the likes folks.
Comment is about Hope Holds The Key (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Thank you Jordyn, Stephen and Stephen for the likes! ?
And thank you Aviva for the comment and like. I'm so pleased you enjoyed my first poem of 2021. I did end up tweaking a few words here and there but it's finished now and it is what it is. Thanks for your encouragement - I really appreciate it. Tom.
Comment is about Murmuration (blog)
Original item by Tom
Slad is a lovely place. Great pub too, with the graveyard just across the road. Laurie Lee wrote of his pleasure, as he sipped his pint in there, at watching tourists drive up, wander into the graveyard, then come into the pub to ask where Laurie Lee's grave was.
Comment is about 'All I knew was that I was to go to Abbey Road and bring three poems' (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (13740)
Wed 20th Jan 2021 08:20
Am a I a cough drop? Now what do you mean by this. Mmm I await your reply. Maybe it would be easier being a cough drop than a human but I might get sucked a lot! Ha ha
Comment is about d.knape (poet profile)
Original item by d.knape
<Deleted User> (13740)
Wed 20th Jan 2021 07:52
I was talking to a friend last night. She's very lonely. But being alone doesn't mean you have to be lonely, especially if you like your own company. I personally need alone time to recharge. I like this poem though. I can almost picture the man stood there. But maybe he's just getting out the house away from his wife!!! He might not be alone at all x
Comment is about The Man On The Bridge (blog)
Original item by d.knape
Wed 20th Jan 2021 03:57
I agree.
the W give you more gravitas.
sounds like you are really important.
so keep using it.
Comment is about Stephen W Atkinson (poet profile)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
Wed 20th Jan 2021 03:55
cannot click on Astro Girl.
what's the deal?
Comment is about Hospital Gown (blog)
Original item by d.knape
Wed 20th Jan 2021 03:54
Open heart surgery?
good grief.
hope you are doing better now.
(do not flash the nurses in your Hospital Gown!)
Comment is about keith jeffries (poet profile)
Original item by keith jeffries
I didn't know how to understand this at first, is there a specific parallel being drawn here or not?
But reading it again it has an uncanny parallel with the hole in the ozone layer.... hmmmm
Comment is about The mysterious case of the hole in the trousers (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
The farcical nature of this appeals to me Stephen. Well done for straying into familiar territory but with an alternative theme interwoven, namely the hole. Reminds me a bit of those films where someone insignificant is chased by police, swat men and helicopters. Excellent!
Ray
Comment is about The mysterious case of the hole in the trousers (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
This certainly travels a huge distance between the sentiment at the start of the poem (be near me) and that at its end (stay away), so its certainly a nonstop roller coaster of an entourage of emotions, I just wonder if because of that it needs one more thing to help it work better with the chosen title.
Or maybe, and just a suggestion, but you could change the title to 'Sleeping with me' which covers both the two of you sleeping together either actually or wishfully or possibly, and also all of the rollercoaster of emotions sleeping within you too.
On the other hand, maybe 'Sleep with me' also means 'do nothing there while I do nothing here' which means that the start and the end of the poem are just different interpretations of the title.?
Comment is about Sleep with me (blog)
Original item by Jay
Sounds like the dad DID believe in half measures!
Comment is about Bob was a cut above his fellow pupils at his new school (blog)
Original item by hugh
Good, positive thoughts, Julie.
Comment is about Hope Holds The Key (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
I have been there and it is where I think I learnt, though can struggle to remember:
You shouldn't spend too long thinking of what you were not then, it could only stop you from a proper chance to be what you need to be now. And if you spend too long in moments that drag you down, rather than those that lift you up, what could you feel except low?
Comment is about In Every Moment (blog)
Original item by David R Mellor
Philipos
Tue 19th Jan 2021 18:19
Hi Kristian, very much enjoyed reading some of your work.
I suspect there are umpteen survivors on WOL, of what you yourself have experienced treatment wise, and it is courageous of you hint at those experiences.
The increasing trend in this, adds, I am sure, an extra string to the pen of Blog.
Blessings.
P ?
Comment is about Kristian Deidre Brown (poet profile)
Original item by Kristian Deidre Brown
The last verse is beautiful.
Comment is about A Mom’s Promise (blog)
Original item by Candice Reineke
Stephen Gospage
Thu 21st Jan 2021 16:52
Great fun.
Comment is about There's something fishy going on (blog)
Original item by hugh