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keith jeffries

Sat 8th Jun 2024 19:34

Manish,
A poem skillfully written with a very appropriate ending. Thanks.
Keith

Comment is about A Considerate Bartender (blog)

Original item by Manish

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keith jeffries

Sat 8th Jun 2024 19:32

Martin,
Another poem which is so well composed and amzingly honest in its content. I was particularly drawn to the line ' a marionette whose strings have been frayed'. A poem very well expressed and one which many readers will relate to. Thank you for this.
Thanks,
Keith

Comment is about NOT KNOWING (blog)

Original item by Martin Peacock

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Tom Doolan

Sat 8th Jun 2024 19:27

Thanks for likes - Hugh, K. Lynn & Ruth 👍

Comment is about Heaven Calling (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

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Martin Peacock

Sat 8th Jun 2024 18:49

I wish i shared your lack of concern, MC, but i find it all too Orwellian. We believe ours is a free society but, indoors and out we're being tracked, noted, recognised, guided, nudged, watched. Always watched. And quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who watches the watchers? What powers have they already arrogated to themselves? No, i find it more than a little creepy, more than a little scary. Where does it end? With, as Orwell so succinctly wrote, "a jackboot forever stamping on a human face."

Comment is about 7-UP: CCTV (THIS IS 1984) (blog)

Original item by Martin Peacock

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 8th Jun 2024 18:23

Excellent! Something here about "the best is last". Thank you.

Comment is about The Lost (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 8th Jun 2024 18:19

Sadly, in life, as in sleep, dreams can become nightmares. May
our best dreams prevail.

Comment is about Dreem, My Friend, Dream! (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 8th Jun 2024 18:15

JC- Morda(u)nt humour? Angela Rayner conjures up a very
unnerving "dominatrix" in my own imagination. Leather and a three-line whip...oeer!! 😊 I could almost vote Labour.

Comment is about THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 8th Jun 2024 17:59

All politicians who seek office "put their heads above the parapet" and risk opprobrium from opposing views, sometimes
deteriorating from personal verbal invective to personal physical assault. And other public figures who take a stand on something
are just as vulnerable. Think of the likes of Salman Rushdie.
Or that Saudi journalist working for the Washington Post who
entered his country's embassy, only to be murdered within.
Curtailing freedom of speech is the first aim of those who fear it! Has there been any time in world history when the latter have not strutted its stage, convincing the credulous and creating
their designer-chaos?

Comment is about Strongmen (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 8th Jun 2024 17:48

This situation is the price we pay for pursuing the progress of science. The same sort of technology employed in streets is
used to track threats from beyond our borders and from those
presented by weather. Personally, I have no particular concern
about being "watched" in public places, as part of the wider
scenario that presents itself from day to day beyond the
confines of our homes. Of course, the real problem is when
we are bugged within our homes as part of life. That is the
way in tyrannies and marks the line that separates one type of
society from another. But then again I suppose that our use of personal computers offers undisclosed methods and opportunities for much the same sort of thing these days!

Comment is about 7-UP: CCTV (THIS IS 1984) (blog)

Original item by Martin Peacock

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Stephen Gospage

Sat 8th Jun 2024 17:45

Thank you for your comments, Patricia, Manish, Tim and Keith. I should make it clear that the subject of this poem is dictators of all shades and the misguided 'democratic' politicians who seem to envy them. I remember a giggling Berlusconi once joining with Putin in firing a pretend gun at a journalist. I think that says it all.

I have great respect for most truly democratic politicians, who have to submit themselves to real elections and who are routinely abused and threatened with (or subjected to) violence. A mayor in Brussels was attacked today, yesterday it was the Danish PM. While we may disagree, it is important to defend such dedicated public servants.

And thanks to Hugh, Larisa, Holden and Tom for liking this.

Comment is about Strongmen (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 8th Jun 2024 17:36

My poem was indeed an observation on the important role that
women play in any society at ease with itself. It is perhaps also
a passing reminder to women not to lose sight of their timeless relevance in the attitude of men towards them throughout life.
There is a risk that the vital nurturing nature can be reduced in
importance, not least in the current attitudes that can be
witnessed in modern life as more emphasis is placed upon
material worth. In my own long life, I have wondered whether
women do not always appreciate the vital influence they wield
over the opposite sex...from birth through upbringing to their
eventual departure into wider adult society. It is a subject
worthy of the closest study.

Comment is about PRECIOUS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

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keith jeffries

Sat 8th Jun 2024 16:39

Stuart,
This moral poem is like a modern day version of the Book of Proverbs. All you say is to be highly recommended.
Thank you for this.
Keith

Comment is about Becoming a Better Person (blog)

Original item by Stuart Vanner

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keith jeffries

Sat 8th Jun 2024 15:37

Tim,
Seldom have I read a poem in which the language is so incredibly well used. You are a wordsmith indeed.
Thank you for this,
Keith

Comment is about A Life Renewed  (blog)

Original item by Tim Higbee

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keith jeffries

Sat 8th Jun 2024 15:32

Patricia,
a thoughtful poem with the last three lines giving us a real sense of comfort and hope.
Thank you,
Keith

Comment is about A tsunami of emotions (blog)

Original item by Patricia Ziel

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keith jeffries

Sat 8th Jun 2024 15:30

Stephen,
Powerful words. They leave me speechless as they echo every thought I have about politicians. When I look at all politicians of all parties I thank God we have a monarchy.
Thank you indeed.
Keith

Comment is about Strongmen (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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Ghazala lari

Sat 8th Jun 2024 13:42

This poem is written in rhyming couplets.
The language is somewhat archaic, with words like "slings and arrows" and "Sheba-wise sage," which adds to the sentimental and nostalgic feel of the piece.
You seem to be addressing all men in general, urging them to seek out a woman who is kind and caring.

This poem extols the virtues of a kind woman and encourages men to find one, as she is rare and precious.
"Are you trying to advocate for a more traditional view of gender roles, where the woman is seen as the nurturer and caretaker in the relationship"?

Comment is about PRECIOUS (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

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Manish Singh Rajput

Sat 8th Jun 2024 13:35

I loved the profound journey that this poem took me on, Tim, and an even profound ending image to it. Brilliantly done as always!
Thank you.

Comment is about A Life Renewed  (blog)

Original item by Tim Higbee

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Tim Higbee

Sat 8th Jun 2024 13:14

Wonderful! Another adventure from the Strange City.

Comment is about Chainsaw Bridge (blog)

Original item by M Lane

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Tim Higbee

Sat 8th Jun 2024 13:10

Stephen, poems like this vividly and consistently lift the veil from the faces that wish to hide. The faces of humanity at its most destructive.
Thank you for your words of luminosity.

Comment is about Strongmen (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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Manish Singh Rajput

Sat 8th Jun 2024 12:58

Thank you very much, Stephen, it means a lot coming from you!😊
I somehow tend to adapt to concise style of writing when I write about sadness just so that I don't drift away into trivial matters (something that I often used to do before).

Comment is about Very Much Alive (blog)

Original item by Manish

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Manish Singh Rajput

Sat 8th Jun 2024 12:23

A strong emotion of vexation or fury oozes out of this poem which is very contagious, Stephen. I liked the title, the poem and overall everything. Very evocative and brilliant as always.
Thank you.

Comment is about Strongmen (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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Patricia Ziel

Sat 8th Jun 2024 11:14

So sad our world affairs, you sure nailed it!

Comment is about Strongmen (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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John Coopey

Sat 8th Jun 2024 10:29

Thanks, Stephen. I confess to liking Penny Mordaunt. Not in a political way you understand but in a what’s-inside-my-trousers kind of way.
And thanks for the Like, Tom, Red Brick, Trevor, Aisha and Stephen A

Comment is about THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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John Coopey

Sat 8th Jun 2024 10:26

I have to say, MC, the vacuum pump is pretty efficient. Many’s the time I’ve come back from a pub’s bogs and told Our Gert to “RUN!” as I’ve blocked it. But not on these ships; they handled whatever I fed them.
And thanks for the Likes, Tom, Stephen and Holden.

Comment is about THE DANUBE RIVER CRUISE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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Stephen Gospage

Sat 8th Jun 2024 09:03

Thank you for kind comment, Ruth, and thanks to everyone who liked this poem.

Comment is about Omelette (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

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Stephen Gospage

Sat 8th Jun 2024 09:00

This is outstanding, Manish. The concise style somehow heightens the feeling of sadness, with its residue of consolation.

Comment is about Very Much Alive (blog)

Original item by Manish

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Stephen Gospage

Sat 8th Jun 2024 08:41

Lost, but not forgotten. Well written, Stephen.

Comment is about The Lost (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

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David RL Moore

Sat 8th Jun 2024 08:39

Thanks for commenting Martin and thanks for the recent likes.

David

Comment is about Thank you (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

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David RL Moore

Sat 8th Jun 2024 08:38

Thanks Martin,

And to all who gave likes.

David

Comment is about Silent Harbour (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

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Stephen Gospage

Sat 8th Jun 2024 08:37

The seven swingers are going large
And is that really Nigel Farage?

All good, clean fun, John.

Comment is about THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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Manish Singh Rajput

Sat 8th Jun 2024 07:01

Thank you Tim and Martin, for your kind comments, it means a lot to me. And thanks to all those who liked this, they're very much appreciated!😊

Comment is about Very Much Alive (blog)

Original item by Manish

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Tom Doolan

Fri 7th Jun 2024 22:42

Thank you so much for your kind comments - M.C. , Tim & Stephen 🙂
Thanks for likes - Larisa, Holden, Manish & Evan 👍

Comment is about Heaven Calling (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

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Martin Peacock

Fri 7th Jun 2024 19:54

That last stanza is bittersweetly true. Nicely said.

Comment is about Very Much Alive (blog)

Original item by Manish

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Stephen Atkinson

Fri 7th Jun 2024 17:58

Lovely heartfelt stuff, Tom

Comment is about Heaven Calling (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

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Stephen Atkinson

Fri 7th Jun 2024 17:48

Thank you very much for your wonderful comments Graham, Keith, Patricia & Tom! I think we need to remember now, more than anytime I can remember!
And thanks for the Likes 😊🌷

Comment is about Little Ted (blog)

Original item by Stephen W Atkinson

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Ghazala lari

Fri 7th Jun 2024 17:31

Thank you Keith. 🌷

Comment is about Echos of the soul (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

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Tim Higbee

Fri 7th Jun 2024 17:10

Thanks for the comment, Graham.
Thanks for the likes, appreciate them.

Comment is about A Thought About a Thought (blog)

Original item by Tim Higbee

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Tim Higbee

Fri 7th Jun 2024 17:03

This is a good depiction of this grueling work.
Perhaps just the trappings of my mind but I couldn't help picturing the Grimm Reaper out harvesting souls.

Comment is about Scythe (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

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Tim Higbee

Fri 7th Jun 2024 16:53

I like the concept. It would be a great one to explore more.
Lots of room for the expansion of expressive thought.
Interesting place, your strange city. Well done, M. Lane

Comment is about Strange City (blog)

Original item by M Lane

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Tim Higbee

Fri 7th Jun 2024 16:44

I like the phrasing, the sense of separated yet connected. Love and compatibility only from a distance. True, but sad. Your ability to conceptualize and express an emotion is always right on my friend.

Comment is about Very Much Alive (blog)

Original item by Manish

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 7th Jun 2024 16:24

An evocative jolt to my own memory of negotiating the lanes and
byways of rural 1950s Wiltshire on my Raleigh Super Lenton
Sports bike, the whirr of the derailleur gears replacing your
bike's own exhaust note.

Comment is about THE OPEN ROAD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

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Tim Higbee

Fri 7th Jun 2024 16:12

Such a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to one who's passed. The dilemma of the vacancy of her absence is portrayed so well it is easily a shared experience.
Excellent poem Tom

Comment is about Heaven Calling (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 7th Jun 2024 16:11

I think of this as an updated Ogden Nash sort of poem. And I
always enjoy the way the message is conveyed. That said....
If you tend not to behave
You're destined for an early grave! 😑

Comment is about CHRISTIAN JAMES (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 7th Jun 2024 16:01

I'm unsure just WHAT other objects might be considered for
flushing down a toilet on a holiday river cruise? The notice
seems to presume that there is an acceptance of the basic
function of a toilet for disposal of human waste plus its
cosmetic paper helper only. However, with things like nappies,
tampons, condoms et al thought suitable for disposal via a toilet
bowl, I guess the warning has its logical intent. I recall the
strain on the toilet on a yacht when trying to dispose a few
days constipated living back in the day. The memory haunts me still! 😐

Comment is about THE DANUBE RIVER CRUISE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

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Evan Tyler

Fri 7th Jun 2024 15:58

The world is indeed alive. And I'm sneezing.

Take care, Helene

Comment is about Spring! (blog)

Original item by Hélène

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 7th Jun 2024 15:39

"Call me when you get to heaven
Let me know that you're okay..."
Touching and readily recalled...ideal for a country song lyric.

Comment is about Heaven Calling (blog)

Original item by Tom Doolan

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 7th Jun 2024 15:35

An excellent theme. To strive is to be alive.

Comment is about Self Improvement (blog)

Original item by Stuart Vanner

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 7th Jun 2024 15:29

Hi Brian - thanks fo adding your comment. Hands across the sea!! I still recall your father showing me his service uniform
on my visit. A memorable occasion indeed.

Comment is about BEACHHEAD - JUNE 6, 1944 (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Jon

Fri 7th Jun 2024 14:53

Thanks, Auracle

Comment is about Nobody's bleeding (blog)

Original item by Jon63

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Martin Peacock

Fri 7th Jun 2024 14:10

Another of yours i like. Not mawkish, like some, it sets an elegiac tone more in keeping with the sombre nature of the event it commemorates.

Comment is about Thank you (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

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