Brilliant. Loved it the first time around and like you say seems appropriate to repost with the weather many have experienced this week. Great photo.
Comment is about A Winter Escape (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
But how much better if it were possible for those who were dissatisfied to get a refund
Edit - No, actually that gets quite dystopian - imagine having to redo each year (or decade?) if you weren't sufficiently satisfied at the end of it.. whilst everyone else moves on. It would be pretty chaotic stuff and how children fit into this world? probably in central facilities so that re-youthing parents won't be too devastating for them.
Comment is about Fairly Compensated (blog)
Original item by Jason Bayliss
Thank you for your very kind and far to generous words Greg. Who would have thought that when I started writing in April I would still be writing in December over 200 poems later!
I think we are all appreciating the little things that bring us comfort and joy this year.
Comment is about Switching On The Tree Lights (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Thanks for your memories, Stephen. I know football built up a huge bond between me and my son ... but with my daughter, too. I had tickets for Chelsea v Liverpool in the Cup in 97. My lad was too tired to go after his efforts in the morning, so she accompanied me instead. Chelsea won 4-2 after being 2-0 down at half-time - scorers Vialli 2, Hughes, and Zola - yes, that Chelsea, managed by Gullit. Of course, she was hooked after that, watching them in bars when she moved to Spain, and even travelling to Sevilla to see them in a Champions League game. Oh, football!
Comment is about Touchline dads (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
It seems to me that people's own Christmas lights illuminating their homes are bigger and brighter and earlier this year. Lights in the darkness. Thanks for this poem, Julie. You are fast becoming the laureate of Write Out Loud, in my opinion.
Comment is about Switching On The Tree Lights (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
As a former bobby, MC, you will understand that an allegation is not proof. Several allegations have been investigated and found to be either baseless or Insufficiently significant to make a difference. Whether he concedes or not he will pack his bags on January 20th.
Comment is about PISSING IN THE WIND (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Adam, thank you for your like of this poem
Keith
Comment is about A Gentler Age (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
My thanks to Kevin and MC for you comments and to Paul, Vautaw, JD., and Aviva for your likes.
MC., what lies in the nation's attics would reveal all manner of things. A few years ago I helped a friend clear out his attic during which we came across a gas mask, a newspaper celebrating the Coronation and an army greatcoat. No signs of tobacco pouches I'm afraid.
Kevin, my father smoked a pipe, cigarettes and cigars. In the fireplace there was a pipe rack which held half a dozen pipes. As children we grew up in an acrid blue haze.
Thank you all again
Keith
Comment is about A Gentler Age (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
I love the smell of pipe tobacco.
And because it has become such a rarity nowadays, it is bound to bring back nostalgic memories whenever anyone gets a whiff.
To me I'd think of my grandad, banging out the residue onto the hearth, before refilling to start again.
A gentler age maybe.
I would never have (until now) thought of those brave lads in WW1.
I hope that their pipes gave them a moment's resbite from the carnage
Comment is about A Gentler Age (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Thank you for the likes Candice and Paul.
Thanks for the lovely comment Paul, tweaked it slightly wrote it very early this morning! Definitely trying to focus on the bright side, she lucky to have this magical sight on my doorstep.
Comment is about Switching On The Tree Lights (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Sun 6th Dec 2020 02:51
I had a hard time thinking of it myself! hahaha
Comment is about Stephen Gospage (poet profile)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Sun 6th Dec 2020 02:50
Father Christmas?
What country are you in?
Germany?
Comment is about julie callaghan (poet profile)
Original item by julie callaghan
Fun - taken in good spirit for its depiction of the man in the Oval
Office. But what about the goings-on before the various state legislatures who have been taking testimony (sworn affidavits) and viewing
video evidence of apparent vote stuffing in machines AFTER media
and poll observers had been required to leave the building.
The game's afoot - with the Supreme Court waiting in judgement early in 2021 on
the all-important subject of compliance with the Constitution of the
United States. Make no mistake, this is a watershed moment in
US constitutional history, no matter who wins that judgement.
I look forward to another poem ready for what is happening - and
about to happen, as the case for not conceding continues to mount
up. When the BBC News uses phrases like "baseless claims" and "alternative reality" to describe Trump's position in interviews with those opposing him, then it is indeed a worrying situation for the impartiality of the mainstream media.that omits what now has to be
found on the likes of YouTube - see above "Senate Legislature"
hearings. I find the whole thing fascinating as it continues to unfold, notwithstanding the lack of anything on the MSM, unless
it is something hostile to the present incumbent. Nothing new there then.. .
Comment is about PISSING IN THE WIND (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I think Santa could add a reindeer called Covid to the team pulling
his transport this time around. The name seems to match the style of the rest to my ear at least?.The writer of this song got the idea
on a city train, proving that inspiration can strike at any time. An encouraging lesson for us all.
Comment is about Santa Isn't Coming To Town (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
I wonder how many seldom opened draws in old desks and chests
have mouldering old tobacco pouches with remnants of a long-gone
past clinging to the lining, and a metal pipe cleaner slowly gathering rust close by in dark confinement.
Comment is about A Gentler Age (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Oh great, Paul. I am delighted to hear that ?
Comment is about Add to cart (blog)
Original item by Emer Ní Chorra
Haha – thanks, Paul. Not sure who I’d award it to.
Comment is about The Grammy goes to... (blog)
Original item by Candice Reineke
A poem which speaks of determination and ambition. Well done Aisha
Thanks
Keith
Comment is about Time Is Ticking (blog)
Original item by Aisha Suleman
Aw thank you so much. I live in Dublin, Ireland. We like to complain about the terrible weather here. I hope you see the funny side to this piece of writing too. Many thanks for your kind words and wishes my friend. ☺️
Comment is about Add to cart (blog)
Original item by Emer Ní Chorra
I love snow and winters. But it seems hard to survive in such rough weather conditions.
May it be easy and warm for you this winter.?
Comment is about Add to cart (blog)
Original item by Emer Ní Chorra
Thanks for the likes all.
Great story Stephen G.
I should have explained that the first weekend in December is Father Christmas Weekend in Kirkby Lonsdale. He goes through the town pointing his wand at the lights on the trees above all the shops switching them on as he goes along. Sadly not this year.
Comment is about Santa Isn't Coming To Town (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
You have penned a poem of love and friendship we all long for. Adding this one to my favorites. Thank you for sharing your beautiful soul JD. ❤️
Comment is about My promise to you. (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
Thanks to everyone for the comments and the likes. Yes, news is better told than controlled, although I have no problem with newspapers or magazines having a political agenda. In fact, it's probably a good thing, because "neutral" journalism is likely to be rather dull.
The problem is when news and opinion become conflated, and news becomes opinion, à la Fox News. I often read the Guardian, which is, of course, completely unbiased. Honest.....
Comment is about Fake News (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thank you, Greg. It brought back memories for me as well. My brother and I were involved in junior football in the 60s and, as Brian says, the players were usually fine (until one reached under-16 leagues, when they started getting a bit naughty).
I remember we played a match against the Bata Shoe Factory boys' team in Tilbury, Essex and our dad had to separate the Bata manager and one of our team's dads, a 6ft 3 fleet street printer. Dad was considerably shorter than that, but managed it.
Great days. Perhaps better than they seemed at the time!
Comment is about Touchline dads (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
St. Nicholas (celebrated on 6 December in Belgium) has been waving to schoolchildren from the roof in some towns.
I once dressed up as St Nicholas for the daughter of some friends and then had to wait 30 minutes on a busy street corner while they tried to start their car. The 'Ho-Ho-Ho's became a bit repetitive but at least nobody recognised me.
Maybe Santa Claus can appear virtually? (Brian Blessed on Skype?)
Comment is about Santa Isn't Coming To Town (blog)
Original item by julie callaghan
Good, hopeful poem, Abdul. 2021 will be better....
.
Comment is about Soon the snowdrops will....... (blog)
Original item by Abdul Ahmad
Great slogan! Why didn't I think of it?
Comment is about Christmas Light Extravaganza (blog)
Original item by d.knape
Our Father Christmas weekend that happens every year cancelled too?
Comment is about Christmas Light Extravaganza (blog)
Original item by d.knape
The cold wet weather here makes the spread worse, I love the cleanliness of the snowfall, before it turns into slush. I wish the snow would clean away Covit-19
Comment is about Soon the snowdrops will....... (blog)
Original item by Abdul Ahmad
Thanks for your thoughts, Brian and John. Brian, I was actually the assistant manager when I was admonished by the ref, so should have known better, but was caught up in the fever of the local derby. The scrimmage on the centre circle was a one-off - our dads were usually very supportive and well-behaved.
Our manager - sadly no longer with us - instilled a real code of sportsmanship and fair play into his team, which he managed from when our lad was seven, until he was 16. Back then they were allowed to play 11-a-side from the age of seven, and now I find myself worrying about all the headers my lad has made over the years. You shouldn't live through your kids, I know. But he was a much better player than I ever was, and the joy of seeing him score a goal is difficult to describe. His main position was centre back. Sounds like your daughter was cast in the same mould, John.
Thanks for the Like, Tony.
Comment is about Touchline dads (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
This poem must rank with one of the best I have read this year as it takes us from our mortality to our eternal home with all its consequences. This is a literary achievement.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about Not Long Enough Be Death (blog)
Original item by Clive Culverhouse
Brian, MC., and Paul. Thank you for your comments. MC you and I are in agreement to some extent. I too very occasionally also enjoy a cigar, maybe three times a year and Christmas being one of them. I am an intermittent smoker but do not feel addicted as I can go weeks even months and not bother to smoke. It is a therapeutic enjoyment which maybe harmful, but there again there are enough emissions from vehicles in a high street to cause permanent damage to us all, especially children in push chairs. I loathe cigarette smoke as it is so stale whereas pipe tobaccos and cigars have a pleasant aroma.
Thank you all again
Keith
Comment is about The Nanny State (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
<Deleted User> (28781)
Sat 5th Dec 2020 04:51
Thank you for your suggestion. I honestly write to get things off me. This blog kinda diary. I've made the necessary change. Thank you for reading.
Comment is about Aviva Rifka Bhandari (poet profile)
Original item by Aviva Rifka Bhandari
It is Paul. Throw off those dark feelings. As you live day by day you'll want to know why things are as they are and how can they change. Come on mate. Do it for Po!
Comment is about Orthodoxy (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
I have read this poem several times because it merits closer appreciation. It speaks of a deep and abiding friendship in which two people can say I love you without it degenerating into something less noble. I raises the concept of love to a higher plane which is liberating and meaningful. I applaud this poem as a work of art which comes from a soul with the experience of true love untarnished and pure.
Thank you again JD
Keith
Comment is about My promise to you. (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
Brings back memories, Greg, of my daughter playing for Brayton Belles. She wasn't much cop with the ball but she was pretty good without it. A lot of more talented forwards who played against her left the field wondering why they hadn't played well.
Comment is about Touchline dads (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (18980)
Fri 4th Dec 2020 23:00
Good point Mark...so I recommend drinking a glassful of soot every week.
Comment is about The Nanny State (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
I liked a pipe and enjoyed the aromatic tobaccos - and often had a
cigar with a pint of beer for a change in the pub to finish the day.
In my retirement, that doesn't seem to rate as "smoking" as far as
the health questions seem to go. I guess it's about what might reach
the lungs where the trouble starts. But having patrolled London's
busiest streets and manned its traffic points over working decades, perhaps I'm immune to the stuff getting attention today that's referred to as pollution. Maybe a little dirt is needed in all our lives - just as vaccinations build up a body's resistance to other forms of invasion.
Comment is about The Nanny State (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
<Deleted User> (18980)
Fri 4th Dec 2020 22:26
Sticks and stones may break our bones
But it's better than skulking in our homes
Comment is about We Put On Our Shoes (blog)
Original item by d.knape
<Deleted User> (18980)
Fri 4th Dec 2020 22:18
My mate's dad smoked a pipe. St. Bruno I think. His mum said, with straight face, that she loved a good shag. We couldn't hold it in!
Comment is about The Nanny State (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
<Deleted User> (18980)
Fri 4th Dec 2020 22:11
I ran a boys team with my brother in law. The lads were easy, it was the parents who needed managing. They were allowed to say three things only...well done, hard luck and man on. I'm joking, but what we discouraged was coaching and instructions because otherwise we'd have had eleven forwards all going for glory and being the player their dads never were.
Comment is about Touchline dads (blog)
Original item by Greg Freeman
These words come from the heart of one who understands that love flowers out of friendship. The last three lines speak of commitment and love, a rare combination but a jewel in the crown of life.
Thank you for this
Keith
Comment is about My promise to you. (blog)
Original item by J.D. Bardo
Philipos
Fri 4th Dec 2020 19:40
Hi Crystal, great reading your profile, and as others have commented, your worthy example.
A big wave of welcome from this side of the UK divide.
P
Comment is about Crystal Stouf (poet profile)
Original item by Crystal Stouf
Philipos
Fri 4th Dec 2020 19:34
More, more I say - all this dumping of iffy info needs exposure.
Trouble is, will we ever be able to control it. ?
Comment is about Fake News (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Stephen G, Stephen A., JD., Kevin and Paul, thank you for your comments which I appreciate. I smoke a pipe and use a Dutch aromatic tobacco. I often go days without smoking but only when I take a fancy to it. Paul it only counts if your piss smells of tobacco.
Thank you all again,
Keith
Comment is about The Nanny State (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
It's a long time since I saw anyone smoking a pipe. I don't smoke myself, but if I did I like to think that it'd be with a pipe .
Nice write.
Cheers Kevin
Comment is about The Nanny State (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
julie callaghan
Sun 6th Dec 2020 10:48
A Christmas cracker Hugh?
Comment is about Claire's despair (blog)
Original item by hugh