Manish,
I enjjoyed both the style and content of this poem. They complimented each other.
Thank you,
Keith

Comment is about On the Mend (blog)

Original item by Manish

Comment is about India - 26th January 2024, 75th Republic Day (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

😂!!!!!!




Rose 💋

Comment is about Samaritans ,well trained life savers (blog)

Original item by hugh

Can't actually say why Beth but I love it!




Rose 💋

Comment is about Off beat! (blog)

Original item by Bethany Sallis

Hi Stephen,

I feel compelled to respond to this piece.

To be honest it made me flinch. To refer to the practices you describe as "The new reality of War" is to dismiss centuries of warfare in which the same values have been repeatedly displayed.

The issue I have with this inaccuracy/ommission is that it can colour peoples perception, in that it suggests such horrors have never been deployed before and therefore somehow those now engaged in utilising them are some new kind of animal never before seen.

There is also contained within your words an element of blinkered thought that could be seen as white-washing some of our own questionable history, elements of it not so long ago.

I doubt there is any intention in your writing to disregard horrors of the past. That said, to suggest current inhumanities are something new comes dangerously close to dismissing previously inflicted terrors. Strategists and tyrants alike have been slaughtering women and children for millenia and undoubtedly will continue to do so.

I commend your poem for drawing and fixing attention on the horrors of now. However, I believe the suggestion that these are new tactics somehow diverts from and diminishes the horrors of the past endured by millions.

Some might confuse my desire for accuracy as pedantry, my response to that would be to consider the millions. Not that any such consideration could bring them back... but it would offer a broader perspective on mankinds long history of inhumanity and the improbability of change.

I hope this comment is taken at face value as a concern for truthful balance and a steer away from reactionary prejudice.

The wickedness and horror of such acts is undeniably dispicable and inhumane no matter the perpetrator, with that I unreservedly agree and wish for their accelerated demise.

David

Comment is about Magnet (Kharkiv, 25 May 2024) (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thank you so much, Stephen! Best wishes, Larisa

Comment is about Today, on the 27th of May, I proclaim Larisa Rzhepishevska Day. Hurray! (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

A perfect speech for a perfect day. Best wishes to the happy couple and to you, Julie.

Comment is about Wedding Day (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

Thanks for the likes

David

Thanks for the overnight oats 27 May 24

David

Comment is about Hiatus (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

Happy Birthday, Larisa. One's birthday is always a good day!

Comment is about Today, on the 27th of May, I proclaim Larisa Rzhepishevska Day. Hurray! (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

Thank you for this fun piece, John. There seems to be a point (1997, 2010) when governments reach their expiry date and there's nothing anyone can do.

Comment is about WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KIDDING, MR STARMER? (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks, Greg. It seems an age ago that he qualified for a pension, and he's still going. Mind you, so is Bill Wyman.

Comment is about Moving like Jagger (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Never met your mum but joined WOL around the same time as her and remember her poems, still on here! Good to see you here!

Comment is about ‘Reading back’ (blog)

Original item by Kara-Fé Burrows

This was my speech at my son’s wedding yesterday. Went with the first version and managed not to smudge my mascara.

Comment is about Wedding Day (blog)

Original item by julie callaghan

@Hélène thanks. So glad you liked this. I dreamt this poem, woke up with most of the words in my head.

Comment is about AUTUMN (blog)

Original item by CiaranPCunningham

I’m afraid they have returned to those old fashioned Tory values, MC. Take conscription - a policy with zero chance of being enacted. Why else have reduced the armed forces? Answer - it appeals to the voters of Tunbridge Wells.
Take small boats. Last year immigration to the UK stood at 1.2m. Small boat immigration was 29,000. But no matter- it panders to Tunbridge Wells.
Get ready for the phrases “capital and corporal punishment” to raise their heads.

Comment is about WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KIDDING, MR STARMER? (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

It must be very satisfying to compose something in the form of
what might be termed "Received wisdom". It is intriguing how
such "forms" came about and the reasons they have endured.
But as a perceived "upstart" French figure of note acted upon
being mocked for his lack of noble progenitors, he responded
by commenting that HE was an ancestor, not just a mere descendant.
In short, he was an original. Might not the same be sought by
those writing poetry today?

Comment is about Why is the sonnet still popular? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Another top pastiche from this ever inventive source. How apt
that it was the guy from The Crazy Gang who sang the original
for our entertainment. We are certainly in crazy times as we
approach the 2024 election. It is my view that the only hope for
the Tories is to show signs of a return to their original core conservative (with a small "c") values, with a distinct opportunity
for a return to the Tory fold of Reform Party members who are disaffected/disenchanted Tories fed up with what has happened
to their political party in recent times and its alienation from the
electorate as a result.

Comment is about WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KIDDING, MR STARMER? (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Good point, Keith. Sadly, a Buddy Holly song, of course. Thanks for the Likes, Hugh, Holden, Hélène, Manish, Tim, Ciaran, Aisha and Rose

Comment is about Moving like Jagger (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Greg,
not to mention 'Not Fade Away'.
Thanks,
Keith

Comment is about Moving like Jagger (blog)

Original item by Greg Freeman

thank you so much Hélène, i will forever continue to write poetry until my heart dies down. blessings to you too!

Comment is about ‘I miss you mummy’ (blog)

Original item by Kara-Fé Burrows

Really touched by the tribute to your mother. Keep writing Kara-Fé! You are continuing the poet legacy. Poetry is our friend, our healer. Blessings to you my dear!

Comment is about ‘I miss you mummy’ (blog)

Original item by Kara-Fé Burrows

An absolutely exquisite poem. I read it twice, captivated by the words, images, emotions.

Comment is about AUTUMN (blog)

Original item by CiaranPCunningham

@keithjeffries thank you. I appreciate your kind comments.

Comment is about AUTUMN (blog)

Original item by CiaranPCunningham

To get the ball rolling, here's my effort, posted this morning, written last year https://www.writeoutloud.net/public/blogentry.php?blogentryid=135495

Comment is about Why is the sonnet still popular? (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

It could be. Or may be an intruder, a trespassing dog of another street...it could be anything. But that cacophony is horrific... 😆

Comment is about Barking dogs seldom bites (blog)

Original item by Sunshine

Thankyou, Greg, Keith and Graham.
Before, actually, Greg. I fear I may be the Brains behind Conservative election thinking!
The solution is obvious, Keith. Upset the status quo by standing for Parliament yourself; you’ll just need another 20,000 people to agree with you.
This is indeed, Graham, a good election to lose.

Comment is about WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KIDDING, MR STARMER? (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Looking forward to Sir Kier getting in and making a mess in time for Queen Penny ( her of the mighty sword ) to come after and vanquish the redbellies!

Comment is about WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KIDDING, MR STARMER? (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

John,
I enjoyed this poem but must confess to have lost all interest in British politics in recent years. The democracies of the West, including our own, are in the main two party states which is hardly representative of the views of most people. If a one party state is a dictatorship, then what do we call a two party state?
Thank you,
Keith

Comment is about WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KIDDING, MR STARMER? (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Ciaran,
Your poetic style is truly admirable. Every poem a joy to read and an inspiration to fellow poets.
Thank you for this,
Keith

Comment is about AUTUMN (blog)

Original item by CiaranPCunningham

Sensual and with a gentle content. A good poem.
Thanks,
Keith

Comment is about Pleasure (blog)

Original item by New Shoes

Presumably written after hearing the news of the PM's National Service wheeze, John? As Capt Mainwaring might have said: 'You stupid boy, Sunak'.

Comment is about WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KIDDING, MR STARMER? (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you for your kind comments.

Comment is about Hélène (poet profile)

Original item by Hélène

@keithjeffries thank you. This is an old poem from before I started writing in free verse.

Comment is about TO CHOOSE (blog)

Original item by CiaranPCunningham

@bethanysallis thank you for this very kind comment.

Comment is about TO CHOOSE (blog)

Original item by CiaranPCunningham

Comment is about Cut Grass (blog)

Original item by Edbreathe

Thank you uilleam for your elaborate comment.

Comment is about Truth shall set you free (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

Thank you Keith and Bindu.💐

Comment is about Naughtiness within (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

Hurrah for that great underused and ignored "ism" seen here -
OPTIMISM! 👍

Comment is about I Still Believe in Good Deeds (blog)

Original item by Larisa Rzhepishevska

Exceptionally well written and explained.
Thank you,
Keith

Comment is about Echos of the soul (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

Dear Helene,
Thank you for reading the poem "grass will be greener on all sides". I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for your feedback on the prose. I feel elated knowing that I was able to put across my feelings and thoughts that resonates with yours.
Let's make this world a better place. ❤️

Comment is about Hélène (poet profile)

Original item by Hélène

Welcome to WOL. I have been with this site since 2017 and highly recommend it to you. I look forward to reading some of your poetry.
Best Wishes,
Keith

Comment is about Matheus Luis Duarte (poet profile)

Original item by Matheus Luis Duarte

Thanks for the likes on this folks.

David

Comment is about The Slipknot of Truth (blog)

Original item by David RL Moore

Thank you, Keith and Bethany. I appreciate your kind comments.

And thanks to Hugh, Blackrose, Holden, Pete, Manish, Tim, Rudyard and Larisa for your support.

Comment is about The Naughty Little Boy (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Your writing is spectacular, Ciaran.

Comment is about POINTING AT BOATS (blog)

Original item by CiaranPCunningham

Ciaran,
An exquisite poem, perfectly crafted and one to entice the imagination. A masterpiece of good poetry.
Thank you for this,
Keith

Comment is about TO CHOOSE (blog)

Original item by CiaranPCunningham

I often wonder, what HE was like as a presumably, innocent child, and what made HIM change into such a monster?

A really clever, and such a well written poem, Stephen.

Thank you.

Bethany

Comment is about The Naughty Little Boy (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Oh, Ciaran, this is nothing less than absolutely beautiful.
Thank you, so much.

Bethany

Comment is about TO CHOOSE (blog)

Original item by CiaranPCunningham

Stephen,
Good humour. No guesses who the naughty little boy is.
Thanks,
Keith

Comment is about The Naughty Little Boy (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Tennis is my favorite game. I met my future husband on the courts. I spent so many wonderful moments in my life on the courts. And what is most surprising? I have photos of me when I started playing. Then there was none. There are a lot of photos of my husband on the courts. I'm a little bit disappointed. LoL

Comment is about Why Tennis ? (blog)

Original item by Ornella. Bushell

We certainly have and we do, Keith. Thanks for this fine poem.

Comment is about The Fountain Pen or Quill (blog)

Original item by keith jeffries