London has long been a focal point for demonstrations of all kinds
and I have seen my share in many decades here in this old city.
The present example indicates an unsavoury form of fanaticism
that presumes to know better than the rest of us.
There will always be those ready to join and follow a "cause"
- especially if it is likely to be an attention-grabber for the media.
The comparison with votes for women is somewhat wayward in my own view. That was coming anyway and their actions merely hastened the day. The subject of climate change IS widely known
and discussed across the world with UN levels of concern. What
progress do these ego activists think they are making in the
meantime? To borrow an old line: Methinks they doth protest too much!

Comment is about POOR OLD LONDON (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Never sit and look at a blank page V. Better look out of the window or read a book, listen to the lyrics of a favourite or new song, anything but a blank page, it'll outstare you every time.

G

Comment is about Abandoned (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

Kate/Jason

Poets write about life. Say no more.....

Comment is about Start With An Apology (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Brian

You've read my mind on this. I agree with you 100%

'Overpopulation I would suggest is the main reason for many of the world's current troubles'

But Don we need more people
To make more money, things
(But we'll get more pollution)
(And shit that people bring)

The planet can only support a finite number of people. This factor seems to be missing from any future planet-development plans.....

If I were world-leader I would adopt a one-baby limit (like China did once).

Hooray!! Boo!!.....

Sheesh...I can't win Brian

Comment is about Slash and Burn - extinction rebellion (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

You gotta have foresight to be a good entrepreneur John. I'll be sure to send you an invite when the musical comes to town.....?

Comment is about GRETA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

You’re on to something there, Don. Not sure what.

Comment is about GRETA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I read this first and just 'liked'. Now I think I'll comment. I think they are more interested in media attention than their cause. It doesn't do the cause any good.

And aren't these sorts of demonstrations becoming a bit old hat?....

Comment is about POOR OLD LONDON (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Don't get me wrong Jason, I loved it anyway. Happy endings all the time are just schmulzy.

Comment is about Start With An Apology (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

I love the complexity in this. It's not just an overnight, quick tap-of-the-keys job. It took some time and effort.

Take the start/stop at the beginning. I like this technique. Probably what Kate means by good rhythm.

And there's the rhyming. End-line and internal. Nice.

To cap it off the thoughts evolved right down to the finishing line which could end in no other way.

Complex and very well put together. Good work Jason

Comment is about Start With An Apology (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

You've been reading my thoughts friend....haven't you?

Comment is about Encouragement (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Ray, I did read this, (cross my heart and hope to die), but when I went to press 'like' it had vanished - 'poof' - I reckon those aliens had snaffled it like they did Nigel's.

Graham, I'm glad you've got this one back from the aliens. I can now press it.

Don't fret Ray, I did really read and like it. If only those aliens......?

Comment is about TOWER RAVEN (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Your situation would never occur here in Australia. We have a modified Westminster system. Democracy for the people. What the people vote for in a referendum must be carried out. No ifs or buts. The Supreme Court, acting for the people, can veto any action of Parliament.

UK would do well to adopt our system.....

Comment is about Sitting Reading Paper (not another Brexit poem Don? Surely?) (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

A difficult time indeed. It's weird situation, where (if the memes I read are right?!) the country at large voted to leave in the referendum, but the MPs largely voted remain. Can you see where the logjam might arise?..

Comment is about Sitting Reading Paper (not another Brexit poem Don? Surely?) (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Haha! it needed a few reads Ray but you have painted a wonderfully dark and suspect picture of old mother London. I used to drink in the Docketts pub right on the water at Blackfriars. It took me back.

Comment is about TOWER RAVEN (blog)

Original item by ray pool

So true. And yet many of us are loth to give that feedback ourselves - I know I'm guilty of that!

Comment is about Encouragement (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Breaking news 4 people stabbed at the Arnadale centre in Manchester .Daughter just rang checking that I was safe .Police have arrested a 40 year old man.

Comment is about World mental health day,10th October (blog)

Original item by hugh

I know, but sometimes the ending has to be sad even though, quite honestly, I prefer a happy ending too. Thanks Kate.

J. x

Comment is about Start With An Apology (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Love the rhythm on this one. Pity about the sad ending. ?

Comment is about Start With An Apology (blog)

Original item by Jason Bayliss

Wise words.

Comment is about World mental health day,10th October (blog)

Original item by hugh

This poem isn't worthless because it's introduced us to a new word, which of course we will now use frequently. ?

Comment is about Floccipaucinihilipilification (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Love it. Made me laugh.

Comment is about Willy-Nilly : Words of Wisdom (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

A truly British dilemma . The government wanted us to vote but only the way that they wanted. Then we didn't vote that way and they resigned or entered into a sulk for three years. Now they would like to do something but it's always raining and there's cricket, then tea, . . you know . . .

Comment is about Sitting Reading Paper (not another Brexit poem Don? Surely?) (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

very evocative Marantha. ?

Comment is about Dreaming Like It's 2004 (blog)

Original item by Marantha Greyson

Thanks for liking this Graham. Now I know someone read it!

Ray

Comment is about TOWER RAVEN (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Boris is taking us to the brink,
Time for another referendum me think.
We were misled to vote for leave,
The true facts were omitted to deceive.
A remain vote in favour would this time win,
70 to 30 to stay in.
The last vote was such a close call,
Just seen the new result in my crystal ball !!

Comment is about Vote Remain (blog)

Original item by hugh

just between
you and me
thanks for your comment
dabble on!

Comment is about Trevor Alexander (poet profile)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Don,

Thank you for your perspective from Down Under. "So what´s the solution?" Well, it has already been solved. In 2016 the British People in a referendum voted to leave the European Union. Democracy must be respected whether we like it or not.

Keith

Comment is about Sitting Reading Paper (not another Brexit poem Don? Surely?) (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Sorry to bang on but an injustice has been done. David is not a sycophant nor petty minded. A renegade, maverick, romantic certainly. In case nobody noticed, with a virulent sense of humour too. A staunch friend, implacable enemy, ex soldier, a mirror on the real world, traits that people might find hard to deal with. Why wouldnt he be cast out?

Ray

Comment is about David (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Thanks, Michael and Don.

Comment is about In Unironic Praise of Older Women (blog)

Original item by Randy Horton

MC

Gotta song idea for you to work on

Cockwork ranga bang bang bang
Ranga cockwork one, two, three
Bother! Wrong, there's just two girls
Cockwork ranga please do me

Last line sung by two backing singer ranga girls

You should be able to get ranga grunts, oohs, aahs from online Ranga Sound Library. Surely?

Then approach for movie deal. Throw in a few baby rangas for kiddies. Family fun. Last line may need fine-tuning. Disney?

Then comes the musical. Your name in lights. Would not advise seeking advice from JC. He can't tell a he ranga from a she ranga.

I'll be your agent. Small percentage of royalties.

Wadayathink?.....?

Comment is about GRETA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

The Brits they say shite
While we Aussies say shit
It's you Lynn that's prompted
Me saying above, it

I will give you one thing
Like you, we say fart
We're both on the same page
We're both full of heart

(Good to hear from you stranger.....) ?

Comment is about FLATULENCE (blog)

Original item by lynn hahn

I dunno how to Brexit Trev
We don't do it down here
It sounds bit catastrophic
(Drink up, let's have a beer....)

Sheesh Trev it does sound like
A crazy dazey dance
Can you learn it online?
(Is it done in pants?....)

(Gimme a break Trev. I gotta rhyme it with something.....) ?

Comment is about The Brexit Dance (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Excellent visual writing Chris. Made me feel like I was there.

Comment is about Sunday (blog)

Original item by Chris Armstrong

Beautiful poem Chris. Thank you for sharing. ❤

Comment is about Dark Lullaby (blog)

Original item by Chris Armstrong

Thanks so much for reading and your feedback Tom, Keith, and Fred. I love moments of awareness that poets capture and share.

Comment is about Moments (blog)

Original item by Vautaw

I didn't see that ending coming.... but loved the way it knocked me out. Thank-you

Comment is about In Unironic Praise of Older Women (blog)

Original item by Randy Horton

We need a bit of light relief from the dross! I've been known to dabble myself. Nice one dk.

Comment is about A Lighthearted Poem (blog)

Original item by d.knape

Anyone else fed up with the whole saga yet? With mucho apologies to Lewis Carroll.

Comment is about The Brexit Dance (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Many Thanks for stopping by to read & like some of my poems. I appreciate that. I enjoyed your poem Shouting! Look forward to reading more of your work.

Comment is about Phils Words (poet profile)

Original item by Phils Words

Got back home to look this up, Kev. Masterful story telling. And the delivery tonight was superb.

Comment is about A Bag Of Spuds And A Swede (part 2) (blog)

Original item by kJ Walker

Every one of us is hypocritical on this issue. From the nay sayers to the Extinction Rebellion protesters (of which I count myself a supporter). We all of us rely and suckle at society's infrastructure of power, heat and light. We all rely on modern transport and communication. We all require feeding etc etc etc. But that does not mean that we should not try to limit or even reduce our reliance on some aspects of these things.
I sit squarely ( from my armchair) with the protesters.

Comment is about Slash and Burn - extinction rebellion (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

I miss David's contribution vividly. And Devon's. And elPintor and Robert Mann. Four of my most admired WOL poets gone, right there. I wish there was a path back here for all of them... but I have no solutions.

Comment is about David (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Emily Pankhurst chained herself to the railings of the Palace and women got the vote, but on the other hand I agree with you that the disruption taking place now affects not only people´s livelihoods but life itself when people are being rushed to hospital. Governments need to wake up, this one in particular.

Thanks. Very provocative. Good poem
Keith

Comment is about POOR OLD LONDON (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Now that's a different direction your mind is taking MC......?

Comment is about GRETA (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Ruthy

'Nigel needs last line'
For complete haiku

Seems I need to go back to Haiku College here ?

Comment is about Be Yourself (blog)

Original item by Ruth O'Reilly

Brian, there is no glory in posting on this site, nor is there disgrace. I'm sure the banning of a poet is not based on any moral perspective. Poetry of all shapes and sizes and depth belong here. Any other considerations such as winning a mediocre battle to retain that privilege can't surely have our blessing, nor should those who have gone be castigated in retrospect in the name of "truth." Or have we really sunk that low? I wonder.

Ray

Comment is about David (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Oops

Comment is about A Taste Of Romance (blog)

Original item by Ruth O'Reilly

Good Advice there Hugh, and easily digestible in a good rhyme.

Comment is about World mental health day,10th October (blog)

Original item by hugh

And sometimes frogs end up as bookmarks when they get squashed flat. And cats like playing leap frog with them as well. That's when Quasimodi rings the bells - and plaintively he yells for Esmerelda. Thanks for your comments Ruth, always good to share a laugh. P.

Comment is about Ruth O'Reilly (poet profile)

Original item by Ruth O'Reilly

Wrote my contribution to world mental health day two hours before it closes.What do you think?

Comment is about Be Yourself (blog)

Original item by Ruth O'Reilly