I'm starting a new open mic night (with music and word) in Rochdale, looking for folks to come and join in:

The Kosmic Jam - a creative night of free improvisation in music and word

A gathering of performance artists of many disciplines, entering the realm of the now to capture the moment through improvisation.

Date: 30th March 2016 (and then monthly - last Wed)
Venue: The Albion Inn, Rochdale, OL12 0SW
Time: 8:30pm
Entry: Free

Open to all - musicians, singers, poets, wordsmiths, freestyle rappers, etc. If you're interested in taking part please contact: blackstonemusicuk (at) gmail.com

Comment is about Blackstone (poet profile)

Original item by Blackstone

just reading Winder's excellent book "Bloody Foreigners". He asks a very good question, "Since we have been 'invaded' so often (Celts, Romano/Iberians, Saxons, Danes, Normans, Huguenots, Jews, French, Italians, West Indians, etc etc, are we English the invaded or the invaders?"

Comment is about THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD BRIDGE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

It's Kid Charlemagne for me! Tried your link out of curiosity as never been able to access any Steely D online. Back to gel nails! X

Comment is about Butter Knife (blog)

JC - perhaps the English should have been like the Irish -
with periodic attempts to rid themselves of the invaders
until finally succeeding centuries later.
But then it can be argued that victory was through successful assimilation that saw this country become one
of the great powers, with influence far in excess of its
modest size.

Comment is about THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD BRIDGE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Colin, I really wasn't expecting that but very much appreciated all the same. I'll check out the link later. x

Comment is about Butter Knife (blog)

In the realm of 'grand', like 'Finlandia', this is outstanding. I cannot imagine a poet divorced from the influence of music; at our best, we work the same 'agenda' upon the human soul. I like the fact that such poetry takes 'work', just as such music does. First the inspiration and then the spade work, to create a passing-across of idea or ideal to another mind.

In my survival of living, I seek only 'simple' - complexities subdued to simple. You see 'simple' raised to complexities that enmesh the mind, like mediaeval philosophers, offering very intense and rewarding insights, exercised with much skill. Your gift is immense. Thanks for sharing it.

Comment is about The Melting of the Ice (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

I'm really enjoying these contributions from across the Atlantic, Ted. Please keep them coming!

Comment is about 'Maybe it's what we don't say that saves us' (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

I don't mind them coming after our jobs, Ken. They show more gumption than our home-grown numpties.

Comment is about THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD BRIDGE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

nice one Lynn - Steely D my favourite - Doctor Wu on Katy Lied - never liked the taste of silver cutlery tho.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w58E2S315a4

gosh this is a good poem x

Comment is about Butter Knife (blog)

At least they don't do any blood letting these days when they come here after our jobs. That's progress I suppose.

Comment is about THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD BRIDGE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Ah yes, engagement does reduce the navel gazing, and I could do with more "discourse" I think!

Thank you for your comment on The Silencer. I think it hit a nerve for my source material and gentleman friend (as intended...)

Katy

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

I'm pretty good at giving orders.... Liked your Valentine's poem btw : )

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Thank you Martin, glad you enjoyed! : ) katy

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

Yes, MC. I suspect that English trait of disrespect to our rulers was seriously reinforced by having the Normans high jacking the aristocracy for themselves.

Comment is about THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD BRIDGE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks for your input Tomas. as you say, who knows the truth - I think the underworld perpetuate a certain myth as it suits them! In writing this, I tried to put myself into the character - so forgive a certain artistic licence...

Ray.

Comment is about CHECKER BERRY WAS HIS NAME (blog)

Original item by ray pool

It should indeed! Thanks Jeremy!! Edited!! Thanks for your comments I'm glad you liked it xx

Comment is about The Fey Queen (blog)

Original item by Pixievic

should it be 'atop'

I rather liked the content and the way the structure of the poem works, the galloping verses and then single words at the shock of seeing the fey.

Comment is about The Fey Queen (blog)

Original item by Pixievic

JC - I've a feeling that the famous Brit. sense of humour
predates the arrival of the Normans.
When I think of poor Ethelred "The Unready" - and Alfred
and his burning cakes, I grin. Heaven help the soul who
made fun of the Normans and their descendants...all too
ready to take offence. I seem to recall the report of
the unhappy end to the wit who put about the
following jibe at Lords Ratcliffe, Catesby and Lovell, busy
doing their fawning best for Richard the Third.
"The Rat, the Cat and Lovell our dog
Rule all England under the Hog".
You can hear some the modern variety at most football
matches and some public meetings!

Comment is about THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD BRIDGE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Martin for your comments on Sherbet Lemons- I'm glad you enjoyed it! Xx

Comment is about Martin Elder (poet profile)

Original item by Martin Elder

cheers likewise Suki for the poem.Jemima.

Comment is about Mind That Child (blog)

Original item by Suki Spangles

The Gorbals in Glasgow is full of men like him... whther they did do what they claim or whether they just tell the tales to strangers who buy them drink so they can boast "I was drinking with McGoverns men (the Krays of Glasgow!) last night" we will never know...

Comment is about CHECKER BERRY WAS HIS NAME (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Blindfolded in the bath
steamy action bodies sweat
extra large towel wraps
up another sexual encounter.

Comment is about Taste The Wine First (blog)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Long time-no read Steve! Nice poem.

P&S

Comment is about The Rain (blog)

Original item by Steve Higgins

some great lines and ideas here Corr - I like it

Comment is about In Not So Many Words (blog)

Original item by Corr Lens

The Normans did indeed have Viking ancestry. The word derives from "Northmen". The Norman invasion was, in my view, the most formative influence on the identity of "Britishness", shaping class, language and history more than any other single event since the arrival of the Saxons.

Comment is about THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD BRIDGE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Cheers Stu. I conceived this as a description of cars and their parking, but then in going back on it I thought it equally applies to shoppers - then I thought Is there a difference ? One dependent on the other, a lack of creative thought , a certain sense of hopelessness and of being manipulated by the market etc. So this although it might sound pompous I regard as double edged! I think they should re-invigorate the word Hypermarket!

Ray

Comment is about SUPERMARKET SHOALS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

ths s really nice...

Comment is about M.C. Newberry (poet profile)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

If you have a message that folk want to receive then what
does it matter what skin colour you have?

Comment is about London literary weekend aims to redress festivals imbalance for writers of colour (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

An extraordinary combination of inspired entertainment and
historical information that the author of "1066 and All That"
would have loved!
I recall that Duke William also had Viking origins. The
home side were beaten by an opportunistic attack from
a cold war team and its supporters.

Comment is about THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD BRIDGE (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

I get the impression that the majority of, prize winning poets featured on this site have given up entertaining the wider audience in favour of a narrow elite type material that needs the skills of an enigma code breaker to understand what they're on about together with a knowledge of rarely used words dredged from deep in the dictionary

Have they forgotten that simple sincere "from the heart" verse enjoys a far bigger following than their advanced? enigmatic crappy metaphors that neither "the honest"critic or reader can make sense of.

Instead of telling them to get back on the rails puzzled critics give favourable reviews

Comment is about London literary weekend aims to redress festivals imbalance for writers of colour (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

the ceaseless tide of humanity indeed. there is lovely alliteration here, meaning rhyme is unnecessary which in turn gives the piece a more natural flow (almost like a tide).
i havent set foot in anything over an aldi for years now. you couldnt get me into a big asda or tesco even if they gave the food away.
we are lucky because in the nearest town (a mere 21 miles away) we have 2 aldis and the older one is permanently empty. we just glide round it once a fortnight.

Comment is about SUPERMARKET SHOALS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I love the moment in time you have captured Martin seeming to stretch with the arms into a sort of infinity. There is a meditation involved which can produce for me some poetry (wow that rhymed).

Ray

Comment is about Five minutes (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Yet they are so fragile

Comment is about Writing poetry is harder than you think (blog)

Original item by Leo

excellent martin. i watched amy the other night, expecting to be ambivalent (first album was ok then after that i ignored her plight somewhat) but found it quite emotional. very much a rabbit in the headlights. as usual, the media had a huge part to play.

Comment is about Amy (blog)

Original item by Martin Elder

Thanks for these clips Stu. I particular liked Mrs Midas. It encapsulates the feminine dilemma of surrender in its most brutal state. Very fine story telling.

Ray

Comment is about A BAROMETER FALLS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Very clever katy, I love the line
'with mouth of soot stained metal.'

Comment is about The Silencer (blog)

Original item by Katy Megan

Good poem Nigel. just have to make sure you are not both blindfolded are you might spend all night trying to find each other. Nice one

Comment is about Taste The Wine First (blog)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Blimey you couldn't do that with real lemons. Nice poem Vicki

Comment is about Sherbet Lemons (blog)

Original item by Pixievic

Hi Harry glad you liked the trumpet poem.

Comment is about Harry O`N eill (poet profile)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

Blimey!...first trumpets...now Laser- pens.

Comment is about Blind Love (blog)

You're welcome, Ray and thanks for re-reading. Although your previous interpretation fits very well. Of course you dare! x

Understandably so, David. Thanks for commenting and watch out for the toasters! x

Comment is about Blind Love (blog)

http://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poetry/poems/anne-hathaway

http://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poetry/poems/mrs-midas

those are both from 'the worlds wife'. the more i read of her work the more i like her.

Comment is about A BAROMETER FALLS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thanks Peter. It all seemed a bit unreal at the time.

Thanks Colin - I fear the car went through the barrier and quite frankly what is not seen is a relief in a selfish sense. Quite upsetting obviously and as ever, a poem might follow.....

Ray.

Comment is about DEBRIS FIELD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Stu - thanks for the referral to Haiku Journal. Just to let you know I had 2 pieces accepted for Issue 42. Thanks again.
Rob

Comment is about Stuart Buck (poet profile)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Thanks Stu - how interesting that you should make a comparison . I can't seem to access any of her poems online but I shall persevere. I sometimes to try to drag the reader along in a kind of non stop belt system . Can't always manage it but I try when it suits!

regards Ray

Comment is about A BAROMETER FALLS (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thank you for the editing work.English is my second language.And as such sometimes I may make mistakes on homonyms specially when I write on webs hastily to save money .Unlike you I face constraints living in a developing country.
But here the point is what is your take on the renowned classic poet James Stephens' poem The Voice of God,which vividly tells the existence of God?
It was that way Abraham understood the existence of God.

Comment is about Realizing His kingdom (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

The Voice of God/by James Stephens/Translation in Amharic/የእግዚአብሔር ድምፅ/By Alem Hailu

I bent again unto the ground
And I heard the quiet sound
Which the grasses make when they
Come up laughing from the clay
--We are the voice of God!—they said
Thereupon I bent my head
Down again I might see
If they truly spoke to me.
But, around me, everywhere,
Grass and tree and mountain were
Thundering in mighty glee,
--We are the voice of deity!—
And I leapt from where I lay:
I danced upon the laughing clay፡
And, to the rock that sang beside,
--We are the voice of God!—I cried.


የእግዚአብሔር ድምፅ

ዳግም ወደ ምድር እንዳጎነበስኩ
ጥርት ያለ ድምፅ አደመጥኩ
ቄጤማዎች የሚስደምጡት ፈንድቀው
ብቅ እዳሉ ሸክላ አፈሩን ሰንጥቀው
“የእግዚአብሔር ድምፅ ነን አድምጡን!”
እዛው ጭንቅላቴን ዝቅ አድርጌ
ዓይኔን ሰደድኩ ወደ ግርጌ
በርግጥ እኔን አያናገሩ እንደው
ማወቅ ፈልጌ፣
ግን በዙሪያዬ በየስፍራወ
ሳሩ ዛፉና ተራራው
በደስታ እንደ መብረቅ
ነበር የሚያስተጋባው
‹‹የአምላክ ድምፅ ነን
አድምጡን!››
ጋድም ካልኩበት
በሐሴት የሚፍለቀለቅ መሬት
ዘልዬ በፍጥነት
ቀጥ ብዬ ቆምኩ
እንደዛ እዳደረግኩ
በተመስጦ እያሸበሸብኩ
ከጎኔ ለሚዘምረው ኮረብታ
እኔም በደስታ
‹‹የእግዚብሔር ድምፅ ነን!›› አልኩታ፡፡
(ጄምስ ስቲፈንስ)
Both living and none living things pay respect to God.Birds cheer up mountains orchestrate symphony to God.
#god #nature #almighty #reverance

Comment is about Realizing His kingdom (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

The word idolize has many connotations in this modern world. Men can make gods easily.

Whether an omnipotent God exists or not, gladly none of us will ever know in this lifetime.

The finest achievement that we can all aspire to is to respect each other's Gods and not to defile others.

Comment is about Realizing His kingdom (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos

Thanks for the clarification Lynn. This is now spot on and in your usual short pithy verses have it captured. As you say tossers. This thing reminds me of years ago when the saddos used to drop large rocks onto drivers from the motorway bridges. Dare I even put this on?

Ray

Comment is about Blind Love (blog)

Some men create gods that don't fend for themselves.God has created men.He is God of all gods.

Comment is about Realizing His kingdom (blog)

Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos