Nice delivery. Might work well as a performance poem.
Comment is about Souvenir Larkinesque de la Rive Gauche (et de l’Aile Gauche-seulement avec la permission des flics) (blog)
As you mention Ukraine, I think here lies the problem.
When the refugees came from Ukraine, they were solely women and children (the men were forbidden to leave, even if they wanted to). With so many of the other illegal immigrants, almost the reverse is the case, mostly young men seeking economic opportunities having left their families behind.
I believe that is the major stumbling block for acceptance within the UK population. Why are they so ready to leave their loved ones in danger?
Whilst your motives for writing and defending this piece are to be applauded, winning hearts and minds of the population here in the UK will be harder than floating across the channel to get here
Comment is about HOPE AWAY FROM HOME (blog)
Original item by Your Royal Poetess
I don't think the century matters, there will always be conflict and much more in many countries, it could be due to a difference in religion, land, money, power etc...
Some examples:
Iran, the oppression of women, extremist who pretend they are doing stuff in the name of religion, when they are just murdering people daily who don't abide by their policies
Uganda, policies against anyone who is homosexual, removed the right for women to withdraw consent and so much more
Afghanistan, the taliban takeover which speaks for itself, but mainly the oppression of women and worse
I think if you help the people going through these situations you would have a completely different retrospect.
Personally, I am not concerned with diversity, that is not why I help people and speak out for them, it is more to do with being educated enough to understand what they have been through and how to help lift them up. Maybe one day they can use what they learn and go back home when things are better. No one actively leaves their homeland with no money or clothes just for the sake of it, they don't have a choice in the matter.
Also, just to add to my below point in response to Keith, resentment is not the result of the 'influx of immigrant'. Its poor government policy surrounding immigration and lack education for the masses. People migrating are often used as bailouts for the corruption in the government, or as a reason they fell through on the promises they made to be elected.
Comment is about HOPE AWAY FROM HOME (blog)
Original item by Your Royal Poetess
First class, John. I think I was lucky to grow up with easy going parents in a tolerant environment. The big divide around our way was whether you supported West Ham or not. Not that we learned much, but still.....
Comment is about The March (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
Quiet times are important, Keith. Yesterday, I spent 20 minutes on a silent, near-empty train to Brussels, before being jolted out of my calm state by the raucousness of the metro.
Excellent poem.
Comment is about Solitude & Silence (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Many thanks, John. A tragic situation in one finds oneself conflicted on many levels.
Thanks to Tom and Manish.
Comment is about Night Sight (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Perhaps poems intended for this purpose should be from a
"collective" contribution source. E.G. "Gone But Not Forgotten"?
Comment is about A poem in place of a headstone: poet Andy Jackson talks about the Lonely Funeral project (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Humanity like charity begins "at home" and one should look
very closely at how and why people decide to depart/
abandon their own lands in this 21st century. As for diversity,
it is always encouraged by the diverse. Fair enough. But there
is always a limit to everything in life...necessary to retain
balance and stability in nature, of which we are all a part.
Comment is about HOPE AWAY FROM HOME (blog)
Original item by Your Royal Poetess
You should listen to Sinatra singing "Come Fly With Me" - a
zesty pick-me-up for the spirit when feeling trapped by the downside of life. There's so much out there fo kick the mind
into gear and set the imagination in motion! Sammy Cahn's
words sung so effortlessly by FS form a poem in its own right
against the bouncy upbeat Billy May arrangement. 😍
Comment is about Mad thoughts (blog)
Original item by Keith Byrne
Always good to find positive material on WOL. Indeed, cancer
has been found to regress, helped by awareness of what can
be used, changed and adopted to combat its presence. I think
a pragmatic approach (how my own approach to a never 100%
confirmed diagnosis over some years now was described by a
urologist) can be beneficial to that vital upstairs relation -
state of mind. The medicos always take the course that "forewarned is forearmed/better safe than sorry" - and whilst
that is fair enough it isn't exactly conducive to peace of mind!
Get the mindset under orders
Ready and willing to repel boarders!! 😃
Comment is about The road to recovery lies ahead !! (blog)
Original item by hugh
Thanks for comments I just write I don't have any theme or subject in mind just what going on in my mind out the time. So when people get something out of it it means so much thank you Keith and uilleam.
Comment is about Mad thoughts (blog)
Original item by Keith Byrne
Follow you heart and your deams Keith.
Comment is about Mad thoughts (blog)
Original item by Keith Byrne
Note to Uilleam..... That's not me looking into the mirror. I have more hair.
Comment is about Reflections in a Photograph (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Keith, a poem which speaks of being on the brink of despair. A stress ridden society has its casualties which are many. Perhaps a different perspective on life is called for; a radical change of direction. Your words are clear and their message resonates loud and clear.
Thanks for this,
Keith
Comment is about Mad thoughts (blog)
Original item by Keith Byrne
Thank you both, realising that people read and enjoy my writing on whatever level is always a joy
Comment is about Unlikely WW2 Allies (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
<Deleted User> (5011)
Thu 22nd Jun 2023 08:41
What a privilege it was for Write Out Loud that John accepted an invitation to share elements of his magnificent, erudite yet down-to-earth, writing blog with our readers. May he continue to inspire us for years to come through his poetic legacy.
Comment is about ‘The most beautiful light’: poets say sad goodbye to John Foggin (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
It is not a poem to show my sympathy, it is me saying to the world I stand with all asylum seekers and refugees and I'm here for you. I see you as people and you are not "immigrants" but people temporarily displaced due to various different factors.
The title is the theme for world refugee day and I'm just conveying how things are in the U.K. and the hostile environment the government has created, yet this country was built off people from outside of the U.K., look at the wind rush scandal, the NHS and so many more examples. It would not be what it is today without the transatlantic slave trade or those from 'foreign' countries.
The only burden is our government and their corruption, asylum seekers live off £9 a week and are abandoned by the Home Office if you are not from Ukraine. It is all crazy to me, and that's why I don't just talk it but I make a change everyday to ensure they have a better life. I come from a place of privilege and I sure as hell will use it to give back in every way I can.
It is not controversial at all, it is very simple. People need help, help them..
Comment is about HOPE AWAY FROM HOME (blog)
Original item by Your Royal Poetess
A highly controversial subject which seems to find little agreement. People who flee tyrannical regimes need every assistance to find a safe place. This must be done safely and legally and not at the expense of people traffickers. Far too many poor souls have ended up on the bottom of the ocean as a result of these unscrupulous people. When Germany bombed the UK in the second world war and threatened invasion the people of the UK did not leave for other lands but remained steadfast and fought for their freedom. A constant influx of immigrants legal or otherwise, places an increased burden on health, education and social services. This is a cause of resentment. This debate is endless. Underpinning this issue is the need to be both vigilant and compassionate. We cannot be the indefinite home for all those who are displaced in the world.
your poem arises quite naturally from a strong sense of sympathy for the plight of immigrants/ refugees. This is commendable. One can only hope that those countries from which they flee will one day achieve freedom and democracy themselves and so solve this ongoing heartache.
Thank you for a splendid poem in defence of many who are suffering in ways we cannot imagine.
Keith
Comment is about HOPE AWAY FROM HOME (blog)
Original item by Your Royal Poetess
Why 'final', Andy?
Comment is about Changing Carriages at Birmingham New Street (blog)
Original item by Andy N
There are some very strong feelings about this issue up here in the north-east, among my new poetry friends.
Comment is about Bread and Roses for All (re-post with open letter to Labour NEC) (blog)
Apartheid's yolk???!!!
Comment is about Bread and Roses for All (re-post with open letter to Labour NEC) (blog)
Thank you, Keith. I was in a lighter mood today! 😁
Comment is about Multiplications of Me and You. (blog)
Original item by Clare
You capture so movingly the paradoxes and confusings of this war, Stephen. 👍
Comment is about Night Sight (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
A very fruitful poem which is the evidence of such joy.
Thanks for this,
Keith
Comment is about Multiplications of Me and You. (blog)
Original item by Clare
I agree with MC.
A candidate getting the backing of multiple union bosses...the kiss of death surely?
Comment is about Bread and Roses for All (re-post with open letter to Labour NEC) (blog)
Mr Foggin comes across as a real asset to poetry and its
reputation, not least in his character and the fortitude he
displayed facing his illness. He leaves behind the smile of
knowing his presence, rather than the tear at the loss of it.
What better "last word" could there be for any of us in this l;ife?
Comment is about ‘The most beautiful light’: poets say sad goodbye to John Foggin (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
The primary concern must be the feeling of a loss of control - and
not understanding the how and why. It can clearly be the result
of a cumulative effect of repressed worry about certain aspects
in life, waiting for that "trigger" moment, the symptoms not unlike those of shock.
Comment is about scared (blog)
Original item by Nadia Coia
I confess to an uncertainty about WOL being a platform for
political canvassing in this fashion, whatever the convictions
involved. "Over the top" is a phrase that comes to mind.
Comment is about Bread and Roses for All (re-post with open letter to Labour NEC) (blog)
These lines took me to the fate of the US sailors aboard the USS
Indianapolis, whose ship was sunk in WW2 and whose numbers
were decimated by sharks during their wait for rescue. Nature
takes no prisoners!
Comment is about Unlikely WW2 Allies (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
This is my idea of perfection! You will often not find me sitting by water, under a tree or on a mountain top dawdling the hours away. 😏. We have much in common. Lovely poem. Thank you for taking me with you this time. 😌
Comment is about Solitude & Silence (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Yes Clare this poem is dedicated to you and your poetry! To be a poet you need talent and much dedication: no payment is offered, no vast sales are made, no public recognition occurs. Bad poets make the simple complex, they are wordy, good poets make the complex simple, they are poetic: "Poetry is what in a poem makes you laugh, cry, prickle, be silent, makes your toe nails twinkle, makes you want to do this or that or nothing, makes you know that you are alone in the unknown world, that your bliss and suffering is forever shared and forever all your own." ~Dylan Thomas
Comment is about BLANK SLATE (blog)
Original item by John E Marks
For my part, I encountered John on a number of occasions: at a Puzzle Poets open-mic at Sowerby Bridge in 2013; at the launch of his collection titled Larach in Camden in 2015; at the two-day Poetry at the Parsonage event at Haworth in 2016; as a compere when I was privileged to be guest poet at Sowerby Bridge, also 2016, a day or so later, in fact; and when he was a guest poet at the Write Out Loud poetry slam at Marsden jazz festival in 2019. Sowerby Bridge and Marsden are in neighbouring West Yorkshire valleys. And I am proud to have posted his blogs for Write Out Loud, after Julian Jordon asked him to write for us, and enjoyed working with him on them. I would urge people to follow our link in the above article to those blogs, to read useful tips about winning competitions, reading at open mics, and find out more about the poets he admired.
https://www.writeoutloud.net/news/?tag=The%20Great%20Fogginzo%27s%20Wider%20Web
Comment is about ‘The most beautiful light’: poets say sad goodbye to John Foggin (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Hélène, I really enjoyed this. An earthly expression of great patience.
Comment is about Endurance (blog)
Original item by Hélène
What a great poem Clare! Since my sister had children and I've seen all that she must do for them, it's made me acutely aware of all my mum did for me and renewed my awe and respect for her. Great writing and an important reminder for many.
Comment is about The Matriarch (blog)
Original item by Clare
A lovely poem Keith and I relate very much. It takes a conscious effort to escape the micro-distractions of modern life these days but it's so valuable and needed. If you're lucky enough to be able to do it in beautiful surroundings, then it's even more effective.
Comment is about Solitude & Silence (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
An exquisite poem drenched in sadness but also a worthy eulogy. Tom, you have chosen your words carefully and dealt with the subject matter with real sensitively. A rich combination of the pen and some brush strokes on a canvas which says it all.
Thank you indeed for this. it is a special poem,
Keith
Comment is about Sunsets (blog)
Original item by Tom
Rob, this poem has some very imaginative vocabulary and expressions which sum up where we as a race have reached. It is a sad reflection, a lamentation even an indictment on what many call progress but you have given it a different perspective which is more in tune with reality. A poem which is one of the best I have read for some time. Thank you for this,
Keith
Comment is about dead inside // alive online (blog)
Original item by Rob Cohen
Thanks Keith,
Badly needed way of life these days.
Comment is about Solitude & Silence (blog)
Original item by keith jeffries
Keith, I am so pleased to know that I was able to bring back warm memories of your grandma. 😌 Thank you for your kind words.
John, you will never know what your words mean to me. They are precious beyond measure. Thank you so much. 😌
Comment is about The Matriarch (blog)
Original item by Clare
An awesome celebration of womanhood. You know a thing or two, don't you, Clare?
It was her that you called
When you cried in the dark.
You know how to write, my friend. 😎
Comment is about The Matriarch (blog)
Original item by Clare
This is political poetry that is indeed 'polished'! Rhyme and meter is always a good start.
Comment is about The Dishonours List or The Polishing & Flushing of Sundry Richard IIIrds on the 9th of June 2023 (blog)
I have to disagree, Stephen! Your poem is class act, mine a pale imitatation! 😉 Perhaps there's room for both! 😂 Thanks all the same 😎
Thanks too, Nigel and K. Lynn for the likes. 👍
Comment is about The March (blog)
Original item by John Botterill
KNICKERS KNACKERS AND KNOCKERS!
More tea, vicar?
https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/dbb3725aff99c7b264840fadf91f9b9bf500a72f/3_0_3030_1819/master/3030.jpg?width=1920&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=b6999c53dd5d61ac398efceb4548d5bc
Comment is about The Dishonours List or The Polishing & Flushing of Sundry Richard IIIrds on the 9th of June 2023 (blog)
Thank you all for your likes and generous, encouraging and well-considered comments.
THIS CONTRIBUTOR has been fighting for justice no matter what political party was in power - in Britain, and in the rest of the world - in his own small way, for the majority of his life.
He protested against hunger and poverty in the UK and abroad, since the 60's, against the Vietnam war, against T.Bliar's war, and against the current war on UK human rights, on UK poor, and on UK public services, (including cuts to police numbers -for the MANY, not the FEW!)
Comment is about Orate Fratres - Brothers, Let us Not Prey (blog)
Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Thu 22nd Jun 2023 18:04
"...a platform for
political canvassing in this fashion,..."
What fashion might that be then MC?😐
Comment is about Bread and Roses for All (re-post with open letter to Labour NEC) (blog)