Dear Rolph,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. I completely agree with your phrase, “spiritual alignment that makes love worth the risk of pain.” I've heard stories that in marriage, the feeling of being in love might only last for four or five years. After that, many couples stay together—often for the sake of their children and the possibility of one partner falling in love with someone else can be quite real.
Personally and I believe many people feel the same, we often hope that marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime commitment. To preserve that, I believe we need to anchor it in a higher purpose. Sharing the same desire to be in the same heaven is the kind of ultimate goal that can transcend emotional ups and downs, temptations, and the wounds we may encounter along the way.
By viewing love as a spiritual journey rather than just a temporary emotion, we create space for loyalty, mutual growth, and the hope of an eternal reunion in the life beyond. From that perspective, love is not only about being happy in this world, but about completing the soul together.
Thank you once again, Rolph.
Warm regards,
Yanma
Comment is about When I Choose You (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Dear Olivia,
Your poem "I hope it rains in hell" is deeply moving—raw, compassionate, and unflinchingly honest. The way you hold space for both hurt and humanity is powerful. It’s rare to read something that speaks so directly to grief, love, and the ache of seeing someone’s potential lost to their own ruin. The closing lines stayed with me—how rain becomes not forgiveness, but memory. That’s a truth that resonates.
Thank you for writing something so brave and tender.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about I hope it rains in hell (blog)
Original item by Olivia Remsangpuii
Dear Yanma,
The journey from doubt and fear to the brave act of choosing love—thorns and all—is so poignantly expressed. I was especially moved by the line about sharing the same heaven; it captures the deep, spiritual alignment that makes love worth the risk of pain. This piece speaks to the courage it takes to love fully, even when we know it might hurt.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about When I Choose You (blog)
Original item by Yanma Hidayah
Thanks for your likes:
hugh
Holden Moncrieff
Yanma Hidayah
It would appear that the Conservative Party leader harbours a grudge against Kneecap, because they won their case against her efforts when she was a minister, to withdraw an arts grant of £14,250 from them, who have since donated the money to good community causes on both side of the politico / religious divide.
Seems like the snowflakes are melting because of a few hurty words: meanwhile two million 2,000,000 Palestinians are being deliberately starved in a genocide and ethnic cleansing. Why isn’t the Tory Party calling out Labour on this?
Please remind us again, Dear Leader,
1. which Tory donor was it who said that a black female MP “made him want to hate all black women” and that “she should be shot”?
2. which Energy Minister was it who warned against “cancelling anyone who ever said anything”?
Bitter and twisted, or what?
Comment is about MO SHEACHT MBEANNACHT ORT, KNEECAP ! SAOIRSE CAINTE ! (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Dear Marla Joy,
The tension between relying on tomorrow and the fear that it might not always be there is something so relatable. The way you describe that "odd place" where hopes and dreams live, constantly shifting yet always present, resonates deeply. It’s a simple yet profound reflection on the nature of expectation and the fragility of the future.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about A Very Odd Place (blog)
Original item by Marla Joy
Hello Red,
"Scaling Ivory Veils" is indeed a hauntingly evocative poem. The tension between truth and concealment, the quiet desperation in the search for meaning, and the visceral imagery of wounds that both scar and illuminate are deeply compelling. The way you capture the fragility of time, the weight of unspoken truths, and the tension of holding onto ideals while struggling with their reality is powerfully felt. The ivory form of lies piercing through, despite our best efforts to hide from them, leaves a lasting impression.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about scaling ivory veils (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Dear Naomi,
Your poem "Soul of My Soul" is again beautifully profound. The imagery of two streams combining and becoming one is both powerful and moving, expressing a deep sense of unity and connection. The idea of being defined through another, as an echo and a shared breath, speaks to the sacredness of love and the profound bond between souls. It’s a poignant reflection on the intertwining of identities and the wholeness that comes with love.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about SOUL OF MY SOUL (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Thank you Hugh and Red for your kind appreciation!
Have a nice day,
Rolph
Comment is about Vine* And Punishment (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thank you, John — your sharp honesty is always appreciated. It’s important we continue to call out tastelessness when it masks deeper disrespect. I’m grateful you took the time to reflect on the piece.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Papal Masquerade (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thank you, Uilleam, for your thoughtful and candid reflections. You’ve captured the deeper tragedy — not just in the actions of one man, but in the silence of those who should know better. When reverence is cast aside in the pursuit of power or wealth, the damage ripples far beyond politics. I'm grateful, as always, for your clarity and your voice.
Regards,
Rolph
Comment is about The Papal Masquerade (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thank you, Uilleam, for your thoughtful and powerful response. Your words cut to the heart of a painful truth — that tyranny is not only a relic of history but a present threat sustained by silence and complicity. I deeply appreciate your willingness to speak plainly and stand firmly in conscience.
Regards,
Rolph
And thank you to Naomi, Stephen, Uilleam, Hugh and Red who took a moment to read, reflect on, or like the poem. Your quiet support matters more than you might think. In times where darkness can feel overwhelming, even a silent nod of recognition is a spark — and sparks, when gathered, can become light.
Take care,
cheerio,
Rolph
Comment is about When Tyrants Fall (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hello Red,
As a loyal reader of my poetry: thanks again for your "Like".
Comment is about Unparalleled Chaos In A Hundred Days (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thanks, Uilleam. Yes, I had a cap gun as a boy but for me it was fantasy, comic book stuff. Not the same for many kids, sadly, as you say.
It was one of those poems which comes and you're not entirely sure what it means. Who is the gunfighter? Jack Palance, Anthony Quinn, Clint Eastwood?
Or....no, it couldn't be HIM, could it?
And thanks to all who liked this poem.
Comment is about Dogsbody (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
Thank you for your support and "like": Naomi, Manish, Flyntland, K. Lynn, Holden Aisha, Stephen, Uilleam, Hugh and Red B.
To Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh:
Thank you, Uilleam — your image of a simple sail carrying us across oceans beautifully echoes the spirit of the poem.
To Stephen Gospage:
I appreciate your kind words, Stephen. I'm glad it gave you something to reflect on.
Comment is about Sails of a Giant (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
'The lightest of touch' is what we need today, Clare. Consideration, kindness and respect all shine through in this poem.
Comment is about Shimmer. (blog)
Original item by Clare
Yanma, Stephen, Hugh and Red B. - thanks again for your "like".
Comment is about SOMEDAY (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Now this speaks to the place that I feel we all have and how very odd it would be, but needful and real. 🌷
Comment is about A Very Odd Place (blog)
Original item by Marla Joy
~on “revelatory” @Marla Joy 🕊hoping this brings a texture to its base form 🙏🏻🌷RBK
Comment is about scaling ivory veils (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
@Marla Joy, that is quite the delicious challenge. Thank you for voicing it out🌷🕊🙏🏻
Comment is about revelatory (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
RBK,
I love the depth your of your poetry. I wonder how a more personal, self reveal might add to your style.
Marla
Comment is about revelatory (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
Claire,
I agree with Graham. This has a nice touch of personifying elements of nature, the moon, the wind. Nice.
Marla
Comment is about Shimmer. (blog)
Original item by Clare
As self-indulgent and tasteless as he can get, Rolph. Or maybe not. Perhaps there is still more base to come from him.
Comment is about The Papal Masquerade (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Hi, Hélène. I’d love to share a little perspective with you.
I was drawn to the opening lines of your poem: "Why so much debate about the existence of God? Does it really matter?"
Personally, I believe it does matter, because knowing where I come from and where I'm going helps shape the way I live my life. It gives me a sense of direction, meaning, and purpose.
I agree with you that love matters.
But for me, knowing God is actually what inspires me to love.
Because He calls me to be the best version of myself not for praise, but so I can share goodness with others.
Without knowing Him, I might not have a reason to share love at all.
Especially in a world so weighed down by pressure, I might just focus on surviving, without ever thinking about anyone else.
By the way, thank you, Hélène, for writing that poem.
It sparked a beautiful reflection and for that, I’m truly grateful.
Comment is about I Am.... (blog)
Original item by Hélène
It was a full house this popular club decided to enjoy the many poets that performed their poetry on stage making it a great night Ruth.😄
I loved getting up and joining in this Speak Easy poetry party which just seemed to get better and better.
Thanks for coming Ruth and maybe next time perhaps giving us a taste of your wonderful poetry.💗
Comment is about To Please or Not to Please (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
Several times over and done for such pretentious spouting. So much for luck 🍀🙏🏻🕊️
Comment is about revelatory (blog)
Original item by Red Brick Keshner
It was great to put a face to your words the other night and see how you had the entire audience roaring with laughter - even the stoniest of faces cracked in the end 😁Well done on a fantastic performance!
Comment is about To Please or Not to Please (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
Graham, Thank you so much for your comment. It really is something I value greatly - it is an honour to have my work appreciated by you. 🙏🏻
Comment is about Shimmer. (blog)
Original item by Clare
Claire , I am beginning to like your work very much., well done again for this.
G.
Comment is about Shimmer. (blog)
Original item by Clare
It strikes me that Trump is falling apart mentally.
I find it hard to decide which is worse: the man himself and the danger he poses to the USA and the world,
or his so-called "advisors" who don't have the cojones to tell him: "I wouldn't do that if i were you, Sir".
Comment is about The Papal Masquerade (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Thanks for your likes:
RBK
John FB Tucker.
The hypocrisy of our politicians who, through their silence or actions enable the genocide of the Palestinian people is truly nauseating.
...................................SAOIRSE DON PHALAISTÍN................................................
Comment is about MO SHEACHT MBEANNACHT ORT, KNEECAP ! SAOIRSE CAINTE ! (blog)
Original item by Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh
Quite right, Stephen. My stock response to the populist view that “they’re all in it for themselves” is to suggest they stand for Parliament if they think they can do a better job. All they need is a deposit and to persuade 30,000 others to agree with them.
And I also take the view that our team doesn’t have all the wisdom and that the other team has all the numpties. On the quiet, I have a secret regard for the likes of Ken Clark and even Mother Teresa.
Comment is about BLUE PLAQUE FOR YOUR MP (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Thank you Stephen, and thank you for the read
Comment is about Do you know where? (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Thanks, Stephen.
There are actually adults who enjoy dressing up as gunfighters.
As a little boy in the playground I ran around with a cap gun, shouting "bang-bang, you're dead'".
Fantasy for some children, grim reality for others.
Comment is about Dogsbody (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
You've nailed it again Rolph.
Nothing is sacred except the aquisition of wealth.
Comment is about The Papal Masquerade (blog)
Original item by Rolph David
Strangely moving, JD. Well worth the read.
Comment is about Do you know where? (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
There are a few who might qualify as 'not even a household name in their own household', John. But of course I can't remember who they are.
If I may be supremely boring, I could mention the many across all democracies who are well-intentioned and try to do a decent job. It doesn't always work out, but......
Comment is about BLUE PLAQUE FOR YOUR MP (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I agree with Marla. A gem of a poem. Thank you.
Comment is about grow (blog)
Original item by Sherri
Good advice, Stephen. Enjoyed this a lot.
Comment is about Just Smile! (blog)
Original item by Stephen W Atkinson
A really good poem. It makes an instant impact.
Comment is about White Cabbage (blog)
Original item by JACK"E"
Thank you, Uilleam. I take your point, although in the light of recent developments we should perhaps be careful what (or who) we wish for!
Comment is about Tube Shelter (blog)
Original item by Stephen Gospage
The food we discard, whilst others starve!
Comment is about White Cabbage (blog)
Original item by JACK"E"
An very evocative poem, Jonathan.
You've just resurrected a memory; the Leeds-Liverpool canal and Tom Pudding boats!
Always easy, sometimes beautiful, canalside walking.
Comment is about A Goole Thing (blog)
Original item by Jonathan Humble
Thank you, Naomi.
Always money for wars,
none for hospital wards.
Comment is about UNFOLDING STAIN (blog)
Original item by Naomi
Reminds me of the reduced-price cake at a so-called "continental" street market in town at the end of the day, thinking I was getting a bargain. It was tasteless dried-up yuk.
Comment is about Graveyard Shift at Al's Truckadero (blog)
Original item by Mike McPeek
Thanks for that JD.
As the song suggests:
"Love is in the err"...which of course, is human😐
Comment is about Do you know where? (blog)
Original item by JD Russell
Well done to you Graham.
Having recently given reading in public a go, myself. I found, that after the first couple of times... despite being a little nervous initially... reading ones work to an audience... eventually becomes an enjoyable experience, that one wants to perform again and again... as soon as is possible. Write on.
Comment is about It's never too late! Graham Sherwood makes live poetry debut (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
As a kid, in the early 'sixties I lived in a terrace next to the main railway line between Hull and Doncaster (the line which features in Whitsun Weddings). We played and made dens in the fireweed by the side of the track. I like to imagine Larkin (the summer poet) travelling through Goole and seeing these kids through his carriage window mucking around by the monkey bridge and sidings ... could have happened : )
Comment is about A Goole Thing (blog)
Original item by Jonathan Humble
The train may be three-quarter empty, but Larkin is somewhere on it. A very fine poem, Jonathan. I did get to Hull a few years ago, on a train from Scarborough, mainly to pay homage to the station statue. But I have never been to Goole. Perhaps one day.
Comment is about A Goole Thing (blog)
Original item by Jonathan Humble
Yanma Hidayah
Mon 5th May 2025 17:26
@Freda, you made me feel like I was traveling through time and space. I felt as if I were right there with you, walking through memories that are both tender and haunting. Your poem is so evocative, full of vivid little details and such a strong atmosphere. Thank you for sharing such a captivating piece. I truly enjoyed it.
Comment is about In the End (blog)
Original item by Freda Davis