Griffonner

2026-09-04
Good grief! Never thought of that!
Blessings, Allen

2026-09-04
I empathise with the mourning for times gone by: With PoetBay (and so many other writer's web sites) early years, early membership, erstwhile attitudes. This poem reflects that, and more.
The saving grace for me is the fact that new people are joining PoetBay, it isn't a stagnant pool of water, and what they add is of the current era. That era isn't alien to me, it can't be because I am alive experiencing it.
The worst part for me is the not knowing: If old members have passed from this life, or simply stopped writing. So much has happened in the past vicennial, so many comings and goings of souls, of customs, of attitudes, but all the phases of it have enriched us in one way or another. Well written poem.
Blessings, Allen

2026-09-04
Like a stream of consciousness this collection covers a lot of ground doesn't it. I get the impression that there are elements of both elation and depression within. The last stanza I found rather beautiful, and In another life/perhaps, yellow/
wildflowers struck a chord with me. Blessings, Allen
PS: Oh, and If I haven't said it before: Welcome to PoetBay. Ooh..I have, but never mind, welcome. :o)

2026-09-03
Nice to read your work... we are both PoetBay elders now (by when we first joined, aren't we.)
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm 83 and my dad passed in 1979. I think about him loads, and his passing can still bring tears. My mother lived to 95, and died in 2017. She was a widow for longer than she was married to him! I am still coming to terms with their parenting, our little family group etc., all these years later.
I do understand your heartfelt poem, and writing about it is definitely cathartic and helps greatly. Well written. Blessings and brotherly love, Allen

2026-09-02
It is always interesting to read someone's own experiences of a place currently in the news. You have the benefit of knowing these places, which to us (or at least me) are just intriguing names. William (under) was right, 'Bright Angel Trail' sounds like a fantastic title for a poem. Hearing about this on the News, yet another calamity engineered by Nature, I did send out compassionate thoughts for the souls involved. Blessings, Allen

2026-09-02
How do I describe this poem, Chaucer? It is a mystical concotion like of an apothica's brew. But through it there are hints to set your imagination on a course that I suspect was your intention all along. Thank you for sharing. Blessings, Allen

2026-09-02
A smashing first submission, Sinha, and welcome to PoetBay. I really enjoyed the read and had a good chuckle at Coca-Cola being the supreme Soul: I shouldn't have done, of course, because there's pathos there that reminds us of the false gods of '26. Blessings, Allen

2026-09-02
Really well penned, Ann. To some extent I'm with you in your preferences - except this year the beginning of Autumn is such a relief after the extreme heat of the Sun prevented me from leaving my 'bat cave' this Summer; It's cooler air is a blessing. But, as I say, I fully understand your preference and would have agreed with you in preceding years. Great write. Blessings, Allen

2026-09-02
I really enjoyed reading this nicely presented poem. I got a bit of the Hindi stuff, but it seemed a bit mixed up so I couldn't put my finger on the actual location... but let's be honest, forgetting the location it just has a great flow and grabs your imagination like a good poem should. Blessings, Allen

2026-09-01
Oh what a lovely poem! It painted the feeling, the procrastination, so well. That inability is a common thing but hardly ever written about. You did a great job. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-31
I'm intrigued by this poem. You use few words yet paint a very clear picture. I interpret it as the story of a lop-sided relationship. I especially like: Fight and flight are/
Quarreling in the street Blessings, Allen

2026-08-29
Your use of the word quietude reflects throughout your leading stanzas in a peaceful comfortable way, then in that last stanza you bring us back to disquiet that Lin speaks of. We are reminded that whilst there is light, there is dark.
Yes, the planet convulses, and in doing so One can only hope will bring about some kind of renaissance, especially if Lin believes that what happens in Nature is reflected in Humanity.
Wishing blessings ensue for you all, Allen

2026-08-27
In this interesting and well written poem, the central theme was the very nice use of cellophane as a metaphoric 'encapsulation' of your protagonist's desire, intent, wishes, needs. This is a wall. Perhaps an emotional wall. To achieve your protagonist's desire he/she knows the wall will have to be lowered or knocked down. I have been there once when I was much younger, so I know the feeling of being almost paralyzed. In the end I think it was the realisation that there was no-one else who would actually lower it but me, that enabled me to break through - almost do or die.
Blessings, Allen

2026-08-27
Sameen, you are wrong to think no-one cares! This is a catastrophe of unimaginable verocity. I've seen it on many European (PLURAL) TV news reports and prayed for all those who were injured and who perished; all those who have lost homes, livings, possessions, partners, parents, children... God the list is endless! Such a tragedy. It is good to know you are safe, and I send positive thoughts for the safety of all those you know and love. Allen

2026-08-25
There are some really powerful metaphors in this, Sameen. Really powerful. Your lover using the knife to open your eyes, for example: Really novel. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-25
An interesting piece, Sameen. Very thought provoking.
Well, you know my viewpoint on this. I've had insinuations that one of my poems was written by AI. Needless to say it wasn't. What would be the point? I abhor the whole thieving concept of the current AI world! But some people seem to be suspicious of any art these days, subjecting it to searches on Google and AI checkers for example almost as a matter of course. Perhaps in the hopes of catching someone out?
But as I say, I personally can't see the appeal of getting a thieving AI platform to write something for you and then claim it as your own. What could you possibly learn, gain, or grow by doing that!
Many UK and PB poets will tell you how I lament - the same as you - that commenting seems a dying art!!! I remember back to the very early years of PB, and other on-line writer's platforms, when you could virtually guarantee most of your readers would comment.
Although at 83 years I have resigned myself to this change in attitudes, there is a part of me that feels reading someone else's work and not commenting might at best be a tad rude, at worst a kind of theft (not as bad as AI, I must admit!) But I accept I am an old codger now.
I don't write for comments, but hearing how your readers perceive your writing is really a rewarding experience that I learn from. Writing is actually a lonely occupation.
Blessings and thanks for sharing your thoughts on this present day scourge, Allen


PS: The full stop Editorial comment was me. Sorry.

2026-08-25
Yeah, I'm with Jamsbo on this, Albert.

The very construct of time could be said to exist so as to facilitate the experience of change.

I became aware of my Mother's racial bias when I was in my twenties - about the time, as a Celt, I had a Jewish colleague. I found it unfathomable. Plus, earlier, when I was at boarding school, I had both an Asian and an Ethiopian teacher, and the thought of being racial about ethnicity just never occurred to me. Later in life too, I had Bajan business contact who I became great friends with. Now I live in France!!! What's it all about? That's what I'd like to know and comprehend, as it seems quite alien to me.

Blessings, Allen

2026-08-25
You poked me! :o)

I love the beginning, and absolutely love...

Or maybe one of those old style clocks
Not wound quite down
And now can be found
In a drawer underneath your old socks
Where all colours meld
And your time is held

which I see as a really super metaphorical section.

The last line... Erm, I do have an idea about this but whether it is right or not I'm not sure. The key word I think is 'trumpeter' and is reflective of the section I quote above?.

Blessings, Allen

2026-08-25
@ Sameen:
Thank you for this appraisal. You are of course quite correct in identifying the 'cartoonish' element to this. I felt that was the right way to approach the subject because there is a vast chasm between identifying a situation and proposing a solution. Better to use a bit of humor to highlight a situation for which currently there does not seem to be a hook to use as a solution.

2026-08-23
Remarkable. Deserves accolade. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-21
How you manage to write these heartfelt poems, Alan, is really, really inspiring. Carry on the good work my dear friend. Blessings, Allen P.S. The editorial full-stop was me. Sorry.

2026-08-20
Your really lovely poem led me to think like everything in creation, they - the petals - have their time to blossom and transmogrify. We should remember the beauty of the process, the order that, "The apple blossom exists to create fruit; when that comes, the petal falls." — (Kabir) Blessings, Allen

2026-08-20
I think your poem hit it on the head. Some might say, 'The great sell-out" as there certainly is a ground swell of opinion concerning which side of the coin the magalomaniac really sits.
Blessings, Allen

2026-08-19
She is sooo special in the creator's mind, isn't she. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-15
Bless you, Alan. That's not a very nice place to be, is it? I hope that rather than leave this world prematurely, your life be refilled with acceptable circumstances rather than the unacceptable you describe. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-14
Oh dear... you just reminded me. I know where you are coming from! I wonder if this will be a year of giant acorns, which we have had from time to time. It seems incredulous to me that we are so short of water here (with this tremendous heat wave) and yet the grapes on the vines are plump and large and ready several weeks ahead of the norm! Blessings, Allen

2026-08-13
I have a Lin too, thought she hates the abbreviation. Your Lin is perfect, beyond time even, and always will be. You are so fortunate indeed. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-13
A smashing poem. Really enjoyable read that slips easily along and has excellent rhymes. I asked myself, 'I wonder if it is part of a serial?' :o) Deserves accolade in my opinion. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-10
Oh, gosh! The meaning in this piece. So accurate. So true. Great observational poem. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-10
Damn painful! You have my sympathy, Alan.
Blessings, Allen

2026-08-06
This dawn you speak of, is not a about a singular thing with me, but Oh do I understand your fine poem. Seeing for yourself, evaluating, such an experience. Blessings, Allen
PS: Please add Laurence (Hope) to your list. Greatly under-estimated romantic poet.

2026-08-05
I like the flow of this and the metered rhymes, plus its complexity. The 'vines' stanza was outstanding for me. Great job. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-04
Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh. What a magnificent and brave sharing. For in these words can be seen the very core of love; the very core of someone's heart being expended beyond the physical. Here we see the tragedy of life and love in it's raw reality. I feel as though I must do something to alleviate the pain and suffering, Peter, and all I can do is send you my brotherly love and blessings, which I do freely and with all sincerity. Allen

2026-08-04
I must applaud you for this one! Blessings, Allen (Sorry I am stuck for words).

2026-08-04
Hmm. Have you noticed though, that whilst you and I have to pay more for these essentials, the bosses, like Bezos and Musk become even wealthier and have even more expensive toys to play with! And that doesn't include Trump who now displays his avarice quite openly.

The Emeritus Professor Christopher May, quoted a statement made by a member of the public in the UK recently (Mastodon 01/08/26), and it went like this:
"Despite economists saying that it is too hard to tax wealth rather than income, there is already a wealth tax in place paying for social care in this country [UK]. The trouble is it's only levied on those who have the misfortune to need it. As your explainer points out, disabled and elderly people in England with assets ober 23,250 have to pay the full cost of their social care.
Why shouldn't the super-rich be taxed on the same basis - all assets over a threshold - and then they can pay for a functional and decent social care system for all the people they made their money from by charging extortionate profits and paying sub-living wages?"
It is that last sentence that says it all in my opinion.
Blessings, Allen (Sorry for the long comment!)

2026-08-01
From one elder member to another, It is so great to see you still supporting PoetBay with your poetry. This one - which I have read several times - is really laconic isn't it. I am left wondering if the 'wall' is like the walls in Italy where the newly departed come to rest, and also if you are a practitioner of some palliative or restorative art. 'Leave 'em guessing' is a fine art. Blessings, Allen

2026-08-01
Words aren't enough to remark on this great poem. (As an aside: I definitely do not want my muse (major or minor) to burn and goodness knows I have asked and asked it to speak until an innocent observer might think I have lost my marbles!) Blessings and brotherly love, Allen PS: Excuse my poor attempt at humor.

2026-08-01
No Alan, not a muddled mind, an inquisitive one yes. Look at you, dear friend, delving into some serious conundrums and keeping your brain working. You truly are an inspiration. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-29
I really enjoyed the read. The first part was a reflection of the sparrows who annually find residence somewhere in our garage's roof. There always has been 10 after the babies come, but this many more. So true were your words, too.
And then the story of Colin's misadventure with a BB gun. Life has a habit of teaching salutary lessons. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-26
I wanted to applaud this twice, but the system doesn't allow. Perhaps someone else will applaud it again for me? All the words as to why are in this brave and educated submission. If only the whole world would wake up from this hate induced political hypnosis. Blessings to all, Allen

2026-07-21
Super, super, just super to see you back, Alan. Keep up the good work of tickling that mojo. :o) Blessings, Allen

2026-07-17
Marie, another fine poem from your pen. Such a wonderful memory to have and to hold. Twenty-five years has flashed by, I bet, since you wrote this, but the memory endures in your mind and heart. Thank you so much for sharing this, it has quite made my day. :o) Blessings, Allen

2026-07-14
I don't know exactly how to take this powerful poem: My instant reaction is that it is somewhat negative, but at the same timer somewhat realistic.
I am personally of the belief that we, the proletariat, have to deal with this ourselves, and there are ways to induce change without bearing arms, but they require a concertive coordinated desire.
Chaucer, let us have hope that change will occur, and that it is peaceful and benificial to all. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-13
In my reading of this well written poem I didn't have the same thoughts come to mind as Clara. The fact is - as far as I believe, we assume that our God wants it to rain at this time! But it may not be within the master plan of our God - that we are, remember, a part of: So when you entreat your god for it to rain and it doesn't, you immediately question if there actually is a God. You might pray, you might sing, you might jump up and down chanting, criss-cross the sky seeding clouds, and it might still not rain. (When I say 'you' I use the term metaphorically.) The magnificence of this reality we find ourselves within, is so complex and beyond us, but I reckon our God knows this, smiles, makes a mental not to explain it to us... some day.
:o)
Blessings, Allen

2026-07-13
but not so much/
that it forgets where it came from.

...such wise words, which I can so clearly empathise with. Bravo.

Blessings, Allen

2026-07-12
A really lovely way to express your wishes for Alan. I too wish him well. I hope we will hear from him soon. Blessings to you and to Alan, Allen

2026-07-12
A delightful picture of your Sunday at the park. "i remember leaving ginger candy on a store counter not so long ago" And me a bar of dark chocolate only a few weeks ago too. These kinds of things my wife and I put down to age... it is a good excuse. I was looking forward to a square a day. :o(
Blessings, Allen

2026-07-11
A really nice poem to read on a Saturday morning here in Dordogne. I so do know the circumstance your poem se excellently describes. So clear was it in the reading that I could see and feel it. Indeed, just a few minutes ago I too retreated back indoors and shuttered all the doors and windows against the relentless sun we are having here in Europe. So nice to know you had some pleasure on your back porch. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-09
I said somewhere else today that I have a habit of assuming a poem describes something that the author is experiencing, or has experienced, when I in fact do not always do that myself. So, if this reflects your own thoughts and feelings at the moment, dear Melinda, I have empathy for you, plus it is a very brave write, and if it is about an unknown protagonist it is a clever write. Whichever, I found it sad, but understandable. I think as poets we do need to take our foot off the writing gas peddle once in a while to allow ourselves the opportunity of simply being. You know: hearing the birds and smelling the flowers sort of thing. The world on our shoulders is a very heavy load. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-09
Perhaps that is only discernible as a 'rule' in the physical dimension where time exists? Another term for causality could be Karma. On the other hand we can ask ourselves what is the reason for causality? Learning? Blessings, Allen