Griffonner

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

2026-07-08
Albert, you receive my vote for 'truth of the day'. A concise and precise evaluation of the growing cancer in the World today. We are walking towards annihilation as a species because of this.
Blessings, Allen

2026-07-08
You know, it never ceases to amaze me, Kip, that a poem so powerful as this, yours, could be read so many times and not one single reader leaves behind a tangible expression of what your words did for them when they read it. I am aware that you have yourself had that day, that moment, that second, when you moved on to pastures new, more succulent and much greener, but I live on in the anticipation that you are able in some magical way to read these words marking my appreciation of your skill as a fine poet for creating this gem of a poem. Thank you. Blessings to you wherever you are, Allen

2026-07-07
This is a little conundrum of a poem. At first reading I thought this reflected in my little twig of my more extended family tree... but then, on the second reading, because of the use of parthenogenisis in the forward, I wonder that this could not apply to Homo Sapiens - since there are no confirmed instances. Third reading and I was asking if it is in fact not meant to be factual but fantasy. It did, after all, end with the suggestion that it need not be answered. Whatever, it is really well written and grabs the readers thoughts... or rather it grabbed mine. Blessings, Allen
Bookmarked

2026-07-07
A very competent love poem, with some really nice descriptions in respect of love and the seasons. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-07
I actually found myself disturbed in the reading of this poem. I can't put my finger on, why? No doubt something in my subconscious. It is nevertheless a powerful piece of poetry, and I'm sure can be read in many ways. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-06
Very true. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-06
Oh my gosh! It is a very thought provoking poem you have written - in the first person, which leads me to conceive this state of thinking is the result of the poet's sensitivity without protection. We can see and sense these things, the heaviness of our and other's lives, but we must retain our central core of 'self protection'. Close the aura and allow yourself to be refueled. We are each part of this Universe, but are also unique stars, burning bright into the darkness. We cannot continue to burn unless we ourselves are fueled and allow/take the time to be quiet in ourselves and, to use an age old adage, 'love ourselves'. I hope your day ends with you thinking and feeling more positively. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-06
A remarkable poem, this. It echoes a thought of my own where we are the arrow released into flight by the creator's bow. But here we have in this poem the recognition of the poet's place in the 'order of things'. I sense so many truths in this poem's words. Our fletchings can carry so many messages. Quiver not, dear poets, fear only to speak untruths. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-06
My goodness! This is such a pleasing poem to my way of thinking. The painful thing that I have come to believe is that we have the power to make this happen - if only we realised it; if only we would WANT it. It is by no means a novel thought that if all those who do want this concentrated our thinking and actions then it would happen, but for some inexplicable reason we are unable to do that concentration. I think the' system' perpetuates that state, because people are kept in a spiral of constant stress and struggle even to get the basics of life these days... as the few steal and leech freedom and wealth away from the many. Wake up friends, we can do this. We have the power. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-06
Such a deep and profound poetic meditation. It can be concerning to some, that you can have the realisation that your physical being can be dispensed with. Consciousness expands and encompasses and within its self exists the tiny facet that is 'me'. It is not whole without me, and I am not whole if apart. Well, that's what I believe at this moment of time, and your beautiful poem felt at home with my thoughts. Blessings, Allen

2026-07-06
Ah, yes, Nature's bowers. A poem that conjures up the vision of the place, the perfection of habitat and species. Let the Universe grant them the power to multiply (in spite of Mankind).
Blessings, Allen

2026-07-04

👌

2026-07-01
The final few lines of this emotive poem have, for me, validated my personal 'thing' about advertising in the western world - maybe in the wide world over. Diversity exists. It is unfortunate in this often cruel world that it does. Advertising often shows people in advantageous positions - as you say in fancy cars - and beautiful homes et cetera with that even subliminal message, "This Can Be Yours" planted deep. I deplore it myself - as I deplore the extreme inequality which seems to be getting worse in the world. Those emotive words come to mind, "Stop the World! I want to get off!" Blessings, Allen

2026-07-01
Isn't this a brilliant reminder of such events - One hopes everyone has had the opportunity to feel. I certainly remember such occasions, and your poem so simply describes - with such eloquence. It reminded me of a place that is extremely special to me that is now a thousand miles away that I might never see again. Thank you. Blessings, Allen