Onwards To Utopia (Short Story) - 7/8/2026 2:31:53 PM
Hello! Your story was a wonderful read, and I couldn't stop imagining how amazing it would look as a Webtoon.
I'm a commission-based artist creating Webtoons, manga, character art, and book covers. I believe your story has real potential as a visual series, and I'd love to collaborate if you're interested.
You can message me anytime on Instagram .lunaartsoul.
Thank you for sharing your work!
Bo Bo And Charlies Date With Destiny (Short Story) - 7/8/2026 1:42:46 PM
Hey there! I just finished reading your story, and I’m completely blown away! Your writing is so captivating, and I couldn’t help but picture how amazing it would look as a comic. I’m a professional commissioned artist, and I’d be super excited to bring your story to life in comic form. no pressure, though! I just think it would be a perfect fit. If you’re interested, hit me up on Discord (laurendoesitall) Instagram (elsaa.uwu). Let me know what you think!
Cheers,
lauren
Bo Bo’s And Charlie In Eden (Short Story) - 7/6/2026 12:48:05 PM
I feel good utopian story with little reference to science.
So, I would have to call it pure fantasy and a fable for young children, like the fairytales. Possible lessons but very improbable stories of overcoming impossible odds merely by the power of people without understanding science.
For example, the return of life on the planet would best be left to nature after the seed was released. People planting would return the Earth to farming, not an Eden of great diversity and serendipity like the wild is.
Ron
Bo Bo And Charlies Date With Destiny (Short Story) - 6/6/2026 12:50:34 PM
A modern fairytale with all the right perks. But it seems a bit awkward. Even though both couples seem to seal the deal very soon after seeing each other. Just too smooth to be true.
It seems to be a sequel for how the look up Bo Bo turned out as they moved into their self built homes and lived happily ever after… Or did they?
Ron
Bo Bo’s And Charlie Working Underground (Short Story) - 6/5/2026 11:49:08 AM
An interesting look at what might be required to face extreme global warming. But the best way to stop global warming is to get busy replacing all fossil energy with renewable energy that is so prevalent. It's much less expensive than going underground with everything.
You're right about saving animals, birds and insects. It would be very difficult. As far as plants go, there are seed banks, one in Scandinavia, that could reseed the Earth if necessary.
When I built my solar passive home in 1980, 8 miles west of downtown Atlanta, my neighbor, an architect, had an underground home with a fabulous view of Atlanta skyline to the east. It's always good to build into a hillside to provide a large window and fresh air on one side of the underground home.
The largest drawback for most underground homes is radiation emitted by the soil. Radon. Making it dangerous in some places to live underground.
Ron
Bo Bo And Charlie’s Place In The Team (Short Story) - 5/14/2026 12:54:08 PM
Your story has the appearance of being nonfiction with only the names changed, a true story.
I never played soccer/football. But I recall the time when we were 11. My twin brother and I went down to the ballfield to see if we could join Little League. But others were there with fancy uniforms, showing off their proudness. It seemed that your father had to be a business owner or rich man for you to be able to get on the team because they donated money our body equipment.
The next year we move to another town and easily played on the citywide team. I was on a losing team with a loudmouth pitcher. I got to pitch four games when he wasn't there. I won three of those games and one of them was a no hitter.
I tried out for the football team in my sophomore year of high school. The coach found me in my twin brother to be too small and sent us down to the ninth grade practice where we were too rough. Back at high school, I suffered a major blow and quit the game because it was too rough in high school for me.
Ron
Bo Bo And Charlie’s Oyster (Short Story) - 5/3/2026 11:51:02 AM
Your story tells a lesson. The world certainly is everyone's oyster. But in order to grab that pearl, education is the key.
For all my book learning all the way to computer technology and philosophy for my dissertation…so dense that many cannot read it, my greatest accomplishment was the design and building of a new home that was solar passive, set a wooded hillside, overlooking an 8 acre pond and joy to live in.
But like many good things, I had to let the pearl go and move to a less hospitable and beautiful environment of suburbia in order to make a living from the knowledge I had gained.
Ron
Bo Bo In The Outback (Short Story) - 4/25/2026 11:13:09 AM
That's quite a story. You left me hanging in several places. Guess I'll never know because I'm not an Aussie. But I can sing Waltzing Matilda like the drunk in On the Beach…the classic novel end movie.
I watch Outback Opal Hunters and find it fascinating, if hot, back breaking and sometimes, heartbreaking, work.
But it was the movie, The Earthling, that taught me a lot about the Outback and it's magic.
Ron
Bo Bo’s Working Bee (Short Story) - 4/21/2026 3:00:23 PM
It certainly does prove that a group of young lads with nothing more on their minds than to do good can make a real difference. I like the tenor of the story.
But in the end, la like Bo Bo tend to grow up and have to go off and find work for themselves and their families. The only way our town like that can stay queen is to have a regular staff of people that will get the job done regardless of the weather and the circumstances.
I wondered what was going to happen to all of that trash. Was it disposed of in a way that was good, or the way that it was up until recently, just all piled together in a wreaking mess, or buried in a landfill?
Ron
The Lady In The Attic (Short Story) - 4/18/2026 2:50:15 PM
I can't help thinking that the boy in the story is you. Somewhere along the way I found that you and your family had left Belfast and gone to Australia because of the war.
The lucky ones are the ones who can leave and not be killed. Unfortunately, they may have to leave behind all that they had gathered in this world before. Which is the lesser tragedy? Stay or go?
Ron
Bo Bo And Charlie On Bob A Job Week (Short Story) - 4/14/2026 2:57:29 PM
I'm not sure if the Bob a Job week every existed in small towns, but it certainly sounds like a great way for scout troops to earn a little money. And yes, wealthy people are almost always the stingiest.
The most unique thing we ever did was go all over town looking for scrap metal to take to the dealer by the railroad tracks. The biggest thing we found in a field was a track from an old bulldozer. It was steel with rubber on it. Made quite a bit of money for one Saturday afternoon.
Ron
Bo Bo’s Milk Run (Short Story) - 4/8/2026 11:37:48 AM
That's one way to get a lazy friend working. A charming tale of days gone by. It's interesting, with the Internet, more and more people are ordering and having groceries delivered. Probably by electric vehicle. And soon, by electric vehicle without any driver. And probably even sooner than we think, by drone.
You brought me back to my grade school days in a central Wisconsin industrial town. Gasoline driven milk trucks delivered the milk, butter and probably, orange juice that mother had ordered the day before to our porch before we woke up in the morning.
The bottles were 1 quart with a bulb shape at the top where the cream separated from the milk after it was put in the bottle during the trip to our porch. When it was below freezing, the bottle was always capped with just a paper cap. That way, as the milk expanded and froze it would push the cardboard cap off and up out of the bottle so the bottle wouldn't break from the pressure.
Those milk trucks were a welcome part of the neighborhood, like the milkman and mailman.
Ron
The Bunny Hunter (Short Story) - 3/31/2026 12:46:00 PM
That was quite a twist to why the Easter (Eater?) Bunny, Hopey, not Hoppy, had been missing. Along with some other notables of children's lore.
When I read the title I thought that Elmer Fudd was going wabbit hunting. I was onto all those kids' scams making parents buy stuff to make their kids happy. So, I guess I never was innocent.
Ron
Does Anyone Care (Short Story) - 3/28/2026 12:38:26 PM
You have a very fatalistic view of the world from your viewpoint. You are particularly worried about atomic warfare. Portrayed so brilliantly in the novel and movie, On the Beach. The movie was set in Australia as the last hold out from radiation circling the Earth from a nuclear war.
But a clear look at history shows that the first half of the 20th century was far worse than the first quarter of the 21st. It's just that the news now comes so fast, and with everyone having smart phones taking videos and pictures of what is happening in real time, that it does seem to be worse.
I believe far more dangerous, is the creeping global warming that is going unnoticed by many, but will have catastrophic consequences for so many. It may be the fifth great extinction. Even with all of our science and money, it may have reached a tipping point where we can't stop it.
Ron
Observation Of The Good Thief (Short Story) - 3/28/2026 12:25:36 PM
One of the problems I have with the Roman Catholic Church is the easy absolution of sins through the confessional. It appears to be a way that, particularly young men, can do all kinds of evil things, and then go get absolved by their local priest in confessional.
How convenient. I prefer that each person not falling into that habit of relying on the church, but read a life that is just and avoids bad behavior. Thereby, avoid avoiding church decided sin, altogether.
The John Lennon version…Imagine. I can imagine it easily, why can't others?
Ron
The Forgotten Ones (Short Story) - 3/16/2026 9:06:51 AM
Revealing your caring soul and some wisdom about people who ruin other peoples lives by their disregard for the worth of the people they are degrading with lies.
But karma is a fickle thing. Quite often, it rewards bad people with what they deserve, but it makes mistakes, too.
Two years ago, we helped a man who had walked from Venezuela to Houston to get off the street, start working in construction, and sending money back to his mother and children. Unfortunately, he was picked up and deported.
He was a very kind, resourceful and helpful young man with computer skills. He only wanted to make money to send to his family, leave that oppressive regime, and make a better life than he had in Venezuela. I departing him, the USA lost a valuable asset…probably while labeling him, a criminal.
So many people can no longer cope with life the way it is and will not come off the street to the shelters even if they would be better off.
Ron
A Bali Night (Short Story) - 3/14/2026 11:20:14 AM
Sometimes, in times of trouble, it's good to have a friend. But I wonder if, now that Pitch helped Sorrowful Jones, would he have to leave town, too. Or have to fight that gang himself without that bat that he gave to Jones.
Ron
The Path To The House Where God Lives (Short Story) - 3/9/2026 9:56:27 AM
I'm glad you found a way back. So many talk about being reborn. Being saved. So be it for them, but I don't buy it.
The starkest example of that was when I picked up a young boy, perhaps 17, who was hitchhiking, leaving Chicago on my way south back to Atlanta.
The first thing he said when he got into the car was, "Are you saved?"
I thought that a bit strange until he started muttering something about having "sinned." I began to get the feeling that maybe he had gone to Gary or even Chicago to engage in something like homosexual behavior, and in the morning riding with me, was regretting what he did, but not stopping it, even though he was born again Christian.
I was so glad that I was going to visit my great aunt in northern Indiana, and dropped him off at the intersection to bend the ears of his next good Samaritan taking him to wherever he was going…to hell?
Ron
The Journey Of A Song (Short Story) - 3/1/2026 12:17:53 PM
Thank you for telling us your songwriting journey. It has been long and resourceful by you as you have visited many places to share your melodies and words with many.
I learned to read and compose music in grade school. And promptly forgot it. I struggled to learn to play the piano in grade school and later, the piano accordion, even though I loathed footstomping um pa paa.
I love all kinds of music, but especially rock 'n' roll and to sing and dance to slow dance songs. I always wrote poetry, though never studying it.
Now that I'm aging and slowing down in life, the old songs are coming back to me and I love to sing them with my only instrument, my voice, a cappella.
I even can make up songs very easily and sing them as I go along. Probably from my many years of writing poetry so that rhyming comes easily for me along with the melodies that match. Unfortunately, I never record any of them or even try to come back and write a song from them.
I have written some songs here, among my poems. But I don't see any of your songs here. Only your many stories about them. Could you please share with us some of your most successful songs?
Ron
First Time Fathers (Short Story) - 2/27/2026 12:26:55 PM
I'm glad that you got the opportunity to be a father. It's obvious that you love the role, and your first time child.
Unfortunately, I never had any children. But I believe I would've been a good father. My father was faced with twins at 21. He focused on working hard, and occasionally came up with something that he could do with my twin brother and me. I remember him bringing home puppies for us.
When our sister was born, she became daddy's girl because he doted on her while we took the big brother role. But I believe he had more time to devote to our younger twin brothers.
Ron
Home Among The Gum Trees (Short Story) - 2/17/2026 9:21:04 AM
I was immediately reminded of the song…”When Johnny comes marching home again…" from World War I. And, of my father who went to the physical in 1941. His astigmatism, myopia and ruptured eardrums from boxing and ear infections had him sent home. He married Mom in 1942 and my twin brother and I were the result.
Your story is a familiar one for many who had to adjust from the horrors they witnessed as soldiers in World War II back to civilian life. Some adjusted much better than others. But their clubs like the VFW in American Legion allowed them to socialize together and help many get through their hard times with bad memories.
Your story came out with a good ending. Two of my uncles didn't.
A yearling can graze and get bigger. A calf needs its mother's milk or a bottle.
Ron
The Garden On A Clifftop (Short Story) - 2/9/2026 8:50:50 AM
I sensed a bit of that wonderful folk song, Danny Boy, in this story. So many never came home from wars and their spouses and children had to heal and survive in their absence.
In a time of war, growing food in the garden is essential. I looked for it in your story. Wow flowers are beautiful, some of them are poisonous if you try to eat them.
If you published this story, please put some nourishing food in the ground, or your protagonists will starve mourning for their loved one to come home.
The Talking Pelican (Short Story) - 2/8/2026 1:55:20 PM
As I read this story, I couldn't help thinking of a fellow author here. I haven't heard from him for some time, but he's getting very old, 96, I believe from his birthday in 1930. I believe he lives in the city by the sea, Savannah, Georgia? And he could very well be advising pelicans.
https://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?AuthorID=11021
Ron
The Billabong Retreat (Short Story) - 2/7/2026 2:02:59 PM
Jimmy was right. There's something wonderful and helpful if one lives near a billybong.
Run
Belfast The Cathedral Of Life (Article) - 3/17/2026 12:30:24 PM
From my viewpoint, I view the Irish as a very passionate people. Almost all young Irish seemed to get into fights as a part of coming-of-age. And then, when drinking continues and differences of opinion arise, fights continue on into middle age.
So I believe that the uprising in Belfast and Northern Ireland was simply passionate disagreement between two Christian sects.
Unfortunately, very brutal and lasting too long. I'm sure glad that their two sides have reconciled all their differences and Ireland can get back to the glorious business of being one of the best tourist destinations in the world.
Ron
The Taste Of Being Irish (Article) - 3/17/2026 12:15:59 PM
Thank you for the thorough review of Irish cuisine. Much richer than I would've thought. But mine is much richer than it was when I was cooking simple food for myself.
Thank you for the tip of a cup of tea. I've always liked tea, but it tended to make me pee. So I would usually refuse it if I was going out in public. But if I took only a wee drop, I'd probably be safe.
Love the ending to your wee poem.
Ron
In For The fight Of Our Life (Article) - 3/2/2026 8:45:42 AM
The Irish seemed to be a fighting lot. Probably comes from the hardscrabble life and a bit of too much whiskey along the way nightly in the pubs.
Your song is certainly a good fight song. My Father Was In the Golden Gloves back on the tail end of the depression. Received permanent ear damage as a result. But he never lost a fight if he got into one.
Ron
A Quiet Revolution To Stop Abuse (Article) - 1/26/2026 12:34:56 PM
Fortunately, I haven't been around anyone who has been abused. But throughout my life, I've always tried to help those less fortunate than me.
You made me recall Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) here in the States created by the efforts of one woman. As someone who requires caregivers, I could be abused by my caregivers. So far, they've all been very helpful. That may change as I age and I will certainly write about it if it happens and I'm able.
Ron
A Life On The Radio (Article) - 10/14/2025 2:54:17 PM
Your article opened a whole new view of you that I had known. It sounds like you had 25 wonderful years in radio. And from your description, you enjoyed every minute of it, both on the air and when you were off doing good deeds in the community.
Dad bought a big console radio and we listened to that. It even had short wave so we could listen to Ireland if we wanted to, or Australia. When we were about 10, he bought a TV. After that I only listened to the radio to popular music.
I didn't have a TV until I was in my doctor program because I thought it would be a distraction. And I didn't even have a radio until after my masters degree in 1968 when I bought a Sony clock radio and really enjoyed the music in my studio apartment.
A neighbor of mine for three years was a pioneer in radio starting in 1928 at KDKA in Pittsburgh. Herb Morrison also recorded the arrival of the Hindenburg when it blew up in his face and the rest is history.
Ron
An Expression Of Celtic Dreaming (Article) - 7/14/2025 10:00:19 AM
A gift that a few people have when it comes to dealing with the harshness of today's challenges. When one can drift off into either a daydream or night dream and remember the wonderful tale that played out during that dream.
Get it down on paper or computer file, because before very long it would be lost from memory – crowded out by other thoughts.
Ron
For Those Who Are Left Behind (Article) - 6/16/2025 12:41:23 PM
A very heartfelt plea to provide for workers and people in the poor ranks of society. I assume you are writing from the viewpoint of Australia, but it is the same, the world over.
An economist writer here has often written that everyone could have a very good living wage and could be part of the middle class if only the wealthy would let go of all of the excess that they have. But it may have to be forced by revolution or by, more sane ways of doing it like electing the right leaders. A very hard task, indeed.
But we must continue to point out the problem and point directly to the ones that are causing it so they will no longer hide with their billions behind scam shields of anonymity
Ron
The Wave of Occupation (Article) - 6/15/2025 9:47:38 AM
About a year ago while watching free movies from my cable provider, many very good ones from Australia, I got to see the story of Ned Kelly and remember it well.
From the other, current movies, I see from Down Under, the outlaw spirit is still alive and well among the coasts and outback of your great continent country.
I'm also tuned into Alone – Australia. It's tough to survive in Tasmania even with all that wildlife.
Ron
From The Poet To The Songwriter (Article) - 6/1/2025 8:51:17 AM
Like you, poetry came naturally to me. I wrote it mostly in high school to impress girls. In high school I also wrote my first short story and found it very lacking. Ended up writing nonfiction for companies and higher education where I became a professor of business and engineering.
While I've always loved music I was a failure with the piano at 7 and the piano accordion at 13. I was attracted to the guitar but never picked one up to try it. Poetry and songwriting go hand-in-hand, so you have done that very well.
My childhood was disrupted only by family moves when I was 7, 11 and 17. But it was always to a better place for my family to live and nothing like your wrenching loss of living in Dublin to go to much more peaceful Australia. But things like that in our lives are character building and give us fruitful thought for writing.
Ron
Songs Through The Times (Article) - 6/1/2025 8:34:26 AM
We learn something new all the time. All this time I've been reading your stories I thought you were a storyteller. But here I have found that you are basically a songwriter.
It's certainly okay to be both, but I just didn't know.
I often find myself creating a cappella songs out of the blue that I sing to my partner. But unless I would have a way of recording them, I don't write down the lyrics and have no way of capturing the melodies that just pop into my head with ease. I have long ago forgotten how to write music that I learned in school. Perhaps I should turn on a recorder when I sing. And in that way have a legacy of songs like you do. Always searching for the gem in the scrap pile that becomes a big hit.
Ron
Remember The Genius Of Gerry Rafferty (Article) - 1/12/2025 12:25:28 PM
I never heard of Gerry Rafferty, but based on your article I will look him up and see if I can listen to one of his songs.
Ron
Still loving the oldies like Danny Boy.
The Times They Where A Changing (Article) - 10/9/2024 12:22:16 PM
I, too, was informed by the lyrics of the 60s and 70s. Many of the same song that you related as though you had 1 foot in the American rock 'n' roll revolution and the British invasion of American music, always rooted in black music like the Beatles' picking up a lot from Little Richard when he was there.
Perhaps the most influential has been the work of Bob Dylan from near where I grew up in Minnesota. He has been considered the greatest poet of the 20th-century with songs like, The Times They Are a Changing.
I'm so glad that you were able to escape Belfast with your family. But Belfast is always stayed with you in your writing. The world of so much to Irish writers, poets and musicians. I've learned to sing Danny Boy for my partner in the evening before we go to bed. It has special meaning for me in the world.
I once helped the Minister for Irish Dairy Products get his doctorate as his advisor. For my help with his dissertation he sent me pictures of Bono and U2. He is in one of the pictures but I don't have his name right now. Unfortunately, the pictures with Bono on were not signed by him, but my student… Sigh. But I Can Live or Live Without It … Maybe.
Ron
The Heart Of The Matter (Article) - 8/13/2024 9:52:07 AM
Interesting, the very factors that you describe for the indigenous aboriginal people in Australia are very prevalent in the local people (not including the local indigenous population) in my hometown in central Wisconsin, USA!
While I believe that smoking pipe has been a aboriginal practice long before immigrants came from Great Britain, primarily. But it is the corporations and Australian people who are responsible for making it both difficult for aboriginal people to practice their lifestyle with greatly reduced lands, welfare instead of a way to move forward physically, mentally and emotionally. And finally, stop easily providing them with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and bad food to enhance their and health further.
Ron
Getting On With Life After Miscarriage (Article) - 7/30/2024 2:32:17 PM
You skirted the woman's experience. I'm sure it's much more emotional women who have the baby in their womb and experience all of the pain and suffering of the fetus dying and being rejected. The father can be emotionally attached to that, but not certainly as much is the mother, herself. However, after that initial explanation, she never mentioned it again except when Verifying the genealogy of the family.
I recall my mother miscarried a girl after my twin brother and I were born. She blamed it on the trauma of having twins at 17. Fortunately, about 3 years later, our sister was born. And then, 16 years later as a surprise, my younger twin brothers were born.
Ron
The Great Australian Migration (Article) - 7/22/2024 11:07:07 AM
I agree with you, you propose a sound strategy. After all, Australia was founded with rejects from England, Scotland and Ireland, who have built a beautiful, prosperous country. I see many Americans wanting to settle there both to work and to retire on the Home Channel.
Japan is another country in need of young people for its aging population. But it is crowded and as an alien culture for those speaking English from around the world. Russia has also an aging population, but I know of no one that would want to flee to the oppression of Putin and his henchmen.
I know of one immigrant from Vietnam who came there many ears ago and married an Australian truck driver. Unfortunately, she has made several business deals that din't work out, like a restaurant, because she lacked the skills and knowledge both of the business and running the business. Her family is in terrible debt, as a result. That's why providing education for those newcomers is so important.
Ron
A Look Behind The Scenes While Recording my latest album (Article) - 7/19/2024 12:17:31 PM
That was quite a journey! After 40 years and many delays, a lifelong project finally finished. Says a lot for persistence. And during the recent times, you've been posting many, many stories. You were not only writing songs, you were writing creative stories as well. Bravo.
While I've written a few songs along with my poetry, I never had a desire to get them put to music. I admire Irish writers and songwriters. One of my favorite songs to sing is very sad, Danny Boy.
I believe your album will catch on. Not only because of your lyrics and voice, but because of your many musical friends that helped out. I hope you have placed some teasers on YouTube. If you have I would like to see the links.
Ron
The Inroads Around The Walls Of Diversity in Nursing (Article) - 7/17/2024 9:49:27 AM
Very good article about how to begin to overcome long-standing prejudice and misinformation about indigenous people. Largely created by colonialism by European countries but practiced almost the world over anywhere there are minority people within a particular country or jurisdiction.
The idea that we are all equal has been a hoped-for for a very long time. However, many obstacles still stand in the way of achieving it. Many governments operate on majority rule and the majority is always able to suppress the minorities in its presence. You were right by stating that it requires communication in the language of the people oppressed rather than the language of the oppressor majority to start to heal the wounds of past transgression.
Ron
The Use Of Medical Cannabis (Article) - 7/4/2024 11:47:11 AM
Thank you for outlining the debate very well. I have long heard that marijuana can be used for pain for those of us with spinal cord injury. Here in Texas, the Center for Texans with Disability is lobbying heavily for the use of medical marijuana.
I am quadriplegic and have continual pain at about the level of 1 or 2. Occasionally, I get aggravating irritating pain that can keep me awake at night and spasms on the equivalent of an athlete's Charlie horse, reaching the level of 8. But when I asked my rehabilitation doctor at a renowned rehabilitation Institute, he simply scoffed at the idea.
When I worked with master degree and doctoral degree students and faculty who used marijuana socially, I found that their ideas unoriginal and rather dull, unresearched and repetitive. As though their creativity and ideation was curtailed in some way.
A recent 20 year study has found that long use of marijuana leads to organ failure and early dementia.
But for palliative purposes for those with very severe chronic pain, any medicine that will help them under a doctor's supervision, is welcome in my mind. When the time comes for me, I will want the strongest medicine there is to keep me from crying out in pain before I die.
Ron
Absent Friends - Ardoyne Andy (Article) - 4/28/2018 11:33:04 AM
Hello, this is my first venture into this site. I read with great interest Andy's story, Yes, you are correct one never leaves Belfast. The very things mentioned about Ardoyne was also true about the area I lived in, which was the Falls. I lived in Beechmount St. and honest to God the place and sounds are always with me, in fact, I'm sorry I ever left the place' I left in 1950, not a prosperous time. When I look back on it, I personally was never the victim of discrimination, but it certainly went on.Then Belfast was a wee bigoted town....However, as far as I can see, people are more polarized now than before. Maybe because it is more open now and people have more access to news, they can really see the other sides point of view.BTW who is Noel Ryan and what is he involved in? Are there any other Belfast people among your "Absent Friends".Enough said I have rambled on way too far, sorry. Kathleen Donnelly
Creative Writing Versus Critical Thinking (Article) - 7/18/2017 6:03:36 AM
To be frank, I believe the trouble that you see with your creative ideas not being accepted is not the ideas, which I find to be quite good, but your presentation. Your grammar and writing is not up to University standard. It took me a long time to learn how to write well. Many years of courses in English that focused on the mechanics of writing and not on its creativity or ideas. You seem to be lacking in those basics, and that is what is holding you back.
It was only during my doctorate that I was able to share my ideas and even teach them during seminars where I presented papers by the use of flipchart presentations as well as the written version because speaking from a flipchart with photos and conceptual drawings was much more powerful in presenting. Later, I used overhead transparencies or slides (some taken from my flipcharts) for these presentations. When PowerPoint came along, I embraced it and started making all of my presentations on PowerPoint. But I always backed these presentations up with a well edited manuscript of the article or creative idea.
I have found that many universities have moved over to the monetary model of teaching techniques that will earn money for the student (vocational school) rather than teaching philosophy (the lowest paid higher education professors) creativity or critical thinking. Professors have become very narrow robots focusing on a single discipline with disregard for relationships to others. A recent movement for multidisciplinary study and teaching basics or classics is trying to overcome this capitalization of higher education.
Ron
Where Are We Heading With Big AL (Article) - 8/17/2015 8:36:03 PM
Hi Paul,
Your article is spot on. I worked as a housekeeper in a care home around 12 years ago, and most of the residents either had Alzheimer's. I remember a lady who came to visit her mother saying the mum she knew had gone a few years ago, and she felt she was grieving for that person even though she was still alive. She had tears in her eyes, it was heart rendering.
If I was given the choice knowing I would end up unable to remember anything or anyone, I would ask for my life to end before the disease got to that point. I would imagine there are others who would feel the same.
Talking To Tommy (Article) - 2/21/2015 9:22:16 AM
An interesting man (talented) with an interesting story.
Ron
Absent Friends - Ardoyne Andy (Article) - 4/9/2012 3:14:34 AM
paul, iv'e read a few of your articles and find them very interesting.
i came to australia in 1968.
i came from strathroy park in ardoyne but also lived in other parts of belfast. keep up the good work
Absent Friends - Ardoyne Andy (Article) - 3/27/2011 10:16:01 AM
I came on this article when I done a search for Holy Cross Palestrina choir.I was born in 1943 and lived in Ladbrook Drive.My brother Kevin and our friends Patsy and Eammon Toner joined the choir and were part of the group that sang at the BBC. Your article brought back a lot of good memories.I now live in Rochester New York but spend the month of September home on the Ormeau Rd visiting my Father who is now 96.My Father used to organize bus runs every year for the residents of Ladbrook Dv.Is there a chance you would have info on other Ardonians who had left. Would you happen to have an "E" mail address for Andy.
I’m A Lucky Son Of A Gun (Poetry) - 4/15/2026 8:49:46 AM
I really like the tenor of the whole thing. Haven't heard that phrase, son of a gun, for some time. It's good to hear it again
I'm sure you already have put music to it because it'll make a great song like that Johnny Cash song My Name is Sue or others that have a nice hook like, "Son of a gun, we'll have big fun, on the Bayouuu!" Hank Williams.
Ron
Using My Head (Poetry) - 3/11/2026 9:58:05 AM
This article seems misplaced in the Poems section but it is very good. I think that preschoolers get an opportunity to express themselves. But first, they have to have symbols, like learning letters and numbers, so that they can express in writing.
And, they need to know how to use the various colors and tools to do art in its many forms. It wasn't until I got to college before I picked up some of the communicating skills that I have. We all develop at different rates. Unfortunately, school tends to have time for only one size fits all.
I really loved your reference to some great thinkers, and especially, Pink Floyd.
Ron
Harry Found A Hero (Poetry) - 3/5/2026 12:21:06 PM
A sad song about a man who wanted to change, but the world changed him first. There were many of those in Belfast in those days.
Glad that you and your family survived that by going to Australia.
Ron
The Love I Have For You (Poetry) - 3/5/2026 9:31:08 AM
I think I will sing it to her tonight.
Ron
Together As One (Poetry) - 3/2/2026 8:08:40 AM
I particularly like this chorus for the message it brings. Like We Are the World and many other songs like this the idea that we are all alike much more than we are different is very important for us to get along and love one another instead of hating what we don't understand.
Ron
Hello Beautiful Woman (Poetry) - 3/2/2026 7:22:42 AM
Reminds me of Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison. The difficulty in trying to open a conversation with someone so attractive they distract.
I much prefer, Get an Ugly Woman to Marry You. Much easier on the nerves.
Ron
For The Rest Of Our Days (Poetry) - 3/2/2026 7:18:08 AM
I like the chorus. And the theme…carrying on for the rest of our days…together.
Ron
Mixed Up Girl (Poetry) - 3/2/2026 7:12:15 AM
It would be great to have a YouTube link.
Right off I thought of Small Town Girl. But I guess many could examine their love for the woman that seem to be rather mixed up in this world we're in.
Ron
Share It With The Universe (Poetry) - 2/8/2026 7:06:02 AM
Such a calm, instructive poem that uses everyday word images to caution against grasping and to point quietly toward generosity.
Nicely said.
Share It With The Universe (Poetry) - 2/5/2026 2:02:30 PM
So well said in every stanza. For example, in the last stanza about owning and controlling, an architect friend of mine once said…"Nature is the best landscaper."
Ron
Mother Of The Most High Command (Poetry) - 1/10/2026 2:09:59 PM
He's a real mother, all right…Oh, you're not writing about him.
But for most, "a little helping hand," would probably be another shot of Irish whiskey.
Ron
Bondi Before Christmas Day (Poetry) - 12/16/2025 1:06:51 PM
It's events like that, in a place where everyone looks to for peace and harmony, Australia, that when something like this happens, it makes your dream seem further away.
We are a crowded world. Poor populations tend to grow at a higher rate than the wealthy populations. Climate changes forcing many people to move. Clashes between strong ideologies like between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland can be ameliorated. But it is hard.
But what happened in Bondi has been going on with an eye for an eye for over 1500 years. Guns just make it easier for two people to kill 45 gathering like this of innocents. Even under strong control, civilian non-combatants own many more guns than they did when gun control was enacted, three or four times in the last 40 years.
Only when guns become obsolete and we put them down. will the killing by gun end.
Drugs killed Rob Reiner and his wife Susan by knife.
Ron
Owner Of All (Poetry) - 11/26/2025 9:20:36 AM
Very poetic and reminiscent of that great American theme song, This Land by Woody Guthrie.
Lyrical enough for you to sing it except for the line with a break caused by earthquake.
Ron
Escape From Chelmsford (Poetry) - 11/21/2025 12:19:13 PM
I thought it was just a story poem until I looked it up.
Based on the time and place, you could have been held there against your will.
Reminds me of the famous novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
I recall seeing my relatives heavily dosed in nursing homes in the 1970s. A real shame.
Ron
Mother Of Integrity (Poetry) - 9/18/2025 1:57:43 PM
Let's hope that the mother of integrity comes through for you. You certainly have tried hard enough to warrant some attention or free pass.
Ron
The Lady Who Slept Under The Arches (Poetry) - 9/14/2025 9:25:33 AM
wow...your words touched my soul..may we akl work to make the day come when everyone has food, shelter and medical care.
The Lady Who Slept Under The Arches (Poetry) - 9/14/2025 4:45:12 AM
It doesn't take much to get us on the other side, where we never thought we would, this poem touches home for many. Thank you for sharing dear Paul have a blessed day :)
The Lady Who Slept Under The Arches (Poetry) - 9/13/2025 8:25:09 AM
"There but for a good fortune go you or I." What people don't realize, especially those who are judgmental, that our birth determines much of who we will be. And, at any time, bad fortune can fall upon us and we can become like the old lady in the poem.
For some, death is a blessing. For it's that difficult to live in this life with pain and misery every day of your life.
Ron
Mother Of Karma (Poetry) - 9/8/2025 12:17:05 PM
All hail karma! As you have so beautifully orchestrated, karma is there for all of us, especially if we change.
Ron
The Magic Roundabout (Poetry) - 8/25/2025 12:49:34 PM
An interesting way to look at our spinning "Small blue dot." And I thought of the folk song, To Everything There Is a Season by Pete Seeger.
Ron
The Brave Souls Of Ethiopia (Poetry) - 8/13/2025 12:46:44 PM
An all too sad and common story poem.
Back in Haile Selassiei's day in 1965, he sent many to the United States and some to my university in Wisconsin where I was studying to get an American education.
One night, I drove six of these very tall fellows in my 1957 De Soto with lots of legroom out to Pete's Pine Point Lodge where they could dance to the Beatles with American girls and then catch a ride home from me or someone else.
In 1961, Pete's Pine Point Lodge what is boycotted by the University students in favor of Alcatraz when they denied black football and basketball players from Milwaukee and Chicago attending school.
Ron
Speaking Of Eternal Love (Poetry) - 8/10/2025 11:08:42 AM
I find eternal life to be wishful thinking.
But, at a late age in this life, I have found someone who is willing to stay with me and share everything until one or both of us are gone. And by gone, I mean our atoms will continue on into space and time. That is the only kind of eternal life that I would agree to. Those atoms of mine will not be destroyed, just reused, recycled.
Ron
Christmas With The Wee Ones (Poetry) - 1/1/2025 2:06:08 PM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Ahhh… these wee ones be the kids and not the leprechauns.
Ron
The Christmas Shindig (Poetry) - 12/28/2024 2:55:56 PM
You wrote a nice creative poem, that made me smile, I hope they return for sure,
Christmas With The Wee Ones (Poetry) - 12/28/2024 11:08:23 AM
It's hard not to like them. Spent a week on the Emerald Isle. Didn't meet any Leprechauns, but I got to watch the sun go down on Galway Bay. Sang When Irish Eyes are Smilin' in a pub with the lads. Met two two beauties from Denmark. All in all, a very good trip.
Mother Of Addiction (Poetry) - 12/8/2024 10:26:07 AM
From the photo you certainly were a wonderful innocent boy until addictions got hold of you. I would assume that it would be primarily alcohol based on your culture.
Whatever helps you and others like this poem can be applied by reading it often to help you overcome whatever it is that you're addicted to.
I know that you're addicted to music from the picture and to storytelling from the many stories you have posted here.
Ron
A Night Out With Mammy (Poetry) - 7/25/2024 3:02:16 AM
Wow,I felt like I was there too,walking along in the rain.This is a lovely poem.I am originally from Sydney too so I am happy to find another Aussie on Authorsden.
Never Ever Forever Land (Poetry) - 7/25/2024 2:55:36 AM
I loved the rhythm and rhyme in this whimsical poem and I especially liked the last verse;I do think that it would be able to stand alone as a lovely poem too.
Freedom On The Streets In The USA (Poetry) - 7/5/2022 9:39:39 AM
Freedom is in the eye of the beholder. We are all free. But society has made some freer than others.
Ron
love’s Like A Flower (Poetry) - 6/19/2022 2:54:42 AM
I love this poem…
It’s quirky, colourful…
and wonderful!
Diana…🍃
love’s Like A Flower (Poetry) - 2/2/2022 8:09:59 AM
A poem as fragrant as a rose. Much enjoyed, Paul.
love’s Like A Flower (Poetry) - 1/31/2022 9:50:32 AM
A wonderful allegory poem sharing the resemblance of a rose to love. Both fragile yet wonderful when at their prime.
Ron
At The Slaughterhouse Door (Poetry) - 1/28/2022 7:01:31 AM
You are a very strong person to have survived that and not broken down. Good that you have survived and be back in your homeland.
Sandie
A Night Out With Mammy (Poetry) - 1/28/2022 4:21:50 AM
This is a very sad poem, so heart felt. Paul
Another five of my original poetry structures (Poetry) - 6/12/2021 8:17:45 AM
You do these structures very well. Hopefully, you have many followers trying them out for themselves.
Particularly liked the story poem at the end. My father was coming home to our rural farmhouse one winter evening, when he topped the hill before a local country tavern that he frequented. Dad was a truck driver and knew how to drive on ice.
Below, the tavern owner was plowing snow with the tractor in the middle-of-the-road. Dad tried to stop, but the hill and ice caused him to slide into the tractor, knocking its big wheel right off and throwing the tavern owner to the ground. Fortunately, in spite of the damage to the tractor's wheel, the man was not hurt.
Days later, dad was summoned to court in a lawsuit claiming that he caused injury to the man that he thought was a good friend. Fortunately the court ruled in my father's favor. Ice is not nice. Like those gulls who poop on everything.
Ron
Five more original poetry structures (Poetry) - 6/11/2021 9:46:24 AM
After all those assignments in school and making all those assignments while teaching, I retired to write poetry any damn which way without structure but with the hope that they would have meaning for someone who read them, even the nonsense ones.
I'm sure many others will gladly take on your challenge, but I'll pass to be free to do all the other requirements the world throws at us these days.
Ron
Five Further Common Poetry Structures (Poetry) - 6/9/2021 8:38:51 AM
Thank you for providing these poetic structures for those that are inclined to try them. Like games and puzzles, they provide a challenge for those bored with their ordinary. Some people are very good at following detailed instructions to solve puzzles, some are not.
When I was in school I hated required homework structures by my teachers, but usually accomplished them well, whether I liked them or not. I'm glad I didn't take any poetry courses, because I am afraid I would've hated having to try all these classical structures. However, I am familiar with rhyme and meter, primarily from the best songs (basically, poetry). Good rhyming poems have a resonance with me that I like, rather than doing the mandatory, like poetry challenges and structures for the mere challenge of doing them or being a part of others doing them.
Ron
Drinking Whiskey With A Pixie (Poetry) - 3/27/2021 9:05:36 AM
It sure is nice to have a companion with us when we are drinking to a bender. Even though the companion is imaginary and therefore, capable of amazing answers to unfulfilled wishes.
Ron
The Magic Trampoline (Poetry) - 12/26/2019 4:03:37 PM
What a DELIGHT I experienced while reading this fun-filled poem!
Your words had me doing things I haven't done since a kid.
You made me feel exhilaration!
Mercy! Thanks!
-David Clure
Remembering The War (Poetry) - 11/3/2019 10:10:32 AM
Terrible that you had to go through this after World War II and what that did to Europe and the British Isles. But old hatreds die hard. I certainly hope that Ireland is out of the woods these days, but I do sense that some of it is coming back again.
Glad that I don't have terrible memories like that.
Ron
Remembering The War (Poetry) - 10/31/2019 8:36:09 AM
War is hell, as you poem simply states.
Remembering The War (Poetry) - 10/30/2019 7:23:32 PM
Absolutely gut-wrenching, my friend. Loved every word of this wonderful, if sad, thoughts of yesterday.
The Dragonflies Dream (Poetry) - 2/21/2019 9:18:36 AM
BEAUTIFUL POEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
The Dragonflies Dream (Poetry) - 11/24/2018 10:52:04 AM
Wonderfully thought out if a dragonfly has dreams. If I were a dragonfly, I would dream of clouds of mosquitoes like a banquet that never ended.
Ron
When The Monster Came (Poetry) - 9/12/2018 8:00:07 AM
I watched the video and listened to your guitar rendition of these lyrics. That was certainly a horrendous fire with so much loss of life and property.
My brother lost his vacation home that he spent 10 years building last spring in the Tinder fire in northeastern Arizona. Thankfully, he and his wife left under an evacuation order or their lives might have been in danger.
Ron
In Praise (Poetry) - 8/22/2018 10:10:41 PM
This is wonderful and well-said.
Sandie
Love Will Not Stop (Poetry) - 7/21/2018 4:36:52 PM
A lovely portrait of true love.
Love Will Not Stop (Poetry) - 5/4/2018 9:46:53 AM
Love certainly will win over and influence people much more than hatred and despair.
Ron
Not Far Away (Poetry) - 4/24/2018 6:01:11 AM
If so glad to see that the alligators are now thriving and can be seen in restaurants again. If not occasionally on a golf course or your lawn.
Ron
Song Of Freedom (Poetry) - 4/23/2018 8:18:52 PM
I liked these lines and the whole poem for that matter!
Let us sing a song of love together
to bring us hope everywhere we go
and the love that we know it will grow
and give thanks in the name of .. Jesus
we sing and praise your name,
AMEN!
John Michael
Song Of Freedom (Poetry) - 4/21/2018 1:33:03 PM
Let us sing of song of glory, for God has healed us all. Thanks for the sharing Paul
You Were There (Poetry) - 4/19/2018 2:31:44 PM
YES, JESUS IS LIKE THAT, HE PROMISED HE WOULD BE WITH US ALWAYS...UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD AND HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES. THIS IS A FINE TESTIMONY TO HIS PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE. THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
New Ways Of Praise (Poetry) - 4/19/2018 2:26:19 PM
THE WORD OF GOD IS 'NEVER' BORING. BUT WHEN WE BRING PRAISE, WORSHIP, ADORING AND OURSELVES TO GOD...IN EXPECTATION, HE REWARDS THOSE WHO 'DILIGENTLY' SEEK HIM. SO HAPPY TO READ THIS PIECE THAT TELLS OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE TRULY SEEK HIM...WONDERFUL! THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Healing Hands (Poetry) - 4/19/2018 2:17:50 PM
A POIGNANT WORK THAT REMINDS US...'IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATIONS BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD'. PRAYER IS A STRONG WEAPON OF DEFENSE FOR CHRISTIANS...I ENJOYED THIS ONE. THANKS FOR SHARING, PAUL. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
I’m Getting Home Alone (Poetry) - 4/14/2018 8:31:49 AM
We are born alone and die alone. No access baggage required. Great metaphor for life.
Ron
The Love That Exists (Poetry) - 4/14/2018 7:19:00 AM
I understand except I was bent over in agony and felt like life became a whirlwind......You, I believe, are taking this brief separation rather calmly......I've written on this very topic as well. I hope your situation turns out well with the one you love!
Love ya!
Jane
Sometimes (Poetry) - 3/3/2018 2:47:14 AM
Some lines in your poetry are standard and some lines are unique in every way. Wright more Paul, that's all...
Sometimes (Poetry) - 3/2/2018 8:48:29 AM
Sometimes your poetry delights me and sometimes, it slips away.
Ron
Everyday (Poetry) - 2/28/2018 6:40:23 AM
VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Everyday (Poetry) - 2/25/2018 9:36:17 AM
Every day isn't everyday when a true love is around.
Ron
Lets Call It A Day (Poetry) - 2/24/2018 1:13:03 PM
While I have never done it, riding free on a beautiful day sounds like a beautiful way to pass the time away.
Ron
Lets Call It A Day (Poetry) - 2/24/2018 8:03:09 AM
"Somewhere between horse and rider
is a bond you can never break"
My wife will attest to this most assuredly, Paul. She rides regularly and affirms that 'Equus Caballus' is the most spiritual of animals. Once they bond with you, it is a lifelong relation. Nothing like humans. Great imagery in this. Peace... rlc
Love In Need (Poetry) - 7/17/2017 5:02:06 AM
I'm surprised that no others have commented. A very heartfelt poem about our need for love. I crave love, but find that the only way that I can get love is to freely offer it to others.
Ron
Don't Forget - The 4th Of July (Poetry) - 7/5/2017 6:09:29 AM
Very well said, Paul. Still, we need to be eternally
vigilant or we could lose the blessing.
Don't Forget - The 4th Of July (Poetry) - 7/4/2017 6:29:09 AM
I'm afraid my knowledge of Ireland history is limited, but I know that you have been fighting for freedom from British rule for centuries. Perhaps you have an equivalent day of remembering your freedom fighters and what they have done for Ireland.
Ron
Don't Forget - The 4th Of July (Poetry) - 7/4/2017 1:20:44 AM
Life is indeed a blessing, as is freedom! Have a splendid 4th!
Mother Of Despair (Poetry) - 7/3/2017 7:36:03 AM
A very Roman Catholic look at life where mother Mary is the answer to all sorrows.
I prefer a concerted effort by those of us able to stop hoarding our riches miserly and allow the government to step in for all citizens and give them the support they need to raise their self-esteem and worth above the poverty of need every day. The church or private charity cannot do it. But if we all, with good oversight and participation, give the government the order, it can be done. Poverty and despair can be eliminated. It just takes resolve and effort.
Ron
Simple Steps through Life (Poetry) - 6/30/2017 7:12:47 AM
I really like the directness and simplicity that this little poem relates. Bravo!
Ron
I'll Wait For You (Poetry) - 6/16/2017 7:14:12 AM
Hidden in these lines is a message that says, "she will never return." So, all this pleading in a poem, is for naught.
Ron
So Far Away (Poetry) - 6/7/2017 2:37:52 AM
Well said Paul. I have friends like this. Why do we allow time to drift our relationships apart? Then others are other friends who remain friends forever. That kind of friendship is rare but it's good for soul and the heart.
So Far Away (Poetry) - 6/6/2017 7:22:59 AM
The cadence reminds me of a song by Carol King, So Far Away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szx6JsgukS8
It certainly is a sad thought to be separated from a loved one.
Ron
So Far Away (Poetry) - 6/5/2017 9:02:59 AM
Objects attract, and sometimes the greater the distance the stronger the attraction.
Good, unusual poem
So Far Away (Poetry) - 6/4/2017 1:33:36 PM
such distance is sometimes hard to hold onto
Hidden From Sight (Poetry) - 5/16/2017 3:54:09 PM
A mystery for sure with a cliff-hanger forever ending. Intriguing!
Hidden From Sight (Poetry) - 5/16/2017 7:11:54 AM
It must be hell to lose one's sight. Fortunately my eyes are, while nearsighted with astigmatism, still quite good and useful, both night and day.
But yesterday, I watched an entire movie without closed caption. I understood only a few of the words spoken, but still enjoy the music. My hearing loss no longer allows me to listen to groups of people although I can still converse with individuals both on the phone and in person. That will leave me in time, because my hearing loss is increasing.
I wish I could make this reply larger so that it will be easier for you to read.
Ron
Knowledge Of Love (Poetry) - 4/21/2017 6:31:04 AM
Is expecting too much? Perfection?
Ron
What A Mighty Love (Poetry) - 4/13/2017 1:55:32 PM
I enjoyed delving into your faith filled poem. So timely for this time of Holy Week, thank you for sharing xo
Are You Going My Way (Poetry) - 4/11/2017 5:17:49 AM
All depends whether you really deserve it or not. I always go the way of the underdog. But the evil ones can live the life they've created.
Ron
The Turning Wherl Of Life (Poetry) - 4/6/2017 9:13:09 AM
There is a strong genetic ingredient in all of us. We certainly do tend to behave the way our parents did, but we may not experience it until we reach the same age. That's why the generations seem to have difficulty getting along.
Ron
The Turning Wherl Of Life (Poetry) - 4/6/2017 6:05:53 AM
My mom would say to me, I hope you have kids of your own that are just like you, And I in turn said the same thing to my own children, and they in turn are saying the same thing to their own children. Life is indeed a wheel.
Butterfly In Flight (Poetry) - 3/5/2017 12:49:26 PM
The butterfly's life is short, but it makes up for it with beauty. Every sighting is poetic.
Ron
Butterfly In Flight (Poetry) - 3/4/2017 10:44:11 AM
This poem certainly takes flight.
Unseen Threads (Poetry) - 3/3/2017 1:44:41 PM
so deep and so true, I am glad I chose to read this, may the fabric remain strong for years to come thank you for sharing x
New Years Day (Poetry) - 2/3/2017 1:27:50 AM
Never Stop Writing!
m
New Years Day (Poetry) - 1/2/2017 9:54:32 AM
My wish for everyone like you wrote is to smile and make this world better for everyone else.
Ron
New Years Day (Poetry) - 1/1/2017 10:40:58 AM
Enjoyed. Happy New Year to you too.
Michael D.
Loving Her (Poetry) - 12/15/2016 7:30:15 PM
A good read and moving expression
Loving Her (Poetry) - 12/9/2016 6:26:32 AM
All the nuances of that ethereal thing we call love.
Ron
Loving Her (Poetry) - 12/9/2016 5:51:59 AM
This would do well as a song. The romantic delicateness of content would lend itself nicely to voices, acoustic guitars, 2 violins, cello, and perhaps a harmonium. Happy Holidays. rlc
Trust (Poetry) - 11/16/2016 8:43:18 AM
You've got that right. As the other two responders noted. Too many trust that their fear of trust being broken will be broken. I don't look at it that way.
Trust makes things happen. And they're usually very good things.
Ron
Trust (Poetry) - 11/16/2016 5:28:46 AM
Trust but verify.
Trust (Poetry) - 11/16/2016 5:22:22 AM
Trust has been the undoing of many in this old world.
The Empty Chair (Poetry) - 10/2/2016 11:51:53 AM
An empty chair.
An empty bed.
It's just the memories,
in my head.
Michael D.
The Empty Chair (Poetry) - 10/2/2016 7:43:29 AM
Something I think that widows and widowers might do sometimes. However, if they never sat together in real life, it wouldn't make any difference.
Ron
Mother Of The Call (Poetry) - 6/23/2015 1:12:17 PM
This is new to me. Never heard the title Mother Of The Call. The Virgin Mary has had many titles so I'll assume this is another.
That’s All You Can Do (Poetry) - 6/21/2015 9:13:22 AM
It's a long battle sometimes, but worth it when you come back into the light.
Ron
That’s All You Can Do (Poetry) - 6/21/2015 3:11:18 AM
Just keep on keeping on is the tune you are singing . . . I concur . . .
Mother Of The Call (Poetry) - 6/20/2015 3:39:30 AM
I understand, and also realize that men and women of this earth use their own set of values and pray/ask/ in their own way, notwithstanding that the grand and complex universe has many such places to go for warmth and understanding.
Truth is the Word (Poetry) - 6/19/2015 11:05:21 PM
Permalink Submitted by Accidentallyexisting on Thu, 2015-06-04 22:49
We need not ever worry about justice when God is the judge. Good poem. Good reminder.
Truth is the Word (Poetry) - 6/5/2015 6:31:53 AM
Every man knows what he has done. The truth resides on his mind and sometimes, only the conscience, alone, is enough in the court of self-doubt.
Ron
The Rapture And The Glory (Poetry) - 5/13/2015 9:50:52 AM
It is really strange that the "perfect" God that is supposed to have created us all in "his" image is acting so infantile to use us as toy soldiers that he can manipulate any way he wishes in his "perfect" plan, and then decide to destroy us like some spoiled child would his expensive toys while promising some that they can escape his twisted violent ways by "believing" in him? An unbelievable crock!
Ron
The Rapture And The Glory (Poetry) - 5/12/2015 10:32:35 PM
...the title of your poem-hymn looks familiar...yet Catholics don't use the term "rapture"...but certainly believe in some sort of "event of gathering" with Christ...don't know how to approach the concept of being "caught up"...still your verse stirs up some pretty strong feelings...speaks of the overwhelming fear "when the fire falls from the sky"...but also a hope...the promise that all the misery/pain in this world could be undone through Him and His Glory...Lets hope so.
Thank you Paul for sharing your thoughts provoking words.
Living And Loving (Poetry) - 5/1/2015 2:00:56 AM
Reflective of the ups and downs of like...and we must as my teacher wrote in my autograph book many moons ago....KOKO....Keep on keeping on...
Diana....
Living And Loving (Poetry) - 4/27/2015 5:49:40 AM
A bit repetitive, but the sentiment is there.
Ron
Living And Loving (Poetry) - 4/25/2015 4:21:22 PM
Marvelous and insightful poetry
Heaven Is a Place (Poetry) - 4/16/2015 7:45:26 AM
Let's sure hope so. Wouldn't it be nice if we let that heaven be right here on earth.
Ron
Heaven Is a Place (Poetry) - 4/16/2015 7:23:07 AM
Any belief that supports life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness here and a better afterlife is OK with me. Well done,
Heaven Is a Place (Poetry) - 4/15/2015 10:55:54 PM
A great write indeed. I believe very clearly that Heaven is a place for you and me. The Lord talked to me directly long ago and I been a faithful follower although I am still never fully exempt from sin. The older I get the more I want to learn about the world this Creator made for us. One day we will all be able to truly see. Until then, we have faith. Thank you for sharing. Amen
A Jack Of All Trades (Poetry) - 3/21/2015 4:35:32 PM
indeed...wonderful writing...
A Jack Of All Trades (Poetry) - 3/18/2015 3:16:21 AM
...the well-rounded "Jack of All Trades" seems to be the one who understands how things work together...thus running the show...continually grows in all aspects of life...dare to push the boundaries of that knowledge and skill set....
Thank you Paul, for sharing your thoughts-provoking and honest writing.
A Jack Of All Trades (Poetry) - 3/17/2015 6:57:12 AM
I've been a jack of all trades,
and a master of none.
I've worn many hats,
and now poet is one.
Michael D.
A Jack Of All Trades (Poetry) - 3/17/2015 6:13:50 AM
You are to be commended for always finding work and working hard to do your best. All the work you were doing was very necessary and important, especially to those you were doing it for. Unfortunately, that kind of work generally has very low pay and is highly unappreciated by those who receive it spent that and have money or have, perhaps, managed to gain some skill or advantage to not have to do that kind of work.
I have done that kind of work and found it rewarding for a while. To make a career of it might be drudgery and very hard on the physical body with little to show for it. I always try to be grateful and pleasant to those who work so hard and am working to see that they would get paid more.
John Boehner made me sick when he talked about how he had achieved the American dream (joining his family business) after having to do those very "bad" jobs as a young man… crying his head off about it. He deserves a medal of dishonor for the way he treats honest work.
Ron
A Jack Of All Trades (Poetry) - 3/17/2015 6:00:21 AM
Ahhh . . . I, too, have been down many, a great many roads . . . I relate . . .
A Jack Of All Trades (Poetry) - 3/17/2015 4:57:46 AM
Been around the mill also and what you say is true. Even being a poet not many can do.
Motto's Of Life (Poetry) - 2/21/2015 10:27:56 AM
Thoughts to ponder
Walking With Dementia (Poetry) - 2/20/2015 8:25:57 PM
Thank You For this gem of a write
Sounds like a friend I met 11 years ago
when he seem normal, and watched him fade away from reality
in a few years, now a laghing bed ridden vegetable.....
whose friends of yesterday have forgotten.....
Peace be with you
William
Thoughts To Ponder (Poetry) - 2/20/2015 8:14:01 PM
I enjoy your variation of subjects you pen
I too enjoy writing about what ever enters
my thoughts worthy of posting
Peace be with you
William
An Encore For The Dragonfly (Poetry) - 2/20/2015 7:55:24 PM
Thank You Paul for this kool Poem, really like this one, I also posted a piece tilted "The Dragonfly"
sounds like your dragonfly got caught in a spider web above me on a summer day when I was looking for an ending to a poem I was writing
Please check out My Dragonfly posting......Peace be with you
William
Motto's Of Life (Poetry) - 2/20/2015 7:47:01 PM
A well penned piece enjoyed reading
Peace be with you
William
Life’s A Roundabout Ride (Poetry) - 5/26/2014 10:02:59 PM
This is so true and it happens with many, once my husband was in a holiday for three days in Paris, he had earned the holiday from his company in Italy for his good performance in India. Now some are not destioned to be in peace even during a short break, he had just got into a tube, to get down at see the Churches in Paris but before he could think of God he was robbed in the train and he was left without a penny, the next two days being sat and sunday , he could'nt ask for help but luckily his passport he had left at the hotel room he had checked in, but w/o foof he remained for two days and walked the streets of Paris, Swhen a beggar asked him for some pennies , he said very soon , you will have o give me aplace by your side!!but then the ordeal ened when he was able to contact his office on the monday and help in the form of money and ticket arrived ,JK roseline
Sinking Feeling (Poetry) - 1/22/2014 9:05:01 AM
The title truly represents the downside of this poem.
Ron
Sinking Feeling (Poetry) - 1/22/2014 2:51:44 AM
a horrible feeling, doubt and fear
budd
A Sailors Life (Poetry) - 11/4/2013 7:47:18 AM
I like your style , for it is more like mine, so I feel-Roseline
Sugar On The Top (Poetry) - 6/16/2013 3:07:47 AM
SAD............ Liana Margiva
Sugar On The Top (Poetry) - 6/13/2013 7:04:40 AM
Wise little ditty.
Ron
Sugar On The Top (Poetry) - 6/13/2013 2:48:27 AM
so true, many are not content with quality and continue to desire quanity instead
budd
Its time For New Hope and A New Pope (Poetry) - 2/12/2013 9:24:26 AM
Roman Catholics need a pope, like England needs a king. The word, “Roman,” has some significance, because the last Roman Emperor was over fifteen hundred years ago. The current church professes outdated ideology, gets its money from millions of poor, uneducated masses, and has hidden unspeakable behavior to protect its power and wealth.
Time for real change, not a new pope.
Ron
Mother Of The Road (Poetry) - 1/25/2013 7:55:17 AM
I usually don't like religious poetry because it is so self-serving. However, I really like this one.
Ron
Nobodys Fool (Poetry) - 10/17/2012 11:26:33 AM
Learning, however you can get it, will keep you from being somebody's fool.
Ron
Summer In Australia (Poetry) - 10/15/2012 7:15:17 AM
You have described your country/continent in broad, sweeping terms like the land itself. “I come from a land down under, where women [I forgot] and men thunder!” Wish to go there sometime, like my nephew recently did, and enjoy the wonders down by the billabong in the summer, all night long.
Ron
Reflections Of A Migrants Life (Poetry) - 3/4/2012 12:01:20 AM
The grass is not always greener on the other side; down under maybe more harsh and arid than the soft rainy climate of Ireland. Sometimes we go through bad experiences in our lives that are totally confusing and mystifying, and 'in a dark time the eye begins to see' according to poet Roethke. I can really relate to this poem - it's not always easy or desirable to fit into new surroundings.
Don’t Blame Jane Or Liam (Poetry) - 2/6/2012 12:53:03 PM
At first I thought it was about Jane Fonda and Liam Neeson and their misdeeds in the name of liberal charity. By the way, I back them 100%.
And then I found this intriguing story unfolding in beautiful verse. A story poem that I thoroughly enjoyed that rings with a lot of truth.
Ron
Days Of Enchantment (Poetry) - 4/17/2011 2:25:58 AM
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Memories Of You (Poetry) - 1/7/2011 4:01:52 AM
VERY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Memories Of You (Poetry) - 1/6/2011 8:54:23 PM
Such a passionately painful piece to share. Sometimes the memories are all that we are left with, heartfelt piece...
Be alway safe,
Karen
Memories Of You (Poetry) - 1/6/2011 3:21:27 PM
There is often no way of making sense of lost love...but time does gently heal, and memories will sustain and are yours to keep forever...
Tenderly written...
Love and Hugs, Diana...
Memories Of You (Poetry) - 1/6/2011 7:42:10 AM
Lost love can be devastating but somehow we keep getting up each morning to face a new day. Some of us are blessed to find a second love and when it happens it's truly joyous. You've put your pain into words very well. Writing is excellent therapy and you have a talent. Thank you for sharing.
Donna
Hope For Love (Poetry) - 3/2/2010 2:40:24 PM
Many Thanks Susan .
Bless you for this appreciation .
Paul
Hope For Love (Poetry) - 3/1/2010 11:21:50 AM
Blessed are those where love means all that is here in your words. Love is not a word...it's a whole life of living and making yourself and others count. Great words to reread again and again.
Love,
Susan
Loves Golden Cage (Poetry) - 2/6/2010 9:46:42 PM
Your poem embraces love. Beautiful.
Susan
Cure For A Good Loving Man (Poetry) - 2/4/2010 7:04:31 AM
Love this Title! And love this Romantic Loving "TRUE" POEM PAUL! Truest of Real Love has NO Ending! BOTH! OF YOU! I wIsh the Best Life and Love can hold! Pouring out your love like this was Bold! STAY HAPPY and IN LOVE!
Blessings Of Love! Peace and Joy, SOULFUL_PurplePaSsionsSHEE
P.S. Dr.knows BEST!!!
Write on!
Read on!
Cure For A Good Loving Man (Poetry) - 2/3/2010 6:13:16 PM
You are absolutely right! Once you've found true love, all else pales.
Blessings and love,
Susan
Time For New Beginnings (Poetry) - 1/4/2010 10:53:36 PM
Amen to that, I am in total agreement about the new year. Everyday is a "new year," as we have that day to live to the fullest. Inspiring poem.
Spread Your Wings (Poetry) - 1/4/2010 10:19:53 PM
I like your recipe, Paul. Love and peace,
Regis
New Years And New Schools (Poetry) - 1/1/2010 12:51:50 PM
:) Nice gentle tone to this write, one that will be easily related to by young readers going though a similiar thing.
Sign Of The Times -2009 (Poetry) - 12/27/2009 7:05:05 PM
YES!! And harmony is catching.
Blessings and love,
Susan
Sign Of The Times -2009 (Poetry) - 12/27/2009 5:34:45 PM
I appreciate your positive outlook, Paul. God knows more of that is sorely needed. Love and peace to you,
Regis
The Birth Of Truth (Poetry) - 12/22/2009 7:01:47 PM
Paul,
Truth and wisdom in this write, Paul. Enjoyed!
Blessings,
~Linda
The Birth Of Truth (Poetry) - 12/19/2009 11:36:28 PM
"How ever clever we think we are
We don’t value what truths worth"
How Blind it is that are we?
We see through the heart...not the eyes....excellent write...
Allen
The Birth Of Truth (Poetry) - 12/19/2009 9:28:01 PM
Loved this Paul. Thank you.
With Love,
Cindy
The Birth Of Truth (Poetry) - 12/19/2009 5:08:38 PM
Wisdom of religious ferver and the humbleness of mankind, what a spiritual piece...
Be always safe,
Karen
My Christmas Angel (Poetry) - 12/11/2009 4:20:51 AM
LOVELY!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
My Christmas Angel (Poetry) - 12/10/2009 4:29:51 PM
GOD SENT YOU AN ANGEL...BLESSINGS AND TREASURE HER. THANKS FOR SHARING A BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE TO HER. JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
My Christmas Angel (Poetry) - 12/10/2009 7:23:56 AM
This is a wonderful poem Paul. Thank you.
With Love,
Cindy
My Christmas Angel (Poetry) - 12/10/2009 1:41:08 AM
Hey Paul,this is a wonderful poem.I enjoy reading it,take care
Inside A Shell (Poetry) - 12/6/2009 7:15:14 AM
Try again, you are not the first person this has happened to. You can do it. Now as far as write goes, it was excellent!
GOD BLESS
Tony Nerone
Inside A Shell (Poetry) - 12/3/2009 5:00:40 AM
I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Inside A Shell (Poetry) - 12/2/2009 2:16:20 PM
I am quite sure many an aspiring performer (public speaker too) will relate to what you have expressed here, Paul. Love and peace to you,
Regis
The Discarded Garments (Poetry) - 11/6/2009 2:45:10 PM
THIS METAPHORIC WORK IS WELL DONE AND ENJOYED. THANKS FOR SHARING AND BLESSINGS. JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
She Left Me (Poetry) - 11/6/2009 3:17:14 AM
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL BE HAPPY AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
She Left Me (Poetry) - 11/3/2009 1:56:20 PM
Thank you for the support and kind words .
Its not for wimps this kind of stuff .
Write on .
Regards from Paul
She Left Me (Poetry) - 10/29/2009 12:16:15 AM
Stay strong and enjoy your life.Take care of yourself and thank you for sharing your feelings in this poem.
She Left Me (Poetry) - 10/26/2009 6:36:30 AM
Women? treat them as hobbies. Stay single and do your own thing.And do it grand!!
She Left Me (Poetry) - 10/26/2009 6:10:42 AM
This was exactly my experience almost 6 years ago.
The next poem I post will be about this- still writing about it 6 years later.
You and I did not make any mistakes. We just suffered loss, as so many do.
That is my consolation. I didn't fly the plane drunk, just have to crawl out of the wreckage.
John
The Unknown (Poetry) - 10/26/2009 3:10:48 AM
VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Talk About Love (Poetry) - 9/19/2009 3:23:15 AM
VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Nine Eleven - Where Are You (Poetry) - 9/10/2009 8:39:56 PM
Being from New York, I seriously doubt that date will ever not cause some serious bad memories to come alive again in myself and others I know, but forgiveness is always an ultimate aim for the growing soul.
Speaking Of My Father (Poetry) - 6/27/2009 5:20:49 AM
Paul,
This touched me deeply. I too, have lost my Father. It has been many years ago, but I still miss him greatly. Be thankful you had many years and many memories with your Father before He went to his Heavenly home. I wish I had spent more time with my Father.
Many blessings,
~Linda
Ways To God (Poetry) - 6/24/2009 8:33:21 PM
Sweet, tender and spiritually uplifting....
Be always safe,
Karen
A Prayer In The Rain (Poetry) - 6/24/2009 9:30:54 AM
And, MIRACLES do happen!
Your story touched me deeply, I could have been that "threatened and untrusting girl"
Thank you for being there with/for her Paul!
YOU were there when most needed and didn't miss your calling!
God Bless you and yours! and glad you wrote to tell it! Sharing IS the Key!
and giving of your own heart when you can! and when you can't...YOU try!
WRITE ON!
Warmest Blessings and Hugs, Purple Lady Passion, SHEExooo
I'm glad I didn't miss this! A True Treasure still shining in my heart!
Ways To God (Poetry) - 6/24/2009 5:07:01 AM
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Ways To God (Poetry) - 6/24/2009 3:18:26 AM
This is so beautiful Paul. Such faith and written so well.If you like, I invite you to stop and read one of my poems. I think we have some things in common.
With Love,
Cindy
Who Knows What It Means (Poetry) - 6/23/2009 8:03:27 PM
The plight of mankind....
Be always safe,
Karen
Who Knows What It Means (Poetry) - 6/23/2009 4:15:44 AM
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOUR WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Hard Times (Poetry) - 5/26/2009 2:36:56 AM
Excellent poem,Great work,take care
EDWIN
A Prayer In The Rain (Poetry) - 5/26/2009 1:52:43 AM
You have a big heart.The power of prayer really works.You know even though this world is very narcisstic,its good to know that there are still good people in this world like yourself who is willing to give a helping hand to someone who needs it.You showed humanity and compassion towards another human being.I am glad the woman is doing alright and she has her own family.This is a touching and heartwarming written piece that I enjoy very much.Take care
EDWIN
A Prayer In The Rain (Poetry) - 5/24/2009 12:09:44 PM
A wonderful, heartwarming story. A caring, praying stranger can make a huge difference! Well done!
Connie
A Prayer In The Rain (Poetry) - 5/24/2009 3:39:30 AM
VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!! I LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Sleeping With A Black Dog (Poetry) - 5/22/2009 4:21:25 AM
Great poem,I enjoy reading it,take care
EDWIN
Sleeping With A Black Dog (Poetry) - 5/20/2009 11:03:49 PM
Almost a bit philosophical, but in a gentle flowing way...
Be always safe,
Karen
