Hello and welcome poets, everywhere. My name is Tony Maude, and once again it is my pleasure and privilege to be able to welcome you to the dVerse Poets Pub for the 125th edition of Open Link Night.
Yesterday in Pub Talk, Brian announced that in a couple of weeks time we’ll be closing the doors of the Pub … relax, it’s just for a break over Christmas and New Year and we will be back … smiles. That announcement sparked quite a lot of discussion; if you haven’t seen it then I strongly suggest that you take the time to read it and to add your own thoughts to the developing thread.
Taking time to read and to add your own thoughts is an important part of what we try to encourage here at dVerse, and while it is true that there are some who seem to drop their links and run – especially on Open Link Night – there are many, many more who really do make an effort to visit with new folks and to make return visits to those who visit their blogs. To all of you – and you know who you are – I’d like to say a big
Thank You
because each and every one of you deserves to hear it. You are the stars of this show – and I love being part of it all.
So, without further ado, let’s get on with the poetry … smiles. The regulars know what to do; for any new folks here’s how it works:
- Write a poem and post it to your webpage.
- Click on the Mr. Linky button below and enter your name and direct url/web address to your poem; one poem per person please.
- There you will also find the list of those participating this week. You might want to refresh this occasionally or check back in as there are people joining over the next 33 hours.
- If it’s your first time here, please leave a comment to say so. That makes it much easier for us to find you and encourage you by visiting your site.
- Please take time to read the work of some of the other poets who have linked – we don’t expect anyone to read all the links. Let them know what you thought, how their poem moved you, what caught your attention etc. The not-so-secret formula to receiving more visits and comments on your blog is to read and comment on other people’s poems. Please don’t forget to return the favour of those who have visited and commented on your work.
- Encourage others to participate through social media, promote both your own work and others.
- Have fun meeting and engaging with your fellow poets.
dVerse 
Welcome, welcome, one and all. How nice it is to see you again. Pull up a stool and let’s talk poetry … smiles
Indeed… I tried to write a form I had not tried before.. One way of having fun.. But even more fun is to read what others have written..
I haven’t read all the discussion but I did support Brian on this decision and strongly believe that is a good thing to do. I will go back and read them now.
Don’t forget to go and read some poetry – the discussion over there is quite lengthy … smiles
Oh yes, of course. That’s the treat, that’s the food for thought, that’s everything to live for – poetry 🙂
Hurrah! Thank you for launching yet another Open Link night for us all! 🙂
My pleasure, Freya. Lovely to see you back here … smiles
Yes, a big thank you to all! Happy Open Link Night everyone!
Hi Kelly, nice to see you this week.
Thanks for tending tonight, Tony – so appreciate everyone who helps out at the Pub – looking forward to reading wonderful poetry tonight – cheers – K
Hi Kathleen,
We do this because we love it; for me it’s great to be able to give a littel back to a communitty that has given me so much … smiles.
I hope you have a great holiday season! Thanks to everyone who makes DVerse Poets such a great place!
Thank you too, Madeleine. Your limerick site is always worth a visit and never fails to produce a smile … at least that’s my experience.
Cheers. Thank you, truly for all the effort. I did go and add a comment under yesterday’s Pub Talk.
Good to see you here, Margaret. Pull up a stool and let me pour you a drink to go with the poems. It can be thirsty work out on the trail … smiles
Hello Tony and happy oln to all… yes, yesterday’s discussion was very intense… there was a lot of passion flowing as well too! Today is my 22 bday so give me a bit of time to comment back on everyone’s poem.
how cool is that…. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANTHONY…. and it’s an honor having you in the pub on your 22nd bday….woooohoo…let’s celebrate a bit..smiles
thank you :)))
Hi Anthony – many happy returns to you; twenty two – I remember being 22, but only just … smiles
Home sick today and so can participate–Looking forward to some wonderful reading
Sorry you’re sick – would a hot toddy be in order? I’m sure we’ll have some poems that will help to make you feel better.
What? A break? Pffft the cat doesn’t know the meaning of the word. Already done dverse through February. I will not be stopped by any closing hahaha
The cat is indeed remarkable – how he manages to post so often is a mystery to me … smiles
Very nice introduction, Tony!! Always glad to share in Open Link.
… and always glad to see you here, Mary … smiles
Tony, egg nog please, since tis the season, finally, despite the retailers’ attempts to convince us of this since bleeping August.
Yours only started in August. I don’t have to go far to find an Every Day is Christmas shop. Phooey say I, Christmas is for December. But, as it is now December, one egg nog coming right at ya!
oh i love egg nog… smiles… and yeah… our stores were full of christmas chocolate and stuff from the end of the summer holidays on…. how crazy…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours as well. I think a lot of us are going to take it a bit slower in Blog Land this season.
Season’s Greetings to you too, MJ. I suspect I may be writing more and posting less over the holidays, but we’ll see. Some might say that posting much less will be a challenge for me … smiles.
Hello, Happy Thanksgiving….!! A short poem and a longer essay on the bottom about Aaron Copeland for the music bugs here. Copeland strikes a very particular note (pun intended!) to me as far as American Music. Oh, a lot more, but it’s also a matter of personal taste.
In apology, last week was crazy, though I thought it wouldn’t be, but I didn’t answer numerous people who were good enough to read and comment. This week, I PROMISE, I will get back and read and comment on those folks before, and more new.
I haven’t read Brian’s piece, but I will.
thanks….dversepoets….
Lady Nyo
Thanks to you, ladynyo – we love having you here. We all know that life can get in the way of writing/reading/commenting sometimes – but we also know that folks like you will be back into the swing of things as soon as possible.
I have to admit that I’ve been a little guilty of link-and-run lately – there just seems too much to do. But then again, I haven’t posted on my blog as much, either. But last week I actually went and read some poems, including yours Tony, and discovered that I’d missed the Form for All on googlism poems, so I decided to write and post one, which I’ve linked to today. I’ll be reading a few today, but lunch will be short so I won’t get to them all. Peace, Linda
I saw you at my place, Linda. Thanks for honouring me with a visit … smiles. As I’ve said above, life can get in the way sometimes, and we understand and accept that. Folks like yourself – well we know you’ll be back into the way of things when you can. Thanks for all that you contribute to the dverse community.
HI guys, how do I find the poems from link night?
just click on the mr. linky button below the post..
Thanks, Claudia – I hadn’t got caught up with the moderated comments yet … but I will … smiles.
And welcome Paul, it’s great to see you at the Pub.
125th–that is so cool. Thank you for hosting Tony…and thank you to all the pub tenders who do such a great job of welcoming and encouraging us in our writing. Brian and Claudia, thanks for setting the warm tone here. dVerse has been instrumental in my growth as a poet and I am so grateful for what you have started with the site. I hope the break and the new year is just what you need to be refreshed. As I said in my comment yesterday on PubTalk, I am looking forward to what the new year holds. I will say, I know OLN is undesirable to be a part of for some poets for various reasons that have been stated yesterday, but if it had not been for OLN I may not have entered into this community. I was shy and unsure of what to expect and intimidated by prompts. I am more comfortable now–due to the the warm responses and encouraging feedback I received from that first time I linked. So I still think OLN…or maybe something similar to it…is a good way for someone new to dip their toes and get a feel for things. There’s my expanded 2 cents…ha… Happy OLN to all 🙂
smiles… thanks for the warm words… and yes… i too think that OLN is a great first touch pool… even for those that are a bit shy of the water…smiles
It was much the same for me when I first crept into the pub about 2 years ago – and look where I am now … smiles. The key for me – and I know you’ve worked this out already – is that you get out as much as you’re willing to put in. I know you’ve contributed a lot to a lot of poets in this community, both in the poems you;ve shared and in the comments you’ve left for others … smiles
hey all…will be out on the trail as soon as i get the buses out today…thanks for the recap and pointing people back to yesterday as well tony…and thanks for all you do..
be back in just a few…
Hi Boss,
You know how much I love doing this, Brian. Thanks for giving me the opportunity.
See you out on the trail – if I ever get caught up on the comments here … smiles
hey tony… thanks for tending bar tonite… just coming in the door from a business trip to munich and will be out on the trail in a minute…smiles… happy tuesday everyone!!
Hi to my other Boss … smiles
tending bar is a joy – I get to be the extrovert that I wish I could be in real life … smiles
Catch you out on the trail soon.
smiles… i’m rather introvert as well…mostly..
so hard for me to believe…smiles…
Good evening Tony! I truly do appreciate this community at the pub. I always find something new, interesting, and even challenging through conversation with the wonderful patrons here, and the great community that this is. So, following suite, I’d like to say THANK YOU to all of the folks at dverse! Have a great evening!
smiles… thank You for being here… and wishing you a great evening as well..
As Claudia has said, thank you for being here. Without you, the poets, this wouldn’t be much of place to be … smiles
Nicely expressed Sir Tony…I’d go for that hot toddy if I didn’t have to venture out in newly fallen snow to visit a doctor. Besides that, I don’t want him sending me to rehab. Maybe a bit later!
newly fallen snow sounds good… a doctor visit not so much…. hopefully just a routine check up..?
Yep. Before we head South.
I’ll leave the recipe behind the bar, just in case you want that toddy when my shift is over. Hope the trip to the doc is just routine … and careful on that snow too. Here it’s dark and raining … again
Hey–I don’t need no stinking recipe. When I nursed it was my Rx for everything. We even had orders for Spiritii Frumenti in the patients’ chart (in Long Term Care, that is). As the RN, I was the designated bartender since I knew the meds etc. :0)
I bet your recipe and mine a re slightly different – but I bet they also have the same result … smiles
haha… i can picture this… smiles
Christopher, enjoyed your poem and the rhyming. I cannot comment on Google+–sorry.
Like Victoria, I’m not on Google+. I too loved your somewhat sideways view of the festive(?) season.
ok…the church bells strike 11 here and tell me that it’s time to go to bed… a bit tired from the traveling as well…will be back in the AM to catch up…
Schlaf gut, liebe Claudia, bis Morgen fruh
alright…i gotta head out for a bit…my son has a casting call tonight for a magazine shoot….will be back after to catch up with others who join…a few i could not comment on here from work because of the filter that i will catch tonight as well…
Oh I need to head of to bed now.. I have read a lot of very good poetry tonight… I will catch up sometime tomorrow.. will try to read every one this week.. so I hope it’s going to be more than 100.. 🙂
ha. masochist….smiles….our highest ever was 177…wow…i think my eyes hurt for days…lol….
Still afternoon here…I think the results of the discussion WERE passionate and telling. We love this site! Will be here to comment after dinner, as usual. except for one or two…no snow but I’m getting eggnog ingredients at the store anyway
Getting late here – I’m just an hour behind Bjorn and Claudia – so I’ll be heading off for my essential beauty sleep. It never seems to work, but that won’t stop me trying again … smiles
oh i love eggnog!!!!!
My eyes are closing … it’s time for me to go to bed. Night all … have fun … and I’ll be back out on the trail tomorrow.
sleep well brother…
I’ve posted and linked. My eyes should be closing, but there’s too much PhD rumbling around behind my eyes for me to sleep just yet, so I’ll go read some more poems….
nice to meet you…intriguing on the sequence poems…enjoyed your share…have fun reading…smiles…
Hope you enjoyed your time out on the trail, Mary. I’m not sure that on-line poetry is going to help you to sleep though … smiles
I’m so sorry that I missed out on the pub chat! It was so interesting. I want to say that you all are amazing and definitely deserve a break, so hear-hear and cheers for that decision. As far as linking and not commenting, I understand that is worrisome, but there are so many generous people here, that do comoment Sorry my delete is not working…it seems like as someone said, there will alwaysalways be rule breakers, so maybe you don’t need to do anything? A critique group is a very cool idea, especially if they followed Rosemary’s guidelines. I know that I am fairly inconsistent, life is inconsistent right now. 🙂 All the more reason that I appreciate this lovely space. Not sure if I’ll get to post tonight, but I’ll be thinking of you
its always good to see you…i am sure people will still be adding to the chat..i will be checking it to the break so…and you are right there will always be those that do not give to the community but only take….
Thank you Tony! I left another comment regarding commenting. Critiquing is tough, mentoring is a nice idea 🙂
We need to think about how we might and who might be able to offer critique in this way. I don’t think we have many real literary criticism experts here; I’m still learning about poetry as I go along … smiles.
But, if we do this, then i thnk part of it would need to aim to enable those who are being critiqued to become mentors themselves; we always have new people coming to the pub who make a real commitment to the community and to learning their craft.
PS Another thought on the commenting, some people may be too shy? I know that I have a certain level of insecurity about my poetry, it’s light and that’s my style, however, there are poems that I won’t comment on, just because I don’t want them to feel obligated to visit my site. Today’s poem is a perfect example, it’s basically a giggle in poem’s clothing….
Thanks for hosting Tony, had an idea in my head in the wee small hours and yes should have written them down, for this morning ~ pfft they have vanished! 😦 Enjoyed the discussions last night – very interesting and I think the majority of us writers feel the same way about those that unfortunately don’t care to comment, or those that are particular and choose the same people every time to comment to. Nonetheless I am sure a little ‘stir of the pot’ was warranted helpful and everyone at The Pub does such an amazing job. Happy writing everyone 🙂
heya ma’am…thanks for being part of the discussion yesterday…i still have to catch up on yesterday a bit…i am sure i will read through it again a few times between here and january…ha…dont you hate it when those ideas go poof…smiles.
*nods* believe me I do! I think you will have some time on your hands – it was very interesting and I have the feeling many of us feel the same way as others do. Looking forward to any ideas your ‘gang’ puts up 🙂
i think we should all get tattoos if we are going to be a gang…smiles…haha
smiles ~ right then – go for it!
I would like a d’Verse tattoo.
Hi Jennifer, nice to see you again. I hate it when those ideas disappear, but if I wrote them down in the middle of the night, I wouldn’t be able to read what I’d written in the morning, so they’d still be lost …
Not sharing tonight, just popping in to say hello. My writing of late has taken a backseat to working and holiday prepping! Thought I’d stop by and read though.
Quite the discussion on Pub Talk. Left my two cents over there, probably just about what it’s worth, too! You know what they say about pleasing some people all of the time and all some of the time–just hoping you all aren’t too discouraged when you can’t control what others do, and no amount of polite asking or cajoling will change some peoples habits. Just know that having a place we can come to, share on, learn from and hopefully encourage others on — well, we appreciate what you do here. I do anyways! 🙂 ‘Nuff said! Heading in to read for a bit. Oh, and just in case I don’t get by again before your hiatus—happy holidays to all!
smiles…hope you have a great holiday as well ginny…will pop over and pick up your 2 cents here in a just a bit….smiles…its all good you know…the break will be nice…
Hi Ginny. You’re right that there will always be those who take without giving; I just wanted to use my intro to thank people like you, who give so much to the pub community.
Happy Open Link Night, everyone! Will make a special point of being a good pub citizen. 🙂
ah, always a good thing…smiles.
Most everyone who comments on the posts here at dVerse is a good pub citizen, Marilyn … smiles. Even taking the time to stop by here and chat is more than some people are prepared to do to contribute to the community though.
I’ve gotten lazy lately. Part of it was that I’ve always had Tuesdays off but have now added a second job. But cry me a river … everyone’s busy. This whole discussion has been a great reminder not to take things like Open Link Night for granted.
Howdy howdy howdy! How are you all doing?
happy happy happy…ha.
Yep!
Howdy Shanyn – here in Scotland we’re OK; clear blue skies overhead, cool, clean, crisp air to breath – and a trail of poetry to follow … smiles
I dream of Scotland! Esp when it is -25
Hey Tony–I’ve actually written a few new poems that are all on a yellow pad not with me! Working very hard (on job) till the end of the year so very much appreciating a break. Thanks for all you and all here do–(that means you, Brian and Claudia.) K.
And all the others too! Tony, Gay, Sam, Victoria, Beth, Laurie, Shanyns, Bjorn, Grace, Joe–I am sorry if I am leaving anyone out. K.
Hi k. Thanks to you too for all you give to the community. Hopefully the break will give us all chance to recharge our batteries.
Happy Holiday Karin… Imagine what great poetry will come out after hiatus when everyone have piled up good poetry in their books.. Look forward to read them 🙂
alright…heading to bed…thanks to those that are out there building community tonight…it is great to see…
Hi Tony, posting after a years hiatus….back in the saddle and re-inspired to contribute and take time to comment…thanks for all you folks do here!
Mary
smiles… welcome back mary and much appreciated that you take time to comment as well..
Welcome back, Mary – glad you’re re-inspired to both contribute your own poem and to hit the trail and contribute to the developing community here … smiles.
Hi. It’s almost 2 a.m. here. I’ll be back to read tomorrow.
2 a.m. and dropping by to say Hi – that’s really hard-core commitment, Susan … smiles
Good morning Tony,
Is the bar still open? I’m ready for my bucks fizz now, or champagne breakfeast….
I missed the hullabaloo on Monday, but would like to add that I too would miss you all over the bleak Midwinter.
Besides, I wanted to recycle my NewYear’s Eve poem 🙂
What are the chances of leaving us a final Linky on December 15th and leaving it open for a few weeks and letting us fend for ourselves? Possibly a blog hop where we can keep on adding [ in moderation of course]. That way we can still see what each of us is up to and have a little chat here and there.
And maybe afterwards the ones that take on such heavy burdens throughout the year can be persuaded to take it easy, and maybe only visit a percentage of the OLN poets.
A little slow to respond here – Brian and Claudia will need to retrain me, I fear …
Bucks Fizz was it? Here it is. Perhaps rather than a Linky, we could leave temproary closure notice and links to poems could be posted in the comments? Whaddya think bosses?
yep… def. something to consider… i think we will make a list with all the input and then decide what to do….
I checked in this morning to find that hordes of you have visited my place while I was sleeping … smiles. I guess that means that it’s time for me to hit the trail again … see y’all out there.
heya….just getting back, long morning of meetings starting at 5 am…playing catch up…thanks Lasha for visiting over night….
smiles… just heading out on the trail as well… long day at work… but now…a cup of tea and some poetry will be good to ring in the evening….
I’ve been trying find the quiet corner where the poets are hanging out, and I think I finally found it! What a great opportunity. I can’t wait to read the visions and explorations and intensity of everyone. Thank you!!
hey… very cool to see you in the pub…warm welcome…. and there are def. treasures to find out on the path…smiles
Welcome to the pub – we’re glad you’ve found us and hope that you like what we have going here. Looking forward to seeing what you bring to the party too … smiles
so glad i caught ya’ll before the holiday break, hope everyone had a good thanksgiving, i got to see my mom and grandkids and daughter and sister and many many others, some for the first time in a few months
also glad to see/read the discussion for tweaking dVerse, seems time since the last in-depth discussion had lent an air of expectant hope at having an angle for making things work a bit better, i very much hope so; best wishes all 😉
nice on getting together with the fam… and good to see you adan…
same here, nice to be able to stop by, missed you guys!
What a nice poem you left us.. and what a sweet picture…
thanks bjorn, those girls are wonderful 🙂
Gald you had a good break Adan – and nice to see you back here at dVerse.
very definitely, thanks tony 🙂
It does get busy at Christmas. I am sure everyone needs a break. In Australia the Festive season begins pretty much as December does and the Christmas Break for most people is a week with all of the public holidays and people planning some of their leave around Christmas/New Year.
In that way of celebration we pretty much get a month of it and usually it comes with sunshine as well although this year summer is a bit slow to start. Having said that, rain is always good for the garden.
I can’t get my head round the concept of a beach Christmas, but you’re right – it’s what we grow up with that conditions our expectations.
p.s. I remember when I lived in Europe quite some years ago thinking how wonderful it would be to have a white Christmas given that for many years in Australia even the Christmas cards would have Winter themes, and then I found that a winter Christmas for me was not really Christmas.
Perception is all and that is sourced in experience. Christmas in Australia is about sunshine; warm days and captivating blue skies; balmy nights when you can hear people walking and talking on the street and in backyards as they get together for the Christmas season; cherries piled high in bowls, sweet and recently ripe, black, red and almost yellow; kids playing in the backyard until well after nine when it starts to get dark; fresh seafood – prawns, oysters, crayfish; barbecues and unexpected visitors….
What we learn as children becomes what we relate to as adults. Those Christmases in Belgium reminded me that Christmas is more about memory and experience than anything else.
This is my first time guys.
Nice to see you here, Tony. Good name by the way … smiles
I’m not on Google+ – but I have been to read your poem Jewel of God; that’s a fine tribute to a lucky lady … smiles
Well, it’s time to clear the tables, mop the floor and get everything ship-shape for later on. The doors re-open at 3:00 EST.