An introduction.

[Boat]

A big hello to everyone at the Poet's Grave.

My name's Pat, short for Patrick and not Patricia, and I'm fifty years of age. I live in Essex but don't drive an Escort with shiny sports wheels (anymore). On turning fifty something unique happened to me, something which has never happened before...I discovered poetry! Well saying 'I discovered' it is a stretch, what I mean is i've, errm, stumbled upon it. I have not yet written a poet as this is a very recent stumble but I have taken the first step of buying myself a book called How to Write a Poem: A Beginner's Guide by Sean O'Neill. I'm currently digesting (time permitting) alliteration?, assonance?, onomatopoeia?, meter?, stanzas?, sonnets?, phew, had no idea what I am letting myself in for but time will tell.
I'll do my part in critiquing your poems but bear in mind it will be a layman's viewpoint with no technical contribution for obvious reasons (I don't understand the mechanics yet) so please take my critism with a pinch of salt.

Thanks for reading.

P.S. My spelling and punctuation are abismal (not sure I spelt that right?) so please feel free to pick me up on poor grammar as and when it occurs (which won't be too far away).

[David]

Welcome, Pat. All styles and stages of swimmers welcomed here. Looking forward to seeing you dip your toe in - or even your ankle, if you're feeling particularly daring.

Cheers

David

[Antcliff]

Greetings, Pat! There is quite a bit of banter, but we are, in reality, a friendly bunch.......of poetry addicts.


Best,
Seth

[Boat]

Thank you both for your greeting.

I've begun in earnest my first poem.

Stand by! (but don't hold your breath).

Rear guards.

[JJWilliamson]

Hi, Pat

Very good to see you posting here.

It's worth remembering that every member of PG's started from square one, and we're all of us still learning. The benefits of critique at PG are too numerous to mention, where examples of style, links to relevant source material and solid suggestions are quite common.

The forum will underline any spelling misteaks with a red squiggly line as you write and will even correct some mistakes as a personal favour. If you ignore the nudge it will post the poem as you've written it. I've made my share of spelling mistakes, I can tell you.

Best

JJ

[Boat]

Thank you for the welcome, JJ.

Yes I would say my understanding of poetry is already improving just by reading the comments left by others on various poems.

Not sure my spelling will ever improve though, lol.

All the best.

Pat.

[Pauline]

Hello Pat.
Is that yourself
I know that everyone called Pat is not Irish but my rellies are and I always assume...
Not a bother if you are not.
I won't think any less of you
I loved your introduction.
You come across as a friendly easy going, rather witty chap.
You have dived straight in with lots of encouraging positive comments.
I, like you know very little regarding the technicalities of poetry.
You will learn much from the critiques you receive and offer.
I hope you enjoy your poetry journey on this site as much as I have.
Welcome

[Jackie]

Welcome, Pat!

Jackie

[Boat]

Hello Pat.
Is that yourself
I know that everyone called Pat is not Irish but my rellies are and I always assume...
Not a bother if you are not.
I won't think any less of you
I loved your introduction.
You come across as a friendly easy going, rather witty chap.
You have dived straight in with lots of encouraging positive comments.
I, like you know very little regarding the technicalities of poetry.
You will learn much from the critiques you receive and offer.
I hope you enjoy your poetry journey on this site as much as I have.
Welcome

Hello, Pauline.

Yes, I am Irish, born but not bred. My parents brought me to England from Belfast when I was five (no I wasn't running from the law, lol). So now I am bi-accental, meaning I speak with an English accent to everyone who does not possess an Irish accent and with an Irish accent to my siblings and parents. This can be a bit confusing for people being introduced to me and my family for the first time as we keep switching accents without a moment's hasitation. Bewildering for some people, amusing to others. I guess I could say, modestly, that I am multi-talented, wink.

Thank you very much for your warm welcome. Appreciated.

Irish Pat.

[Boat]

Welcome, Pat!

Jackie

Jackie,

I thank you!

Pat.