Donovan invented everything did he not? Without him where would Dylan be?
January 25, 2012, 10:51 pm
Did you know that Donovan invented poetry? G
December 30, 2011, 10:04 pm
I was also at Seven - it was one of the best nights out I have had in a long time - performance poetry rocks!
KL
November 20, 2011, 1:40 pm
Raftery, saw you at Seven supporting Elvis MacGonagall. You were great as always and he was incredible. What a fantastic night out. MMx
November 18, 2011, 7:32 pm
Wow, back again in Headingley I see. At the new artistic centre. It is in my diary.
The Artful Codger
October 14, 2011, 4:00 pm
Oh how i love you little bear
With your golden blonde hair
When the sun rises, you shall shine
But what you don't know is , you will forever be mine
JN<3TM
October 12, 2011, 1:59 pm
Dese poems are BIG!
October 12, 2011, 1:57 pm
Looking forward to your performance at Crypt Festival at Temple Works, Holbeck in Leeds on 8 October 2011, Fundraising festival for St George's Crypt
August 19, 2011, 11:29 pm
Hello! Very good job(this site)! Thank you man.
May 24, 2011, 7:04 am
This website is both fashionably green and simultaneously groovy, man. I really dig it.
The Groover
May 13, 2011, 6:12 pm
Im gonna use my E.M.A to buy your book
L.D which stands for lewis d ;)
and i kill squirrels
October 20, 2010, 10:30 am
I LOVE YOUR WORK
from your secret admirer....R.C.
September 22, 2010, 10:18 am
I saw a poster advertising an event in Headingley in July. It is in my diary - I will bring a friend as well. Will we have to eat cold cabbage? (I think not). Don't mind a few hot cakes though!!
Helen Wheels
June 15, 2010, 2:53 pm
Your poems on the intellectual scale
are like the cat that got the cream
but the reason that i came here was
coz your're my total dream
March 17, 2010, 12:47 pm
If your poems were of rugby
Youd be a graceful hooker
But the reason that i came here was
to tell you you're a looker
March 17, 2010, 12:43 pm
I was recommended this site by my friend , and I must say your poems touch me deeply, such wisdom is potrayed through your poems, keep up the good work
yours sincerely
Philip McLarkin
March 17, 2010, 12:41 pm
Yo man , dese poems are de bled
March 17, 2010, 12:31 pm
Performing in Headingley? Wow - I will be there for deffo.
Tim O' Tay
March 16, 2010, 9:36 am
EXPLODE CATERPILLARS! 'TIS THE ONLY LANGUAGE THEY UNDERSTAND !?!?!??!
February 3, 2010, 9:46 pm
I like these poems.
Jenny K.
February 1, 2010, 7:32 pm
Yes! eazii blud wots gwarnin G sick poems bredrin! The Wagwan Man
January 25, 2010, 1:36 am
Is there such a thing as an obscurity measuring device or scale - like the Beaufort scale for example? Or shall I invent one?
Hugh Sless
January 16, 2010, 12:18 pm
Ha! But surely if you are so fond of your obscurity you would not be choosing to brag about it on such a high-profile website since your obscurity is thus diminished by this act!
Miss Ojee Nass
January 6, 2010, 11:39 am
I maintain that I am more obscure than Mr Johnson (see earlier messsage). No one has heard of me. I spend my days in an attic with only a few books (including the works of Raftery) for company. I claim greater obscurity.
Rob the Prod
December 30, 2009, 6:41 pm
I agree - Raftery for P.L. is a definite vote-winner. I'm with you all the way.
Sue Meegan (Have you seen my thorax?)
December 12, 2009, 10:14 pm
There is a good mixture here - lightness and shade, somewhere between Ian Dury, John Cooper Clarke and Nick Drake, with a dash of Betjeman. Raftery for Poet Laureate is what I do say!
George Johnson ( an obscure fan)
December 12, 2009, 10:13 pm
I must say i enjoy your poetry a lot, well done old chap.
Ryan chapman(Chappers)
December 9, 2009, 1:22 pm
And I have heard that the editor of the Daily Wail pockets a tasty 1.1 milion quid per annum. Nice work if you can get it and just for trying to scare people as well. I'll have some o' that merci beaucoup!
December 1, 2009, 9:22 pm
This is all very well but who actually owns the Telegraph? Not petty property speculating MPs that's fer sure.
Jorge
November 26, 2009, 10:51 pm
Poetry is the new Rock and Roll - I do believe. Though much harder to dance to isn't it though but?
Still...it meks you think!
Stan the man with the van
November 26, 2009, 10:49 pm
I hear they been throwing stones at the moon in some parts. Not enough literature you see. Keep spoonfeeding 'em I say.
Noah
October 13, 2009, 10:39 pm
This is an important point, for many leftists who rally to the cause of non-violent, pro-democracy, movement building, are professedly motivated by pro-democratic sentiments. ,
October 10, 2009, 8:47 pm
I heard you were good in the Adelphi! Sadly I could not be there. Maybe next time with a bit o' luck.
Flinn O'Broon
September 10, 2009, 8:49 pm
Spiffing!
We're gobbling our bones to read more of your dashing poems.
Love Ricky Clifford
July 7, 2009, 2:34 pm
You are awesome!!!
Legend
July 2, 2009, 9:07 am
Your poems have touched my inner side dearly I love you my mystery man. I've been stressed lately Can i have some tips. I love poets like you. you're amazing. Love from a mystery admirer
June 23, 2009, 10:17 am
In answer to the question below, the 'original' Raftery the Poet (Anthony Raftery)lived in Galway in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. He lost his sight as a young man and made a living wandering Galway and Mayo singing, reciting his verse and playing the fiddle. His poems (in Gaelic) are studied in Irish schools. Raftery died in 1836 and is buried in Kileeneen, Galway.
May 20, 2009, 9:52 pm
Can you tell me who the original 'Raftery, the poet' was - it's been bugging me for an age. I did used to know when I read the book but then, I did used to know an awful lot of things I don't know now.
Kevin.
May 20, 2009, 10:58 am
I saw you at Headingley festival. Great show!
Reedman
May 1, 2009, 6:39 pm
Are you perchance related to Jimmy and Liam Raftery of The Latchicoes found at www.myspace.com/thelatchcicoes ? They are pretty cool no! Thelma H.
January 13, 2009, 9:31 pm
This is very faxcinating site. A rarity indeed. I will return.
Roz Stroud
December 30, 2008, 10:41 pm
When will you be performing soon? I haven't seen a genius in a long time. Nay I recht nat a bean!
Mr Soft
November 23, 2008, 3:00 pm
I applaud your robust stance in favour of the poetry censors. People are not aware of the dangers inherent in studying poetry. I once read about some unfortunate who climbed a pylon and met the inevitable fate which befalls such adventurers. I wonder if he had been reading Stephen Spender who memorably compared the pylons to 'giant nude girls'. Need anymore be said? I think not. Is it to early to consider a blanket ban on some poets. Coleridge undoubtedly inspired many a blaggard to shoot at albatrosses.
Pitta O'Bread
September 23, 2008, 8:48 pm
A journeyman pile-cloth weaver eh! Thought tha taught English not bloody textiles.
Dave Johns
September 16, 2008, 2:23 am
Went to Wicked Words in Chapel A. but you were not there. I nearly cried.
The sobbing woman
September 5, 2008, 8:52 pm
I heard youse on the radio and it was brill! He should vary the music to take account of us young folks. Loved your beer boy poem.
Pete the Bleat (aged 41 and a bit)
August 5, 2008, 5:03 pm
At last,
Someone has the gumption to speak out against the lamentable Ross. He is the Emperor's New Clothes - no one dares to criticize him for fear of being seen as not hip, happening or down with the 'right on' crew. Until Now! Its time someone did a Clove Banderson number on him. i.e. walk out on him BeeGeeStylee and then watch him swiftly disappear from our screens.
Vin Powell
June 2, 2008, 11:01 pm
Very impressive site!!! full of vague ramblings!! I love it. Never tried grey squirrel but there's a place in otley that could use an alternative pizza topping, ham and pineapple is too, too common. Love that your post thingy has spellcheque - very un-common.
AILSA X
May 27, 2008, 9:24 pm
Wow,
just bin checkin your photo gallery - so there actually is a real life clocktower in Ormskirk! I have never been there but now I know I absolutely must - without delay. Are there any other landmarks detailed in your poems - a friend of mine insists that the bus station has been moved and isn't the one detailed in your poem Thorax. Is she right on this point?
Jenny McHugh
May 21, 2008, 10:19 pm
Ha Raftery,
I read today in the Observer that grey squirrels are now being eaten by increasing numbers of people. This must be due to your long-running campaign. A poet with influence - who would have thought it? Keep up the good work.
Luke Owens
May 11, 2008, 9:09 pm
I've just seen some incredible footage of the outspoken Raftery on the NUT picket line! Enough to make a Daily Mail reader choke on their cornflakes! Liam
April 29, 2008, 7:51 am
I love the new website - just read first chapter of your novel - I cannot weait for publication.
Arthur S.
April 19, 2008, 6:23 pm
Rather disappointed that Ben Corrigan is missing from your list of influences. Well, you'd better explain yourself, boy ! And walk the deck with swaggering gait.
Enjoy your site, and dip in to it now and again. Can Theta 3 be 40 years ago ?
Barry Ward.
April 10, 2008, 5:45 pm
'The Return Of The Black Magician' eh? I can't wait till it is available - judging by the odd extract on yer website it seems like a sort of Harry Potter for grown-ups (type of thing)Patrick Lock
March 6, 2008, 9:08 pm
What becomes of Cuba
As Fidel steps aside?
Uncle Sam's jaws are widening
Like Dracula meeting his bride?
by the ghost of Jack London
February 19, 2008, 10:14 pm
'The light at the end of the tunnel was nothing but a burglar's torch.'
John Fogerty
February 17, 2008, 6:30 pm
This is all very well but in reality what can it all mean? Where are we all heading? Can you shed light on the mystery?
El Mysterioso
February 12, 2008, 9:02 pm
In answer to the question below, from an unnamed correspondent, the answer is yes on both counts.
A message from Raftery himself on his own website
February 4, 2008, 11:12 pm
Hi there,
Just wondering do you draw inspiration from the original Raftery the Poet: Aodhan O Rathaile who was blind, homeless, and frequently drunk, and used to wander East Co. Galway in Ireland during the early 19th Century and write rockin' poetry on current events, satire etc, in Irish? Could I suggest a cross-cultural project and associated publication?
February 3, 2008, 10:13 pm
Raftery,
You should be supporting the great Morrissey on his tour - what a winning combination of northern wit, culture and lyrical verse!
Stenno
January 27, 2008, 9:39 pm
Raftery,
Have just read 'Too Big for this town'. Was bowled over by its majesty, its lyrical splendour and its almost Morisseyesque whimsey ! More soon please from the playful pen of Raftery, but maybe with a few references to ample sets of buttocks?
Yours Hopefully,
The Right Honourable Bulge Temptingly M.P.
January 20, 2008, 11:09 pm
I must go to Ormskirk sometime - it sounds like an interesting place. For people of my attributes anyway!
Helen (aka 'melons' but no you can't have a photo)Connelly
January 20, 2008, 6:50 pm
Ha,
Your mysteriously named correspondent Mr Myzektopatic clearly is unfamiliar with your body of work otherwise he would know that you are 'Too Big For This Town' which must, I suppose, even include the 'Pool.
'Hogo' Hogan'
January 17, 2008, 9:14 pm
Hi Raftery,
Why are you not involved in the City of Culture show? - you are surely one of Liverpool's finest living poets.
Mr Myzektopatic
January 13, 2008, 3:09 pm
ezii now raftafarian!!
Howz it hanging in RS mayte
yooh is da best poet init
G W
December 7, 2007, 7:54 pm
Blessed be the name of Sam
A kindly benevolent dude
Who bought a pile of revision guides
-a change from being rude
He filled his gob with chewing gum
He ate a pile of chips
Then went and played a game of footy
whilst on magic mushroom trips
He met a guy called Calvin
And said how do you do?
Do you fancy going for a pint
And then we’ll have a spew
No fanks says Calvin quite disturbed
It is not quite my scene
I’d rather stay in watching telly
And quaffing tins of beans
December 7, 2007, 4:54 pm
Ha, Brokeback Mountain should be renamed 'Boreback Mountain' as it is tedious in the extreme. Also people keep saying it is 'gay cowboy movie' but there are no cows in it whatsoever just loads of sheep.
Durham Frank
November 25, 2007, 10:39 pm
Hi Raft,
Jonathan Woss does say 'noos' doesn't he? It really gets on my nerves after a while. Why does he torment us so?
Ange
November 25, 2007, 10:36 pm
The moon does not heed the barking of dogs.
FACT. The least boy always carries the greatest fiddle. TRUE. You are the genius. INDISPUTABLE. Eno Barbus
November 22, 2007, 2:19 am
Thought Henry Paul was a rugby player???? totally disagree with your conspiracy theory but still love ya. Riggsy
November 8, 2007, 9:43 pm
Hi Raft,
Caught yourself on the radio - an amazing performance - I think you should have your own show. Now what would ye call it?
McQuillan
October 31, 2007, 9:08 pm
Raftery,
I hear that you are going to be featured on Radio Leeds again. I intend to make myself a long drink and then just lie back and enjoy the pearls of wisdom delivered in your mellifluous tone for the whole two hours. What is more I shall make a copy and repeat the exercise again and again. I am already hot with anticipation!!!
Ramona (come closer)
October 29, 2007, 10:59 pm
Raftery it's Damian.
Hows it all going?
I read the poems and enjoyed them.
Take care.
October 16, 2007, 12:11 pm
Hell Oh Magnifico Poet,
Twas great to chance upon this site
so wonderful and serene
it makes me feel so cool and calm
perhaps it is the green!
I wish you well
Dan Blocko
October 13, 2007, 5:10 pm
I must get down to Wicked Words
if it's the last thing I ever do
For I know that if I get there
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
OK I know it's not exactly Keats but I think you get my drift....(as my boyfriend said after sending me a great big bag of snow)
Juicy Lucy
October 8, 2007, 10:07 pm
Hi Raft,
I wish you were on My A level syllabus - it would be far more lively and enjoyable than some of the drivel we are forced to endure like 'C.A.D.' to mention no names, know what I mean?
Tom Barlow
October 8, 2007, 10:03 pm
An incredible site which is both enlightening and humorous simultaneously. My life is changed forever! Bev McPherson
September 17, 2007, 8:10 pm
Hello Raftery,
What a fabulous site. I will be placing an order for your publications forthwith as it is a long time since I read such direct,accessible verse. MOOOOOOOOve over John Heggardly and the rest is what I say!
Jimmy (Jonno) Johnson
September 16, 2007, 4:46 pm
I keep returning to this site like a moth to a flame. It is so soothing and easy on the eyes. Why are you not more famous? 'Tis a scandal indeed. J.L.
September 13, 2007, 3:58 pm
Hello, Your site is great. Regards, Valintino Guxxi
August 21, 2007, 12:47 pm
Hi R. I very much enjoyed reading the poems and other items on this site. Hope you may perform down here in Norwich at some point.
Olivia H.
August 13, 2007, 10:16 pm
Hello! Good Site! Thank you! You are the Genius. Jorge
July 30, 2007, 1:51 pm
go raftery the poetry is amazing. but im sure ive already said that in person at school...
July 15, 2007, 7:00 pm
Hi Raftery,
I hear on the grapevine you may be making a public appearance in Chapel Alerton soon - I will be there for sure.
Viv
June 26, 2007, 8:30 pm
Hi Raftery the Poet! I see the greening of a poet who would in time leave a mark on the pages of poetry. I like the choice of green. Best wishes
Poet Baru Gobira
June 2, 2007, 10:09 am
Raftery! fait par bien. Grand emplacement et grande poésie. Ayez maintenant vos deux livres: "A Smart Boy Wanted" and "Too Big For This Town" Maintenez le bon travail. De votre banjo jouant le compagnon réunissez le membre dans le 'Barillet de Poudre.'
Mike G
May 30, 2007, 5:38 pm
So green and so serene - c'est magnifique!
Mia
May 25, 2007, 4:03 pm
I like the poem about Lucille Hewitt. I did not know she had dies in real life. Very sad.
Stephen Sphincter
May 21, 2007, 11:01 pm
Hi Raftery,
Just got 'Too Big For This Town' and read it from cover to cover. I was totally absorbed in it. When will you be performing in Lancashire again (vicinity of Burnley preferably)?
Rosie B.
May 20, 2007, 8:40 am
Hi Poetic one,
I long to see you perform live again - please post on your site when you will next be somewhere in the vicinity of Yorkshire.
Jo R.
May 17, 2007, 9:59 pm
Hi Raftery the Poet,
Where have you been my blue-eyed son? I hear you are big in Norwich but are you too big for this town?
Mags H.
May 17, 2007, 9:54 pm
Hi Richard.
Your guestbook is now restored.
May you have lots of happy posters to this new facility.
May a thousand blessing be upon your website.
May your poems ring out across the Cosmos and enlighten all beings.
May I stop writing this claptrap.
Cheers, Ray
May 16, 2007, 1:51 pm