Donovan invented everything did he not? Without him where would Dylan be?

Did you know that Donovan invented poetry? G

I was also at Seven - it was one of the best nights out I have had in a long time - performance poetry rocks!
KL

Raftery, saw you at Seven supporting Elvis MacGonagall. You were great as always and he was incredible. What a fantastic night out. MMx

Wow, back again in Headingley I see. At the new artistic centre. It is in my diary.
The Artful Codger

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

Dese poems are BIG!

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

Hello! Very good job(this site)! Thank you man.

This website is both fashionably green and simultaneously groovy, man. I really dig it.
The Groover

Im gonna use my E.M.A to buy your book
L.D which stands for lewis d ;)
and i kill squirrels

I LOVE YOUR WORK
from your secret admirer....R.C.

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

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

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

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

Yo man , dese poems are de bled

Performing in Headingley? Wow - I will be there for deffo.
Tim O' Tay

EXPLODE CATERPILLARS! 'TIS THE ONLY LANGUAGE THEY UNDERSTAND !?!?!??!

I like these poems.
Jenny K.

Yes! eazii blud wots gwarnin G sick poems bredrin! The Wagwan Man

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

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

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

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?)

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)

I must say i enjoy your poetry a lot, well done old chap.
Ryan chapman(Chappers)

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!

This is all very well but who actually owns the Telegraph? Not petty property speculating MPs that's fer sure.
Jorge

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

I hear they been throwing stones at the moon in some parts. Not enough literature you see. Keep spoonfeeding 'em I say.
Noah

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. ,

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

Spiffing!
We're gobbling our bones to read more of your dashing poems.
Love Ricky Clifford

You are awesome!!!
Legend

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

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.

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.

I saw you at Headingley festival. Great show!
Reedman

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.

This is very faxcinating site. A rarity indeed. I will return.
Roz Stroud

When will you be performing soon? I haven't seen a genius in a long time. Nay I recht nat a bean!
Mr Soft

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

A journeyman pile-cloth weaver eh! Thought tha taught English not bloody textiles.

Dave Johns

Went to Wicked Words in Chapel A. but you were not there. I nearly cried.
The sobbing woman

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)

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

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

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

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

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

I love the new website - just read first chapter of your novel - I cannot weait for publication.
Arthur S.

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.

'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

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

'The light at the end of the tunnel was nothing but a burglar's torch.'
John Fogerty

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

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

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?

Raftery,
You should be supporting the great Morrissey on his tour - what a winning combination of northern wit, culture and lyrical verse!
Stenno

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.

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

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'

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

ezii now raftafarian!!
Howz it hanging in RS mayte
yooh is da best poet init
G W

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

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

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

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

Thought Henry Paul was a rugby player???? totally disagree with your conspiracy theory but still love ya. Riggsy

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

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)

Raftery it's Damian.
Hows it all going?
I read the poems and enjoyed them.
Take care.

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

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

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

An incredible site which is both enlightening and humorous simultaneously. My life is changed forever! Bev McPherson

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

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.

Hello, Your site is great. Regards, Valintino Guxxi

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.

Hello! Good Site! Thank you! You are the Genius. Jorge

go raftery the poetry is amazing. but im sure ive already said that in person at school...

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

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

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

So green and so serene - c'est magnifique!
Mia

I like the poem about Lucille Hewitt. I did not know she had dies in real life. Very sad.
Stephen Sphincter

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.

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.

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.

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