Insight april journal by David W Palmer

Poetry | Art | Music | Essays & Stories

The Editor’s Quill Maricris Cabrera David Palmer Welcome to our Third Edition of inSIGHT Journal. We had made beautiful plans to celebrate the color and gaiety of Spring. Then tragedy struck with the unexpected death of our brother poet, Michael James Garland, and we put together a tribute by which our entire community could share their grief, pay their respects and remember the poet from Hawaii who always had an encouraging word, a welcoming grace, and who made each of us feel how important we were to him. Fifty poets participated in this tribute, which speaks volumes to the esteem in which we held him. He was and ever will be a cherished brother. We will open the Journal with Michael’s tribute.

Something new in this issue is the “mini anthology” section in which each poet was given the opportunity to present a multi-page spread of their favorite poems. Not everyone took us up on the offer, but we think you will enjoy the work of those who did.

We hope you notice lots of new features that sets this journal apart from her sister issues released in October and January. Truly this has been an “on-the -job training” opportunity for us both. Please give us your feedback. We welcome the opportunity to grow.

Maricris Cabrera, Producer & Editor

David Palmer, Editor & Layout

Table of Contents Editors’ Quill Tribute to Michael James Garland Owners’ Anthologies Poets’ Anthologies Poems for Ryder Structured Poetry Class — Sonnet Baby Girl 2017 Spring Fling Mother Earth: Our Home, Our Responsibility Mothers’ Day Jazz: The Community Collaborative Project Martin Luther King: What Has Become of the Dream Miscellaneous Poems Conversations Along the Path List of Contributors

2 4 62 82 148 160 178 218 248 280 312 338 358 364 380

Cover Art: AleXanDrėa, “Ripple Effect,” Used by Permission

We lost a very precious poet and friend Michael James Garland today. No words can describe how much sadness I feel right now. My heart goes to his family for the loss of the person who was so caring and touched all of our hearts. — Laughing Waters

Dear friends, we are all astonished at the loss of a friend, a poet, but in the knowledge that his verses will now be heard in the Heaven. For the family, my prayers and condolences! — Gel Poetry Garden Mahalo dearest Michael. You are in a far, far better place than any of us right now. You deserve the best here and ever after sweet soul! My condolences and prayers to family and friends — Skylark Hatee

Goodbye dear friend.My deep condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.I couldn't think that you would leave for your heavenly abode so early. — Malay Nandy

This is so sad... My sincere condolences and prayers. Our deepest feelings would reach him and somewhere he would happily rest in peace. — Dr. Tanvi Shah

It's such sad news about you my friend But we' re just helpless again destiny. The most important thing about your life is thar you were a poet. You wrote poetry and had had eternal moments ! A great achievement by all standards. My condolences to your family.May God endow you with more and more peace and blessings — Dilip Vyas

and the pride within my heart. Your voice walks on in their words.

My Dearest Mike, I must write you now a tribute but I am not ready to say goodbye. To which of you should I be paying tribute? The poet? The friend? The musician? The love? The husband? (Your words my sweet.) My darling Poet...my thoughts have not changed since our first encounter...you are the epitome of a Poet, of Poetry, it was not a talent, but a gift you were blessed with, a gift you shared with honor. A gift you worked tirelessly to perfect. And perfect it you did my sweet. Your support to other artists was a blessing to all, your encouragement became the strength in their craft

My friend, my dearest, closest friend, I am lost without you. You were so much too so many, and everything to me. You gave your time, your love, your kindness and compassion always, to all in need without question... To have known the essence of you is to have been touched by an angel.

My musician, my darling musician. Who now will serenade me as the birds awaken? The celestial skies are blessed with those magic fingers and honey curved voice... I will sing on, out of tune with my made up words, for you Mike and from the heavens you will finish every song, nursery rhyme, Christmas song and lullaby that I start. We will sing together as you play guitar my darling musician.

My love. My heart has been forever touched by your essence, we are one, our souls entwined in unity. You walk in my heart forever more, our souls married in unison, rest now my love, for you are free. My Dearest Mike, My tribute is not my words, for they fail me now more than ever. My tribute, is my promise, my darling husband, souls married in the spiritual essence of divinity... home we discovered is within each other, my darling, be at peace for you are home now within me, and you travel to the heavens a spiritually married man where I know you will watch me, guide me and protect me until that time when I return home to you. Until that day, my sweet, I will carry the essence of you upon my tongue. Your courage will be the wind beneath my wings and I will fly,

just as you always believed I could. I will be the Poet (Poetess) you saw. I will be the Love I showed only you. Your light, walks now with me, and I will do you proud. I promise, I will become our dreams. Karen Hayward ÂŠ March 3rd 2017

Ebb and Flow: Meander sweet dream, Cast away doubt and cool my savage hunger, Let the river flow to sweet loves conclusion, Let the cooling waters temper sweet passion, Let my tempest flurry caressing your fertile shores, I am the waves that wash upon thee, gentile, insistent, inevitable, You give life, You feed thy children and contentment is realized, You give your all; never wishing quarter for selfless is your soul, Flow on waters of sweet loves repose, Clear is my path, marked in fragrant raptureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sweet embrace, Our melding complete in this river of time, Are we not necessary? How could anything be more necessary? Are we not life for thy womb is genesis? I sow the seeds in heavens embrace upon thy sweet dewy petals, Let me pillow upon your harbor and drink deeply at need, For I will flow into thee as an ageless dance, And we will know timeless melding, For clearly we are love, We are life, We are continuation, We are creation.

This symphonic movement

This ebb and flow 'tis the natural order of our pairing Taking root from beneath the Sacred soil and sea Therefore let our energies dance into one another Like a silent river that flows passion's thunder Unfurling itself in waves of ecstasy Watch how they eagerly rush to kiss the lips of the shore Sending sirens and rocks to sing with sound and fury Of life's rapturous beauty For you and I are all of life And all of life is emanating from within us Forever flowing towards the center of knowing Into waters that run deep into a cosmic blue depth that is fathomless Where love sets us free in a single merge Causing the pulse of passion to quicken For I am flowing into you as you reach towards my sacred center We two forever altered by this connection Listen to the sound of our hearts beat faster and faster each time we reach for lightening And explode as one into an ecstasy of cosmic energy Creating a heavenly synergy of love's flowering For we are the miracle that is ever unfolding/expanding Ever reaching towards completion ...we are creation

ÂŠ 2016 Michael James Garland and Skylark Hatee

Venita Sheppard Father I lift my hands to you. Take dear Michael forever in your loving arms. Amen and amen

while tears fall a poet uplifts with words ...the impact In memory of Michael Garland. R.I.P. Dear Poet.

ÂŠ 2017 Fractled

My Dedication for Michael James Garland ÂŠ Harold Bo Clapsaddle 2017

his instruct vast civilized became poetry given his true art dressed glove of understanding whereof our brother passed, has nurtured with love.

The dews drew shake of goose bump where labors all his leisure gave unto his helping this fair poet down in the dumps his kindness so rosy, petal dropped you May he be at rest, yes, you, his kindred spirit that writes along the crystal shores yes, you, the poet blessed his indicts. starlit his poetry moon-beamed throughout So many innumerable the generations that have been helped comes upon yours have grown in their poetic knowledge shout not, whisper softly that the count lifts him heavenly, dealt onto ears of doubt mine of general nonsense give reason to his death, without college for it ink-stamps was tutored in poetry and my heart with his loss, guided by him as my brain vamps. an instructor that lectured drilled his friend. For all poets Michael James Garland pieced together An honor it was to meet him they of poor, they so rich, or like me, awhile past of burnt leather. for his memory shall live in many a heart Rest brother, rest, the angels shall be cast his love, his patience, your wings.

In Aloha Remembrance ÂŠ Harold Bo Clapsaddle 2017 His memory, his legacy, his love, shall be remembered for eternity the gold gilded winds are now being cast all his Heavenly poetry. His reassurance tides on the kindest hearts, given parts of red seas awash island of arts. His Aloha spirit prevails throughout the islands gracing inter-netters and interpreters On-Highlands. My splashing tears resound in his poetry whereby heart is of sorrow as woe be ye. Divide I not, to mourn where all life falls where bawls soul, where God now calls. I applaud his touching and gifted bouquet

to give kudos to those whom this he did lay. We fellow poets are in cause and effect are the many roses set funeral bouquet. For we shall soon wilt away also as did Michael my dear loving bro.

Though the winds do blow cold chilly snow know that Bo loves ya as yours really did show. Aloha Bro Aloha the Angels now call as ye rest, as deathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chill does thaw.

God bless your journey, Michael You’re in safe keeping My only gift is words as yourself Can feel the pain Golden gates awaits Your weary soul; now home The loss is great to ones Left to wait; shepherd shall Carry you home You are free from life's Pains and sufferings Rains and storms gone Gliding upon angel wings Rainbows up high may you fly Within the sunshine

Fish upon the banks with God Rest within the blossoms of love Bright and beautiful Forever may you rest above Treasures untold lie within your grasp God's garden of peace

At the master’s side mansions Where poets and poetesses have gone Before, writers to glance inside love’s Deepest words the scriptures unheard The secrets you gained for your work Obtained in your earthly body Now a halo shall stay in God’s grace Time is the only healer Memories a blessing to family Never say goodbye, just see you soon For now here’s a rose To lay upon your chest For the lamb of God, creation’s best One simple red rose Book of life, Michael Garland A writer’s cove. a poet’s novel Filled with love and sorrows Dedicated to you and family Rest in peace

You found your wings and now you leave, found your way back home. I can't believe you're gone And I must without you live May you rest in peace. Your memory will be forever cherished.

ÂŠ 2017 Lily "Pualani" Kampz

we farewelled summer the first leaf of autumn fell then came the rain ÂŠ 2017 Garry Spooner 2 March 2017

Michael I felt the blow within my stomach hard, Although in flesh this man I had not met, His passing deeply caught me quite off guard, The words he wrote lit up the internet. A gentleman still well within his prime, ’Twas he who wrote of beauty and of love, And now he’s taken well before his time, To dwell among the angels up above. But God Who sees much more than we on earth, Called out to him and said its time to come, It’s for this day you’ve journeyed since your birth, While those you leave behind to grief succumb, Although he had no power to refuse, His spirit still, will live on in his muse. © Garry Spooner 2 March 2017

Requiem for the Renaissance ( A tribute to Michael James Garland } Angelic in Life A romanticist's Romantic Words that bleed Love Cover his Pages To be Remembered Down through the Ages Silent are the tears I Cry Wanting not to say Goodbye Only till we meet again, with Pleasure Taken far too Soon Though we cannot judge God A heart as big as Heaven His words still make me Swoon A star among his Brethren A beautiful Soul So gracious and Kind A beautiful Man With an 'American Renaissance' Mind Though you be laid to Rest You leave us with Treasures Aloha, dear Michael! Aloha! Till we meet again, with Pleasure. Karen Hines ÂŠ March 2017 It is with a heavy heart I wrote these words, as I feel I have just lost a family member and a jolly, wise friend. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. Indeed, R.I.P. dearest Michael. Till we meet again, with pleasure. With much love, Karen.

In memory The poet who lived and charmed In the arms of prose and poetry Sleep now in the arms of eternity His poetry will gain new inspirations, Splashing letters here and there Heaven will be much more poetic Here, family and friends pray for you, Longing, commotion, sadness, After all, we are human and more: We see the world and the others With the sensitivity of the poets ... There, 'the Lord, the righteous Judge, Will reward you with the laurels of fame '.

ÂŠ 2017 Gel Poetry Garden

WE EMBRACE YOU THROUGH OUR PRAYER Everyone is grieving for your sudden passing Our heart is aching for we couldn't read your beautiful verses again. tears fell from our eyes for we couldn't see your lovely blue eyes We felt your heart and your soul through your poetry. Big bro, your words would always remain in our heart. May our prayers embrace you and bring you to heaven with peace. Aloha my friend...

ÂŠMari Felices

A Tribute by Mari Felices Life is too short Before we become friends on Facebook, I met Michael first here at G+ when he commented to my poem WILL YOU BE MY MAN? He said, "Yes, yes I will " Since then I followed his writing. I admired his romantic poem He is so cute and I like his blue eyes. We never talked that much, we just only interacted with each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poems. He always said ALOHA to everyone. He was really good to me, He encouraged me to continue writing. And gave me some tips about writing. and his words will always remain in my heart. I'm still in the state of shock. And I couldn't control my tears: my unseen friend, a big brother to me, a poet, musician, a beautiful soul. May you rest in peace!

A friend from across the sea, Poetic write for you and me. Spreading words of joy from the heart, In collaboration or by himself from miles apart. From Hawaiian shores he would send his best, This friendly poet with Creator now he rests. Look upon the waves and remember him well, Poetic rhythm was a story he would tell.

I sent my prayers to the heavens above, To all his family and friends he loves. Ă ho! Amen! Namaste! Aloha! Peace my friend.

ÂŠ Robert Gillette

Aloha My Hawaiian friend You rode the surf of life Weaving words With your poetic pen Now you've gone And on the morrow You write for Angels And yet in sorrow We smile For you are home and rested With a feathered quill Penning perfection So fare well ("Let God's grace bestow upon thee") My Hawaiian friend. The line in brackets an edit from one of Michael's poems Mal ward poem ÂŠ 2017

Mahalo Your journey here with us has ended But you will be remembered, poet We will always hear your fascinating words We will always look at your sapphire -blue eyes As the mirror of your kindness Memories are here to remind Everything that we share. Mahalo Just remember that you are in our hearts Because you are God's work of art Aloha is not goodbye, my friend Until we meet again Until we will be together in the end.

Remembering Michael (Sonnet 393) This was a kairos moment where life falls Into the divide between I knew not Yet, and sadly, mournfully, I do now. Hail friend! Aloha! Colleagues, yet unmet. One shares in spirit a recognized trait. He speaks in a soul voice I recognize Those having tasted divine fruit are chang'd Knowing colorful flavors untasted. Into your world you invited me then For what joy can there be if it's unshar'd Generously fed me heavenly bread. Today you walk in Edenic delight That far-off country describ'd, now is home!

Aloha! (Sonnet #394) Today we meet and greet with joy, indeed Tomorrow we are parted for a time But to and fro, in and out, together Or apart the word remains, "Aloha!" Paths do merge and then diverge and sometimes Journey's take us through those lonely turnings But never do our souls admit divide For friendship is the means of unity Thus have we found in Island ways one thing Constant shall remain. Hello and good-bye In company or in solitary Truly we're ne'er apart, still, Aloha! Days do end and sun sinks West we enter That dark night, await sunrise, Aloha! ÂŠ 2017 David W. Palmer In memory of Michael James Garland, Rest In Peace, my friend Mahalo, until we meet again.

Moments and memories Into my heart I kept Carried over to infinity Holding back tears of sadness As I silently whisper Everlasting peace may you have Love verses by you not be forgotten Go to the light And embrace it Rest now, gentle poet Lay your soul to heaven Along with hallowed angels sing Nothing is more grand than to be home in paradise Death is the key to have eternal life. In memory of a dear poet friend ÂŠ 2017 Marina B. Paredes

falling star across the dark sky ashes falling over ocean's blue, so I paused said my prayers and continued my walk; island's sand still warm to touch wind is messing with the palm trees nothing is the same since my friend crossed over the big Red River. He was always first to laugh and give a helpful hand

and catch my tears I remember when we met He did told me "Don't you worry, Write what comes to you. Be true, please don't worry Someone'll get it, Don't be guessing What they want, Write just how it comes Be open, let them see Your soul, your heart, Tell them how you feel Be honest, trust me No one ever writes it perfect, So just write, straight From your heart. See you soon, Aloha!â&#x20AC;?

Now You are gone of a butterfly I wish you could stay So much more ÂŠ 2017 Laughing Waters I need to know Waves turn the sand, Pull me away But I'm still Walking the shoreline I can see footprints You left, so much bigger Than my footprint I will follow you, my friend Hope one day I can meet you Once again on gold shores last breath carried away with the wind between the wings

Sweet dreams

from harm Your love they

Sweet dreams

Still remember at

and goodnight

Night as we all

My wish is that the

Dream and the memories

Angels have tucked

Of all the good times

You in tight

will always

If you listen real

Keep in their new wings

Close you can hear

So don't worry

The angels as they

About our loved ones

Sing and welcome

Who have left us

Home The new angels as

as they are in

They get their

a much better place

Pretty wings

Filled with the love

Filled with nothing

Of all our angels

But love now

we have lost

As they were called

As they get their

To come back home

new wings

The new angels will Watch over us

Richard M Knittle Jr.

To keep all their

ÂŠ A Poetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journey

loved ones

A Tribute to Michael James Garland By Lawyer Jagdish B. Joshi Let me to pay tribute to Michael James Garland, a pious poetic soul in the form of a mortal that descended from heaven to make us imbibe his poetry in this mundane world which is subject to the passing away once as per Natural/Godly doctrine, wherein none can do anything, except constraining us to be hopeless & helpless and making us weep ever, irrespective of whether we personally met or not. His recent passing affects our hearts, for he and we are human beings, who never like it, when any of us, known or unknown, passes away for good, for we are not non-living things like stones. Rest in peace. I try my best to create a poetic tribute this pious poetic soul that is henceforth no longer amongst us except by his poetic words for ever for generations and years to come. Rest in Peace & Amen!

Elinete Beija Beija Mocedade

........＊｡∴＊＊☆＊＊∴｡＊.∴:＊◎☆★☆◎＊＊:∴. ＊.::＊◎★＼川／ ★◎＊::.＊＊∴＊☆ ＼＼★／／ ☆ ＊∴＊＊＊＊＊＊.... Peace...＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊ eternal peace.＊＊＊＊☆☆ ＊☆☆Goodbye＊＊＊☆☆＊＊☆☆ ＊☆Aloha ☆dear☆☆Michael ☆☆☆ ☆＊:☆:☆＊☆☆／川＼☆☆＊::ﾟ＊★ ＊∵＊☆ ／／＊ ★Λ＼＼ ☆ ＊☆☆☆ ﾟ＊::＊◎★／川＼★◎＊::ﾟ＊＊＊∵＊ ◎☆★☆◎ ＊::∵ﾟ＊＊ﾟ＊.∵:＊＊◎＊＊｡∵･ﾟ＊＊ﾟ･∵∴｡:☆::∴∵･ﾟ＊ Vou pensar muito em você Michael energia boa! até mais… I will think a lot about you, Michael. Good Energy. See you.

Morreu um poeta! Doce alma, você disse que estava pronto para morrer?!? Agora, você está livre! Verdadeiramente livre.

Here is the translation of Elinete's beautiful verse, courtesy of Google Translate. A poet died!

Sweet soul, Did you say you were ready to die?!? Now, you're free! Truly free.

Você não morreu por acaso! Você vive... nas palavras, nas rimas, nas páginas... Nas linhas sangradas das suas poesias. You did not die by chance! Finalmente vivo! You live ... in words, in rhymes, in pages ... Um poeta não morre! In the bleeding lines Ele vive... of his poetry. Para sempre livre! I finally live! Rest In Peace dear Michael A poet does not die! (c) Elinete B. B. Mocidade He lives... 25 de março 2017 Forever free! Rest In Peace dear Michael

Isn't it funny how lives intersect? You are over there and I am here Only your passing allowed me a glimpse Such irony I see a man truly gifted One who feared not to share his gifts I am sorry our lines never crossed I'm puzzled A life is measured by the souls it touches If each soul is currency You are among the richest of time ÂŠ 2017 Duane Phillips

I HAVE LOST SOMETHING O my beautiful poet friend living far away I could not imagine You will go so far that You can not return physically.

Though I never met you But hearing the news of your departure I felt , I have lost some part of my body. A poet gets hurt by the departure of the unknown It's difficult to imagine how a poet like me Can feel on departure of a poet friend like you. Though physically you are gone away But you are still alive Still alive in the form of your poetry. When I'll read a line of your poetry Your beautiful face will appear I'll say how are you Garland? In reply you'll recite your whole poem. You are ever alive in this world You'll live in my heart for ever. But your memory will create pain. ÂŠ 2017 SURINDER SINGH CHOHKA

In the Agony in the agony of his good bye being forced not by choice is that gut wrenching pain suffocating the heart's beat an excruciating sorrow flow gasping for the breath of air lifeline that escapes fingers your soul's cries in mourning a love that can't be replaced no matter how you contend to eradicate what they mean no one can take their place seated in your heart's throne forever embedded ever after you play with life and death cruel sickening love games memories of him you chase his faded face contemplate his words play back all over prolonging the time of hurt although he's irreplaceable someday you will love again as you did once upon a time slow down talk to your heart one day at a time to survive

hours move in slow motion in retrospect and reminisce this distraught sweet agony matter of a soul's dying time a rebirth of a new day dawns what would break your heart only forced you to be strong blessed lesson so unplanned renewed wisdom you gained an awakening in love's ache in the agony of his good bye

ÂŠBetania Mia 2017

She Weeps the wind blows as it sometimes will a silent hush stills the currents of air the curtains sway to the breeze softly upon a desk a journal with blank pages anticipating the poet's daily entry lines the quill lays still on the empty pages the full inkwell tarries in expectation awaiting for the poet to sit and write the vase glistens to the dawn's light the solitaire, saddened rose grieves she wilts as her petals are quivering softly shivering to the flickering wind petals languish as she slowly withers in her petals dew drops forming tears he won't write this morning his poems the white rose is gasping for her breath unprepared for his unforeseen departure she laments her poet's sudden farewell rose of mourning longing for her beloved she weeps and succumbs to her sorrow

ÂŠBetania Mia 2017

POETS NEVER DIE They say poets inhale poetry. Their endurance is eternal. They diffuse fragrance pleasing the ordinary. And become an eternal inspiration. Woven sheets of letters composed under a starry sky. Is a poet’s piece of life, dedicated to you. Each such step walked with him, Makes you first a soul before acting the body. Poet’s life is the warmth, the crimson rays scatter, Before finally drowning into the ocean deep. A life lived by each heart, through his poetry. However when we swallow a fact, you have gone, We accompany your incomplete book, this teary evening. Written pages have influenced, with the blanks we pray. And hence You, in our hearts would reside, Walking our lives through your words Always and Forever.

©Dr. Tanvi Shah

A calling came from up above They needed another angel full of love To spread their wings and shine their light Michael James Garland was clear in sight Without hesitation he answered that call And now he shines bright for each and all A star in the sky and an angel in flight Look up high to where he is at night ÂŠ 2017Mff (Mike Writes Strainhunter AMS)

We May All Salute Him With Our Love ~ A Collaboration A poet who brought joy to many lives Michael James Garland; was taken away To a better place; a sweet soul arrives When someone dies; it so darkens our day It's impossible to know; all the flock Here we are friends, so that lasts forever One of our own died; that came as a shock Born of a feather; flocking together Similar natures; are best understood Soft of heart and soul; to friends, we relate We are, soft beings; made of, flesh and blood Born, to die; sadly, we share that same fate We send condolences; to his loved ones His love light, burned bright; as a thousand suns. ÂŠ A. L. Schers 2017 ÂŠ Niamh Serendipity 2017

It is sad to know you are no more with us, a wonderful poet who wrote with ease, poems and songs many kind, shall always be remembered. Be at peace and harmony, you are a shining star, guiding us all G+ will always miss you Michael Garland truly missed. ÂŠ jayashree trao

So Long Poet Friend I did not know ye Yet I am saddened By the loss of thee The world is a little less bright A poet laureate A shining light Has been taken this very night Striving for baccalaureate Never to attain such a lofty height So long poet friend As you ascend Into the Promised Land Let the light Of our Lord Shine upon you Rest in Peace Michael James Garland

ÂŠ Phil Renaud 2017

For a poet friend who has gone away, Michael Garland ... Falling tree Is your memory, and mild Words. ÂŠ 2017 Text & Photo Mara L

Time comes goes like a Wild flower beneath stone A seed of life gives spirit Within the time you came A while you stayed leaves Your footprint within souls Your spirit lives in us daily Your work Michael a legacy Blends our poetry platform You brought it alive gives, A great bond between us You forever live love and light

ÂŠ 2017 Joan Thomas

In Memory Of A Dear Poet Take your pick from the skies My blossoms will fly through the spring Summer will bring the heatwave of my words An impact often felt by many I don't have to question if feelings are real or not They catch the doubts of life And breathe depth into stories untold You must understand the importance of ink to understand me You have to grasp each word to know the lines Sheet music need be relatable as I Proceed with melodies into the skies Read the symphony through these lines Understand we gained a new friend We are a people who can testify to an existence This vessel didn't come to this earth unnoticed He left something behind He used his gifts here, he didn't hide them away Showed loved here and used his connection To relate with us in words, in pictures, in life Spread your wings, Mr. Garland Spread them wide.

ÂŠ 2017 Pebbles WroteIt (Pebble$ Blog)

Curiosity got the friendship started He listens.. really listens The message popped, and compassion plays its part introductions made So as he speaks, I understand So a line was opened, freely given I respond, he listens from my end It's not empathy that wheels in, For a pen handler who now dares but a deeper feel of what's within speak his thoughts And the best part is.. Even of emotions locked for an inWhen he abides, tangible situation his situation brightens And that leaves a feeling I am a friend, sincere but blunt of fulfillment I guess he appreciated the moFor I was entrusted with ments when I talk straight, his fragile heart solicited or not He shared his life, Nobody knew this of him he shared his heart He is a snob, somewhat, so he says It was then I knew.. Keeping to his writes, his music, he is a sensitive man and the computers he corrects.. And one full of grace **though on the side there were As he shared his views, women after him I shared my thoughts So for a time when things But when he hurts inside I needed are well for him to remind him he can't be lost I let him be When the heart speaks clear, I am Though he still buzzes that sister who's near to make me see I do give advise, but I also point- Critical works and posts on a level out what causes durest higher than where we used to be

Yes, he loves his poems, some literary writes, and mystic that fills his soul He's a musician, a rocker A life, he said, of the worst and best Those years spent were his unwritten diary And I'm privileged to he entrusted me with those years spent and all those mem'ries So short a time, packed with so many stories divine It's like we've passed years as friends Never lost, nor denied The only thing left undone Is a collaboration of thoughts ..put into words combined But that is one that fate is leaving in the wind Where it's to flow free to whisper No paper… no ink... No eyes nor ears Not even "prompts" to tell Nor comments that bind like a spell

Why? It took me too long to figure my write I guess he could no longer wait That he acknowledged the call to come home No bags to pack, no fixtures to move He just squeezed his chest and his heart told him to go on The angels came and guided his way He made one turn to look.. then he waved away Mahalo Aloha M J… you'll be missed **May perpetual light shine on you.. ©2017 Foxyturby Turf

Forget me not: I shall now take my leave, in your prayers may my thoughts run; keep the taste of my mention on your tongue... keep my good deeds in the Chambers of your heart, and keep my greetings; don't sell at time's mart. O my moon, I have taken your darkness my shining star shall now bring you brightness if I am not there in your gathering, there shall be no grieving there is no sadness. stories of ours, of our closeness, have to be now forgotten Because of the new future, you've begotten

I am turning away my path from your direction,I am sandal, leaving my fragrance in heaves..... leaving my heart's desires under your pillow, this ascetic wraps the cotton cloth of an ascetic and leaves. (c) Sukanya Basu Mallik

Love you Mikey ! Where has my friend gone ? I believe the next level of life has transcended his soul into space where Mikey needs to rest. A friend who was full of life, very loveable and generous. His passion for music and guitars will sound like magic. The laughter of his sense of humor will give the audience a kick. Why did you have to go ? Why today ? Why not later ? Didn't I tell you to end the drinking and do more praying ? You and I are suppose to collaborate more and be famous to the core. My Hawaiian man who greets aloha ! The musician who named me "Heavenly Star" who calls me his butterscotch princess. I hate that you are not here anymore, but I do believe the first writer has requested you home. The creator who has given us the ability to write. While the goddesses are wrapping their arms around you tight. The kings are cheering to have you in their victory celebration. This is not a goodbye nor a farewell, your Heavenly Star shall reunite with your good loving soul soon.

ÂŠ 2017 So So Bright

Somewhere you are still penning away, giving the angels new reasons to sing. I only knew of Michael as a poet. I read his poems and I recognized that an old soul was writing. He always had a kind word to give me when he commented on my own poems. I wish I had the time to know you as well as my friends did Michael. That's a huge loss for me. Jack Dankof CopyrightÂŠjdankof2017

"Simply the only heart I want to feel Until then I'll will just make due I'm coming home to be with you" No tears he wouldn't have it..just remember An I respectfully add a final verse... "Quicker than I thought my love A smile for two we now have This time I see you for all eternity" My TRIBUTE to a fellow poet and friend.. I hope he smiles when he sees this... BON VOYAGE MICHAEL, THERE IS A STAR OUT THERE WITH YOUR NAME ON IT....chas Â© 2017 MUSTANG CHARLIE

Was new to this world Afraid to show my skill The words were there Strength lagged behind But the appreciations Constant follow ups Never made me stranger Always felt like at home Today when he's left Left me after motivating The heart aches in pain Feels something is lost With heavy heart Just want to bid Aloha To my dear teacher To my dear friend. I miss you. We miss you. Everyone misses you. Rest In Peace

ÂŠ 2017 Vikas Singh

My heart sinking On this huge loss Michael it was no time To leave for heavenly abode

Now that you left All of us in hurry May God embrace you And strengthen us all To bear this Yama's fury! ÂŠ 2017 Arun Sharma

How saddening to learn that one of us was here just last month and not anymore on the first day of March. The winter was unusually mild unlike the loss of life. I want a magic wand to make some things undone, unspoken and resolved. people are unusually kind to those who will not return. ÂŠ 2017 Irene Riz

Man goes to eternal rest and leave the most beautiful effect after His poems that in the hearts of which know him and will immortalize forever. Sahib Fakhri ÂŠ 2017

LOST ONCE TO BE FOUND A BIRTH FILLED WITH NEW LIFE To filter words to communicate to lost For not in vain never in vain for loved to be loved to share a wealth of love even in death one looks to a sky of soul dancing on fluffy clouded teardrops home Â© 2017 Nc Dawson poet

An earthly angel. Has soared to his Heavenly abode.

Are overwhelmed With emotions and grief.

All prayers and Respects to his Pure soul.

These are my last Words to you.

He now glances Upon us with His divine smile. You were a friend And a selfless soul. We all love you beyond Bounds.

Dear Michael we

As by fortune and destiny In heavens once Again we meet. (C) Sherin Mani 2017

Dear friend Michael James Garland.. Your mortal body is dead but your beauty lives instead. Sojourn here ended duties completed. May your soul travel safely to its immortal home. You live in our hearts through your poems and we shall meet you one day again on our eternal journey. MAHALO ALOHA, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN... (c) 2017 B.S.Saroja

wind and rain measuring our steps... this floating world Kanketsuna-san (aka Brendon)

Canvas Owners Anthologies

Left to Right: Laughing Waters Robert Gillette

Marilyn Ward David Palmer Maricris Cabrera

Laughing Waters ANOTHER WORLD

In silenced night Wax candles Dripping Tears So I Turn One more Page My Fingers Tremble Lips slow Reading Words Room Looks Mysterious And in still Air, yes I Swear

I can see Your face Appear In the chair Across my desk Your silence Speaks to me Louder than Few words At this moment I know life is good And you will find A perfect place To keep us safe Moon hasn't rise And darker clouds Still blushing Touched by Settled sun I feel light breeze Snooping through Blooming orchard I feel each petal Let it go,slowly

Flow in midair Spins before making Landing on my face With each new gust Mountain breeze Brings more and more Pink confetti in airflow See them keep falling Slow motion snow globe Amazing snowstorm Each petal gave it's life Without questions asked Without any sorrow They slowly die in silence So tree can live in peace Look up in dark night skies See stars so cold and distant I wonder will they look the same After few years will pass Who knows, but my dear friend, I know The story that we living now Happened many times So hold my hand, let's walk Through blooming orchard Pink petals fall, get tangled in my hair

I promise if tonight will not be perfect No need no sadness, know tomorrow Will be a better day, everything be just right so let's get through this night without sadness I know you wasn't here, it was just a dream I made up everything, moon rising now slowly Candles keep on crying, turn few more pages So I've never left this room, well fine, I see I dreamed you, it was perfect evening I guess my mind took me to the other world But if all this didn't exist for real How come few cherry blossoms in my hair And my dress soaked in the midnight dew? Wax candles crying on my desk, turning my pages

February 2017(C)Laughing waters

Laughing Waters LOOKING FOR GREEN sunrays filtering between my open palms and my veins wide open bleeding the tears did you ever noticed how quiet it gets before storm comes to the town? heavy drops from above hit my face rolling down my split soul

soothingly bringing relief to the wounds cut deep in my bare soul and it hurts yes it hurts makes me wonder if ever time will take all that pain that you carved with your sturdy heartless hand more drops will fall and soak the ground to the very inner core soil will wakes and welcome dandelion seeds

soon will split and grow standing tall kissed by the setting down sun here I will stand in the open field with my eyes wide open in the circle that moon casts for me so I find place to feel like I'm safe almost home I was till you brought summer rain washed my pain February 2017(C)Laughing waters poetry and photo

Robert Gillette To My Sister, Morning Dove (Maricris Cabrera)

Morning Dove, Maricris Cabrera

Silver Fox, David Palmer

My eyes have seen a special one, Across the ocean and morning sun. Writing words of nature and so true, Remembering my tribes and what they can do. I knew the day had come to pass, one day you know, I must adopt in name this spiritual soul to my fire in prayer I go. Her connection to nature, like from my past, Perhaps a relative who's time here did not last. Maybe brought far across the sea, And through the spirits speaks wisdom for you and me. Asking the ancestors a name for this sister so far away, Came in a vision on a bright sunny day. Dream catchers across my land did show , Wings of a dove as pure as the snow. To no surprise to hear one day , Tiny moccasins she wore in a fashioet way. More signs from ancestors above , Gifting my friend the name Morning Dove...

Dancing Deer, Marilyn Ward ÂŠ Robert Little White Bear Gillette

To my brother Silver Fox (David Palmer) A spiritual name sitting next to my fire, My brother's name to ancestors was my desire. Raise my prayer feather to North, South, East and West. Ancestors calling your name from beyond at their best. A man of wisdom silver lining each line, Exactly like Chief Dan George a moment from the Divine. One that all members seek for wisdom he speaks, Sharing knowledge for all who seek. Never in this land of south has silver fox been known, But the meekness of the fox let it self be shown, Ancestors have shown me the name he now possess in spiritual grace, To see my brother and this fox will place happiness on your face. Words of a Chief flowing from him like the warmth of the sun His wisdom forever remain silver lining has begun. ÂŠ Robert Little White Bear Gillette

My little sister Dancing Deer (Marilyn Ward) Looking across my land, Prayer feather in hand. Searching for a gift from my friend across the pond, It took no magic or biblical prayer, or wave of magical wand. I asked ancestors for so friendly and near, Along came the prancing of the most beautiful deer. Describes my true friend and nature of her way, Still forever Young at heart and not afraid to have fun and play. Always like the sight you see, Bringing smiles from her to you and me. The name came to me this way, Nothing out there but this deer at play. The sight has brought my heart this gift of love, For my sister precious gift from above.

ÂŠ Robert Little White Bear Gillette

Robert Gillette Looking in prayer to the heavens above, Giving thanks of gifts for the ones I love. Family and friends, more than one could ask, A strong will to live to make this gift last. Upon prayers and speaking above that felt so right, A message was shown his holy light. Never will I turn away from gifts he has given, Until my last breath while this man is living.

Family at home and Google plus I do declare, I love you all and truly care.

So grab the ink, and favorite pen, Meet you at canvas to write poetry again. Peace and love to my friends I love, A gift of meeting from Creator above.

ÂŠ Robert Gillette

Maricris Cabrera Iridescent

There are moments when I stop to contemplate How wonderful it is being made in His image Touched by a thousand angels outlined with prayers From the depths of love iridescent. No one shines quite as bright, His ingenuity Like the pearls plucked from the deepest sea And diamonds set in silver and gold Lustrous rainbow spreading unspoiled smile. Patterned with inner strength to endure The hardness that allows her to keep going Wisdom to listen and understand Her tearful eyes are the doorway to her heart. Created in His likeness, clothed with sun-kissed pastels Glowing in hues of spiritual rising of dawn Droplets of different refractions that glisten A composition of a resolute and unswerving beauty. (C)2017 Maricris Cabrera

Evermore A ballad of fate Dwelling in floods and eddies of time Floating off to forever with death's kiss A sun dance as darkness permeates This tumultuous storm of acid rain Drenching my thoughts A punctuation of my dreams. I have lived yesterday With ecstatic euphoria of impromptus Burrowed deep through me A grip of golden rays in Spring Mellifluous verse a place of my refuge And then, and only then a panacea of all time Felicity of your words bring me to light. (C)2017 Maricris Cabrera

Here, Alone With You Sitting on a bench for two Wanting to crave and hope With the calm and cooling breeze Wishing sitting next to me is you Thoughts of you makes the grass greener And the breeze colder Forever longing to hold you. It started with one hello then, with a smile We talked like there's nothing Could come between us Things changed with time We learned about each other No secrets just promises It's most amazing experience A cosmic pleasure Looking at you night and day. Love has grown over the time We shed uncertainties Revealed our imperfections And made it perfect Shared our flaws And we fixed each other's hearts We laughed like kids We cried a river I always believe there is us Excited to see each other the next day.

I always believe there is love,

Powerful like a wind It moves the chimes Of frustrations off my shoulders Powerful like the wind It evaporates my loneliness to the sky I was told love moves mountains I tell myself l can walk across the ocean Just to be with you. Because I always believe Love works magic A love that grows like wild flowers Always beautiful, blooming out of your love for me Colorful, fragrant, a smiling glory that never dies Because hundreds of seeds will grow and blossom Where the old trees and the bench Would reckon us when our Spring shine with shimmering light. (C)2017 Maricris Cabrera

Maricris Cabrera

Heartstitch Running a stitch on straights and curves mending fragile hearts a pattern of lilies and herbs patching scars seams designed knots and ends with silver and gold twinkling beads and buttons to hold embroidering flowers bloom red wine kisses and love evergreen to stand the test of time pathetic feathers of passion and cross stitch and loops sewn with warm feeling and bound by pathetic hands.

Appointment The day is coming very soon We will see each other Probably around noon. I wake up one day Flesh and soul intertwine For I will be there to stay. This writing shall be put to life Everything we hope and dream Fill the white pages ever and afterlife. Aspiration is my strong suit to be free Scars shall be my wings Underneath is a shell of what used to be me. Are snowdrops in April gone Or salted sun in Winter still None of these matters, see you anon. (C)2017 Maricris Cabrera

David Palmer SONNET #20: RUTH (Entire book of Ruth, 4 chapters) From the SIGHTINGS Collection of 50 Lenten Sonnets An unanticipated wounding, and life Falls fundamentally fractured — feeble Explanations, comforts and prayers just needle The urge to purge this anguish — no more a wife! Widowed in youth with whimsy’s wishes knifed In heart. Naomi’s tastes? Bitter! Lethal! Orpah draws the line, God’s finished! Needful Ruth trusts His authorship — next chapter ends strife. Gather your sorrows, gleaning more than just grain, Love newly wakens on Boaz’ threshing floor; Sorrow has taught you God remains faithful. Doors Bursting open, hear His most wondrous refrain: Give Him the Glory, your life He remembers Includes your love story, Grace-sign so tender. © 2005, 2017 David W. Palmer

David Palmer Losing Something Precious [Sonnet #424] When I was six, along the shores I play’d My boat with cotton sails of blue and white. So beautiful the way she caught the light And danc’d upon the waves, her pride display’d I lost her to the wind, one blust’ry day A friend came by, we built roads in the sand I left her anchor’d there, pinn’d to the wand For granted took she’d be there anyway Lonely, she listen’d to the west wind’s call Uprooted from her rest, she danc‘d new waves And scarce look’d back entranc’d in his embrace The one you love, invest in her today An empty heart will leave without a trace.

SHIMMERING Let the world fade from view For right now it consists of just two Through magic be transported To a realm where souls cavorted In a bacchanalian revel of rejoicing. Our time, it may be racing Toward a destiny we’re facing But for now a cloud so forming Is a bliss that we’re enjoying Just to hold you now, my Darling

Forgive me these unbidden tears But tis not sorrow nor born of fear It’s just my realization, drawing near That one so precious loves me pure And I, in turn, have lost my footing sure Then tumble on assurance For tis only in your presence

That I taste the sweetest essence On your lips so effervescent Our soul’s union in quintessence Against the night chill we cuddle Sorting out the things which muddle And confuse in daily bursting bubbles So on this bench we reach back for the middle To tune our hearts to play our duet of fiddles. God bless this humble bench we found But softly, tenderly the sound You whispered to me a secret round Which I never knew which does astound. The world’s distractions must fade away As I see you anew in wonder of your shimm’ring day. (C) 2017 David W. Palmer

Marilyn Ward spinning a lone sakura petal catches a breeze ÂŠ 2017 Mal Ward

misty morning a mingle of grey over the cooling tower ÂŠ 2017 Mal Ward

Participating Canvas Poets, Artists, & Musicia Anthologies

ans

AleXanDréa — Galler

Ripple Effect January, 2017

Bird Man

Dig This

Mansion de la Presseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;II

Arun Sharma live encircle fire snow surrounds flora and fauna heart pumping warm blood

©®Arun Sharma

love letter on plane overshot planned flight path crash landing of hearts ©® Arun Sharma

mustard fields colourful kites ki woolens in wa

©®Arun Sha

ripe mangoes squirrels' selectio sweetness bondi

--©® Arun Sh

hostility fro parched fields and live kebabs

©®Arun S

s bloom issing sky ardrobe

arma

s fallen on on trees ing hearts

harma

om the Sun d throats around s roaming

Sharma

though in the dead of night brightened end well in sight Road to success even if haunted By a karma yogi will be treaded

©®Arun Sharma

crows file fishermen on wharf feed struggle ©®Arun Sharma

Baleshwar Purohit The Mountains The mountains are great and enormous The hidden truths of nature, they always keep and know The mountains are so precious And they are full of snow In the mountainsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soul All living beings grow The lava erupts from the mountain's peak The mountain is a friend, not a foe The river starts its own journey At the mountainsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feet Like pearls,

the mountains glow

In the sun’s heat

The mountains give the world

The animals and the birds

Indispensable things

The snow and the river

The song of prosperity,

The forest and the trees

freshness, calmness,

The flower and the grass

unity and brotherhood

The bushes and the rocks

A mountain always sings

The mist and the breeze

Enhance the mountains’ glory Spring season The mountains appear

The strength and imagination

with new lives Winter season

The feeling of freelancing and treasure

The mountain is like

The wealth and peace

a frozen stream

The wisdom and pleasure

Rainy season

The world gets from the mountain

The mountain has charming sheen

Every action of the world

Summer season

The mountains always see

The mountain is like the touch of moon’s gleam

Since ages, the mountains are protecting And nourishing the world like a tree

Betania Mia His Love God's Child Child uniquely loved Astonishing in His eyes Made without a thought Still you are not a mistake God's child a part of God's plan. I Hunger for You Greet me with your words This hunger and thirst for your love You've forgotten how To paint my skies with romance Love language interrupted

Keep Me Celebrate me here Encase me in your heart's shrine Don't weaken my love Keep me as your soul's beloved Heart's emblem love's butterfly ÂŠ 2017 Betania Mia, all poems

how he branded me with his fingerprints in pursuit of my love the blankets of snow bear witness of this display scarlet drops petals of a romance pathway to his heart passionate strength traces of endurance his love captured me ÂŠ 2017 Betania Mia

Spring's Arrival These Ways of Love

waves of greens upon rolling hills shower blossoms dangling flowers off tree branches delicate pink hues bunt orange tints upon fancy pallet on painter's brush colors of new birth over earth's canvas aromatic paintings nature's floral elixir God's arrangement masterpiece of art evidence in display for spring's arrival © 2017 Betania Mia

what sweetness found love's aches cherubim's strike of bow and arrow turns the calloused heart into flesh making man so feeble in the knees a heart wounded by love's affliction blessed be the cherubim's archery choosing man to travel love's paths how strange be these ways of love © 2017 Betania Mia In The Silence Of My Solitude 6

Alone, alone here In the silence of my solitude The night my blanket Accompanied by the stars Together we celebrate

Brigitte Giunta

Bubbly B Wanderlust! touches the sky with some invincible strength spreads its branches to transfer unlimited energy of longevity that rejuvenates the clouds tenderly to float freely and swirl with passionate depth O sun! paint these clouds with the hues of spring soothe the spectrum of life before it fully thrives relish the panoramic view of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insight open the doors of paradise inside with wide wings in the air of certainty that awake my wanderlust to embrace wisdom and follow trails of bark fissure for the glorious sight of another world as a wisher adrift in the horizon,suffused with the golden dust reaches above the sky a place that is unfamiliar to the wanderer who needs to reflect in the mirror

2017ÂŠ Hifsa Ashraf

Transformation

awake creative dreams to spark and sing. opens the door of a deep valley of morning breeze unties the knotty time, thought, radiant colours of flowers reveal spring discloses the enthralling secrets and grasps my attention to conceive a briefs, rhyme, cleans the canvas of my heart from imagine the colourful rainbow and spots, swing. and paints my feelings with inspiring subsumes my emotions into hues of beliefs. sight, spring to summer, time passes in a scribbles a melody of dawn with soft blink, twigs â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tis shades of petals bathed in a subtle plays with a symphonic tune of subtle ink. light,

Dennis Blue Under this tree he sits alone A book in his hands tears on his heart Far on the horizon the sun is red like his blood The clouds dark like his soul As the sunsets a tear down his eye falls Down to the now wet blades of grass and disappearing into the ground For he knows nothing awaits him home but sorrow He has to move but he can't bring his feet to He is afraid, afraid of the emptiness that awaits him The rage he buries inside him, the anger of what he went through Just only when he was a boy lost in the night a stranger to the world far from home A man offers him help but then.....

The disgusting deed he did to him for a whole night He cried but no help came, afraid of his wrath he kept silent He found his way home the next day but the boy had already died the night before The bright stars that lived in his eyes died too Never being the same again, always wanting to be alone Trust to human kind broken, shattered into million pieces. The day becomes darker and he finds strength to lift his legs and stands Looks towards home not sure if he can call it home anymore For his heart is nowhere to be found and his soul is always restless and empty Yet he knows not of what he seeks. ~Dennis Blue.

Dennis Blue

Garry Spooner how the other half live out across the valley of night homes and houses pin pricks of light

watching television reading books writing of memoirs exchanged longing looks

each a dwelling with stories compelling some kept quiet others for telling

just what goes on in other folks lives Kind or harsh words between husbands and wives

secrets concealed behind closed doors domestic labours mundane chores

we in our houses all safe in our nest some have so much stuff to get off their chest

one mouth full of their life but try as they might too much to digest kept sleepless at night would give it all up so bless all the outcasts for a pin prick of light who live on the street no pillow for head ÂŠ 2017 Garry Spooner nor shoes for their feet Photo: Garry Spooner 2017

Happyhearted One How did a heart bleed While watching was each.

In the misty eyes, my heart was gone again.

Tear clung to a vine entwined. Between emotions and run away

Drifting within the circles life's eruptions awe. Nothing but the darkness held my soul.

Clinging to the last moments skies Melting into nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s captured prayers. Like songâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s melodies heartbroken fools.. God watching as you galivanted away . In the storm, one stayed prayed and prayed.

No longer your hearts beating red only black. Unwithered rainfall drowning Gods name. Where had happiness gone falling to the Ground in little droplets remains.

Storming the rain again

drifting away.. Escapes whispering of God’s name. Heaven poured a rainbow shouldn't All forgot whom they believe in, God? Trust God, why? answer one knows Lies within tears bound book For empty is a heart without Faith and love only weeds Can grow from the mists Unforgiven rains hails Cling vine’s droplets.

Memories gone.. Drowning pales.. Hopelessly Blessings Belongs

drops Love Yet God’s Mercy Remains Happyheartedone (c)copyright Christina Marie

Harold Clapsaddle A Loaf Not Turned

Now available on Amazon Flour found day, soot sought night Vainglorious is Pharisaic ostentation. Glories be my say, glories be my flight, Glories are my pretensions onto salvation. Shaped and cooked, overdone by day Yet rawest of tabulated affair by night. Surely written down for judgmental say Meat-loaf appearance reigns sinful plight. Blood-lust bemoans undead, totalities fed, Becomes vampire vamped by manipulation. Bigoted zeal fuels oven fond for delightful led Shedding holy cloak in sinful suited tribulation. Like Barnabas Collins of “Dark Shadows,” Sinful soot by night, holy flour by day Thirst for sinful, is blood given hells gallows. Slowly fades onto, giving self sinfully away. Sinful soot floats, founded blood-lust night, From feral howling, seeking timeless cowling. Branded burdens cover loaf in buttery sight, As engineered engine harnesses hells fowling! Idea came from verse: Hosea 7:8 “Ephraim is a cake not turned.”

$2.99 — on Kindle $9.75 — paperback for Kindle Prime Memberts https:// www.amazon.com/s/ ref=nb_sb_noss? url=search-alias% 3Daps&fieldkeywords=Harold+Clapsaddle

Yours Is My Story ÂŠ Harold (Bo) Clapsaddle 2016 We were walking in the moonlight bright were our thoughts held tight together as we moved along as tours our hearts amongst the crystal shores Each and every night given our sight might we enjoy, may we never fight Even if you were to say nothing at all your heart would call when I come to fall Now all together we do sing as we bring everything We are one, we are complete a feat that no one may defeat As long as you love me all is angelic and heavenly for yours is my allegory, my story were I travel amid gilded territory

Harold Clapsaddle

Song Of Clematis Be ÂŠ Harold Bo Clapsaddle 2017 Woody vines such Clematis be cultivated times colored heavenly. Surely twisted labored fence to have existed

fed earthly spence. In store room pantry is cache of treasury seeded earth, begot fancy yet many measure me. Blast then cleverly forth ye in thine of vocal pedigree for mine held of memory sweetens thy melody heavenly.

Wanting To Go Right

our lips

life

been unchained

ÂŠ 2017 Harold Bo Clapsaddle

hearts

begetting eye

that have been deeply-ordained.

stranger

Still

Seasons

once

I hold

forever rearranging

a part of my life

your

two

memory close

recognize

untold

worlds still a changing.

the danger

emotions bold

Hello

wife tired,

whole world

free of strife

dispose

have

cannot deny to let die.

I turn left when wanting to go right??

Irene Riz

One step away From under the piles of stubborn snow melting mirrors float slowly heading towards the nearest creek. They cross

the trail I walk - silvery gaps in the wet asphalt path. I stand on the edge do not dare to step in the glaring reflected abyss. It carries the voices of

crows nested in bare tops of the trees. I am afraid to fall in it and to be lost in the tangled branches. I stand on the edge and eavesdrop tintinnabulous

tunes of woodpeckers and sparrows still sore from cold but carrying forgiveness to slowly melting winter ÂŠ 2017 IRiz .

Return I was on a bridge. My cheek on the warm rust of the railing I was watching the shallow stream, naked shadows sailing dry leaves through transparent and sunny air.

I waved my hand calling for novel feelings and new faraway worlds and Spring responded to me with a nod.

in awakening stream we are ready for Spring impatiently waiting for her to return. Words & photos are mine

Warm rust of the railing IRiz ÂŠ March 2017 glittering gleams of the sun

Irene Riz Question Waiting for spring to come dry strings of riverine grass stand by. Underwater life quietly checks the surface sending uneven circles. Evergreens and naked thicket, empty nests and bored winds everything is waiting and silently asking where is she? ÂŠ 2017 IRiz

Raccoon's Choice

Bird's Invitation There is something in spring air that makes me want to drink it or yell until it rings. I cannot write so I will better dance with you waving my wings forming letters. I live on a dry old twig, my longing for you wakes up the buds in it. I am a mad bird with a yellow beak of a newborn I am a poet who doesn’t like words. Laugh and dance with me…

one day early spring he found a blue corner where the river turns and tree reflections look slightly green unlike the standing upright real forest naked branches being all boring brown he found a place to lie down under the roots of an old bush that looks calm unlike real forest tail submerged in the water eyes closed he is departing to join his parents © 2017 IRiz

Jack Dankof The Song Of Spring

without heart,

The Song of Spring is in the air And I open the petals of my heart to welcome the glorious rays of the Sun, How wonderful it is to be

But while deep in

a part of life And now I know why

Winter's embrace She finally broke through to me During that horrible Blizzard of My Denial,

you couldn't be my wife And why instead of

The cold winds swirled While our memories twirled To become snow drifts

simply saying goodbye you chose to use a knife,

piled high And I was convinced

I would rather die I was nipped in the bud And my attempts to loosen the icy grip that depression had on me Were, at first, lackluster and

But in Her Icy solitude I found warmth in Her heart, And I learned that it was okay to fall apart

That in fact I had to fall apart I had to lose the past in order to gain a future And that it was okay to leave yesterday unsutured And though I have been broken and rebroken before, It was in this last act of being broken That I found the strength to love myself anew,

my worth But I won't forget It was all because of what you did to me And how Winter Taught me how to be truly free That today I refuse to let depression define me. Thank you.

To love myself without you And to love myself past

And thank goodness for the Winter.

needing you. Now my petals burst forth To show the whole world

Jack Dankof CopyrightÂŠjdankof2017

Jack Dankof Avatars Of Love It's a lilt in the air It's in the way women toss their hair It's the beauty of a sprouting flower It's being bathed in a rain shower It's the attraction Of a little feminine interaction Spring has sprung Time to wag my tongue About that power Yes that power That a woman Holds over a man When all is green Times are less lean And women descend from above To become avatars of love. Jack Dankof CopyrightÂŠjdankof2017

Two Beautiful Words Through a chaos of living colors You are still the Queen on my canvas You are a flower never out of place With a face I can never replace For our love is once in a lifetime And never will another turn my head Or erase the two beautiful words you just said, "I do." Jack Dankof CopyrightÂŠjdankof2017

My Muse To My Prose I surrender, like I always do To you my Rose My Muse to my prose, I drink of your nectar As I conduct a soft symphony on your petals To be rewarded by a crescendo of your loud moans So loud they waken the stones And after the last note of ectasy has been played I will adore you displayed My Rose, None of the words that I have ever written about you Do you justice, For how can I capture the beauty of your petals in eternal bloom Or the happiness of this one man Newly wed Amore fed And lying content with you in our floral bed. Jack Dankof CopyrightÂŠjdankof2017

Open Your Closed Petals Open up to me My sweet dear one Open your closed petals So that I may know what holds you in fear of the Sun Open your petals to me There is no shame In giving your pain a name And while your stems embrace I can still see it in your face There's something haunting you A ghost A whisper What can it be That convinces you to hide your petals from me. Please my love Open your closed petals. Jack Dankof CopyrightÂŠjdankof 2017

Jathon Delsey â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Music G Take me on, break me down Deal my name, steal my crown Oh Heaven save my soul

NO SURRENDER - we have suffered too long NO SURRENDER - we were born to be CHILDREN OF LIBERTY

NO SURRENDER - we Throw me out, show are young, we are old me Hell NO SURRENDER - we Learn my game, turn are spirits of gold my spell NO SURRENDER - we Oh Courage guard my were born to be goal CHILDREN OF LIBERTY Still I rise each fatal fall Still I climb each weary wall Still I sing our holy call NO SURRENDER - we are one, we are strong

Beat me hard, treat me mean Stop my race, drop my scene Oh Fortune hide my heart

Trip me up, whip me raw Bash my face, smash my door Oh Nature play my part

Still I dare each do or die Still I hear each secret sigh Still I sing our battle cry NO SURRENDER - we are here, we are now NO SURRENDER - we will make it somehow NO SURRENDER - we were born to be CHILDREN OF LIBERTY

Gallery NO SURRENDER - we are faith, we are fire NO SURRENDER - we are desperate desire NO SURRENDER - we were born to be CHILDREN OF LIBERTY

NO SURRENDER - we are one, we are strong NO SURRENDER - we have suffered too long NO SURRENDER - we were born to be CHILDREN OF LIBERTY NO SURRENDER - we

are young, we are old NO SURRENDER - we are spirits of gold NO SURRENDER - we were born to be CHILDREN OF LIBERTY

Watch Jathon perform No Surrender On YouTube at the following link:

https://youtu.be/gl_CrIlz8NM Also see Jason perform Too Tight, also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_bOPkXGbxw4

Jayashree Trao MODERN LOVE Two unknown souls get connected in air Mouse,the mediator chat room heart and soul. Eagerly await the meet chatting is fun never know how it runs until both are really done. Virtual world is enhancing no one knows where you dwell and who you are love to far away.

ÂŠ)2017 Jayashree Trao

NATURE’S POWER Nature, splendid aura of colours with beautiful trees and flowers birds so unique and marvel they never quarrel. Trees, heaven on earth keeps away all dearth. Food we eat, clothes we wear greatest blessing I swear. Splendid showers we await Lest prices inflate, Man's demands on rise With fury Mother Nature cries Patience she bears all pain, Man too jealous, her efforts in vain. Volcanoes, tremors occur Draught hit search secure. Bountiful and blissful, Mother Nature It's better you take care. She will rise with a roar, We will suffer more. © 2017 Jayashree Trao

COLOURS OF LIFE Life is spectacular like a colourful tree blossoms in spring disrobes in autumn singing a melancholy song but never wilts Sustains every moment and await the new season to come by. Never get disheartened by mishaps that you face Summer has to glide by rain need to pour Ups and down may them make you stronger each day! © 2017 Jayashree Trao

Mari Felices I STILL REMEMBER

I remember when the time we first met We arguing for something, due to different opinion and belief and yet we never stop communicating. I remember when the time we're happy together, we're laughing at a silly joke we're talking in just nonsense and yet we talked as if no more tomorrow. I remember when the time you said you will always be there for me, and If I'm losing hope and strength you will give

your sweet smile so I would know you're still there. I remember when the time you said, If I have amnesia, you'll do something to remember me everything. you wouldn't stop reminding me until I can remember everything. I remember when the time you said You will always love me, you're always there for me, because if I'm with you by your side everything will be okay. And those words are more than enough to take away my fear. oh dear, I remember

every detail, every word you said. that inspires me to live and to continue to walk forward. every line you said that inspires me to write a poem and to sing a song. But why all of a sudden you left me In just a little problem, you ignored me. And it hurts... You're simply hurting me, while you said, you won't let me cry Because you will always make me smile. ÂŠMari Felices

Mari Felices

MY ETERNAL LOVE I fell in love with you, my dear A love with an eternal flame. YOUR SMILE Like stars bright from the uni(SEPTON SUB-TYPE Quintanaga ) verse I fell in love with you, my dear. Could you promise me And the sparkles will never end one thing? Collages that our memories hold. When I'm losing everything, I fell in love with you, my dear, Will you please A love with an eternal flame. smile at me, dear? So, I would know, you are there. If I'm losing hope and strength will you hold my hand so tight just smile and hug me tight, because you're more than enough. to make everythings alright. ÂŠ Mari Felices

Marina Balmaceda Pared

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Melody Jean (Contempor Melody Jean Melody Jean is the mastermind behind her blog ContemporarySeeker.com where she is chronicling her journey for truth and higher knowledge through triumphs and pitfalls and pain to peace. Fresh and straightforward, Melody Jean will cover it all. From the good to the bad and yes, even sometimes the downright ugly. She keeps it real, and personal, sharing with you, her outrageous observations and sometimes, perhaps, what nobody else will. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your average forty-years old living in America, yet a modern day seeker searching for something higher, a spiritual essence, or the ultimate truth.

With viewpoints and ideas that are becoming more mainstream, her offerings seem to strike the right cord with many in the world today. While her thoughts and insights are based on her own life experiences and observations, it is her hope that through her writing (poetry, blog posts, articles and other written forms) she will help others navigate the rocky road presented in their personal life quest. Contemporary Seeker is filled with facts, thoughts and ideas that are percolating the minds of many and by reading her work, or her blog www.contemporaryseeker.com you might find a little something that you need.

rary Seeker) The Art of Too Much Every time I utter, “never again.” Yet here I sit, caring too much, trying too hard, for what cause I don’t recognize anymore. My heart implores, turn your affection to self, you’re not responsible for everybody else. But I see unfolding, knowing they’ll fall, so it’s in those moments I can’t let down the wall. So I give a little more, care too much, try too hard for what cause I can’t see it anymore. My heart implores, don’t distract self

from newly open doors and keep your silly feet grounded to the floor. Let them be to which they will, in won’t compromise you if they wilt. So my soul implores don’t care too much, try too hard, redirect that abundance to your own giving little heart. © 2017 Blogger, Melody Jean, ContemporarySeeker.com

Melody Jean (Contempo Juxtaposition I reside in a world of oxymorons. It's painfully beautiful, cruel, but kind, clearly confusing, darkly lit and so typically weird! I reside in a world of oxymorons. At times it's riddled with sweet agony. But, oh, how I adore the dark snow, those who run slowly, and being alone together. Because it's so silently loud. Treats that are disgustingly delicious; they taste so awfully good. I reside in a world of oxymorons. It's a virtual reality; one where I wake-up sleepy, hope to appear invisible, mingle among small crowds and live largely little. © Blogger, Melody Jean, ContemporarySeeker.com

Quicksands of Strife

It’s not in a way expected. No. It’s as if the messy little pieces, in all of their untidy glory, glisten in drops of golden hues. Sparkly messiness, the bits lay scattered. Each a part of the collective me; my heart, soul and body. There they lay, in golden messy glory. An abstract Picasso painted from lifetimes of progress. Evolution that can only be attained by surmounting quicksands of strife. I glean the majestic pattern among the shimmering messy pieces; how lovely they are; my drops of golden hues. © Blogger, Melody Jean, ContemporarySeeker.com

orary Seeker) This is Me The raw, naked, truth is this is me. Sometimes scared, disheartened and questioning, reclusive and elusive, a wanderer and freedom seeker, from myself. I’m sometimes a lover or a fighter, often a dreamer, but a realist. Hopeful, alive with faith, yet I succumb to bouts of doubt. The raw, naked truth is this is me. This is what you’ll find penned across the pages of my life. Living through poetry and prose, dancing among the shadows of words this is me, and this is my art. © Blogger, Melody Jean, ContemporarySeeker.com

Bed of Fear The instant he saw her through disenchanted eyes hardened by life's circumstances, he glimpsed her soul; connection made. Springing out from among life’s tattered photographs, her pure essence lifted what seemed insurmountable years of sadness. As night descends, she dances through words painting their future into wordsmith-like art. She's a soft blanket of hope in his bed of fear. © Blogger, Melody Jean, ContemporarySeeker.com

Okonta Kosi AYA MI NI (SHE IS MINE) Who is she? The dame with the deep blue eyes A heavenly angel in disguise Causing my joy to arise Condemning my loneliness and hurt to an early demise Who is she? You make my heart joyfully flutter Extolling descriptions of your beauty, I wish to utter Yet my lips ramble with an unusual stutter As I desperately wish that we gel together like bread and butter. Help me out my friends! Hear me out my muse. A love struck man never pretends, As love intoxicates him like booze.

My queen. With your prayers, I ascend. Past all seas of bruise on a one way cruise. Seeing your tears, I yearn to defend your honour To rectify all abuse and boos from any side. Mine; you are. Mine; you ever will be. My Inexhaustible Nectar of Energy. My Invaluable Nudge towards Excellence. My Incomparable Noun embodying Elegance ÂŠ 2017 BASHORUN

OJO IYANU (RAIN OF BLESSINGS) It was raining outside. A floodgates of blessings unleashed upon the beloved in due season Opening the book of remembrance to reward the faithful sons. One by one, they came in. Satchels in hand, Receiving each according to the measure of his works. Praising Him for bringing transforming their hopes into reality. Bowing down befor e the throne of grace to acknowledge His might. His turn came. In gleeful gait and steps, he approached. Already thankful for the gift he was to receive. For he had been faithful in his vineyard duties. Alas! He gotten nothing from his master. His efforts got no rain of increase. His marriage yielded no fruits of the womb. Why?! He inquisitively groaned in prayers. When?! He inquired further reply to the answer he had received. For his master reminded of the little fox

that spoiled his vine. An unforgiving heart had caused the rot. A determined resolve not to let the hurt slide, had caused the drought. Boss at work had incurred his vicious wrath. His wife had refused to take the children to school first. Little sister in the university had reported his stinginess to their mom. Church pastor had scolded him in front of other workers despite his dedication. All deeds that he did not forgive nor forget. All deeds that impeded the rain of blessings and the reign of the spirit. Like the wretched prodigal son, Wisdom returned to his brain box. Like the king of Nineveh upon hearing Jonah's, He declared a fast and sought for the grace and strength to forgive. Like Israel after being cleansed from the sin of Achan, There was open heavens and he became victorious in all his strives. At last. Ojo Iyanu fell on him. ÂŠ 2017BASHORUN

Okonta Kosi NWUNYEM She evokes something in me Deep feelings of love rising from the pits of depression.

My pearl. Whom I have searched for all these years. Exploring the great reefs with great anticipation. I found some rocks painted as pearls. Got bitten by scorpions glittering like pearls. Got stung by a horde of bees who wanted to derail me.

But I stood firm. Bracing it all till I found the one. Upturning every stone till I found you. Polishing my rough edges to make me a better man for you. With you; my joy is stirred. Your giggles singing a rhythm that my heart follows. My heartbeat striving to sychronize with yours at every moment. Your hair emitting the most wonderful smell that rivals the roses. From your heart erupts the

most beautiful character I have ever know. I am swoon; dear one. Dead drunk from this intoxicant called love. Dead stuck in this island of peace; which I pray I never leave Dead shocked at this great gift which God gave to me. You ignited my dying embers of love. This I beg you now nwunyem Stroke my fire of faithfulness through trust. Never pushing me away

through frenzied insecurity.

Never regard me as 'just like other cheating men' For out of them all; you stole my heart. Keeping it firmly locked within your chest. Them all; I saw while searching. YOU only; I treasure and kept. ÂŠ 2017BASHORUN

Roopam Bis I never see anyone on the earth Like a woman She is the source Of the power Of the world She looks beautiful She looks calm No matter how much Pain she feel She cover herself By the scarf of the love This cruel world Blame her at every step

Her freedom stuck In the eyes of everyone But she still spread Love in her children (world) The beauty of her Is the forgiveness Her every step is pass By the road of fire stones But the end of her journey Closed with a beautiful story. ÂŠRoopam Bishnoi

B. S. Saroja I embrace you like a creeper smitten

bent neck ecstasy beeds arcane joy

youthful mind abstract paint fancy dress

celestial guest on Earth boat waits bacchanal

Kindness encompass all cosmology

rain of atrocities tried to acidify me I turned lemonade

flower blooms by unseen touch of breeze me in the warmth of your loving arms

eastman colour dreams feast to eyes hieroglyphics

frozen sun depressed moon armegeddon

still heart astounded eyes sanctimony

sun-rays kiss passing clouds jamboree

euphoria spring beauty unfolds with a smile

showers of love from your heart my daily bath

Toni TW

Seasons come and go as did the rain's wake as if the air's magnetism caught the first cling of it's morning dew Heavier as the blop blop blops of dew met rain at branched ends where petals grew typsier with expectant descent and the cloak of thier clinged petals sopped. Then splash splash splash intermingled raindrops smiling and yet the splash's sting still clutching it's way down grasping for its branchouts for some slip away until their laden catches ground in a dust of semantics. Muddied for the climograph's best guess is at the mercied hands of utilitarianism while the

mighted splash each one still with or without landing gear dost plunge for sopped. And the expelled ground's breath from the dews and heavily spit rains of slain lay hoping for a lift from mist...while mist and rain toy with the leavened the laws of nature's balance of perfect. And with raindrops furtheranced trailage along with some fine mists of "ahh - dew s" many remaineth as straightway to cloud nine until the next rainfall. Poem by ÂŠtltw. 04-08-17

Toni TW

Carmen the Crow awaited her beau spread eagled her feathers and on with the show All dolled up in black with each feather intact Thank goodness for glue and a touch of shellac Hard times misunderstandings with so much unsaid It was hard to discuss for all came boiling to head No longer on eggshells will I ever again tread For if that's the case then may as well make my

bed From past understandings of relational blunders and blows I will take it in stride with my Lord at my side Lessons to be catered to if not an abide for to sew As rather'd I wallow o'er beau for as much as eat crow. ÂŠtltw 01-31-17

Toni TW â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Gallery

Willie Bongcaron

The Ryder Knittle Poems

Maricris Cabrera

David Palmer RYDER’S STONE (#327) By David Palmer This world is kiss’d by God’s great love for us Like a furtive lover in secret leaves Precious “Love You” notes for his Beloved So, Nature sings His ardor, “Love Divine.” Do you feel alone, your cold heart frozen? Walk along this path with eyes wide open Look into His pool of sighs, catch your breath! He thought of you, and left this for you now. How can you say it’s mine? It’s just by chance That time and pressure fused this granite’s Halves in happy coincidence. My Dear, Doubt not a patient God took His sweet time. If this be not enough to warm your heart, Then know, He sent me here to hold your hand.

Mustang Charlie THE PATH vibrance surrounds my soul life goes as it will carving in stone with streams of desire the path to my heart ÂŠmustange charlie2017

Jack Dankof The Stone or the Blade The stone or the blade One kills, One saves. How you wield them Heals a heart Or prepares a grave. (

ÂŠ 2017 Jack Dankof

Mohammad Shahnawaz A marvel to anyone who catches a glimpse; Though lost from where it came and belongs, A pebble that swims around; indifferent to rest, Like a heart that breathes but choked in chest.

Robert Gillette A story begins with father and his best friend, A son and buddy to the very end. A gift in his heart from the Lord above, Forever grateful he expressed eternal love. The power of a warrior within to fight evil domain, A war he has won time and again there; maternal connection shall remain. Respected the gift bestowed from above, Nothing in his heart can replace this love. A struggle of holding this family together, Only in his heart could handle the weather. A storm came down across the land, With the help of the Lord he took his stand. As the storm within has settled, God's gift returned to Richard M Knittle The picture you see a message from above, Is a sign of the Lord's blessings of love. Little Ryder pointed out for dad to see, A once in a lifetime miracle for them It is my blessings and prayers to see , Father and son as they were meant to be. ÂŠ Robert Gillette

A.M. Frazier

Marilyn Ward

Dr. Tanvi Shah

NATURE CONVEYS LOVE Within a coterie of rocks and trees; Moss and weeds, Lives a stone of heart. Bedecked in muck and dirt, Filth and dust, All that its born to emit, A glistening message of love. Till the dawn of the moment, We learnt zilch from nature. The popularized promoters of venegance. Even in crisis of peace, and a state of war. A mere thing we celebrate, Is a bunch of fools boosting rancour. Let us learn what nature has to say, Let us know, the universe is to be loved, Each day, in each time, in every way.

ÂŠ2017 Dr. Tanvi Shah

Nasreen Malik

Stagnant Water

Uuuhhh! Still Water Algae & Tadpoles rule Contaminated Water it is ÂŠ 2017 Nasreen Malik

B.S. Saroja Earth's love for life Blossoms in varied forms and hues of nature, the very heart and soul of existence!!

ÂŠ 2017 B.S.Saroja

Matt Aguilar gutter punk (poet) Chiseled Cursed by the dawns of time These torrent auburn nights flow fast, like that of a current pebbles, 'neath the star white tides Turning you free Tumbling; Ever so closer, to me Was in this descent, like alabaster sand floating to find its destination Of lost love, never found in the blank pages of stone...

ÂŠ 2017 matt aguilar

Tanya Jean Williams Stone of Heart Another place with a land so free, As clear as the waters, stone heart In the sea. Laying in its position with it's surface Aglow, a shape of its beauty with an Easy flow... Sea weeds so green, so natural, so Divine, sunlight hits it, with a ray of Shine. Stone heart symbolizes the ways of Love, from the stars, the moon, the Sky above... Sweet little heart, I found you at sea, Could this little heart be meant for only Me?? I take it, as I cherish it, forever at last, There is no other like it, even from it's Past...

ÂŠ 2017 Tanya Jean Williams

Available soon on Amazon.com

I have been looking forward to sharing this collection with you for some time now.

In January, as part of our continuing online classes on writing structured poetry, we featured classes on writing Sonnets, taught by Garry Spooner and David Palmer. At the conclusion, David challenged poets to try their hand at a Sonnet Collaboration with him on what was to become Sonnet 340, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moontrail.â&#x20AC;? 16 Poets took up the challenge. Dave wrote the first quatrain and the response of the poets directed how the sonnet developed.

Sonnet #340A Moontrail By Maricris Cabrera & David Palmer Dave: Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light has barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. Maricris: Let me paint your face under the moonlight Your eyes are full moons shimmering with dreams Windblown hair, lips breathing with love it seems Beautiful Venus awakens tonight. Dave: I feel your touch caressing me in soft Saffron silk, you dry my tears, so lonely Have I been without you. But now aloft In God's time, I'll see my one and only. Maricris: Shadows glimmer with perfect reflection Your light strikes my soul with love’s affection © 2017 Maricris Cabrera & David Palmer

Sonnet #340B By Dr. Tanvi Shah & David Palmer [Dave:] Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light has barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [Tanvi:] Know not the span, my reflection will take, I solaced; to make peace with the certain. Colours unchanged, mem’ry leaves green remain. Breaths of a name was norm now a mistake. [David:] The moon reflects radiance from solar Source, yet subtracts not understood From lunar chalky craters. E’en so would I wish to live our lost choices over. [Tanvi:] About soundlessness, I confabulate With night, of weak stars' promises; at stake. © 2017 Dr. Tanvi Shah & David Palmer

SONNET 340C “Moontrail” By Garry Spooner & David Palmer Dave: Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for thou hast cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light hath barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. Garry: for surely thou hast seen my tears that fall and stored them in the inkwell of thy heart so on a page with ink they will impart the words of joy and sadness one and all David: Oh! Could I but with thee, one moment more Recapture all the join our friendship shar’d But, no, time in reverse, by phantom curs’d I will remember thee as tears I pour. Garry: But yet all of this angst I would not trade For unions such as ours in heav'n are made ©2017 Garry Spooner & David Palmer

SONNET 340D “Moontrail” By Kofi s.E Senyo & David Palmer Dave: Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for thou hast cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light hath barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. Kofi: Soul yearns a bridge, dreams and reality Space your absence creates deep, uncolor’d Memories of you will keep me wired Missing you my only ability Dave: Deep my grief has gripped me in this fog Of pitiless confusion and regret How swiftly pass’d our days, “Hail friend, well met!” And priceless thoughts we shar’d in dialog Kofi: Grief and regret, your soothing words numb Friendship amid despair, better than rum.

SONNET 340E “Moontrail” By Arun Sharma & David Palmer David: Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light has barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. Arun: Let us have our own aura e’en better Won't survive on crumbs which are borrowed

World is mesmerized by souls halo’d Joys of life will come to us on platters David: Calm, serene, we center deep in our souls To feel the mystic union with God Then with soft footfalls life’s pad I will trod

Sonnet 340F “Moonlight” By Nasreen Malik & David Palmer David: Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light has barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. Nasreen: Lonely have l felt in this Moonlight sky My heart is casting Shadows like the Moon My Soul searceth' my Heart in desp’rate swoon No sign of you, Dawn hath broke with a sigh David: Though touch no longer we experience No moment passes where I’m not with you In memory, in thought, your features, too So, hovers here my soul in your presence. Nasreen: Sadness overwhelms my tears like a spring My shrivel'd heart misses the joy you bring. © 2017 Nasreen Malik & David Palmer

SONNET 340G “Moontrail” By Mari Felices & David Palmer [Dave:] Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light has barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [Mari:] You had appeared out of the twilight Now you disappear into the moonlight And still I wait for you on the seaside 'Cause you were in my thought, preoccupi’d. [Dave:] Strange how my delight now prefers the night For then, the path by which you left is seen Call me out upon the water, Lord, keen Am I to walk t’ward you while you’re in sight. [Mari:] I leap with glee, it's you, deep in my heart though miles apart, destiny leads our path. © 2017 Mari Felices & David Palmer

SONNET 340H “Moontrail” By Mohammad Shahnawaz & David Palmer [Dave:] Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light has barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [Mohammad:] Got lost in my plight seeking sun and stars; Chased them down through narrow skinny ways, I did it for a chain of nights and days; When I raged through paths of lone fought wars. [Dave:] But now, in God’s light, I see Paradise His mercy, provision, is new each day Thankful was I when this love came to stay Hope in my heart, I’ll endure sacrifice. [Mohammad:] How long it stretch'd; the abyss dries and fades Escalate through light to God's easing shade © 2017 Mohammad Shahnawaz & David W. Palmer

SONNET 340-i “Moontrail” By Niamh Serendipity & David Palmer [Dave:] Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for thou hast cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light hath barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [Niamh:] Seldom, hath love seen; such burning torment For thy scorn, knows; 'yond devils own fury Should men hang; with no recourse to jury Shrill madness; could this mortal mind ferment [Dave:] For pity sake, why now deny me love Which we shared once in sweet communing grace? What ruse must I employ to seek thy face Or, pick thy lock and enter, precious Dove? [Niamh:] Undertake with love; a penance for me Swear faithfulness so I'll be thine; set free © 2017 Niamh Serendipity & David Palmer

SONNET 340J “Moontrail” By Deb Davis & David Palmer [Dave:] Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for thou hast cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light hath barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [Deb:] So unreal I once felt the light , you left Only shadows reveal , deep loss tonight Far away your light, now dim , you melt ...gone Forever shadow, nothing will feel right. [Dave:] Never would I choose to leave you forlorn Hear me in the cold wind calling your name Feel me in the sunshine along the lane See me in dreams of fervent wishes borne [Deb:] Forever will I see my love in stars My tethered heart is bound to you by scars © 2017 Deb Davis & David Palmer

Sonnet 340K “Moonlight” By Sukanya Basu Mallik & David Palmer [Dave:] Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light hath barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [Sukanya:] I kept walking alone, e'en without you Sore have I suffered the punishment For the crime I didn't even commit Never was my heart to you less than true [Dave:] I did not want to leave for time did plead But life and death are in the hands of God You are not being punished for the sod Claims me, but o’er you my soul holds, indeed. [Sukanya:] Unaware One: I wasn't unfaithful He, the Departed, could not be truthful © 2017 Sukanya Basu Mallik & David Palmer

SONNET 340L “Moontrail” By JO Thomas & David Palmer [Dave] Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light has barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [JO] Clueless my desire in mind and heart Are you no longer amus'd on your path? She shines deeply above, songs my heart hat Moontrail found me careless living in light [Dave] My heart reproaches me that we did part But separate visions we do pursue I thought 'twas best to leave without adieu Our dreams oblige us both forthwith to start [JO] A fresh new land o’er light tears lost this night Moontrail’s lost emotions, death waits her light ©2017 JO Thomas & David Palmer

SONNET 340M “Moontrail” By Karen Hayward & David Palmer [Dave] Alone to view this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night Bleak morning light hath barr’d my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [Karen] See now, Casablanca blooms neath dark skies Purest petals, moons white essence graces Our lost loves. Delicate Lilly fragrance, Our infinite universe, no goodbyes [Dave] Star-cross’d lovers caught in wider array A world at war and we live in the past But, ‘gainst us in this life, the die is cast In this madness where the devil’s at play. [Karen:] Alas, playful pity for the fallen Spring calls neath moon’s tail and new love calling ©2017 Karen Hayward & David Palmer

Sonnet 340N “Moontrail” By: Tanya Jean Williams & David Palmer [Dave:] Alone to view this moon trail, loss felt keen, And sharp, for you have cross’d it in the night, Bleak morning light has barr'd my path, this plight, Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [Tanya:] The sky lights up, as the moon glows brightly, Walking upon the beautiful lime light,

Feeling at ease, as I take in the sight, Leaving a silhouette path so lightly. [Dave:] But beauty betrays an aching lost heart How strange is the world with you not in it

Play your favorite songs on the spinnet And wish, O my God, that death not “do us part.” [Tanya:] Certain as the moon will rule the night Her glow reminds, sun will return his light. © 2017 Tanya Jean Williams & David Palmer

SONNET 340-O “MOONTRAIL” BY Gelda Castro & David Palmer [Dave:] Alone to view this moon trail, loss felt keen, And sharp, for you have crossed it in the night, Bleak morning light has barr'd my path, this plight, Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been. [Gelda:] My heart cries in secret for suff’ring pain Sore from the sharp sword of your lack of love. When will I see again hope soar above, When sobbing fluidity falls like rain? [Dave:] Poor comfort are friends who say that they care Yet want me to get over him quickly Grief contrary when they laugh heartily My red eyes provoke such insolent stares [Gelda:] However, i will untie all nodes at stake I'll wait for you 'til the final daybreak © 2017 Gelda Castro(Gel Poetry Garden) & David Palmer

SONNET 340P “Moontrail” By Kanta Roy & David Palmer [Dave:] Alone to see this moontrail, loss felt keen And sharp for you have cross'd it in the night Bleak morning light has barr'd my path, this plight Cuts my heart deep, as it has never been [Kanta Roy:] Pain of oozing blood, mirror honoured; Carrying books pregnant, rise from the tomb, Storm quivers, frigid shadow linking hearts; Whispers from the universe, dark barr’d path. [Dave:] None who enter may return from that night I merely ask you to remember me That light we lit is bright, Persephone Despite our sep’rate realms which is our plight [Kanta Roy:] No plight, when I imagine this, simple, My heart’s half complete missing your dimple .

Coming Soon on Amazon.com I have been looking forward to sharing this collection with you for some time now

In observance of Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month in March, inSIGHT Journal raised the question with our community: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What does a Baby Girl, born in 2017 have to look forward to in life? What opportunities will be open for her? What obstacles will she encounter? How will our world treat her? Should this change? And How? Your responses were overwhelming.

Photo Editor and Section Producer: Maricris Cabrera

Photo Credits: Maricris Cabrera Poems by You Page Layout: David W. Palmer

Innocent Desires relish each moment dine, delight in her future where only love lives

ÂŠmustang charlie2017

BABY GIRL smiles bring joy to my heart an innocence crosses my mind's path a wonderment of her future yet undetermined a life placed on the roulette wheel gambling each moment of every day ÂŠmustang charlie2017

Baby Girl 2017 Born with beauty, grace, talents; open should she find a world ready to welcome her; but isn’t it more the luck of the draw where she’s born? She could be a societal mover and shaker, or a neglected ornament gathering dust in the corner by the hearth. Let her not be kept silent anymore; let her worth be judged, not by her gender, but her skill, craftsmanship, ability; opportunity – open the door wide to her ©2017 David W. Palmer

From The Very Start Oh Li’l darlin’ of mine Soon you will find Pains you never knew Swollen gums, a tooth Or two I will hold you Comfort throughout the night, too How much you will grow One would never know Pleasure or pain will take you near Your first smile lasted for miles. A joy so sweet, a perfect retreat. Crawling so sweet. Oh, No! A tear I see Bumps and bruises you will see. Is part of a growing tree. Mom and dad love you so much. And my darlin’, as you grow I will catch you anytime you fall.

BABIES Babies are a gift and blessing from God above They should always be spoiled with love

It's so much fun searching for baby names And imagining them old enough to play games Babies are so cuddly, soft, precious and sweet To see the beauty of life that small, is always a treat They always make you feel good with a sense of glee With thoughts of what they may grow up to be. Love Princess Shelda Child Of The King ÂŠ 2016

GOD'S EMBLEM Oh baby! You are a bundle of joy; a precious gift from God; a real doll, pulling all like a powerful magnet!! Your smile reminds me a newly blooming bud!! Eyes twinkle like a star reflecting your

the planet. You are the very essence of God's love! As you grow old, let not this beauty of heart fade away. Be brave and strong without leaving your inborn virtues.

crystal clear mind! My dear little girl you are God's favourite expression sent to earth with a special mission of spreading love all over

I CHALLENGE YOU Look at my eyes see how they smile and be happy for me. Look at me. I'm just a baby but let me tell you: Don’t give up dreaming your dreamings even if someone tells you dreams are colorful and yours are colorless. They are your dreams and no matter what look at me and take form my smile the strength to keep on the fight. After all... all we want from life is to be happy the toughest fight of all.

©Graça Costa

I am pure I am trusting I am reliant on your example Let my Purity remain Let my trust not be in vain Let me be everything that I can be without the hindrance of chauvinism I am a beautiful Soul since conception and will be for evermore

ÂŠ 2017 Garry Spooner

Grandchild The newborn baby child son or daughter making new life under the arms of parents Their hands of love and tender care A shelter and decorated padded baby bed Their hearts mellow of their new born child Taking pictures to show parents and friends of a bond two parents have The smiles and laughter raising this new born soul to the future parents ÂŠ 2017 Thunder Cloud Jern

My little Princess Uuuuuhhhh such pain Such tearing Pain I feel am going to die Seems to be starting in my back

Suddenly making me so tired Dear Lord let me get thru this safely and my baby Finally out pops a little baby girl A smiling Nurse delivers the baby in my hands Oh! what joy and laughter Finally am a mommy Had to pinch myself that l was a mommy Awww....she's crying...

A Smile creeps up on my face My Flesh and blood I waited for you a lifetime My Precious, My Beautiful Princess Lips so Redâ&#x20AC;Ś hair brownish Oh! Look! She opened her Eyes Beautiful Eyes searching me As if saying 'Hello mama'... Oh! What does the future hold little one? For it's not for mama to decide I pray you grow up to be a success Life fulfils all your dreams

For mama will always be there for you Till my last breath Tears start rolling down my Cheeks I shall watch you grow, marry and Overwhelming joy engulfs me have a family of your own but sadness too Time may run out on me but l will What has Destiny laid out always stand by you , Darling for this tiny Soul...? Holding my finger with her ÂŠ 2017 Nasreen Malik tiny hands

Comeuppance hey kid there’s a (strong) chance that yours

even though we won’t have any teeth, but that’s OK, as

will be the first cohort

there’s a (strong) chance that you

to really kick men right in the teeth (especially white ones)

will (finally) get us universal health care, the kind with (excellent)

which will be awesome

dental

Oh sweet angelic baby You, the gift of God Not only to parents but the globe The glint of ur eyes The smile on your innocent face Make you every one's heartthrob! May all your wishes All the dreams are fulfilled Without gender discrimination May the mankind see you Equal partner in any Favours' distribution.

May you believe In true Karm yoga of Gita You be showered with The blessings per Karma Mantra! ÂŠÂŽ Arun Sharma

The tiny tot has bought joy in my life Life seems exuberantly good The smile on her face, I long to see Makes me forget all my worries. The angelic eyes tell me I am her world! A hundred rhymes she murmurs In hunger and anger Joy and sorrow All depicted so well The language between us Is sublime

Child, a precious gift of God Girl, a blessing these days. Epitome of love and care As a beautiful rose. ÂŠ 2017 Jayashree trao

WHEN YOU ARE REALLY READY Fertility was futile 'Forty' was unmerciful Marriage had become a liability a war of â&#x20AC;&#x153;barrenilityâ&#x20AC;? Resentment ~ Blame ~ Guilt ~ Shame Hidden in corners Baby stores, shower gifts, a loner Curled fetal unfound, unborn Shrouded from crowds Dangling above blue and pink gowns Sundays once songs rang in sanctuaries Now deep sleep in a

darkened bedroom mortuary Grief ridden, fallen, a woman barren lost clarity Fragile lost and hopeless She awoke Faith? No hate, denial, pleading, or debates Blurred eyes disoriented a woman wondered in vaguely Familiar it seemed this old woman a church lady of older years Without haste, swaddled the lost soul in scraps of torn baby clothes

Memory or dream it was a drive from dawn to dusk The elder spoke to the pale passenger resembling a ghost The sun blinded the younger ones eyes It wasn't meant for her to speak, see but listen to stories of life Biblically based, historical Prophecies, lands of large dunes in sand Returned and placed as an infants first time free of strife Days following her strength grew Her other half renewed They vacationed and spoke in new conversations Years overdue

The elderly lady had returned in a more physical form Friendships of the three white doves Finally ended as the angel moved above to continue her passing on love And so it goes ~ That next Spring thrived Her life hit Forty Five ~ Zizi arrived, no real surprise... As 'Dedicated to God' in Hungarian This daughter decided her parents were finally ready ~ ÂŠ2017 Lynn H Terry

Dawn In a magical forest On a butterfly lawn, To the queen of nymphs An angel is born. She makes the sun rise With her golden yawn, And the morning greets A beautiful Dawn. A gurgle, a chortle, All doubt is gone, All men become mortal And all eyes look look on.

ÂŠRJVHorton2017

You Can Be Anything From A to Z Look at you, little bright eyes, Newly minted citizen, Cherished, treasured, lavished with love, Wished a Happy Childhood.

Match maker, musician, Nanny or navigator. Princess to your prince, Queen to your king.

Time flies, and soon enough You’ll step into your big girl shoes Take your place in a world where You’ll be allowed to choose.

Radio disk jockey or rodeo cowgirl, Replete with silver buckles. Surgeon, seamstress. Tour guide or tinsmith. Believer in unicorns and UFO s, if you’re pleased to.

From architect to astronaut, From beekeeper to baker. Carpenter, cab driver, dress designer, Doctor. Or, perhaps, prestigious magazine Editor.

With a voice of your own, And wings of wisdom, You are that extra special young lady, Zip lining your way into life. The world awaits you.

Fire fighter, hostess, leader of nations.

Baby Though I'm a baby-girl, but (B)old (A)nd (B)eautiful(Y)ours. Very grateful to Nature/God, By virtue of God'grace & blessings, Could catch I a glimpse & glance of My parents & the world with My baby-eyes-balls, gradually. On my birth, pierced much labour-pain To my mom, who was a nurse. Was so healthy I, her womb couldn't Encase me; neither could I be out, Nor mom pushed me out, due to sheer Pain yelled by her unbearable Though nurses & dr bucking up my mom. Arose medical complications, both we Stood on the threshold of case-failed. Came soon Head-Gynaec, slightly tore Down her outing mouth open enough to Space me out; mom couldn't feel tear-pain Due to sheer labour pains; no sooner was I Out than yelling cry started I, filling whole Labour room with my yelling. Evaporated Mom's pain into Heave-like-delight,as She glanced me beautiful, marble-white Fair skin, head full of black hair, brown-black Eyes. Thus both we returned survived from Terminal stage, as God pushed back from

His Heaven saying to me & mom no time this To be with Him (God). I studied studiously From school to medical college. Participated I many Extra curricular activities: dance, elocution, Drama, group dance university level, stood My team first. And from small baby to Woman I arose being a dr, my mom wished. She idiosyncratically left me all alone ever On the way to Heave of God, at my 18, after Getting me admission in med college. Now, this baby-me myself renders medical Treatments to the poor, philanthropically As per expectations of my mom, who Planted & irrigated in me-baby, virtues & Attributes to face come what may in life & Never to yield to mundane difficulties That are all chapters to mould my life to Accomplish God given missions in life, For that,God has deputed to this world. Though I'm a baby-girl, but (B)old (A)nd (B)eautiful(Y)ours. Very grateful to Nature/God, ÂŠ Lawyer Jagdish B.Joshi

This Woman Hey babygirl I hope that your eyes are open wide That your every question finds its answer And those answers lead to more questions I want you to grow in a world that you adapt to your own experience I want you to challenge norms And climb mountains Make it look like you're skipping stones Remember that your worth can only truly be grasped When you know what you bring to the table You will not allow anybody to treat you any less Punches and insults may break bones but Confidence knocks down every wall Every wall that they will trick you into building So that you hinder this success

with that hurt And that limitation with this doubt That stereotype with this uncertainty This height with that fear Remember what you bring to the table Let that be your strength In the knowing what you will and will not accept In looking defeat in its eyes and scaring it away Telling societal standards to take a backseat The present needs what this woman has to offer Not what women have been told to hold off I need you to speak to the decibel that causes deaf ears to hear Closed hearts to open Dormant destinies to arise and achieve And causes the ignorant to call themselves out. ÂŠ 2017 Pebble$ Blog

Sweet little precious girl Welcome to life and the whole wide world Your little life has just begun I'll teach you things educational and fun. Help you grow in every way You will grow up and be a lady someday. What things you choose I cannot guess Just give your all and do your best But for now, I'll enjoy this moment in time And teach you well and you will be fine. So little one explore the floor and adventures away I will cherish every single day.

ÂŠ Robert Gillette

Instilled Destiny Remnants of wrath from a distilled spirit or a bosoms shove away from herculean merit?

In the Guinness Book of World Records a destiny yet quilled as the Heavens shine down for his purpose as fulfilled and your destiny is now instilled. ÂŠ 2017 tltw (Toni TW)

Long Live The Queen You have been born to save this world, my Queen For I have long known that it would be the female of the human race That would save this wretched planet,

Though Mankind will dismiss it as only the sound of the wind and they will not pay attention As the plants and animals Bend and kneel in your presence, I have set aside stores of food and the creek will give us water While the goats will keep you in milk, I will raise you and protect you to the utmost of my abilities Until you reach the magic age of three years, Then my Queen You must leave with the Wise Witches of the Loch,

Men come and go Thinking with their groins and fighting with their limbs and despite killing billions and passing conquered lands back and forth between their greedy hands They really have achieved little, War never solves anything But Men think killing enemies makes them heroes But really they are murderers and epic tales of glory will never disguise that fact,

Do not fret little one, They are kind and wise and they will protect you from the superstitious minds of men.

I have waited so long my Queen Waiting for your precious birth, The flora and the fauna of the Earth Now celebrate with grateful voices as I do,

A smile? Just for me, my Queen? I am deeply grateful and extremely moved For you see through the scars and

wooden knots crisscrossing my face and thankfully the destruction unleashed on my body can only be seen on my hands, Men think of me as a monster But you have the eyes and the soul of a true Savior You can see the gentleness in me and you know that I cannot unleash destruction on another living soul. But enough of that!

The Prophecy has been fulfilled! Hallelujah! The Lamb The Redeemer and the Fisher of Men You picked the perfect disguise! With egos like theirs, No man will be looking for a baby girl. ÂŠ 2017 Jack Dankof

We Are All Born Equally Loving ~ Sonnet Form A vision of beauty, wears a pink hat Baby's skin as soft as a rose petal Smiles delightful, from her changing mat Not hard to see; she is in fine fettle This world shall be that small child's oyster She may choose whatever she wants to be That spectrum includes boardroom or cloister It's up to her; above all she is free Yet she owes much to female pioneers Struggles have made for emancipation Brave women have fought for thousands of years For equal rights in every nation No person ought think; their gender above Every newborn brings an equal love

ÂŠ Niamh Serendipity 2017

We To Tomorrow! A happy girl in dilemma, No sombrous lap of momma, Embracing Sun on ride, Her hope enchanting inside. We to tomorrow! Leading gender so far With arrow; Her journey through Promised marrow; Must be a super filtration from river narrow; We to tomorrow!

An easy twister on Paddled strife Predecessor of logic, Implies judgment of psychic Reformer; prodigy of Protagonists! We to tomorrow! A next generation mom, True responsible to fortified child' An erudite gust from erotic fall On the eve of prevalent dawn Of rising sun a globalized storm. We to tomorrow! (C)2017 Kanta Roy

Our Rush so effortless to Clutch her again. A genetic filtered storm World to saturated form! She commands her Human right, A delightful Sunbeam to shower bright; We to tomorrow! A future woman on Stirring life:

Breath of Hope Oh, baby look like angel Of pure smile and unequaled sweetness With the pink tones of the princesses And the curiosity to discover everything around Oh, sweet flower of life I think, what will be your future opportunities How will your generation face the disparities of the world? What will be the challenges of your time? Oh, song of innocence How many blocks will you have to overcome? Prayers will pour out of your favor in your favor. You will not be alone, yours will lead you Oh, breath of hope May the good winds exterminate all intolerance Heaven wants to find a generation renewed by love. That you reap the good fruits that men of good will sown.

ÂŠGel Poetry Garden 2017

Noblesse Oblige By: ÂŠ Harold Bo Clapsaddle 2017 Excuses are made by the weak to ignore cells in lifeblood flow that gathers as is born the meek to rip arms, legs apart to not know of the pain caused a crushed head of the cruelty of a newborn bled. Abort bad decisions not a child abort laws and protect infants abort sinful nature and the defiled that cries for innocence of instance smooth not the faults that have been reborn the whip and rod begot of sin. Are ye so cruel as to kill ones lifeblood when spurred into being through pleasure what pleasure is then begot Oh stud when by no measure will ye stay your leisure to account of hours ye crave as a slave to brave what particulars are born knave. Where be thine noblesse oblige when loss of morals is so obliged?

ABORTION, A fresh word fell on my ears. Whoopee! Each day I grip something new. Learning stuff in tummy itself, can’t wait to explore with eyes.

Mum trembles when dad says it. Dad’s voice is firm, yes, and harsh too. If mum doesn’t like then why dad keeps saying it. Mum puts her hand around me, grasps me, when daddy shouts.

Now they constantly say it. I am confused, each day this word is repeated, Mum shivers each time the word is said, yet is repeated. Mum cries too, can feel her sobbing, and I get more confused.

Oh! Daddy is so loud. It is getting noisy here with each next day. Mummy clutches me stronger, and I think she sobs harder. It suffocates, being helpless, my mom cries and I can’t do anything.

I plead to mommy, I try to shout, it pains here. When she cries, I feel myself crying. And all around me suddenly becomes so heavy.

Mum wait for me, When I’ll get out, I’ll fight the world. Even with daddy, if he will make you unhappy. Just let me get out, I promise to take care of you always.

Yes I know what crying is. It is what humans do, when we are sad. Salty water rolls down the cheeks from eyes. And we start crying when someone we love cries.

But wait, this is unpleasant. I do not like what daddy is saying . He doesn’t want me out, because I am a girl. I understand now, and it is sad, he wanted a boy.

Why he doesn’t want a girl. ABORTION, I am upset and so baffled too. Now I know it is a bad word. Aren’t boys and girls I hope soon daddy knows that too. both reflection of God? I hope he understands how much I love Its what people say, yes, I have heard him, always will. things like that. Eager so much, I am to see the ones who have filled me with life. God, yes I know Him. He takes care of the world. Your little doll, your princess. Mum talks to Him, Let me out, I will play about me every day. with you the whole day. That is called prayer, I will never get tired, I am waiting mum does it regularly. to see your faces. Your smiles when you will see I too pray to mum and dad. your doll playing, laughing. They care for me, Mum cries so much for me. I will prove you right. Daddy too will preserve my smile Giving me the boon of life. when I am out. I’ll make you proud one day, daddy. Right now there is confusion, so all are Let me grow up, I will be your fighting and they, sad. strength, your support.

But when I’ll smile, they will love me. I will reside in their hearts, they are my God. Mum prays harder, with each new day for my life. For me to live, come out, to breathe, not to get aborted.

I pray to you dear God, (dearest daddy), One prayer is all I repeat. All I want to do is, SURVIVE. © Dr. Tanvi Shah

All creatures moving and immovable. Procreate and give birth to little ones. Realizes the bearer How wonderful the nature That creates itself, thrives, and dwindles. back into itself. The mother a blessing, gives birth and feels more happiness As she sets her child free. The mother takes all The pain of labor And pains to feed her child. She gives life to her child By the nectar of her milk That flows through her heart And through her breast.

IN YOUR EYES BABY GIRL In your eyes my dear baby, I see the divine light. Rays of your GODLY love are very bright. Your smile can make laugh a weeping man. That's why you have my dear, so many fans. I wish you remain always before my eye. I also wish dear baby girl, you never cry. There is discrimination of male and female. You grow and face with courage don't get pale. In the society you have to touch the hights. Learn to fight always my dear, or your rights. My blessings are always with you baby dear. Face any situation in life, without any fear. (C) 2017 SURINDER SINGH CHOHKA

Show Me That Smile Little Angel Show me that smile Little angel And I'll be healed, my sweet flower How your smile scatters like pollens Innocent and enrapturing to the broken Show me that smile little one It's the thing I have forgotten Only broken smile, tainted by life's misleadings So when you smile dear I go back to the pure in me That delicate kindness I cannot retrieve Smile to the world child... And the world will be healed...

ÂŠJhanRhei 2017

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never really mine Just borrowed for a while Before you are turned out Into the wider world And my heart skips a beat Have I given enough To make you complete Mal ward ÂŠ

MALALA YOUSAFZAI: CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE MIND AT A TIME: A Collaborative Tribute By Maricris Cabrera & David Palmer © 2017 Maricris Cabrera & David Palmer Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan’s Swat Valley, was born in July, 1997 into a Sunni Muslim family in the town of Mingora. Her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, is a teacher, politician and activist who has consistently promoted education for both girls and boys that both sexes may take their place in prominent leadership in their country. Malala, whose name means, “grief-stricken,” was named for the famous Afghani poetess and warrior Malalai of Maiwand. At the age of eleven, Malala was recruited by the BBC to write a journal on life under the Taliban and how it affected young people, especially girls who were suddenly banned from all public life, including all education. Malala continued her education at her father’s school, a coeducational facility, so it was not subject to closure as the all-girls schools in the Swat Valley were.

Malala attracted attention from other communities where she was invited to come and speak on the value and necessity of education for girls. Thus she attracted the attention of the Taliban. She and her father both received death threats by phone, and scrawled on their door. On October 9, 2011, on her way home from her father’s school by bus, she was shot by a Taliban assassin at point-blank range. Two of the bullets missed and wounded other fellow girl students. She survived the attack. Rather than silence her, the attack firmed her resolve to fight for the rights of all girls to receive an education, for as she herself says: “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.”

For her efforts, in 2014, she was named co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle against “the suppression of children and young people, and for the rights of all children to an education.” At the age of 17, she became the youngest recipient ever of the Nobel Prize.

We proudly present this tribute to her efforts in this collaborative verse. She embodies the hope of Baby Girl 2017 David [Voice of Malala’s male Classmates]

Why does your reach exceed your grasp, Malala? Why waste your time acquiring skills you’ll never use? The only thing a woman needs to know is How to please her husband, cook his meals, and raise His children. Isn’t this the way that Allah planned? A woman should not reach beyond her station To do so simply raises discontent. Why not Accept what He reveals in Holy suryas And in what we can observe simply in common

Sense? You were created to be a mother That is all and that should be enough. Invest Yourself in your children so to love, and let success Your sons achieve be your triumph as well Leave science, history, writing, politics, to those Whose minds are best equipped to handle such And settle in your soul that the domestic hearth Is all that you ever need or to which you should aspire.

Maricris [Malala answers the boys in her classroom] Boys and girls are created equal Born from our mothers and fathers All children around the world Are given the right to learn It is their right as a human being Education is a privilege To achieve higher attainment Girls have their dreams, too Beautiful dreams not just

Let the girls excel in everything Or we grow old and die illiterates

Getting a husband and

Let the light of knowledge glow all the way!

having children

Let and let learn

But dreams of acquiring a good future Who she is today, she will be someone tomorrow

This world is ours, not just yours My future is right in my palms The world needs women

David [The Taliban Makes Death Threats] [Late at night the phone rings, and Malala answers. The voice on the other ends beginsâ&#x20AC;Ś]

We need women doctors and midwives We need women educators and lawyers

Malala, you instrument of Satan, you temptation to evil, You creator of discontent among

young girls Soon, and so very soon, we shall rid the world of you. Your radical ideas that women have the right to Read and write, and think thoughts not first

Conceived in their husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind. You will Stir up continual contention in every home in the land. If women thought independently There would be no end to the mischief unleashed.

We are waiting for you, we will find you, and you Will know all manner of terrors on your road to hell Before you get there. You will suffer. You might Escape if you stay home tomorrow, and every Day thereafter. Learn from your mother how to Be submissive to your husband and cook his curry and lamb. You are an instrument solely for his delight

And then the womb for his children. That is allAllah assigns to you. Get back to your corner Or your light shall be extinguished forever Maricris: [Malala answers the threats] Education brings peace, love and care It is teaching of the young minds But education to you promotes racism and hate And brings war to all mankind Education is power

You don't wish for women to explore But still, whichever

through tenacity

way I turn

ourselves.

It creates and decides upon one's fate

Education is a treasure

It shapes one's destiny

As we humans advance Challenges will be met amidst the facts of life Where knowledge is one's ticket to places around the world. Education is the key to set us free Your belief does not stand out We learn that much is gained

We find it is the way to getting higher than

Character is the preceptor where knowledge imparts A diploma of knowledge, understanding and wisdom. David -- [the people in England, now hosting Malala in hiding for her life, are curious, Why does she do it?] We have admired your courage from afar, and for your vision, You have been willing to pay the

Malala receives the Sakharov Prize in Human Rights from the European Union in Strasbourg, France. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The strength of a nation is not in its weapons, but that it has educated its people.â&#x20AC;?

highest price. But look at the Cost. They nearly snuffed out your voice, yet you fought bravely back, continuing to speak out for young women bound in darkness And ignorance. But how will you know that your sacrifice is worth it? You don’t get to see your family very often. You live in a strange land. What if after all this attitudes do not change? What if the darkness Does not surrender to new light? How many young women being Educated will help you decide this was worth it after all? Don’t Misunderstand. You are the bravest young woman we know. If you had it to choose all over again, would you still follow this path?

for their lack of virtue Education is a right to equality I need to know that they ensure fair justice among women For it is the foundation to create a rewarding future Let us be the torch that Illuminates our ancestral walls Let wise education be a part of our lives And go on exalting noble minds Nourish the young buds until they spill out their perfume all over the nation Water the dry lands of ignorance and soon they will harvest a generation of gold A legacy of my Motherland Foretold by and by, the stream of freedom will flow And the bushes of the savages will vanquish And only the wise and prudent nation shall survive.

Maricris [Malala replies] What I do now I dedicate it to my country I am just one of them who raised our voices to be heard Albeit many were wounded and fallen I humbly present my earthly life

Geoffrey Chaucer said it best in the prologue to The Canterbury Tales (Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s updated English paraphrase):

When that April with his showers sweet The drought of March hath pierced unto the root And bathed each vein in such liqueur Of which virtue engendered is the flower Face it, Chaucer was on to something: Spring is in the air, and the whole world comes alive. The hearts of lovers of all ages reignite, passion has her moment, and we all feel the call of Love which summons us to the renewal and continuance of life. We put this challenge before our poets and look at the beauty which they have produced.

Section Credits: Producer: Maricris Cabrera Theme Collage: Maricris Cabrera Photo Credits: Brigitte Giunta, Maricris Cabrera, David Palmer Sib Borjigin Page Layout: David Palmer

Spring ====== Life's new promise We admire The surge of water From spring showers Giving sweet greenery As we wend our way To watch the Lambs gambol As we pass on by Under the willow The crocus lay Narcissi nod their heads in a gentle breeze Acknowledge the sunshine's warmth Like a sweet dream Inspect the moss that covers stone Many generations it takes to grow The Spring fling It's first swallows fly Love for nature and being alive Life's new promice Has arrived

ÂŠ 2017 Mal ward

With the aroma of love around The nature changing into lush green The flowers in garden In heart warming color schemes The onset of spring Inciting lovely Fling The intoxicating breeze Flowing broods After snows de-freeze

Seems prompting The cupid arrows It is time to pour hearts out Keeping aside life's sorrows! --ÂŠ 2017 Arun Sharma

LOVE IS IN THE AIR Dearly beloved Long was I tagged an unloved. Into the corner of loneliness, I was shoved Winter came around The yearn for love within grew in leaps and bound. My ears pricked for sounds Of footsteps to save me from this pit where I drown. No one came. So I went looking Upturning every rock to discover my gem. A king in search for his queen. Scampering around with a broken heart. Scavenging for love before I fall apart. A laughter broke out. Through my ears, down to my bones it traveled. Spreading warmth and happiness all the way. The sounds of your giggles, I followed. Trailing the scent of your fragrance. Till I saw a glimpse of you in the fields. My heart leaped inSIGHT of your beauty. Tears of joy, I wept when you stood by me. Mine had arrived.

spring flingwe are passing through another transition ÂŠ 2017 Hifsa Ashraf (BB) (Bubbly B)

You are my All I feel loved by you, You are my dream come true. Every beat my heart skips, When kissing you upon your lips... I'm into you, as you're into me, True love, will forever be. I love, our love with you my dear, Together as one, year after year... Take me to a beautiful place, Tall trees, green grass, crystal lake. Passions of flames, something so divine, Our love will last, all of the time... You are my Spring, my Summer, my Fall, You are my everything, you are my all... ÂŠ Tanya Jean Williams 2017

Spring is one of the four conventional temperate seasons, following winter and preceding summer That time of year when growth, reproduction, functional activity, That immutable unchangeable desire that lives in all things,

land it falls upon Love is a force just like the heart of spring it cannot, will not, be stopped. It is its own entity as we are... I've come believe that love resides in each and every one of us instinctually. It is something that we cannot push aside no matter how hard we try.

comes to life and bears its birth back upon Humanity; it comes back each year without fail to bless us with her never- For I have watched myself and Humanity ending gifts of life. waste so much time wallowing in The unconsecrated misery of failed love, So sit here i do thinking with my pensive thoughts being in love with the way we wish it I am reminded that it is the same for could have been Instead of seeing things love. for the way they really were. I am reminded that loves desires, is the same as the changing of the seasons. It comes back each spring, to bear upon us its never ending gifts of life

Unable to let go of deep resentments holding to the Past; trying to push love aside, Because we become so fearful of loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest gifts of life.

no matter how our hearts have been We would rather be in misery than to enbroken like the branches that break up- dure another heartbreak upon the eyes on an old apple tree of the Mind. Or like the tsunami that destroys the heart of the people and crumbles the

I now smile at such foolish thoughts because when love finds you Worthy, she

directs your course; your ways are nowhere to be found . . . So I say worry not for when love fails upon your hearts, do not get lost too long in the degradating emotions of failed love

many sides of love and life. For we must remember when we lose love in one way, she comes back to fill your heart with love in a multitude of other ways.

For she will never leave your heart upon for she will come back as spring comes to the empty crevices of the ocean floor. birth life back upon Humanity she well come back to play upon the playgrounds She will always come back to fill your cup Of your alien hearts. with the true essence of what were are all truly searching for: And do not think that Love Comes, just in the forms of relation((the love of each other)). ships between a man and woman, And, as I sit back and ponder to myself but she well also comes in the forms of upon this beautiful spring morn a smile loving your children, breathing the Cerucomes to rest on my face once again. lean blue air sky, So beautiful love she is giving her spirit the love of giving your heart uncondition- unconditionally, unwavering; she is alally to help another human being. ways by your side even in the most tumultuous times. To see the face of a familiar friend the Amazing the gifts of love and life love and the gifts of poetry and art, My thoughts Upon this beautiful spring for, through our words and art, we end morn up helping other human beings to understand the ways of Love's failed marks. Memoirs from a mad mind ÂŠ 2016 Sean Thomas Runyon We end up becoming the teachers to the

"With Love, Me"

Stopped growing beauty unveiled

These pictures You know each ones Holds a place in my soul Memories abound loved ones

Refused to stream just another story Like a love story no longer wrote

Found fondest love could ever be seen Was here between you and me

Words were taken, you were gone Just simply the words of a love song The waters from the spring didn't

So much laughter filled the sky walking Side by side the dreams you showed

Quench anything your reflection you see Still looking back at me like yesterday the memories left to breathe Spring came and went leaving

Could have never told your sighs Wept like a serging river ones Was just a rock holding on Carrying you through, yet The joys will linger still

Petals at ones feats dead and gone For all that remained stained eyes Leftover thoughts and embraces

Now the waters no longer flow Desolent things seems yet

Truth is you never loved me None is so blind they Cannot see Spring

My heart still lives and breathes How, wishing could have seen For te water stopped flowing

With Love, Me (c)copyright Happyhearted One

But the river kept moving ,going The trees once blooming its spring

Little River Flows. Little river flows bouncing, fluctuating discontinuous splattering: Water to barricaded stone, Runs after gust to uncertain; Dancing little girl exclaiming; Enduring beloved sky; Her angelic heart whispered. Rapunzel to fasten with cascade Hair, tossed a belief, On his unshaved facecleaning All disgrace out of mind. Let, the harvester of scrambling, Earth, be away from disgust, Stones are to block, Caring bone ever faster Spreading cascade from volcano Of heart , to his red bared face, Shredded feathered blue rain, To uncontrolled vein, A junk from tissue, flows boundless to river bed, Wished mirrored sky to embrace, Just palsy stared , kneeled with prayer, Somehow melted stone, Their happy palaver to ecstasy crowned!

Original copyright of (c) Kanta Roy

Heartsongs I remember in Spring green blades of grass Fresh breaths of sunrise gently touch our face A rhyme for ev'ry flower full of grace When butterflies tiptoe on sassafras. There's a song for every nightingale That sings our songs of love the whole day through Chorus'd by nestlings tan and brownish, too Heartbeats a rhythm they dance with their tails. Standing beneath a tree, remembering Listen as the brook sings its melody As foliage write sonnets in chemistry First day we met, a certain day in Spring.

Stillwater (Sonnet #376) Quiet soundless soul speech echoes rounding Through my heart today. Walk with me on slate Stepping stones down to that dark pool where late Afternoon Spring sunlight is abounding. Thunder's crackle at a distance sounding Could threaten to foreshorten precious time But Dear, the open landscape is a sign Not our issue, e'en if ears be pounding. But let it come and soak our flowers free The drought that shrivels root now abated Blossoms love has nurtur’d, so let them be Don’t let distant threats take time truncated Clouds o’ershadow, rain fall, and we shall see The joy of soaking wet steps, hearts elated.

Love love love!!! Yes, love is in the air. We are called to love again The heart ventures into a new case It is forbidden to feel sadness and pain The desire of lovers is a desert in bloom A risky crossing to kill the longing The winds of passion will blow soon Reborn imprisoned feelings Wake up, poets, let's welcome love. It shines like the midday sun Sing in the moonlight in love troubadours In love with everyone, run Let's share the joy of loving Because the suffering is already exhausted In our souls love has bloomed Stars, witness to the world our Spring Fling ÂŠGel Poetry Garden 2017

SONG OF SPRING Leaf burst on the twigs; Primrose buds trying to open their lips; tiny leaves and flowers peep through the holes of mute static beauties along the streams, lakes and rivers; flood of life rush to the endless, pristine spring to feed the thirsty!! Oh my dear Spring is here let's walk together along the river!! Impetuous dance of April watering my passions laughter Sun shines amidst whisper romantic flowering fills the air.

Spring Fling

Holding trading kisses, Making wishes.

A beautiful moment in time, When I thought you where mine.

It was not hard to understand, A love so true along the golden Rendezvous in our favorite places, sand. Happy times and smiling faces. And now this time had come an Along the river across the Brook, end, Your tender smile is all it took. My heart my soul my one true friend. Watching nature bring it's best, Put all our fears and heartaches Seasons come and seasons go To love again like this I will never to rest. know. Yes love was in the air , When you captured me unaware.

ÂŠ 2017 Robert Gillette

Spring Fling Orbits of earth around the sun Changing seasons come once more Conditions are stormy Nature switches gears Old man winter's cold passes And life springs forth Grasses turn green Colours of flowers blooming Pollen blows in cool breezes Spring cleaning and barÂˇbÂˇque's Mother earth gives life abound From gentle rains pouring heavens I love the spring Sitting on a rock upon some shore Snuggled with my love All these years spent together Learning all about love That love is us combined Desires become memories Spring is in the air to breath Our children have all grown up The grandkids can play outside Once again you and me can Can make this family larger Our love risen higher This thing called spring Love emerges Spring Fling XO ~ÂŠDjern 2016

Borne Of Spring Fling © Harold Bo Clapsaddle 2017 The many blossoms of spring fling nigh and far a whispering thing. A waterfall tinkling call sprawls in slow drawl gone awol. Buds burst forth the hollowed branch while winter stench is gone hilltop ranch. New morn's light on ridge of heritage is by God’s wattage to be imperative. Little Missy with glowing pink cheeks matches her sweater in cherry blossomed weeks. By greenward fresh with God sanctified o’er whispered foam and rockweeds have dignified.

Spring is here I have felt the tailing winds of winter breathe harshly ‘pon the bended bough I sense the days of pale sunshine lengthen creeping steadfastly towards glory Oh…. and the oceans of fervent yellow Gold standing tall in verdant earthen pasture scents of jonquil early cheer lay hazy lanes of serenity while young lovers of a newer generation find themselves lost in each others eyes and lambs stay close to mother ewe clothed in woolen fleece against the remnant chill echo of Fall bring what you will knowingly we fill our lungs luxuriantly and count our blessings good days are ahead.

BLOOMING FLOWER Oh my fairy God mother Please grant my wish where is my prince? So handsome and sweet. I want to meet him, so soon oh please. Oh my fairy God mother just like a blooming flower Growing in the beautiful garden Turning my face to follow the sun As it moves across the sky. Looking for the perfect butterfly. To taste my sweet nectar. Oh my fairy God mother I'm just like a blooming flower needed someone who care To stay with me forever. ÂŠ Mari Felices

Aloha "I miss Season mainly Spring" The spell of newness smell, Dream waiting with you to tell, Walks early in the morning sun, Bird chirping I just want to run, Smelling buds new on the trees, Waiting for the Lilac gone is the freeze, Hawaii touch of Season change, Snow over Lava Big Island Range, Spring melts snow every day, The smell of new born baby. ÂŠ 2017 Kathy Paaaina

Jayashree trao Season of Love Love is in the air and I can feel it Tis the season calls, love and soothe.

Make the most of beautiful spring Before the sun strikes the horizon. Pretty blossoms in enchanting hues Amazing is the craftsmanship

Tweets of birds as we walk in the morn Strike melodious songs. Love of the tiny creatures Reveals untold stories

Life throws a hundred tantrums Nature shows a thousand mystiques. Forget all the agonies Celebrate the event called life. Copyright (c)jayashree trao

Collage of Thought mountain high vision streaming torrents of love into rocky pools ÂŠmustang charlie2017

when spring starts, I am so happy cause the flowers start blooming, animals wake up and the coldness goes away; and most of all I love the flowers so every day i go into the woods to pluck the flowers and bring them home to show my loved ones ÂŠ 2017 ricky gillette

GARDEN OF ROSES ( Cinquain poetry ) Roses Floated its scents Through the clammy twilight brings a bewitching sensation And love.

Â© Mari Felices

Essential to our survival is a love Of nature who mirrors us to The reality of being life itself Not some xenolith Existentially sticking out of The rock of our life This sentient being called earth Full of wonder Resilience with surprise Today we might die to Be incorporated back to the pristine Energies of life without a center To behold something separate from Being who you are The seer is the seen

Can you see the beauty

of Nature Not trying to unfold in the petal Of a rose that time to fling With spring when the birds begin To sing their sermon of life Rivers run wild All of nature is on fire Giving birth to tall tales When druids worship trees And poems write themselves To tell the story of our lives Written with the love of nature Indelibly inscribed upon Our eternal hearts ÂŠ 2017, Angel Patrick Boyar

Open thy heart give all to love color your world in natures beauty Weaving textures and form in your heavenly garden Blues and violets Reds and yellows Flowers in bloom under the full crimson moon With anticipation of romance on a warm spring night My lover awaits under the stars shining bright on a bed on natures green Our bodies are locked in sweet surrender as the garden blossomed that night enraptured with sweet delight We hold each other tight

ÂŠ 2017, Lynn Weiss

Spring Fling Jumping into the air with a refreshing Fling. Dancing to the beat of another Spring Break. The gushing of fresh waters rushing towards the thirsty lakes. The fish are a jumping and bees a buzzin. Renews my tired spirits of the long winter months. I switch into fashions that are light and delightfully breezy. My renewal of spirits and relief from the bitter coldness. I generate happiness with a spring in my steps. Looking around I see everyone's doing the same. The Spring Fling is upon us, grabbing our spirits and pushing us forward to a nice hot Summer. Written by Ric Downing Copyrights 2/25/2017

Let's Have A Spring Fling The ice melts and all that I feel for you Escapes the reality of frozen sidewalks and barren trees, To become the magic of green grass sprouting, Of flowers bursting into silent song and the promise of life renewed for another year, But this is more than a Spring Fling, This is magic This is our moment Our chance to dust off the moves we used to make And to bask in the emotions That causes the knees of poets to shake, But mostly my love This is our moment To let that ice melt from our hearts, Forgive me, I never meant to hurt you this past winter. Jack Dankof CopyrightÂŠjdankof2017

Like a pool of coldwater But I wait, She runs down my hill for the next time Far from foul eyes Memories of her and tongues never go away The patient mountain Memories of her our hideout coiled into my arms Love the dives into her In that naturally made rock Feel her splash all over me -marble pool Have me covered in her she so loves cold-like blanket Yet she can't be mine The want to hold on to her Until springtime always there Her break-fromBut she, is like darkness the-world time I feel her Comes the spring But can't have her Comes the rain After the spring and the sunshine Our dawn runs and the sweet breeze into morning Comes our next fling. Ends our fling She runs out of my system Like water down that hill ÂŠ Kofi s.E Senyo

Morning Glory Cool silent morning breeze In the early dawn Leaves swinging around the trees Birds leaving their homes With a chirruping sound Sitting at one end branch As I woke up, all of sudden They came and touched my cheek As I kissed, I felt sleek The whole moment it thrilled With a eerie flight on hills They started to fly, towards infinite sky After all, they left the silence around As they made me smile, I fell on the ground!! ÂŠ Lovepreet Kaur 2017 26/02/2017

Mother Earth Oh! Such beauty lies in your midst I cannot even imagine all the Creations

Every creature is unique Whether it be on Land or Sea The Paradise l live in The Air so fresh Such beauty lies in the Mountains Endless Greenery as far as my Eyes can see Oceans so vast Sea creatures swim freely

But Man at his peak of destruction Is spread everywhere Destroying the animal habitats Polluting the Seas with Endless Garbage waste Destruction of the Trees Killing of animals Ohh Mankind look what you are doin'!? Give a second thought of destruction to your home Once the damage has been done You will have nowhere to go for everything will perish

ÂŠ 2017 Nasreen Malik

Mother Earth I found myself encapsulated In the natural shapes of earthly things Flowers blooming on branches and spores of life burried in these deapths bloom from her roots That our mother earth brings these sites of life From the Burroughs that life she brings But yet I shallow in the midst of love Our mother this life she has to bring My sweet mother earth

ÂŠ2017 Thunder Cloud Jern

Life Song Mother Earth Continues to write Her poetry of splendor Blooming Jaracanda Lavender petals scatter Branches ramify with glory Songbirds swing about with glee. She writes anthologies As she watches the sun Sharing everlasting light, A light that shines Throughout the night. She sings a lullaby about her sea Rushing, rolling back to shore As the rain fall down from the sky Not of pain but quench the dry Her lyrics say, "I'm sorry,

You're flooded, you axed the jungle." Mother Earth Continues to draw Green trees, valleys and hills Blue skies and Spring flowers Birds and animals, dotted and stripes. Hopeful and forgiving She continues to write Poetry for humans to love her land Where children play without fear Of smoke, famine and thirst So blessed we are, you and I, far and near. (C)2017 Maricris Cabrera

MOTHER’S HYMN (Sonnet #403) Upon a speck of marbled dust we live We love, we cry, we sing, the only home We’ll ever know, creation’s biodome That to our needs forever does she give. Yet how do we her needs begin to meet Heedless, thoughtless, needless we pursue means At her expense, strip forests poison streams The debt we ramify, children complete Awake my soul, 'tis time to live in love And cherish Mother’s blessings one by one Protect, preserve undo the damage done ‘Til streams and fish and wilderness above Our profits we esteem and give her due In reciprocity help her renew © 2017 David W. Palmer

MOTHER EARTH SOUL Life begins with mother earth flesh Intersection spirit joins flesh to life Human betrayal separates her soul Mother earth suffers consequences Knows hates along separation lines Creates dysfunctional earth soul Discrimination lives happily with life Life tattered very well pleases dark Mother earth no longer apart of us Her soul commonly these kingdoms Birds Trees Animals accepts her soul is alive but Humans don’t remember

future She watches daily oppressive powers rage? Humanity wipes her tears daily cries’ thus Human’s departure long ago still hurts soul I feel her pains, I feel her hurts, And I feel her soul, We oblivious to her promise to God not met? Weeping lies hurts her eyes wide openly, evils Such catastrophes separate her children’s souls Human kind lacks ability she’s hurting deeply A soul is disconnected origins spirit joins flesh Mother earth development is life’s journey Divine connection lost in man’s

she’s soul? Ocean’s polluted ills life long jourIllusion plays, ney ills Havoc on life journey with soul Her beautiful world turns upside down? Terribly, sadly Chaos rips fabric of society broken

Through many storms she

But human beings lack the ability

uplifts our journey! Let physicality reign forever

to connect, A natural flow within skies brighter than light, Her atmosphere abides feeds us

mother earth lives On cellular level she resides peacefully forever! And (She knows journey could be short or long) Man’s soul ate physicality materialism worth’ The Beauty which lies with divine plan silky Eyes do abides her children cells care well Hopes naturally flows within skies brighter to, Her Divine intersection will mother earth live! As human beings we’re connected to all things! Soul, earth connects vibration into reality forms Bird kingdom forms relationship naturally and, Her animal kingdom resides within her soul lives.

wisdom wisely! A universe works beautiful if humans told the truth Divine intersection is lived mother earth As human beings we are connected to all Living souls earth connects vibration to all Spiritual awaken people must come now Her soul wishes to live with all living things Let us change our lifestyle which interferes The soul is hurting violently because of us © 2017 Joan Thomas

Mother Earth © Harold Bo Clapsaddle 2017 O, Ocean, don’t be afraid deathly saves your dear ocean children though dirty with life Mother Earth that labors. He now helps yet removed to cleanse me, leave the inhuman behind For at the end your saddened for your dear of their road Mother Earth. Mother Earth tears. are the poor inhuman humans His light solar f O, Land, don’t tremble so with their ignorance lares ribbons though clothed with litter smoldering wrapping sky leave the inhuman behind they forgot, of Jesus’ with ozone holes for your dear blood bled, throughout it screams, Mother Earth shakes. ‘twas dripped mine, as a as it burns cleansing fire. with it’s angry air, O, air and sky, cleansing me, don’t be mad Father of Earth, your downtrodden though noxious, ye fill cesarean’s mine Mother Earth. with thunder for His blood ignites to to lightening stroke swallow all O of the poor humans inhuman behind the filth, the inhuman, they borne of tragic ways for your dear the trash awash now in Mother Earth cries. to help cleanse me, oscillating death your Mother Earth torn. I reign to cry now Now my children I in acidic tears, nto my arms Father of Earth, that rain upon, your for my Creators tsunami’s shores Mother Earth. shadow falls His washing tears as His single are a cleansing crimson tripwire what pollutes my

Mother earth needs to celebrate Cruel Chilling winter's departure Obviously if it is spring Has to be riot of colours The white snowy sheet Now has melted Flora and fauna In vibgyor is spread. Eco friendly will be spring painted in water colors An awakening of nature Bringing it out of slumber The most hostile surroundings too Can host a beautiful flower! Mother earth needs to be Rejuvenated by eco system Let's pledge not to upset Elements' equilibrium! -- ÂŠ 2017 Arun Sharma

The People Of The One It is the year 2559 AT and I am again watching the old Comdiscs from centuries past. This is of course forbidden knowledge, meant only to be viewed by the New Eliticians and then passed down to the rest of us in tiny one hour long allotments. I got these Comdiscs by accident. I, along with several other Takerz were renovating the streets of Old Washton and I was removing ancient 'crete when I discovered a small and rusted metalline box. I looked around myself slowly, making sure none of the Senators were watching me. I waited for what seemed ages for the last Senator to turn his blasted gaze in another direction. Finally, feeling safe enough, I grabbed up the box and hid it underneath my plastiflesh work coat.

The wrkk period of ten hours passed slow as a mechasnail and I was as eager as a child at Christide to unwrap my stolen present. But I was more perplexed than surprised to find old Comdiscs, much larger than the ones we use t'day, but to my elation I also found the player inside as well. We have been lied to. The People of the One are never coming back. I have viewed all of the Comdiscs and they tell a different narrative than the fables I hear on Sunday AM. The People of the One fled in Starships to a place called

Andromeda, in order to preserve themselves and their lifestyles. But they left us here to die. Their world was very different than this sterile and dead world I live in

now. Did I say live? A caged creature is more like it. For I roam free in Washton but the rest of the world is sealed off by our enclosed atmosphere. But still the poisons leech in, whether it be through the cracks in the seal or the 'ranium underground. We live no longer than twenty five years and pregnancies are becoming less common than in years past.

One began to hoard food, clothing, fuel and water, all for a long trip that only they could make. They said the Takerz could not travel with them as they blamed them for the ills that befell civilization(?) then. They said the Takerz didn't wrkk hard enough and that they thought too much of themselves. Healthcare, economic equality and welfare were words that the People of the One despised. One CEO But I digress. They left us here to in particular, a very weird orange perish after they filled their 'banks' cretin of the One, said "You're not with money and they destroyed winners. I only travel with winTerra for minerals and oil. They ners." stripped forests of all life in order to appease 'shareholders' and I despise the People of the One. CEOS? What does that word mean? I don't know but they must The New Eliticians have a surprise have been evil people. coming AM. For they destroyed all the creatures, air and water and they led whole countries to destruction.

As Earth(?) died The People of the

Jack Dankof Copyright@jdankof2017

Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden Rings Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Love

flowers Enchanted for bride n groom

Springtime event of To walk amongst such beauty gracious love Knowing a time existed when The tiger in his roar from shore to nothing shore Lived here , yet one found fit for Treasures to appear, gracing us Creatures small and strong wise and wild.. Oceans deep curiosity keeps What truly lies beneath aqua blue Heaven scents amid and far Climbing up to the stars, echoes

Wildly with surroundings

Stag bright and beautiful shining early Mornings dews live long these woods here.

Swans keeping company in delight Mornings breakfast is in sight Where to begin flavored in every bite Camels whispers across the sands

Running to and fro, pure sand anyway Built with traction forcing this action Purest love within, Gods satisfactions Wallerers of the muds slurping to each

king Pods and seeds forthcomings out of sods Placed upon a golden ring Hang on for one beautiful ride Within your grasps in your reach

ÂŠ 2017 Happyhearted One Quenched waters spread thin and wide Covering their hairy hides What a treasure nature brings Remembering it comes forth every spring

Nightingales sing hail to the

Mother Earth Is Nature All seasons have their Purpose in life Each one making up a perfect balance.

When man has a vision, a tree or family Animals stand in the way And so your Concrete world is born. A wise man named Chief Dan George once Said, a man will come upon a tree and cut it down. A wise man will walk around it.

do not understand, the animals run in fear of your Uncertainty.. In my world I can touch my animals family. For the respect we have for each other. We live as one as intended from the beginning. Mother nature provided all we need to survive. Each season is a restoration of the balance. For all to partake. The rain bringing a cleansing to the air we breathe. The sun bringing the strength deep Inside of this growth.

We as people must find a way to put back what was taken, never take more Every season has its gift. Every than is needed. Over consumption leads to ab- plant giving food to each form of life. Water is the life giver of sence of balance. all In your world you are protected Things living. from what you Let us not destroy what we do

not understand. Or our date in destruction will be our last stand. Yes mother earth is not a rock in the heavens of a galaxy. She is living like you and me, every animal. Every tree. She speaks to man in a very loud way , when she is hurt and had enough of our destructive ways. She has a way to repair her self, but need and greed has placed all on a shelf. Nature is there for us all brought by Creator , cause he loves us all, science will tell you this and that, I find more knowledge in a old house cat. Let us be happy for what was given, So all walks of life can remain living.

ÂŠ 2017 Robert Gillette

Not simply What our eyes appease The fields of plenty Fowl in flight mighty Oceans roaring waken Challenged to please Those grazing while teased A hunter’s eye in need. Trees offering Spring splaying Colors magically displaying The capture of our thirsty eye Plains too to meet Horizon’s distant sky. Not maternal nor fraternal Existence from a higher God eternal Greens we devour Perhaps shot in a Golden Hour Nature fusing with humanity Power… © 2017 Lynn H Terry

Oh! My Dear Children

is your fate

Oh! my dear children

The forest, the mountains, the rivers the surface

Why are you trying to destroy me for your greed Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m your Mother Earth

and the sky

And who always

Why are you trying to eradicate their beauty

fulfills your need

How can you forget that

Oh! my dear children Why are you trying to incarcerate nature inside the cages How can you forget that Nature has been nourishing you since ages Oh! my dear children Why are you trying to spread brutality & hate

Make the world healthy and green, respect and serve all beings, is your duty Oh! my dear children Unite and cooperate to make the world more beautiful place And spread the happiness, Save the beautiful creatures Plant trees and flowers on my face

How can you forget that Love, friendship, prosperity, brotherhood & unity,

ÂŠ 2017 Baleshwar Purohit

Life In all it's magnificence From the tiny seed To the killer whale All in balance For the continuation Of the devine We need to play our part And preserve this vibrancy Earth our home Full of Life Mal Ward ÂŠ 2017

Mother's Lap Enchanting hues Alluring destinations Wild thoughts Sensitive hearts Overflow of emotions Peaks of ecstasy Journey of desires Beautiful smiles Creative passions Digging curiosities Immensity above and beneath Play of light and shadow Few moments of joy Few of sorrow All impressions on your Generous lap My dear Mother Earth!!

Worship Her; For You Must After the void of Chaos; came Gaia That goddess, primordial; our mother She rose, from the swamp; after the fire Creatures on land; would her form discover United with Uranus; she gave birth Mighty oceans; and seas, were her offspring Mothered Titans; the gods who ruled the earth A home to mortals; who gave offering The mother of so many; forms of life Her beauty is; endless diversity She has survived; through disaster and strife Empires rise and fall; yet she remains free Her love, the life she gives; fresh and vernal That's Gaia; free, alive, she's eternal

ÂŠ Niamh Serendipity 2017

Only We Can Make That Choice We have one mother; of which we may speak She is nature, this planet; she's our home From deepest ocean; to the highest peak Those are the borders; in which we may roam Miracles exist; in each realm, we see Evolution; creates, endless wonder That tiniest microbe; or tallest tree Wondrous world; dark skies, gathering thunder Those colours of; the most serene rainbow Are but the pallet; for so many things All those fantastic creatures; we, well know Those that walk, slither; or glide on their wings Yet, sentience; surely comes with a price It's up to us, to be; loving and nice Original Thoughts by ÂŠ A. L. Schers 2017

19 June - Colors of Nature It was a hot summer day I stayed inside for long, when I came out I saw beautiful colors in the sky Just amazing, adoring the beauty of nature But unaware about the next moment future I felt the smooth wind blowing Little children's face glowing I forgot all pain, I was lost in the voice of rain. Suddenly, I heard the roar of clouds The upcoming sound of storm That forced the trees to bent down This was a changing view of time When something stroke down I saw, it was a big tree of lime All joy turned in fear Because no one was at home only me and mother The sky became black The heavy clouds rained down The light sparkled along with hard sound Nothing I could see only rain water flowing like

a stream in the Ocean or sea. The storm, the rain, the thunder light in the open sky These were all things that didn't let the time pass by It continued for night so long I had nothing to do, Just listened fight song And played down on a floor tile Felt relaxed with eyes closed slept for a while Woke up at dawn, in the early morning With the freshness of dews, chirruping bird's song Miracle of sunrise, renewed my dream My sins were washed And the heart was cleaned Bad time passed, I bowed down My soul painted the colors of rainbow In the whole town!! ÂŠ Lovepreet Kaur

Mother Earth

We toyed with gravity and Plants are paying the price of the The nature we have weight we placed on them learned to admire Leaves wilt at the sight But decided to cut of our carelessness the preservation of We don't need to smoke Through cocoon and struggle packs of cigarettes like the butterfly The fumes of the globe's We have found ways warming is toxic to watch you transition The more we breathe, the less Never really prompting ourselves earthed our insides become to be part of the process Mother Earth We just check in from You have not punished us time to time We have destroyed everything Then get mad when gifted to us you have suddenly changed We placed you in Our moods sway with each the care home of season and we blame you for it "Silence yourself for a second" Earth tones should be the sounds Until the elements roar to keep us grounded we won't listen Our ears are closed though Eyes are straying elsewhere like ÂŠ 2017 Pebbles WroteIt Skies and planes So if we fall from great heights it is not your fault

All creatures that move and that don't. Function in coherence with Nature's symbiotic laws. Humans claiming so called intelligence destroyed them all. Trying to conqure other worlds When earth itself has been a prey.. Trees, carnivorous and herbivores all hunted down for selfish gains.

We pray to God While we kill Our own kins. Forgetting what the consequences and penalty we could face at Death, on our judgement day. There are no replies to end to how much we hurt, Our beautiful, loving mother, our nature, our Earth.

All mute creatures Exploited equally.

Though she gives all residence Before she dies choking On pollution.

Nature does speak Does pray to God With tears in eyes.

For final words lets Pray to God to pardon Us for our sins.

Animals becoming rare Some extinct.

And protect nature, Our subordinate kins.

Humans fight each other to Cause further destruction.

- (C) Sherin Mani March 2017

Mother Nature : Such beauty and diversity is blessed, Of kingdoms on the earth both tame and wild, With plumage on the birds so neatly dressed, And antlers horns and stripes so aptly styled. A mountain wears a hat of pristine white, While oceans and the seas are bathed in blue, The midday sun shines down so blinding bright, Yet sunset yields in shades of evâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ry hue. Thus Mother Nature gives us all we need, But sometimes has to put us in our place, The tallest tree grows from a tiny seed, And mocks the progress of the human race. So treat the planet well, with all respect, Or reap the harvest sown by your neglect. ÂŠ Garry Spooner 18 March 2017

Nature's Plead Every morn I woke not to the alarm But to the song of birds Their melodious music Was a beautiful inspiration Begin my day on a lovely note

But alas! times have changed Today, I hardly sight a bird Lovely little creatures miss them The colourful butterflies swirled Every evening in the garden And the chirp of sparrows as They sat back home Man has been cruel Ruthless ruin of flora and fauna Needs are endless Nature is at disaster A misery to one and all. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time we awake To the cries of nature Protect and preserve The beauty of forests and lakes For the future generation

MY MOTHER EARTH My mother Earth bears a lot of pain and faces atrocities For us. Earth nourishes lot lot of trees to feed us But we cut them

" How do you bear all this ?" She replied "I can bear every thing But can't bear the load of a thankless Heart.” (GHRITGHAN)

Are we going to be thankRivers and seas flow on less? her chest But we pollute them. Let's be thankful. All this gives pain to her. Mother Earth bears the load of mountains Someone asked Earth

Forms of Life Sparkles of stars in the sky, Sun is shining way up high. Seeing the moon on its darkest days, Bright rainbows with colors of rays. As we listen to birds that chirps, Insects crawling deep down in the dirt. Animals going from here to there, Tree leaves growing beyond compare. As clear as the ocean, showing off waves, Clouds hanging above, with a test of grey. I know this earth is simply for us, Living our lives is truly a must. As we go on in a total fulfillment, A world of creation with love, and endearment.

ÂŠ Tanya Jean Williams 2017

earth day.... even the way i sneeze when i'm alone matters to the birds and the bees matters to the birds and the bees.... tampering with the elements disrupts our mating rituals daily Verses Momolu S.Freeman Copyright 03/08/2017

EACH DAY every day we give we take

making choices life chances

ÂŠmustange charlie2017

for the future or others to breathe

Mother Earth Yields Herself Unselfishly During the hot days of sun Mother Earth immodestly bares her lace. Inhaling what she can from the misty morning's air and the ground's sweat. With (un-dew) regrets she painstakingly awaits the fall of the Sky's rain to fill in the cracks on her face. We can all do our part for the future generations to come by planting the seeds of action for the preservation of our Mother Earth's base. By joining in today and watering her as well by acting responsibly for that careless cigarette or that trash tossed at all cost will be the demise or longevity of Mother Earth as she unselfishly yeilds her bounty and beauty for humans and animals alike and for all if nurtured remain a most wondrous and beautiful place.

ÂŠ tltw 03 -10-17

Nature whispers

When the breeze lightly flows The leaves & branches mildly glows Sometimes hiding Sometimes peeping Midst the warmth of the sunshine And the weather cozy and fine Sometimes hiding the light Or enhancing the nature's might The white little fly Twittering beneath the sky Playing midst the brilliant woods Nature whispers within silence's shrouds

- (c) SUKANYA BASU MALLIK

Prayers for Mother’s Day All I can say is life has taken This special love away. My mother is in heaven above, Looking down and showing Her love. A day my children and I do Not celebrate, for those Moments are far too late. For Cancer will not discriminate So, if you have one here, show Your love, a hard thing to do When they’re high above. For those mothers, I wish you My prayers, in hope your own Will show they care. Happy Mother’s Day From the Gillette’s

MAMA

understand some things. You smile at me if I'm scared. You disciplined me if necessary, You taught me some lessons if I made a mistake You hugged me if I lost my temper You gave me everything to make me happy. You're really an angel to me Thank you, mother for all of these, Thank you for all your sacrifices. Thank you for your love and care. Wherever you are, Ma, You will always in my heart to stay And I never forget you for the rest of my life.

mama your love for me is priceless, your understanding and forgiveness is countless, You brought me in your womb for nine months and gave me birth while facing hardship and struggle to fight death. I came to life because of your flesh and blood. You feed me and taken care of me with tears in your eyes keep falling from your face. I know they were tears of happiness. For I am your most precious treasure. And you love me for who I am, Singing at night a lullaby Did not sleep if I was sick. You taught me to speak and ÂŠ 2017 Mari Felices

MOM IS MY HOME Inside your tummy Oh my dear mummy, I roll and roll hard Jump low and high; Few punches there Few kicks here, Want to get out See the outer world.

As I go further away, Built my own world Own my own home; From morning to night I toil hard, Just to get that peace Peace of your lap.

Tired and all out Now I am back to you, Come mom, make me Out here now I am sleep All amazed, All surprised, Make me sleep deep; I get to see this My house is nothing From your lap; Nothing compared to lap, Slipped a little Ya the lap, my home Then toddler's way, Home of my Mom. I put my first step From your lap. ÂŠ 2017 Vikas Singh

The world lures me

My Mother, My Pain Unreleased © Harold Bo Clapsaddle 2017 Maybe it was best my name unnoticed by my poor eyesight of canvased invite yet I come to write not for you but for me for this is my struggle with therapy, with my PAIN…… Unreleased A mother, my nurse my fishing partner my counselor my teacher of gardening, love friendship

of marriage of social agonies of what burdens my PAIN…… Unreleased A day celebrated by others I regret, I suffer I remember an unqualified doctor bleeding six pints of my mother into trash bins and mop buckets that grew my PAIN……. Unreleased My life forever changed with hatred

replacing her love with my want to remove a man from this earth to vanquish war-torn brain throbs caressing tight my PAIN….. Unreleased A father gone, a sister gone a mother gone a sister knocking on death’s door with an aunt standing beside with her hand on the door knob stretching forth to leave me alone with my PAIN….

Unreleased For I cannot let go, ever of a loving a caring nurse on-call, awaiting me, whom cry’s for death to visit so I may go to heaven without remorse toting my PAIN….. Unreleased as my kingdom falls once for ever all my soul bawls. With my Pain…. Unreleased

Generations ——————Eye so blue Or deepest brown Happy face Or dark frown open the door To a life not knowing

that's full Of pain and joy For the privilege Of raising A girl or boy Who step forward on lifes path Raising yet another generation For us to gasp At eyes so blue Or deepest brown

MOTHER

an many times again as I grew to carry one for so long creating circumstance an in the day but you held me still risk so much and loved me even death as only a MOTHER will yes I was a difficult one not the perfect you labored so to bear son I was this son but she loved all me life from darkness to light just BECAUSE..... you bore me much to your delight ÂŠmustang charlie2017 in obscured vision you were the first I'd see you wounded yourself for me a pain your bore

The Word is given life.. in obedience

More kicks, more pain, His movements are stronger And harder to bear But a woman's heart surpasses But this mom holds As the child she carries still with the struggle is of her flesh.. Just wanting, yearning Of the blood that runs To see the Gift, to finally see Him through her veins And Alas! In her arms she And of pieces that make her whole Dearly holds Him Months, she counts Tears fall, so crystal clear Bearing changes in her body For the first time her smile is Sweet pain embraced beaming and glowing Unmindful of the dabble She is no longer just a woman, All she holds is the excitement God completed her —a MOM. From that verbe that moves within The Lord formed the Spirit of Life Curiously swimming, kicking.. But she is prized to hold From that sac holding Him so firm That life within "I can't wait to see you,” So blessed is 'Woman' she whispers for the miracle she holds "I am Yours, and to the world, Entrusted to bear You are divine." 'Life' that only she can mold And she gently rubs that And this Fruit of the Spirit bump He formed Is God's Love confirmed. As if to hug, to show her love. On the 9th she feels ©2017FoxyturbyTurf's poetry Him wanting, eager to see the world

MOTHER: It's just like a story. No emotional outburst. I have very faint knowledge about my mother. I was raised by my grand mother. She studied in a Christian school. But she was an austere Hindu. She taught me alphabets & implanted moral teachings, too. But as I grew old, I felt the absence of my mother. When my friends talked about their mothers, I talked about my grandmother too. They knew that my mother was no more, so they didn't talk much about their mothers. So I developed a sense of vacuum but it had nothing to do with my future life. I forgotten my mother, except some passing images, they still play in my mind. They still look like unforgettable moments.

SUN Dear child, You are the Sun of my life, my own blood, bonding of souls, since time eternal! You came into my life when it was dark and gloomy like my beloved Lord KRISHNA who came to Gokula. You gave me the joy of motherhood And I enjoyed each and every moment of my months when you and I shared an exciting relationship of togetherness. It's through you, I learned how to love the way our divine mother loves us.

When our fingers knitted together I felt an extra power entering into my body.

Now, you are grown up but for me still you are that same little cute child with shining bright eyes. Fulfilling my aspirations, You are making me proud! I pray God to shower his best blessings throughout your life!! (c) 2017 B.S.Saroja

Maa, you gave me birth. You kept me In your womb for nine long months. You brought me into the existence through the unbearable pain of labour. You fed me breast milk. Through the nectar of

love flowing from your heart. Your smiles became my happiness. I owe God a hundred prayers For blessing me with A mother so loving. - (C) Sherin Mani March 2017.

MAMA Sweet mama Dear mama Ever loving mama Ever forgiving I played around in your cozy womb for a short while Coming into this World l first notice you â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, who is that beautiful Angel,â&#x20AC;? l said!? Just your mama a voice whispered

Mama cuddled me in her arms singing a lullaby Sleep overtook me Awakening me to the sounds of everyday life Into this confusing world where now am alone Facing reality, Am all grown up Mama no longer takes care of me Grown into an adult where am a perfect individual to my decisions

Looking into my past Mama made me become what l My guardian Angel succumbing am today, Thank you mama!!! me to reality Mama will take care of you Copyright ~ Nasreen Malik 2017 Mama's bundle of joy and very helpless

MOTHER Woman, with eyes of love and honey heart arms of affection and moonlight face. Warrior woman against winds and tides. Light in darkness on sad days melody of charm in moonlight nights. Woman that sings While tears roll down her face.

Woman that kills the hunger of others and dies of starvation if she has too. This woman It's not only a Woman. She is Mother of the world, She’s my mother. ©Graça Costa

Emotional awakening Joy Sorrow Love Pride Deep and sharp True and content Afraid and surprised Exposed, yet sometimes in pain Through blur I see my representation My motherly heart bared Affectionately Through doubts and distinction Beating forever outside of my chest ÂŠ 2017 Nadia Fortuna

Mother's Day I don't remember the flowers she loved ÂŠ 2017 Eva Limbach

O Mother! From the coception this soul provided succour Till the day she was alive Played the role known as Mother! O mother! In any difficulty I still invoke you And from the heaven Instantly I hear, "Bless You!" Was no one before And like you will be never Till my last breath I can't repay you, Mother dear! ÂŠ 2017 Arun Sharma

I never see God I never see the angels I never see the coolness of air I never see how the sun burns And gives his light to earth But I see a woman Who has all these qualities And she is my mother.

ÂŠRoopam Bishnoi

Ode to Mother God could not be everywhere And hence he created mother. Epitome of love and care All members rely on her. She is the strength of the family Woes are deposited Children surround with tales As she exhibits her culinary skills. From morn to night Meticulous is her tasks A day without her Life is a mess.

Hands that nurture Are strong as iron Sustain the low and high As life glides by. ÂŠ 2017 Jayashree Trao

Mother Most beautiful creation of God on earth Optimistic about her childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future Tears are momentary, she gets back stronger Her determination to face all challenges Endeavours to her full potential Realising that opportunities do not last long ÂŠ 2017 Jayashree Trao

Blessed hands ----- Manos benditas Blessed hands a woman's hands Of a sweet life I have come to know Holy hands that give great pleasure In an afternoon's enchanted measure Of a heavenly love l will always treasure Eyes of a mother watching us grow Incomparable light in the love I know Hands that suffer, love and caress In a woman's morning A beautiful face

ÂŠ 2017 R. Olmos

Manos bendiitas Manos de mujer En una dulce vida llege a conocer Manos de santa que me dio el placer Amores de encanto en un atardecer En cielos de amor que nunca Olvidare Ojos de madre que nos vieron crecer De un amor incomparable llege a conocer Manos que sufren Aman y acarician Una linda cara de bella mujer

ÂŠ 2017 Ross Olmos

Mom Unable to define, Easy to feel. Same treasure There is nowhere. Maybe the explanation That comes closest is: Mom: the second heart Of God, striking the Earth Because in her One day, Months, Whole life, Only love!

ÂŠ2017 Gel Poetry Garden

I love you Mom : Mother is so many things she laughs and cries she weeps and sings and as an infant held me close upon her breast to her I was the thing she treasured most the best gave her all and more besides its in her heart that love resides I learned to walk to talk and trust although I thought at times she fussed and as I grew through young man’s days my paths on often wayward ways her eyes would brim to fill an ocean with liquid pure distraught emotion indeed its true I took for granted and used her love to my advantage and still she loved me unconditional

she did not waver unequivocal But guilty verdict on my soul ’Twas she and Father made me whole now she wears a face of many years how many more? the biggest of my fears So truly mom, and deeply from my core I look back on my wayward days of yore to think of all the times I let you down and still you thought I should deserve a crown I love you Mom and always will and when your gone I’ll love you still But while you grant the sunshine to my day I’ll try to make you proud in every way. © 20 17Garry Spooner

Mother's Day the first time i miss her chuckle memories of mother... a rock weighs heavily on my chest billowing heat an angel leaves the crematorium God call softly your eyes gently close laundry basket mother forgets her birthday

-midnight moon you left without saying goodbye cicada murmurs her sighs (Memories of mother as part of a book entitled Missing You: A Collection of Short Poems) ÂŠ 2017 Willie Bongcaron

In any lives Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll always want and choose you My dear beloved mom Amethyst c 2017

Dear Mama I haven't expressed it in words Nor have I written it to you Your love for me is pure How could I ever ignore? Though we are always apart But you are always in my heart There were days I didn't understand Instead, you gave me your helping hand.

Now I fully realize What it is to be a mother To feeding your children on your own Your sacrifices looks painful to me now Like Mary watching Her Son nailed to the Cross. Mama, I will make amends Before it's too late Your loving arms, your gentle touch Everything that you have done is great I will always cherish you, I love you very much. (C)2017 Maricris Cabrera

YOU LOVED ME FIRST (Sonnet #438) Before I was, you were, and you were all My world. You sensed, not felt me there before I was confirmed. By your heartbeat, the chore, Synchronizing my soul, your cantor’s call, Was the metronome of my gestation. You chose to give me birth though warned against Foolish fateful attempts. The recompense Was worth your risk, son of love’s creation. Until I met my soulmate, she so true No one ever loved me as much as you I wish you could have met, for you would rest Knowing she and I do live in love’s trust Whate’er you had, you poured into my soul Now she has come, her love has made me whole. © 2017 David W. Palmer

Mother Has No Alternative Mother's love has no alternative In the world. Mother is a tree Found nowhere else in the world Which gives shade So thick, so cool and so sweet GOD has made Paradise From that shade.

ÂŠ 2017 Surinder Singh Chohka

Mark Norris Quotes for Mothers’ Day "Mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved." — Erich Fromm "The mother-child relationship is paradoxical and, in a sense, tragic. It requires the most intense love on the mother's side, yet this very love must help the child grow away from the mother, and to become fully independent." — Erich Fromm

"A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories." — Honore de Balzac

"My mother said to me, 'If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope.' Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso." — Pablo Picasso

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers." — Rudyard Kipling

"My mother always told me, even if a song has been done a thousand times, you can still bring something of your own to it. I'd like to think I did that." — Etta James

"And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not anonymously, handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see - or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read." — Alice Walker

A PROMISE TODAY walk on this weary land, The three letter word Possessing all the ‘’GOD’’, superpowers carries in Him, in a wand. The vast and unrestricted Scattering miraculously universe. love No alive atom, In each season, proclaim a mystery, without reason, To have had fleeting Being incredibly right glimpse of Creator. about every pebble I turn, Except me, yes I am Your silent ear exceptional. when I laugh To have you, who gave me and whine, the vital drop, And supporting Of the life, I breathe, ethereal smile. laugh and cry. My wrong paths In you I see his Avatar, converge to right. Or Him, indistinguishable. When the righteousness My mother, of your eyes fall you so modestly by my side,

In the creepy dark caves, surrender your gift you make me dance to a back to you, minor beam of light. Hold your hand, same I am not a good one like you held my finger, though, but yes, Shelter you, all times, not bad, kiddo. of rains and the sun One promise I, henceforth I know I cannot, want to live to from the but I will strive dawning moment, I’ll bleed, drain, I’ll sweat And will strive to fill and I’ll stain, the half empty glass. Be that dutiful ‘Rama’. Like your heavenly lap Dear mother, I will never described paradise, give you pain. I too with stars fill up your sky. © Dr. Tanvi Shah Like you have always lighted up mine, I vow to stand for your every need, Always and forever,

Jazz: Singing the blues loosing myself The Depth of my Songs beating in the depth of my Soul Magical it was when the words started pouring out Copyright ~ Nasreen Malik 2017

A dark hot sticky night Feet shuffling across the floor Smoky eyes and voices raised Clanging symbols setting stage Spotlight on First low smooth blow from the saxophone Voices stilled buzzing thrilled Fingers pull the first three chords C G A It's the Bass in lead and teasing taps Drums ba dap bap tibbity taa ÂŠ 2017 Kimberly Leuthner

I took my 5 string down to Papa French's joint, Pulled up a rickety old wooden stool and began Picking and plucking my way through many an old toon Got the kick of my life when in strolled Marcellus & Fats Looked at the white guy in the corner and asked "who da fuck is dat?" Papa and son Bob chuckled as my face turned Tabasco red "Aw, he don't mean nothing bad, he jest sitting in getting his rhythms down". Papa passed later that year but Fats, he's still banging those ivory keys, Forty years since I sat in with the best players in NOLA.

ÂŠ2017.frank.key.

That tone Just a perfect pitch Sending goose bumps Up my arm I sigh Yet again this sound Touched my soul

Mal ward ÂŠ 2017

Take your tie tight enough to stretch a pig skin Trios and Ensembles old trad or Dixieland Acid , or improvised tap those winkle pickers turtle neck and Goatee the horn section will blow up a storm and your mind Django and Grapelli fiddle and strum A caravan towed by a clarinet ÂŠ Garry Spooner April 2017

It Ended With 2 Beats Louis and Ella visited New Orleans They went for the jazz seeking saxaphone scenes instead on went the necklaces one by one before they knew it Mardi Gras'd begun Ella'd begun whistling to Dixie a friend in the crowd while Louis bebopped o'er to the women stripped proud Swinging their necklaces to beats of Mr. Ragtime's drums Ella'd caught Louis and her lip'd caught curl there he goes again

"Oh my" she'd said "Look at That Girl" Louis'd feigned as ne'er the affairs They'd chimed in together "howsa bout some guitar and drums?" Instead they'd entered a dimly lit pub playing spicy piano and sat their was That Girl! She'd looked fondly upon them from directly in front although Louis and Ella'd been listening to their own 2 Beats ÂŠtltw poem 04-05-17 [ToniTW]

Sit down in that chair right there My lady... And let me paint For you that rythym Between us now laid bare ÂŠ 2017 Kimberly Leuthner

like sweet salted caramel Poetic Jazz -- written word music freedom

ÂŠ 2017 Kimberly Leuthner

Blues and guitar strings, Heavy bass sounds and heart full voice sing. Known to many the name Lucille, Only BB King could make those strings squeal. Favorite song don't get me wrong , His most famous , the thrill is gone. © 2017 Robert Gillette

Every artist finds his moments to chime Sittin’ sweet in their perfect pockets of time Ain't no happenin’ trendy new brand But more like a cool n’ confident swag

JAZZ IT UP No rules, Judgement of behavior, When I sway in harmony, To the bass guitar. Jazzing up my existence, Knowing it's the sweet elixir, To bring pieces together, Broken to be mended. Drowning, I keep submerging In ocean of beats of the drums. I know I'll get through this one. After all its to be loved. Just one chance.

ÂŠ 2017 Dr Tanvi Shah

The best jazz!

The Best Jazz

Foi tão bom.

It was so good.

Jazz ao vivo!

Live Jazz!

Doces momentos!

Sweet moments!

Cara engraçada.

Funny Face.

Olhar profundo.

Deep look.

Chuva caindo...

Rain falling ...

Suave... Fluxo contínuo.

Soft... Continuous flow.

Estou pensando...

I'm thinking...

Jazz da minha vida!

Jazz of my life!

@ 2017 Elinete B. B. Mocidade

When drumstick thrills; The rustling cymbals, And bloodshot eyes; Dance to the rhythm, Saxophone pleads; With an urge to feel, To catch a beat; And Jazz to the kill, From still to shaken; The trip goes on, To edge it leads; To night it belongs, The night recedes; Both Eve and dawn, To dance it away; Moving all night long... ÂŠ Mohammad Shahnawaz 2017

Dad and Abby, two of a kind, Comes to music, They’re both of one mind. Brewing their cinnamon espresso, Fireside. Scent of pine, feeling fine. With Abby’s antique hi-fi stereo, The bass, smooth as chocolate silk, Saxophone, trumpet, a tickle of the keys, A little Buddy Rich, if you please. In the corner, neatly stacked, Dad’s jazz record collection. Perfection. © 2017 Valerie J Moore

hum with me... the rhythm of jazz to our souls --a flick of my fingers... tipsy from the beat --the moon and jazz... just you

ÂŠ 2017 Willie Bongcaron

This is amazing ... Rhythm of blues Lover of the soul Tune in line capturing the audience With heart in line Humming softly with the jazz Serene of the day. ÂŠ 2017 Amethyst Crystal

Jazz... You...and Me Under the indolent tune Me and you, so indolent too The saxophone sounds through the air In the same frequency as our whispers Imagination, shapes and colors Delightfully hold me in your arms I gently allow your daring hands to slip In our memory this dance will never end You and I ... the rest the memories will save

ÂŠ 2017 Gel Poetry Garden

Start with the wave of a wand Clitter clatter . snap and a tap of the toe. Altogether become harmony ÂŠ 2017 Jennifer Gilbert .

On every beat My toes stand And dance

Like raindrops Dance on the field Hands goes up And write some beats In the air Every beat of heart And jazz feel like Both are same. ÂŠRoopam Bishnoi

RAINBOW

Rejoining of two Rhytm and blues

Life, like a rainbow

Dancing and swaying together

not a permanent one!

Swift fully ÂŠ 2017 Amethyst Crystal

But, Colours of life

overpower my ambition to renounce Worldly attractions. Like, Scent that takes birth with Rose, Love spreads its mirth singing silent choirs within its petals. Wow! Sunrays, leaves and roots; benign breath and touch of light enhance my beauty. I watch with wonder Life's splendour, undying grandeur in its immense hues and arcane shadows!!

ÂŠ 2017 B.S.Saroja

JAZZ passionate kisses to savor Lips of southern honey charmed flavor Your hand slides Sweat glides Breath on nape of my neck Heck Those horns blow sweet Into my soul In tempo drums solo ta-tapp tapp tap of each heart beat Badap bap ba babbitty boo trrr trrr-brrraa traaa katta ka ka ka ka snare roll through my spine So divine your instruments wine

ÂŠ 2017 Kimberly Leuthner

Sat by me, legs crossed Smoking marijuana, her eyes fiery She was smooth, her moves fluid She had rhythm, her tone soothing She loved her convo cock-tailed, Groove, cool blue and sweet lines in the night In-between was the soul She felt like Sade, half-this half-that And I met her with my Manu Dibango on It was a Jazz cocktail. ÂŠ 2017 Kofi S.E. Senyo

Piano Is That Alley That rhythm of the city, is its soul It rules on every beat; the drummer drums The pace, that pounds the sidewalk, snare drum roll A soul, that’s in a sound; when Satchmo hums That car horn, comes to life, played on the sax And every city sound; a rhythm’s song Emerging from the wrong side of the tracks Chicago’s sound, could really not be wrong Jazz music is the wonder of the dance That plays, there on; a comet maestro’s cheeks And smiling, does an audience entrance So patter me the troughs, to screech the peaks In that full sound; projected lives and times Love and laughter, dance; through rhythm’s own rhymes Original thoughts by © A. L. Schers 2017

I am your Symphony softly, play I do upon the sea of your Phrygian scales You are my Crescendos The loudest point reached in a gradually Increasing sound. That is me upon your door when these lips of mine crave the melody your womanhood upon my tongue

pure as Immaculate Conception, Are love is from God This is I know to be. So play me my love, with your delicate gilded hands of gold. softly grace me, with your tender enclasp Softly move me with the intention, The gift of your inherited love For I am your Symphony you are my jazz We are one soul

I began to ingress softly for you to play upon the fertile ÂŠ 2017 Memoirs of a ground that is my soil Mad Mind (Sean Runyon) Concetta is love as

Like alphabet soup in smooth chicken broth We turned up the heat And we simmered A tribute to the Jazz of our lives

that burns in our hearts written verse served up gifts by gracious artists just doing their part The words came together Now etched in forever Canvas to our Soul scribed onto the scroll We tip our hats in a collaborative fuse as digital painted poetry In celebration of our muse An oh so tasty treat like sweet salted caramel JAZZ is MUSIC FREEDOM

ÂŠ 2017 Kimberly Leuthner

The United States in the late 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and early 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was becoming fertile soil for racial unrest, as African Americans, facing injustice, inequality, discrimination, and violence, simply for the color of their skin were beyond adjusting and coping with a social system engineered to exclude them from opportunity, and were ready for action. At the same time, entrenched special interests bent on continuing apartheid and hatred were becoming increasingly more violent. Into this malaise stepped a young Baptist preacher from Atlanta, Georgia. Influenced by the teachings of Jesus, and of Mahatma Gandhi, lead a nonviolent movement dedicated to peaceful but absolute noncooperation with the evils of injustice. He shook awake the conscience of his nationl

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

On April 4, 1968, on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. King was gunned down by an assassin’s bullet, 49 years ago this month. We are asking, “What has happened to ths glorious dream of the Beautiful County that Dr. King espoused? Are we making progress, or is it’s realization still a distant dream? Do we have the power to make a difference, or will we also be among the indifferent who could do something, but choose to ignore this as some one else’s problem?

If we could rise up, but choose not to, who are we?

PROMISED LAND #324 By David Palmer 17-January, 2017 Renton, Washington All of us are dreamers who fondly wish For better days ahead. How few there are Who live those dreams by giving voice and heart. For them, there is a price to pay for change. Just a Baptist preacher from Atlanta Who lived the ceaseless horrors bigotry Exacts upon a people called free But impos’d categories chained them. He suffer’d with his own, took their beatings, But rais’d their sights to mountaintops beyond. His dream so simple still consum’d his life, Like Moses, saw the Promis’d Land afar. Where is our Martin for today? We must Engage our nation’s hope for equal justice. © 2017 David W. Palmer

Martin Luther King Jr- “I have a dream” Martin Luther King Jr Dreamed of Love overcoming hate Peace achieved through unity And hope for greater things to come Did he achieve his dream? Yes!

Poem continues on next page —>

Relative to the ongoing growth Of a world still infantile He laid the groundwork for success Martin Luther King Jr believed in Jesus Who was greater by far than he Yet, He suffered ordeals For teaching ideals Martin was assassinated by those who feared him Just like Jesus was Condemned by Pontius Pilate Who knew what was right, but, bowed to the masses instead Thinking that turning a blind eye, and washing his hands Would expunge him from the consequence of their convoluted

plans

Instead, he walked in divine direction, teaching You see, it was never unity about prejudice on the As the key to freedom surface level we perand equality for all huceive manity But it was all about how And though he died many could be swayed His legacy, “I Have a by the plot to deceive Dream” have been magJesus knew it, because, nified. He was divine, Martin Luther King Jr. Hate can never overrealized it, this epipha- power Love ny empowered his mind Love, like light, always find its way through Martin Luther King Jr Love is Hope was a man of peace, Victory beyond scope and a follower of Christ Love is the very essence The epitome of Peace. of Life As such, he was no “I Have a Dream” Keep longer subject to disHope Alive! tractions Of illusion, that feeds © Elizabeth Maria into emotions, leading Reynolds (Gallo) 2017 to reactions That destroys in blind rage

Dr. King He was full of dignity and grace A beautiful human being Dr. King did not live to see his dream And of his dream we're still not seeing. I remember his awesome speech Thought the world would rally around him But to this day the dream is still a dream We're more divided now than back then ! It's really a shame, but for a few, The race card still rears its ugly head If people would let the past be the past We could start over and do as King said. It's not the good people of this world That wreak havoc with our mind It's the thugs and their mentality That fuel the fire that keeps us behind. I still believe in 'I had a Dream' I believe this country could stand united I'd rather see us hold hands against the real enemies Than go down in flames divided. ÂŠ 2017 karen hines

So Let Freedom Ring... Not so very long; before I was born A modern prophet; spoke about his dream That man of peace; did of, some perils warn A Christian; rejecting that route, extreme With metaphors; of elegance and calm He fired the gathering; to which he spoke With words that bore the beauty of a psalm The dream he saw; like frankincense would smoke

Sweet fragrance, of his mind; would douse some flames To lead a nation; on a greater path True visionaries, thrive; on peaceful aims His foes unleashed; their venom and their wrath That speech, of love; can never be unsaid At Gods right hand, live on; the righteous dead Original Thoughts by ÂŠ A. L. Schers 2017

One of peace A voice to teach History incomplete All of humanity Must be reached As no other man Could ever seek Power that was given From above To strengthen Those silenced souls Wrongfully weakened As no other man Could ever reach ÂŠ2017 LynnHTerry

A Man, a Dream Behold, he had a dream For his family, his countrymen, His Nation! And his dream was like thousands From others... Mowed to dream, others continued to dream Years later, his dreams still hover in the air, Minds and hearts. So it seems to me that his thoughts were A point common to many, Especially for those in whom the principles Morality and ethics, Towards the common good Martin Luther King and his great dream Are alive as long as there is a man of good will Willing to fight for the values of a great nation and The well-being of his people!

ÂŠ Gel Poetry Garden 2017

Martin Luther King was killed on April 4, 1968. Now 49 years later I think of him and how he changed and how he didn't change things. Martin decided to be the change that he wanted to see in the world, like Ghandi. He believed that hatred does not defeat hatred, that violence does not bring peace. Along the way he met the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hahn, just two times, but between them they shared a sense of each other's holiness and a shared vision. The year after Martin received the Nobel Peace prize, he nominated Thich Nhat Hanh for the prize. In Vietnam, Martin is considered a bodhisattva, a Buddhist term for someone who has woken up, who has achieved enlightenment, and chooses to devote their life to helping all other beings awaken.

Bodhisattava Martin worked to end The bonds of racism The scourge of hatred And bring Us closer To a world Where all men Could be free.

Patrick Horgan

The work isn't done. There is still hatred and division and judgment, but there are also people inspired by MLK to continue to work for peace. Just sayin' â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Patrick Horgan ÂŠ 2017

Martin Luther King Fighting a war with words And activist of civil rights movement Truth prevails but death overtook fast ÂŠ Nasreen Malik 2017 Love Runs Rampant

found in our works of art And Mankind will never reproduce the beauty of His unrestrained heart,

I turn to face your swastikas and the sound of your hate speech And I ask these questions of you, Those of you with hearts still And why are we so afraid to within reach, empty our hearts into the souls of others Why is it Why are we so fearful to be true That only death brings about sisters and brothers, peace And why is it that the culture in And maintaining peace can only need of doing some atoning be brought about by unreIs the culture that does most of strained war, the stoning, What is so ugly about us That our beauty can only be Why are there infinite ways to

hurt and to harm And yet, finite ways to heal and disarm, Why is it weak to love and to be kind Yet strong to be cruel and unkind And how do our words and our actions shape the youngest minds,

dead before it can start, But you have not scored a TKO For even as I watch you go Victory remains in the heart of this lost child And love runs rampant, not meek but wild,

And the Dream remains a sacred But you disagree with my line of star to be wished upon thought and punch me in my face And The Dream is my answer to Call me a traitor to the White the nightmares awakened at race, dawn. You remind me that love has no place in your hearts Jack Dankof And that you wish The Dream

IN MARTIN In Martin; a dream was birthed. A vision to see all treated the same. A love not based on skin color. A nation not divided on racial lines. A new dawn has risen A fresh start presents itself. A new call resounds in our ears To love without inhibition. Going the extra mile in caring for the hopeless. Cradling the broken hearted with arms of love. Stretching forth strong hands to support the weak. To trust without prejudice. Willing to forgo past hurt and cling on love. Yearning to advance the frontiers of welfare into the desolate 'projects' Embracing all as one. Loving all like oneself Strengthening the bonds through trust. Fulfilling that dream which the good ol' Martin had.

BASHORUN (Okonta Kosi)

Dream

A vision I saw With hope and majestic love Spills and spread around With humanity of love As a seed to grow One for all All for one

Amethyst ÂŠ 2017

HE IS NOT A NAME BUT THOUGHT HE is a symbol of Sacrifice Full of spirit of Serving the people. He made the people Aware of their rights. He is a role model For the people Having the fire of truth. He is alive still Not dead Bcause he is a thought Not a name only. ( C) 2017 SURINDER SINGH CHOHKA

My Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. © Harold Bo Clapsaddle 2017 An icon a true social republican a man with a dream a realist in unreal times presented an invitation to all of mankind to love thy brother, thy sister, thy neighbor no matter the color of skin here lies the Almighty truth beauty is that what is given it is that which pervades the ideals which he taught beauty is what’s borne of inside that spirits brother, sister, neighbor to accept one and all for whom they are no matter their color, creed, or up-bringing Martin Luther King Jr. was a man

but more than a man resounded in his words as I mourn his death. A brother by character, by truth, by his liberal sense of justice for all his was by invitation, for all to become as one, in a separatists world that barters souls with falsehoods perceived by those whom teach wrong he taught what was right and sparkles the spangled airwaves of today for he was a star that shined in some of the darkest times. “I have a dream” Should we all not have the same dream? I say yes, for a world to be one our hopes and dreams need to be as one.

Mark Norris Quotes Martin Luther King, Jr. "Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. I am not unmindful of the fact that violence often brings a bout momentary results. Nations have frequently won their independence in battle. But in spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." — Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." — Martin Luther King, Jr.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." — Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him." — Martin Luther King, Jr.

"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies." — Martin Luther King, Jr.

THE DARK NIGHT Post twilight one dark night while rowing boat in a deep pool by my country side Nancy, my beloved was eating her loaf and I just had taken a bite of my heel sense a haunted feel while felt a jolted jerk that made our boat keel Owls and eels scares and bounded me falling to kneel.

It seems a mare I stare a giant shadow came out of the side bush I pushed back Nancy screamed and fainted. I cried, shouted

and ran to hide with widening eyes my emotions just drown and tide became helpless I forgot to row with numb fingers and toes How to face that unknown foe it seems nowhere to go. Embodied with fear I recalled my God Suddenly an Angel appears and wiped out my flown tears, Nancy brought in back reverse gear. How can I forget The Dark Night that still drive me in terrible memories full fierce.

ÂŠ Sukanya Basu Mallik & Dr. Satish C. Srivastava, 2017

Introducing Kyle Wong, son of Toni TW He wrote this at age 13

Fatima Bukhari

Lovepreet Kaur A plant on a rusted iron piece

It was a beautiful dawn when I woke up and came out of my room, my father called me. I was just afraid, what would I have to do in the early morning? Why did dad call? What's the reason behind? These questions were confusing my mind. As I moved towards him. I heard, “Hey girl, look upon a rusted iron.” I took few more steps forward. As I looked, I became extremely excited and very happy because I found this little plant growing on a rusted piece of iron under the blessings of raindrops falling from above, pouring down the leaves. I ran inside to get my phone and I captured its beauty. He wished me a beautiful starting of the day, and the remainder of the day was really quite beautiful for me. For this, the credit goes to my loving father who helped to have a beautiful starting with a lovely photograph for the day.

CONVERSATIONS ALONG THE PATH First Discussion

Toward what should my life be directed? For attainments in this lifetime “What is the greatest good to which Of mine alone? Or should I build to we may attain?” lift mankind for generations? Lofty thoughts, O poet! Introduction [David]: What is the greatest good to which I can aspire? Perhaps, it is better asked, what is the life worth living? Philosophers, poets, thinkers and authors have searched The vaults of human knowledge, and plunged into metaphysics To ask what is the greatest good toward which we should reach? Utilitarians urge to maximize pleasure and minimize pain Whether for oneself or for the human race in general. Is this Enough? What of sacrifice, self denial, or deferment of that pleasure To obtain something more. As the saying goes, “Don’t be distracted Picking up pennies while overlooking golden nuggets of truth?”

[Gelda Castro’s Reflections] I have observed the human being and the goods he strives to get in his life. What, really mobilizes the modern man in search of that which fills him whole I confess, that sometimes I see, with perplexity, the unbridled search, of possessing and having, generating, often, an unfair competition with the other. Men forget, most of the time, to ask: 'how far should I go to get the goods I want?' 'Can I do everything to achieve my goal?' On the other hand, I see, equally perplexed, an infinity of souls needy, lost in a sick void that life has thrown them

These are those who trampled everything and everyone. in search of their ideals, but they got lost in the way And at this point they no longer know what to do, but also no longer identify which were their primary objectives And I wonder: what to speak to these poor souls? How do you rescue them from themselves?

[Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reflections] I will take a broad step forward and dare to introduce something spiritual. In the Hebrew and Christian Bible, the book of Proverbs urges us above all

To seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding, not an intellectual exercise, But a soulish hunger for wisdom, a thirst for knowledge and a never ending Pursuit of the ability to apply the first two through ever increasing understanding. And where do these sources lie? Within our finite self and our experience? Our thinking is flawed and at time illogical, and we are prone to jump to conclusions, And, act more to protect our selfinterests than to promote the good of all. These things are sourced outside of ourselves and there we must begin. There is the world we can see, touch, manipulate and handle, and there is Transcendent truth behind it all. Plato compared these as the Ideals versus The Particulars. There is something out there from which all we know has been Sourced. Perhaps that is where we start. Again, Proverbs says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fear of the Lord

Is the beginning of Wisdom, and if you seek for her as you would for hidden treasure, Cry out for her as to a lost lover, feed upon her constantly, when knowledge pleases Your soul, and understanding is pleasant, then she, Wisdom shall be found and you will Discover the knowledge of God. I want to be aligned not with speculation, nor what I am told to believe. I want to discover for myself what can be known of life, truth, eternity And God. Far be it from me to tell you where to look. But there is more than what passes

For wisdom in pop culture, sitcoms and the distractions of a mortal human race rushing On a mad dash to a destiny with fate.

ÂŠ 2017 Gelda Castro & David Palmer

CONVERSATIONS ALONG THE PATH Second Discussion A Collaboration between Gelda Castro & David Palmer 2nd Question: How does one get centered spiritually to find deeper truth? Meditation, reading, prayer? What works best for you? Introduction (David): I have to know who I am and understand what I am longing for

Before I know where to look and how I can make it mine. But the world is ever with me, and distractions pile up Day by day. At times I feel a stranger to my own self, like I am The spectator at a movie of my own life. Suddenly, I realize The movie is nearly over, and I never began to write the script. It is time to awaken and take responsibility for who I am becoming.

safe way to This path is made by the spirituality achieved The more man approaches the Divine, More he rises, and rising elevates all around him Spirituality can be understood as a Guide to the journey It grazes the soul, it calms the heart and expands our mind Only then, the spirit is strengthened for the crossing of life. This script is very personal. But how best may I find even Each person finds his itinerary. that first attainment? It must The practice of prayer, be in Losing the distractions of life, perseverance in faith, charity, All these aspects are like and finding the path to the small stops for spiritual learncenter of my soul. Is this mindfulness, spirituality, faith, ing. However, as a backdrop, total salvation? and absolute, there is God, What will open that pathway Which in every religion refor me? ceives a name, yet there remains one God, [Geldaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reflection] To a certain extent of human The Almighty has always stood beside us on the jourexperience We feel that there is only one ney, We can not see it, but we can

feel its powerful presence. In this way, I can guarantee that, upon discovering this Route The man discovers how admirable and precious he is The proposal is made my friend. You just have to take the first step. Exercise prayer, read on, practice good, let yourself be flooded with God And you'll find out which route is best for your walk. [Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reflection] I wonder how many recognize the signs of spiritual starvation Knowing the needs of the body and responding to its demand For gratification is so very obvious. But a hungry soul? Its signs Of distress are more subtle and take longer to emerge. Usually, over time, personal values once thought rock solid begin to change,

Behaviors arising from irritation become more frequent, and what Emerges becomes a me I find difficult to recognize. So different is he from my ideal self. I remember once in a time of deep struggle, Picking up a newsletter and reading an article that spoke directly to my heart. I was so moved, I wanted to contact the author and thank him for his Words. Turning to the byline, I was stunned to read my own name. I had written it six months previous in a decidedly richer spiritual time. How far and how fast I had fallen. I was humbled to realize how true Scripture is: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let him who thinks he stands, take heed, lest he fall.â&#x20AC;?* I have found the necessity of four things in life to feed my sou properly. It is an ongoing process, for

we are dynamic people ever changing as Experiences, relationships, encounters and learning add to the process Of our continuous spiritual evolution. These are my four steps that feed

crucial if I want To let what the words just read change me. What did it say to me? How is that True or not true in my life? If not true, what needs to change and what will That change look like?

The inner me: Read, Reflect, Repent, and Renew -- key crucial steps in my Spiritual Formation.

Repent [Oratio] – this is where I take the issue back to God in prayer, but not Where I do all the talking and leave once I’ve said my peace. Read [Lectio} – for me, I have Freely admit my to start with my Error, decide that an aboutHoly Scriptures. Every faith face is needed in my life direcOn earth has them, and we tion, and commit to read them to learn what we That change, no matter how recognize as the difficult. Then, it is time for siVoice of God. To think God’s lence, waiting, thoughts after him, we must Listening and sensing the imtake them in. Also, pressions his Spirit brings to I find the writings of others to me; in total give inspiration and fresh Silence until clarity and peace perspective on the sharpens my vision that I Snags of life in which I am know, what this caught. Man must do now? Reflect [Meditatio] – ruminaRenew: when my soul awaktion on what I have just read is

ens to the fact that I have left my first love, that Other things that are not the main thing have become the main thing for me, It is time to arise, and put it into practice. For me this is the path to spiritual Enlightenment, vision, direction, and peace. [*1 Corinthians 10:12] [Geldaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reflection 2] Who said that the journey would be easy? No, never was, is not and will never be Only through the eyes of the Faith will we cross The deserts of learning. The road will be long, the battles will be long However, a brave heart matured in spirituality Will overcome the barriers that will be erected, We will learn the value of renunciation and forgiveness, Until we found ourselves in to-

tal meekness And thus acknowledge each other as extraordinary creatures Capable of rising to immeasurable levels and attracting Those who seek the same things we are. So the first step is to seek, to want, to desire, And then gradually, the transformation will take place, Learn to abandon yourself in the pursuit of the divine, God will be your guide and instructor on this journey! ÂŠ2017 Gelda Castro +GelPoetry Garden & David W. Palmer Conversations Along the Path: Third Conversation What role do other people play in our Spiritual Growth? Dave: Well, my friend, if I were to tell you I really am

a private person Would you laugh, and say, “Dave, you are a poet, and you write Something for us to read daily. I could almost say, ‘Your life’s like an open book’. If anyone wears their heart on their

Create the image I want you to see, while deftly distracting you from The fact, I told you nothing about me.

And that is a scary thing, to one day wake up and realize how few people Truly know me. It is like standing in a party, a room full of people laughing and Enjoying each other – and feeling absolutely alone. I believe we were made For connectedness – for that one special person, our spouse or life partner; For a friendship with someone who knows us behind the pubic persona mask sleeve, it has We cultivate, who sees our To be a poet who is not shy scars, shame and sorrows, about expressing his opinbut loves us anyway. ion!” And, I Would have to smile sheepish- Those are few and far bely and agree, I do have the gift tween. But even more, I need someof gab. one who is not there for just But sometimes, the soul can the laughs, but also hide behind a surfeit of words. For the times I need to be held I can

accountable for my promises to God, to others, And yes, to myself. You see, I am my own worst enemy when it comes to Discipline. I give myself a pass too easily, and accept the flimsiest excuses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can Always start over tomorrow. I am only human! And meanwhile, day after day Becomes weeks and months with no change. No wonder the Catholic Church in Spiritual formation recommends a spiritual director. Can we do it alone? Or do we need Someone to walk this path with us?

As if it were a protective shield or an exhaust valve. Ah, we are fools, we poets and poetesses. It would be possible to hide our feelings, afflictions, questions, protests, teachings? Because, once we start writing, we do it for the fact That inspiration knocks at the door of our hearts and minds, And our hands only obey the command of what screams within us. It is normal that we all need to share this adventure with others. But above all else, there will be an even greater need to do so [Gelda] With that special someone in At first I say to you: our eyes, our senses, our calm your heart. heart. Then I would say: If we have our beloved on our I know your concerns. side to share our success and Also, my friend, I have booked failure, so many someone to hear our lament or I imagine that most of the joy, someone to encourage poets, hiding behind their us... verses, Someone to simply hold our

hands and say, 'I am with you'. The adventure of being a human being makes sense... Of one thing I am sure, only those who love us truly is capable of perceiving what is within us, where we try to hide what we feel This one knows us even without being totally accurate, Without out having to confide him/her the reasons. When we are not lucky enough to have someone by our side

is already inside our being and that we have not yet discovered But be careful, see well who you will defoliate the pages of your inner self.

[Dave:] We live in such an independent minded era. Everyone does What is right in his own eyes, and resists any authority structure

We seek to find someone who Over them telling them what can be a psychologist, a to do, or, even, what they friend, a priest, should do. a pastor, a rabbi, a religious leader Someone whom we look out of any interest, and who we totally trust,

The mark of adulthood is being our own boss, calling the shots. If that be true, why do the vast majority of us find ourselves

Certain that this person will Throughout life, being subject help us find the meaning of so to some authority? Shop many things. steward, This person has the mission Supervisor, team leader, corof making us understand what porate executive, board of di-

rectors,

ing, have

Even the shareholders (when you are the CEO). Accountability up

A more meaningful meditation, prayer, devotional life; you want to grow

The line seems to be the lot of In your career. But, my friend, everyone. Why is this? BeI have noticed that your goals cause, have not

As the Bob Dylan song goes, “You Gonna Have to Serve Somebody.”

Changed at all in the past three months. Why is that? If you are growing,

Shouldn’t we see change in goals as some are achieved When it comes even to my own personal spiritual growth, and new ones to truly Added? Are you growing, or are you stagnant? Make a breakthrough, to get beyond old habits, old patterned

Someone has to call my bluff Thinking, old excuses, and re- on self-pity and excuses. ally start to grow, somebody Growth will never has to Happen as long as someone

Sit across the table from me and ask the tough questions: “Dave, You have been telling me for three months that you really want to

else is to blame. I can jettison my irritating People, and still be the same old irritating self I know and love (but no one

Else seems to). When lame exDeepen your relationship with cuses sound like, “You should your wife, excel at your writhave seen what

He did first,” I have a problem. Tired recitation of your ten The only one who is responsi- year old letter to Santa Claus? ble for the way Food for thought. I feel is me. Someone, like a spiritual director needs to say, [Gelda] “I don’t care that So my friend, I assure you, Your mother dropped you in growing up is no easy task, the bathtub when you were Whether it be physical growth three, or that your or spiritual growth. Co-worker talks about you Both require of us, a around the Coffee Pot. I don’t knowledge of what is happencare. What did you ing to us, Do to re-center yourself and This presupposes a control of ignore all this peripheral situations, which we do not alstuff? ways have. Above all, we must be very I need that special friend, di- clear, in our minds what acrector, what have you to help tions we need to improve me think outside The process of spiritual The mental box of limitations growth asks us to leave "old which I have formed and sug- habits," as you said, gest, “What if you Those who do not add any valTried this, sought out what ue to the person we are bethis author said, or listened coming. more and spoke less? Well, alone, it is almost imposWhen will your prayer with sible for us to achieve the God sound more like a congoal. versation than the

We do need someone who points out our faults, to make us grow. Someone who strips us naked with the right words at the right times and says, 'Review your concepts, work a little harder, clean some things in your way' ... Someone who knows us so much that he can put his finger on the wound and Provoke in us a change for the better, simply because it loves us ...

truth: if this one we need to help us reveal what is best in us, is our beloved, then we will have found a valuable treasure that we must take with great care, because in love spiritual growth expands to unimaginable dimensions. If we reach this point of arrival we will be much better prepared because we will add two, and there will be no barriers

Yes, only those who love correct, advise, want to see the best in us. Those who accept everything we do wrong, without correcting ourselves, In fact, does not love us, just want to have fun at our side, because It is easier to agree with everythat together we will not be thing so that there is no stress. These do not love us. able to transpose; You just need to want, accept I also assure you of another

Books By Canvas Members (Ones that we know about) Available Now:

free for learning. and set your- Growth is, in short, love self Miranda Zekanovic Reflections of Love Available at amazon.com.; Barnes & Noble.com, xlibris.com

JO Thomas (J. V. Thomas) The Day Nicholas was Snatched Stories of how poor families are victimized by social Services and Family Courts in the United States Available in paperback at http://dorrance.stores.yahoo.net/dayniwassn.html

Harold Clapsaddle In Telling Cause Haroldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal story of sturggles and triumphs in life. Beautifully written. Available in Kindle and Paperback editions, https://www.amazon.com/Telling-Cause-MrHarold-Clapsaddle/dp/1537207911/ ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&vs=1#

Richard M. Knittle, Jr. 14 titles available, this is the latest. On Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? url=search-alias%3Daps&fieldkeywords=richard+m+knittle+jr

Releasing soon: Maricris Cabreraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection of beautiful poetry built around 5 themes: When the Heart Falls in Love; When the Heart Sings; When the Heart Breaks; When the Heart Dreams

List of Contributors AL Schers A. M. Frazier AleXanDréa Amethyst Crystal Angel Patrick Boyar Arun Sharma B. S. Saroja Baleshwar Purohit Betania Mia Brendon Kent Brigitte Giunta Clarity R. Mapengo David Palmer Deb Davis Dennis Blue Dilip Vyas Duane Phillips Elinete Beija Beija Modedade Elizabeth Gallo Eva Limbach Fatima Bukhari Foxyturby Turf Fractled Frank Key

Garry Spooner Gelda Castro (Gel Poetry Garden) Graça Costa Happyhearted One Harold Bo Clapsaddle Hifsa Ashraf (Bubbly B) Irene Riz Jack Dankof Jayashree Trao Jewel Ragheb Jhan Rhei Joan Thomas Kanta Roy Karen Hayward Karen Hines Kathy Paaaina Kayla Rose Kimberly Leuthner Kofi S.E. Senyo Kyle Wong Laughing Waters Lawyer Jagdesh B. Joshi Lily Kampz Lovepreet Kaur

Luke Normsy Lynn Terry Lynn Weiss Malay Nandy Mara L. Mari Felices Maricris Cabrera Marilyn Ward Marina Balmaceda Paredes Mark Norris Matt Aguilar (gutter pu nk poet) Melody Jean (Contemporary Seeker) Michael Garland (posthumously) Mike Writes Strainhunter AMS Mohammad Shahnawaz Momolu S. Freeman MUSTANG Charlie Nadia Fortuna Nasreen Malik Niamh Serendipity

Noel Cornelius Dawson Okonta Kosi Patrick Horgan Pebbles Wrotelt (Pebble$ Blog) Phil Renaud Princess Shelda Ric Downing Richard M. Knittle, Jr. Ricky Gillette Robert Gillette Robert Horton Roopam Bis

Ross Olmos Sahib Fakhri Satish C. Srivastava. Sean Thomas Runyon Sherin Mani Sib Borjigin Skylark Hatee SO SO Bright Sukanya Basu Mallik Surinder Singh Chohka Tanvi Shah, Dr. Tanya Jean Williams Thunder Cloud Jern

SIB BOJIGIN — Received her fine art education and now lives in the diverse-colorful city of Los Angeles, her artist’s core spirit roots deep. She is a painter, an interior decorator, a self-employed, considers herself very lucky loving what she does for a living. She is exploring the beauty of marrying art and poetry in recent years. “Art is food for the soul, and poetry is a fine art that humbles me; I am still learning” Photo to right: “Dainty Blooms” ~Sib Borjigin.

Toni TW Valerie J. Moore Venita Shepherd Vikas Singh Willie Bongcaron PHOTOS & ART: ToniTW, Heart Arts, Brigitee Giunta David Palmer, Maricris Cabrera