Devour: Art & Lit Canada is dedicated to the Canadian voice.
ISSN 2561-1321 Issue 006
Devour Art & Lit Canada
Find some of Canada’s finest authors, photographers and artists featured in every issue.
Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
The mission of Devour Art and Lit Canada is to promote the Canadian art world by bringing world-wide readers some of the best Canadian literature, art and photography.
ISSN 2561-1321 Issue 006 April 2020 Devour: Art and Lit Canada 5 Greystone Walk Drive Unit 408 Toronto, Ontario M1K 5J5
DevourArtAndLitCanada@gmail.com Cover Photograph – Ann Di Nardo
Editor-in-Chief – Richard M. Grove Layout and Design – Richard M. Grove
A special Panku issue for The Poetry Pandemic Project. For this project the name “Panku” comes from a cross between the words “Pandemic” and “Haiku” = Panku. It is meant to be a humourous play on words. In these strange pandemic days, I thought it was time that we lightened up a bit so I started “The Poetry Pandemic Project”. We put a call out for uplifting, fun, light, amusing, pandemic poems in the form of a Panku. – See the call for submissions on the last page of this magazine for details.
Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
Devour Content Feature Profiles: Photographer – ( all photographs ) – Ann Di Nardo List of Authors – p. 8 An Intro from the Publisher – p. 11 Prose Fiction by the Publisher – p. 13 An Intro from Antony Di Nardo – p. 14 Panku Poems – p. 18 47 authors from 11 countries around the world:
A u st r a l i a Bu l g a r i a Canada Cuba England G e r ma ny India Ireland Israel N ew Ze a l a n d U SA
Devo ur : Ar t and L i t C anada
List of Authors in this Special Issue: – Alexander Raju – Kerala, India – Arianne Laporte – Québec, Canada – Ben Nuttall‐Smith – British Columbia, Canada – Bob Zaslow – Washington State, USA – Brian T. W. Way – Ontario Canada – David Stones – Ontario, Canada – Diana Van de Kamp – Galway, Ireland – Dianaleee Velie – New Hampshire, USA – Ed Woods – Ontario, Canada – Edward Baranosky – Ontario, Canada – Felicity Sidnell – Ontario, Canada – Frank Joussen – North Rhine‐Westphalia, Germany – Gerard Sarnat – California, USA – Giti Tyagi – Karnal, India – Helen Bar‐Lev – Metulla, Israel – Honey Novick – Ontario, Canada – Janet Richards – Ontario, Canada – Joel Savishinsky – Seattle, Washington, USA – John B. Lee – Ontario, Canada – John Di Leonardo – Ontario, Canada – Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández – Gibara , Cuba – Jyotirmaya Thakur – Kent, England – Katherine L. Gordon – Ontario, Canada – Keith Inman – Ontario, Canada – Loa Winter – New Hampshire, USA
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– Lola Haskins – Florida, USA – Marie‐Lynn Hammond – Ontario, Canada – Marion Mutala – Saskatchewan, Canada – Michael H. Brownstein – Missouri, USA – Michael Levy – Florida, USA – Miriam Estrella – Holguin Cuba – Olive Murray – Wicklow, Irela – Peggy Roffey – Ontario, Canada – Pete Mullineaux – Galway, Ireland – Richard Grove – Ontario, Canada – Richard Stevenson – British Columbia, Canada – Rizvana Parveen – Bangalore, India – Robert L. Giron ‐ Virginia, USA – Sheila Bello ‐ Ontario, Canada – Shelby D. Siems – Massachusetts, USA – Stan White – Ontario, Canada – Stefanie Bennett – Sydney, Australia – Sue Crisp – California, USA – Taylor Graham – California, USA – Vaughan Rapatahana – Mangakino, Aotearoa New Zealand – Vessislava Savova – Sofia, Bulgaria – Wency Rosales – Holguín, Cuba
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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An Intro from the Publisher In Quick Order Here we are with the second special issue of The Poetry Pandemic Project with another load of great Panku poems. In the first special issue I explained the geneses of this project. The only thing that I will reiterate is that the word Panku comes from the two words Pandemic and Haiku = Panku. It is meant to be a light hearted word to match the light hearted nature of the submissions. It is amazing how this has, so quickly, turned into a pandemic of poetry with submissions for this second special Panku issue from 11 countries: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, England, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, USA. We are already collecting submissions for the third issue. Let’s hope we reach even more countries. A small part of the theme of this special issue is Cuba. We have travelled to Cuba with Antony (Tony) Di Nardo and his wife Ann – though I call her Anna. All of Anna’s photographs are from Cuba and so very well fit the light, generous, upbeat spirit of this collection. There is nothing downer or doom and gloom about the submissions or the photo‐ graphs. We have turned down a lot of fear, sex, drugs, anger, doom and gloom. What we are left with is a pleasure to read. I hope we have been successful in being uplifting, hopeful, fun, light or amusing Panku. Thank you so much Anna for your fine photographs. You have a wonderful eye and ability to elevate and inspire as you travel.
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Thank you Tony, Antony Di Nardo, for your introduction, “Poet on a Plane”. You are such a well‐travelled and fine poet. Dear readers you should know that Tony has 6 titles to his name: Alien, Correspondent; Soul on Standby; Roaming Charges; SKYLIGHT; Three Poems; and Speedwell; with GONE MISSNG coming soon. For fun I am including this short Cuba related prose piece. Even though sardonic in nature, I hope you find it humourous and light hearted. We hope you enjoy this second special Panku issue and pass it on far and wide to as many countries as you can. Enjoy your self‐isolation and remember to keep others and yourself safe. Richard M. Grove / Tai Publisher
Tony and me in Cuba, cruising in an old Dodge. Pic taken by Anna.
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Michelle’s Fish Head Soup with Brother Jorge in Cuba Sterilize yourself brother and put a mask and gloves on and I will do the same and come over tonight, wearing a big plastic bag, for dinner and have fish head soup with you. I am sure the fish has no virus – now that you have cut off its head and boiled it. I need to put my feet under your table and be in your presence with my darling sister Michelle, you will have to hug her for me as we will still have to stay 6 feet apart – even during dinner. We will tap toes when I arrive, first the right toes and then the left and do The Pandemic How‐Are‐You‐doing Dance. We will mumble through our masks at each other explaining the details with hand gesticulations, swinging in the air. You will say some‐ thing funny and you will not know if I smile. Do my eyes tell all of the truth that needs to be told? I will bring my own straw so I don’t have to take my mask off. I will sip the fish head soup and moan my enjoyment so you know with‐ out words that it is as good as the other times that I have had your family fish head soup. Don’t forget the Cuban coffee my dear brother. I will lift my mask for your coffee because it is made with such love and just the right amount of caramelized sugar but I will bring my own virus‐free cup. How many years have we known each other and now we can’t even hug? All we have is one today and a bunch of yesterdays, no tomorrows at this point. How many yesterdays will we have to have before we can smile without a mask? I might be a bit late in coming over. I might stop and rob a bank while I have my mask on. I love you. for brother Jorge on this sunny pandemic day e‐hugs from our sunny, stay‐at‐home apartment in Canada to your sunny, stay‐at‐home house in Cuba.
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An Intro from Antony Di Nardo
Poet on a Plane Once I was a poet on a plane. Then Covid‐19 hit. Now I’m grounded … and writing pankus and broken lines, some of which have morphed into other forms, such as the Korean sijo, which you can see in my poem below. Traditionally, it consists of a three‐line stanza and a fifteen‐syllable count per line, usually with an internal break or pause. I made mine a double, more hybrid than precise. Like the panku, the sijo is a fitting form for the present pandemic. Avoid Dance You’re not even dressed and the clocks begin to crystallize You’ve washed your hands repeatedly from Day 1 to Day 14 You’re just like the rest of the world avoiding each other You’ve stayed put the full fathom fourteen Now there’s nowhere to go but out Where you’ll stay another two weeks avoiding the rest
I was not on a plane when I wrote this poem, although that’s where so many find their beginnings. I suppose I like confined spaces for writing, compressed to extract an idea
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and set it down in words lined up a certain way. The Cubists, when they first conceived of Cubism, worked in very cramped spaces, garrets and one‐room apartments. Their original ideas were literally squeezed out of a tube and reconstructed as boxes and angles, facets and blocks, stacked in ways of seeing. Especially when I fly, I consider myself a Cubist, contained at my seat in a tight cubic metre of space. Panic may not be the right word to exact my response to Covid‐19, although a synonym like anxiety might do. I was anxious the day I left Cuba, crowding into the airport at Holguin, squeezing into a box, cheek to cheek with strangers, almost joined at the hip, reading poems by Eva Kolacz when I could sit long enough. Airplanes and terminals are seed beds for exchanging our most personal, invisible secrets. I dread the thought of spit and buccal spray. Bugs and germs, a virus from the dark unknown. Of course, I was anxious. People coughed and sneezed. Blew their noses in French and English. The airport was packed to bursting. That flight out of Cuba was on the cusp of Covid alerts in Wuhan. Headlines were getting bigger, there was panic in the font. A few days later I flew into Paris, reading the Cubist poet, Pierre Reverdy, and a week after that I landed in the Algarve where neighbors in Italy (the land of de Chirico) were beginning to self‐isolate. The flight out of Faro back to Paris was high anxiety, a game of chance with how to repel a virus, a roll of the dice in an EasyJet tin of sardines. Some people wore masks, I longed for hand sanitizer, but there were no reported cases in Portugal. Not even two weeks later when I flew out of Charles de Gaulle, Terminal E!, diminishing crowds already noticeable. To my horror, the
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passenger next to me had breath so foul visions of desiccated corpses reeked in my head while we headed for Toronto. The flight was packed to bursting. By then, the March of 2020 had already begun, an exodus of expatriates. I landed at Pearson the day before flights were being cancelled and airports closed by government decree. Obligatory self‐isolation rules for travellers were announced. Out of an “abundance of caution,” I self‐isolated for a full fathom fourteen. And now, desperate to join the world again, and in the words of the great Freddie Mercury, I want to break free … dismantle the cage, undo the latches, decompress the confinement … release the poet … vacate the seat … #thisisnotaprisonpoem … set him free … But, like this issue of Devour, it was not all doom and gloom. During my confinement I created a cookie master‐ piece, Munch’s The Scream reproduced in Oreo cream. Confinement does that. I took up yoga, my body compressed. I wrote pankus. Who didn’t write pankus? Who didn’t squeeze the metaphorical lyrical puss out of that viral pimple? Oh, how uncube‐like the coronavirus in its cell! Repeatedly, I crafted fifteen words confined to fit in just four lines. I found the panku itself prefers tight, restricted spaces. That it works best in a box, about two by two, yay by yay. The panku proved to be the most anti‐viral, the very vaccine, of all poetic forms. The confinement has been epic. The self‐isolation like a sonnet for a prison sentence—fourteen days at a time, fourteen lines with or without rhyme or reason. What’s
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next, I ask myself. Is there life after pankus in a pandemic? Is there hope for the poet on a plane? Will she fly again? Will re defined s pac es change the cou rs e of i n ‐fl i g ht poetry? Will acts of self‐confinement take on new creative meanings? Or will self‐isolating lead to self‐loathing? Has Icarus flown too close to the sun one last time? No doubt the past will be archived and the panku will lose its anti‐viral properties as we enter another age comprised, in Cubist fashion, of boxes stacked, visions of on‐line facets, and all the angles needed to get our point of view across. Antony Di Nardo Cobourg, ON Author of 4 poetry books, 2 chapbooks and a new tile GONE MISSNG coming soon.
Tony by Anna
Find a poem by Antony at this Earth Day Poetry eChapbook 2020 Edited by Jessica Outram Poet Laureate of Cobourg, Ontario: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SiO6B3meVHko4i3je0w8 CRSEeBj05Ord/view
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Antony Di Nardo Cobourg, ON
Snow on deck Tulips sparse, six feet apart Spring is on lockdown
Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Getting dressed to get the mail: the new euphoria.
John B. Lee Ontario, Canada
listen virus, you can keep your distance to yourself
Wency Rosales HolguĂn, Cuba
Clapping for the unknown doctors is more rewarding than clapping for the known politicians.
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Vaughan Rapatahana Mangakino, Aotearoa New Zealand
being locked do wn leads to o p e n i n g.
s o c i a l d i s t a n c i n g leads to beingclosertogether.
Robert L. Giron Virginia, USA
Dreaming about a chocolate soufflé topped with caramel and nuts for reality to touch my tongue
Miriam Estrella Holguin, Cuba
Home alone… the beauty of spring rediscovered from my living room window!
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Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Thanks On a serious note Thanks to all frontline workers Really I am truly grateful
Janet Richards Ontario, Canada
I meet my neighbour of nine months for the ďŹ rst time across backyards
Ben Nuttall�Smith British Columbia, Canada
Staying safe apart Nature waits another year Life moves bravely on
Keith Inman Ontario, Canada
cooped up brer rabbit eats chicken soup, keeps an eye on fox news
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Honey Novick Ontario, Canada
days become other days sunrises, sunsets time has different meanings listening, integral new language
Joel Savishinsky Washington, USA
game time They seemed amused by it. The guards were playing golf. The gods were playing dice.
Sue Crisp California, USA
faces now hidden hands are dressed in blue
Wency Rosales Holguín, Cuba
I already was without you what other pain couldn’t I resist.
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Marie‐Lynn Hammond, Ontario, Canada
We have time on our hands much time on our hands our very clean hands
Richard Stevenson British Columbia, Canada
Departure Bay – even paddlers maintain safe social distance
Helen Bar‐Lev Metulla, Israel
Virus isolation freesia and lavender in the garden Beethoven Optimism
Keith Inman Ontario, Canada
Found Poem * lighthouses are usually located at dangerous places to warn and guide… frontline workers * Gage Dictionary
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Janet Richards Ontario, Canada
The dog is in his glory his family is home
Miriam Estrella Holguin, Cuba
Panku Poems… Something new! Forgot I can´t go dancing
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Car keys hang on hook. Wait to behold skies newly Himalayas clear.
Sheila Bello Ontario, Canada
telephone social – awe and giggles as friend and I share our latest poems
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Loa Winter N.H., USA
Outside the spring Tulips and Daodils Can crowd together in groups Close as we used to.
Wency Rosales HolguĂn, Cuba
Tonight the bed is way too big and your absence scratches my memories.
David Stones Ontario, Canada
Birdsong As we move further apart, the birdsong seems so much closer
Michael Levy Florida, USA
The nightclub singer empty tables n chairs silent applause
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Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba
We are in a huge jail made of cement and wood the prisoners are my happy family.
John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
Masked Spring — you pull weeds & caress roses I smile
Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Crazy Times I wanna go to school I wanna go out and play I wanna work
Sheila Bello Ontario, Canada
backyard gathering – cardinals at birdfeeder and squirrels nearby waiting for leftovers
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Ben Nuttall‐Smith British Columbia, Canada
Standing on our own Thinking thoughts of happy friends We will meet again
Keith Inman Ontario, Canada
during his zoom she carried the mixer upstairs; the dough having risen, needing kneading
Brian T. W. Way Ontario Canada
take out i order chicken balls and guy ding they’ve taken bats off the menu
Peggy Roffey Ontario, Canada
in the word pan and me all the world alone and a part
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Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
from this ghost? just how far north does one have to go to find totally safe refuge
John B. Lee Ontario, Canada
body and soul the fog embraces the harbor
David Stones Ontario, Canada
The Lesson My major learning: to social distance is easier than to cut one’s own hair
Wency Rosales Holguín, Cuba
I bought yellow flowers and left them on the doorway The sign said: No visitors.
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Helen Bar‐Lev Metulla, Israel
Corona aloneness Flora the Calico basks in sun’s glow calm, tranquility hold
Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba
the purpose of the divine universe is our fabulous antidote, for our now loneliness
Michael H. Brownstein Missouri, USA
where the rice is only vapor and still no toilet paper
Miriam Estrella Holguin, Cuba
Safely at home, all the free time in the world is mine but alone!
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Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Today, like yesterday, blends into panoramic pandemic lethargy.
Richard Stevenson British Columbia, Canada
Easter – no one on a cross mugwumps on a stump
Keith Inman Ontario, Canada
panku: breaded shrimp or veg with asian noodles in sweet and sour poetry
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
First time laid o? Breathe. Unemployment checks arrive direct deposit.
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Loa Winter N.H., USA
New growth Springs forward In a different Kinder way
Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
Lockdown children playing around me Family time.
John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
Neighbour’s nervous laughter slings over the fence
Peggy Roffey Ontario, Canada
sol‐i‐tu(de) qui‐et‐tu(de) you and you and you and me together wherever under the sun
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Ben Nuttall‐Smith British Columbia, Canada
Telephone a friend Tell them you will still be here When the danger’s gone
Janet Richards Ontario, Canada
In the yard plants reach to explore the new world
Frank Joussen Germany
Easter for Me bright Easter flowers on my doorstep prove my son is thinking of me
Arianne Laporte Québec, Canada
Forced Distance Birds sing “wait it out”. That’s what they do, When winter forces them out.
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Keith Inman Ontario, Canada
cued across the lot you’d think the cure for covid was liquor
Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba
Each game is different: to eat a bat or to try a scorpion, the consequence is pretty harsh.
Bob Zaslow Washington State, USA
I drink a smoothie Through a flexi‐straw Oops…poke a hole in my mask
Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Breakfast can now last two hours as we prepare for lunch. Dinner?
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Wency Rosales HolguĂn, Cuba
Hidden behind the mask, I remember your dimples closing your beautiful smile.
Michael Levy Florida, USA
A solitary time watching paint dry a faux experience
John B. Lee Ontario, Canada
Keep the Bay at bay
Loa Winter N.H., USA
We learn and Adapt to new normal Carefully stepping out Into the changed world
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Family Time Not Again We had it yesterday And the day before And the day before
Stan White Ontario, Canada
No stupid! Not that mask, Zorro.
Keith Inman Ontario, Canada
a cold spell settles over this cruelest of Aprils; snow oating down ~ akes in isolation
John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
White eye brows black collar distant old priest
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Miriam Estrella Holguin, Cuba
Going through old papers 2008 German journal I wrote Now no new fresh starts!
Janet Richards Ontario, Canada
Puzzle pieces, beads and sidewalk chalk splashes of colour mirror spring
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Quarantine the teens who would congregate to buy Flaming Hot Cheetos.
Peggy Roey Ontario, Canada
pan(demic) full wider family shelters here houseful mouthsful every day Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving
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Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba
Flying above the earth less points on the map more souls in the firmament
Michael H. Brownstein Missouri, USA
the line outside for pizza stretches X to X a kilometer: grabbing a sun tan
Helen Bar‐Lev Metulla, Israel
Another lockdown day the sun sets the clouds in the pink of new beginnings
Keith Inman Ontario, Canada
Found Poem * patients shuffle gowns a‐flap as hotels mind the healthcare gap ~ views of a pink moon * William Thomas Column
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Ed Woods Ontario, Canada
quarantine for the good of planet survival empathy and help new and true friendships
Richard Stevenson British Columbia, Canada
London Drugs – masked and gloved banditos both sides of the till
Ben Nuttall�Smith British Columbia, Canada
Learn an instrument Sing a song you used to know Sit and write a poem
Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Bandit outfits in the supermarket: masks, hats, no six shooters.
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Stan White Ontario, Canada
Yesterday I bumped into a friend six feet away.
John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
Alone in the studio a broken mirror and spring owers
Keith Inman Ontario, Canada
so many neighbours fetch morning papers in front yard gardens ~ so much plaid
Wency Rosales HolguĂn, Cuba
I read, I wrote, I slept, I dreamed, I stayed home, I missed you.
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Lola Haskins Florida, USA
Sheltering To escape my house I write about the sea.
Jyotirmaya Thakur Kent, UK
whispers on branches of pink leaves smiling lips wonder at vacant lit streets
David Stones Ontario, Canada
rain today some cloud cover later a little sun tomorrow light hugs by Monday
Vessislava Savova SoďŹ a, Bulgaria
sweet scent bees’ buzz around my balcony garden
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Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Imaginary Let’s have a party Invite all friends, family I will plan it Just kidding
Loa Winter N.H., USA
Birds sing same songs Do they know? What’s different? Is water and air the same?
Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara , Cuba
We are staying away from each other no kissing, no hugs, only in my dreams.
Honey Novick Ontario, Canada
outside, winter becomes spring inside, new routines endurance forges the victor moments manifest into NOW
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Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia
2020 Lullaby someone’s screaming, can’t you hear; but for you I could the scream replied
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
raining gently outside squirles don’t seem to care no cloud in my Isolation office
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Say, Different Time: What have you in store for me? Global pandemic.
Ben Nuttall‐Smith British Columbia, Canada
Hobbies you once knew Pick up paints and brush or pen Dwell on happy thoughts
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Ed Woods Ontario, Canada
heavy rainfall tonight my pet and I soaked tail wagging happiness hugs and lovely feelings
Stan White Ontario, Canada
Thank Goodness, it doesn’t infect sardines.
Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia
Outside the Stock Exchange one belly dancing turtle
Michael H. Brownstein Missouri, USA
This Is How You know the French fries are excellent every mark for two blocks occupied
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Bob Zaslow Washington State, USA
On the walking trail A big man in a hoodie I challenge, Where’s your mask?
John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
Indoors — clouds still entertain a wispy dragon bites the tail of a jet
David Stones Ontario, Canada
A vaccine now: a COVID‐free life on a planet overloaded with toilet paper
Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
U Can’t Touch This MC Hammer hit 1990 Finally, it’s come true
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Wency Rosales Holguín, Cuba
Three meters away your eyes looked back, –social distance– I said. Then you smiled.
Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia
Federation – Then and Now an elementary coctail cabinet
Antony Di Nardo Cobourg, ON
I’m reading books I’ve read before Telling stories I’ve told before Isolation abhors a vacuum
Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Hair grows shaggy, gray roots the new look. Missing my hairdresser.
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Stan White Ontario, Canada
Once she was the only “stay at home girl” now everybody is.
Richard Stevenson British Columbia, Canada
fellow masked shopper – look for eye corner wrinkles in lieu of a smile
Stan White Ontario, Canada
In solitary, the loneliest part of me is my tongue.
Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
Sunset with swaying trees and blooming flowers. Peacocks on road.
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia
Meditation missing in action... the monkey‐mask’s street vendor
Taylor Graham California, USA
“The world searches for hand sanitizers” – we shelter at home with free‐flying birds.
Ben Nuttall‐Smith British Columbia, Canada
Letter to a friend Take a good book from the shelf Reading feeds the mind
John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
Cabin fever — Eve sits reading on the left, a pink break in her blouse
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Jyotirmaya Thakur Kent, UK
pristine passion seeds forgot mercy’s breed in virus and delightful deeds
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Now I have a chance to watch hawks soar overhead, to not feel hurried.
Stan White Ontario, Canada
Look out of the window. Nobody is everywhere.
Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia
Four Seasons the world’s now marketed in a gunny‐sac
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Michael H. Brownstein Missouri, USA
Home In Yard cut the grass weeded the garden danced with a bee
Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Make Up Your Mind Meet only groups of 10 I mean 5 I mean Groups of 1 None
John B. Lee Ontario, Canada
In these pandemic days Lake Erie is eerie ...
Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Toilet paper shelves empty, no disinfectant soap, but good hygiene is crucial.
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David Stones Ontario, Canada
I left the soup on your porch. Please accept my little offering.
Arianne Laporte Québec, Canada
As we all remain inside, Nature is blooming outside, And finally, We notice it.
John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
Family time — reflected in the spoon mamma’s missing teeth
Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia
Interdependency moonlight in the pines sets the pampas grass purring
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Loa Winter N.H., USA
The eyes show The questions The fear and pain The loneliness of isolation
Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Quarantine Stay on your side 6 ft away You’re crossing over I see you
Bob Zaslow Washington State, USA
My forehead felt warm at bedtime This morning, normal I suddenly love being alive
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
Lipstick sales down Eyeliner and eye�wrinkle cream sales sore
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Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
Finally indulging Nap time paradise. Sunday spa day for the soul Sacred days of rest.
Wency Rosales Holguín, Cuba
I saw those eyes before, I thought, behind the mask I could imagine the smile.
Richard Stevenson British Columbia, Canada
before Covid came Nel had her hundredth birthday now she’s a shut‐in?!
Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia
Epidemic the Devil made me drink the rent money
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Michael H. Brownstein Missouri, USA
Errand Alone in need of fresh air mask? yes gloves? yes whoa–breeze fingering my hair
Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
Check in with yourself. It is time to find your truth. A grateful journey.
John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
After the snowfall — tire mosaics isolated breath on glass
Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Social distancing growing tedious. Desire for friendly contact dominates thoughts.
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Stan White Ontario, Canada
It is a great time for robbing banks you don’t need a nylon stocking.
Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia
Time�Table a karaoke crow harked and barked the morning up
Ed Woods Ontario, Canada
small apartment isolation ways and means to cope I through poetry wife through neighborly help
Brian T. W. Way Ontario Canada
covid thousands are dead across the world now but o how all the birds still sing
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Honey Novick Ontario, Canada
seniors shop at dawn safe distancing in line unprecedented creations of new normal unfamiliar adjustments
Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
Silent stillness in the air Suggesting possibility Live, listen, rest, and repeat.
David Stones Ontario, Canada
The Mask My mask resembles the slingshot used to slay Goliath.... maybe it is.
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Mountain goats roam streets, pandas mate after ten years: Nature upended.
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Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
Lockdown no movement and no traffic. A clear sky.
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
Where does he wander I wonder, My little one Hunting dragonflies? Chiyo
Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia
Moon‐Set finally the owl called your name again and again
Wency Rosales Holguín, Cuba
If your closed eyes still dream of me, then you will know I am not far.
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Alexander Raju Kerala, India
an ecological revenge, when humans were in Lockdown, wild animals occupied the streets.
Jyotirmaya Thakur Kent, UK
celestial fire flames dispelling dark with wisdom’s bloom lighting zooms multifold
Bob Zaslow Washington State, USA
A pregnant masked shopper Turns away from me But says Happy Easter
Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Even Spring is self isolating, keeping away from snow fall in April.
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Ed Woods Ontario, Canada
computer files culled sorted and organized success of task purpose tea and my wife’s hug
Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
Beneath Lough Corrib Lies life untouched by lock down. Layered is the world.
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
It is easy to see How a city Can be lost, Not easily found
Frank Joussen Germany
New Perspective through clearing smog clouds Mother Earth´s beauty can shine in all her splendor
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Repeat Rise and shine Get up Rise and shine Repeat as often as necessary
Taylor Graham California, USA
You’ll ďŹ nd a gold nugget sooner than a package of toilet paper on the shelves.
Loa Winter N.H., USA
When this is over We will be more grateful Frugal, careful Focused and friendly
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
The sharp ocean wind Pulls us toward The horizon To ship our oars
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Joel Savishinsky Washington, USA
no fear Cross the street. Toe the line. No need now for fear of intimacy support groups.
Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
Our true grit tested Outpouring seeds of compassion Spring up like tulips.
Peggy Roey Ontario, Canada
quiet in the cities quiet in the skies oil pools idle furlough for embattled Nature
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
Smiles hidden behind masks eyes must now do the smiling
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Honey Novick Ontario, Canada
keep pandemic diary learn new word daily write, sing, dance, exercise eating too much, dangerous
Helen Bar‐Lev Metulla, Israel
A heart‐shaped crystal scatters prisms throughout the room a Corona rainbow
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
A board game, a song. Take this moment to embrace stay‐at‐home pleasures.
John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
Six feet away — the chilly moon shares my cup of silver whiskey
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Katherine L. Gordon Ontario, Canada
Send me a rocket to other stars virus‐free just you and me galactic fire‐works
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
Our memories drift To where the sails Disappear, Fading into haze.
Arianne Laporte Québec, Canada
We can’t travel abroad anymore. It’s a sign. We should start traveling within.
Vessislava Savova Sofia, Bulgaria
home office we keep arguing like in the office
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
Still staying put. Minds travel everywhere, And all is possible.
David Stones Ontario, Canada
Birds on the feeder share seeds wait their turn... a teaching moment
Alexander Raju Kerala, India
tears blinded us from getting delight from blossoms, and wailings deafened to songs of birds.
Bob Zaslow Washington State, USA
The Rite�Aid drive�thru clerk Drops her jaw When I ask for condoms
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Ed Woods Ontario, Canada
balcony view hand in hand between chairs toast tea cup to cup grandchildren phone
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
How are you filling extra hours not commuting? I watch Jeopardy!
Wency Rosales Holguín, Cuba
The medicine student asked if I was all right, I will clap for her tonight.
Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
All aboard! Ship shape, ready to set sail, As the boat floats in the driveway.
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Stan White Ontario, Canada
Since when has arm’s length been six feet?
John B. Lee Ontario, Canada
six feet away from myself I walk the other way
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
On the evening shore Into the bay’s Seaward flow, The wind’s venerable robe.
Katherine L. Gordon Ontario, Canada
Poetry readings not the same without the snuggle of knee and tea Zoom leaves longing
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Gerard Sarnat California, USA
Another COVID Irony After decades wait for release from probation by Federal District Court why’d they choose when State requires shelter at home to declare you free?
Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
Quarantine trying new recipes. Birth of a new chef.
Richard Stevenson British Columbia, Canada
you know there just might be a future in body condoms
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Today I made a coffee cake Bread and lasagna Sent e‐pics You’re still hungry…
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
stay safe. this, too, shall pass hugs soon
Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
Remember when, the world seemed an open meadow? It will be, again.
Marie‐Lynn Hammond, Ontario, Canada
Stay in, stay isolated— the stuff dreams are made of for agoraphobes and introverts
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Loa Winter N.H., USA
Children of the world Will know more From the teachers Of the pandemic
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
Dark trees above clis Green where pebbled Sands meet surf, Dogs bark at the gulls.
Sue Crisp California, USA
home a new mind set clutter is the norm as hobbies emerge
Michael Levy Florida, USA
Have luggage nowhere to travel going round in circles.
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Janet Richards Ontario, Canada
We zoom through satellites to connect
Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
Hopeful sunsets comfort the town, that finally slowed down to notice.
John B. Lee Ontario, Canada
pity the poor criminal locked up twice
Pete Mullineaux Galway, Ireland
A Self‐Distancing P ————————o ——‐e —————— —————————m
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Jyotirmaya Thakur Kent, UK
living in cocoons to grasp human life in strife is destiny to rejoice
Brian T. W. Way Ontario Canada
easter sunday: empty church with no god or alter boy in sight the lonely priest sips wine and sighs
Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Thank goodness for Zoom and the need to comb my hair presentable from waist up.
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
Spindrift melts the snow, Harpoons at rest On beached dories As waves erode dunes.
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Lola Haskins Florida, USA
Masks These days, we can all rob banks.
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Garden much? Your nails. Roots showing? Ombre is in. Grooming: optional.
Honey Novick Ontario, Canada
blowing bubbles within four walls each one a hope for the future
Loa Winter N.H., USA
Caregivers are our heroes Teaching us their education SacriďŹ ces, humor, stamina, Focus on unselďŹ sh dedication
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Taylor Graham California, USA
TV loud with dire reports of losses – outside, no traffic, just wind and birdsong.
David Stones Ontario, Canada
We speak from a distance but communicate as never before
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
The still empty streets Below mackerel skies, Hungry With soaring seabirds.
Bob Zaslow Washington State, USA
A bar near the hospital I’m nursing a drink A real nurse walks in
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Giti Tyagi Karnal, India
NIGHT Cooler nights, clearer skies, Brighter moon, baby faced, Pole star shines, Venus gleams, Blissful sight!
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
my grandson blows bubbles all are ďŹ lled with fearless understanding.
Ben Nuttall�Smith British Columbia, Canada
Lessons learned at home Children can appreciate Parents teach them well
Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
Reading, cooking and listening to music. Playing board games six feet apart.
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Brian T. W. Way Ontario Canada
the pandemic blues i wear gloves but pause and stew should the front of my mask be white or blue
Michael H. Brownstein Missouri, USA
Good Quiet took the dogs for a walk around the block outside only a squirrel: we waved
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
Plein air seasons march In step, gathering Outside, Separating in.
Arianne Laporte QuĂŠbec, Canada
Hugging my way from my sister to my mother, Thankful that we have each other.
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Where You travelled where Do not pass go 2 weeks isolation It’s Trudeau open for business not contagious it ain’t trudeau Trump
Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
Sunny day standing six feet apart Shadows meet.
David Stones Ontario, Canada
virtual hugs, plastic money cyber cocktails, online meetings never has your smile seemed so real Diana Van de Kamp Galway, Ireland
You are not alone in this ocean. We are now more the same than ever.
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Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
A redwing black bird Calls out From cattail rushes Signaling a train.
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
This day, that day, yesterday, All we have is today, today this moment
Ed Woods Ontario, Canada
household laughter pet excited too long walk upon dierent route scenery to keep in mind
Loa Winter N.H., USA
Each day our daily prayers For the less fortunate Make us now aware Of our priorities
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Taylor Graham California, USA
Main Street’s closed – ageless man on bench plays panpipe for worlds of empty spaces.
Shelby D. Siems Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Stand six feet apart to prevent going six feet under, hopefully.
Stan White Ontario, Canada
First time I’ve been told to save the world by doing nothing.
Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Travel All Canadians Come straight home Right Now This is your Father speaking
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Arianne Laporte Québec, Canada
If we stay united, We will become stronger, Taking one step towards, A better future.
Edward Baranosky Ontario, Canada
Presence drives the question, “What are people for?” Holding on, Strange as letting go.
Brian T. W. Way Ontario Canada
stand and deliver masks are everywhere now how easy to be a robber of banks
Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
Caged I look out of the window and I see animals moving freely.
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
Restaurants and bars closed, poetry readings cancelled. For now words shelved in books.
Felicity Sidnell Reid Ontario Canada
You need a hug? Lucky you live with someone not everyone does.
Ed Woods Ontario, Canada
refreshing air post‐storm sunlight air tastes better outdoor walk in bliss
Taylor Graham California, USA
“A crisis is a terrible thing to waste” – let’s make good from this one!
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Brian T. W. Way Ontario Canada
———no crowd———wash hands ———no handshake——— all tell me sincere how to be i still know nothing is that just me
Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
In seclusion. A voracious reader becomes a writer.
Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Strange Days Filled with wonder Worldwide confusion And
Robert L. Giron Virginia, USA
Nesting hours of watching TV of clacking at the keyboard of wanting a human embrace
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Olive Murray Power Wicklow, Ireland
Changes awaits us As the Covid 19 drifts The world we know shifts
Felicity Sidnell Reid Ontario Canada
Robins dive bomb defending their nest. Why must it be right over my car?
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
no zooming cars no thundering trucks no shrieking ambulance only a screeching silence
Arianne Laporte QuĂŠbec, Canada
Reunited Lover Instead of being miles away at work, He’s right here, Stuck with me.
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John Di Leonardo Ontario, Canada
Our masks share Paris souvenirs light on the Seine in your eyes
Loa Winter N.H., USA
Neighbors Finding each other again Dependent, Tolerant, Connected Making Amends.
Peggy Roey Ontario, Canada
time to imagine a new way to be upon this battered Earth clean new breath radical possibility
Olive Murray Power Wicklow, Ireland
Our frontline heroes With conďŹ dence look ahead Fighting the enemy
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Sheila Bello Ontario, Canada
with gloved hands busy cleaning my garden no time to socialize
Taylor Graham California, USA
A month’s calendar crossed out, what you planned didn’t happen – let the poems fly!
Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
Quarantine with all broken ties Music, my only companion.
Sheila Bello Ontario, Canada
virus comedy on international stage politicians acting
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Loa Winter N.H., USA
We wait for the mail We wait for the sun We wait for the call We wait for the release
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
The rage of silence deďŹ nes the cityscape view
Loa Winter N.H., USA
Outside the spring Tulips and Daodils Can crowd together in groups Close as we used to.
Katherine L. Gordon Ontario, Canada
Separated by a clothesline young lovers missing play he sends roses she her lingerie
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David Stones Ontario, Canada
The Gift in this forced monogamy we rediscovered the rather wondrous gift of each other
Loa Winter N.H., USA
Housework undone Escape to the book The film, art, garden The love to hold
Arianne Laporte Québec, Canada
Maybe distance was all it took, For us to realize, All we needed, Was inside.
Michael Levy Florida, USA
Closed schools leafless trees awaiting budding scholars.
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Marion Mutala Saskatchewan, Canada
Pandemic Pan not the frying kind Dem or dam Ic‐ yes, definitely Pandemic
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
from this ghost? just how far north does one have to go to find totally safe refuge
Bob Zaslow Washington State, USA
The lamps are different, But the Light is the same. ‐Rumi‐
Loa Winter N.H., USA
New growth Springs forward In a different Kinder way
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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Michael H. Brownstein USA, Missour
Slob Brush teeth—no—mask Wash hands—no—gloves Shower—‐no—social distancing
Joel Savishinsky Washington, USA
un‐doing Their language hides the truth, not consequences. This is NOT unprecedented. We were simply unprepared.
Rizvana Parveen Bangalore, India
Confined. Realizing the predicament of zoo animals I set the parrot free.
Loa Winter N.H., USA
Caregivers are our heroes Teaching us their education Sacrifices, humor, stamina, Focus on unselfish dedication
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Alexander Raju Kerala, India
“I’m fed up!” the buffalo sneezed, “Enough!” Yama Dharma coughed, and all the deaths stopped.
Helen Bar‐Lev Metulla, Israel
Passover Corona we embrace through Zoom a smiling full moon whitens the room
Frank Joussen Germany
Lifted Ban from my closed window I welcome migrant workers who´ll save our harvest
Sue Crisp California, USA
desperate home time on the tv screen old movies appear
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Dianalee Velie New Hampshire, USA
Fear pushed down like lava captured in a volcano that can’t erupt turned into laughter.
Robert L. Giron Virginia, USA
Happy Hour we sit six feet apart chatting about this and that laughing the virus away
Richard Grove Ontario, Canada
A Chicken Wishbone Wish A lock�down chicken dinner, a tiny wishbone. Gee, what could I possibly wish for?
John B. Lee Ontario, Canada
Do I get three wishes if I rub you the wrong way?
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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The Poetry Pandemic Project Call for Panku Poem Submissions for a future issue of Devour: Art and Lit Canada
hope, fun, light, amusing, uplifting, NO poems with the theme of fear, sex, drugs, anger, doom and gloom, will be considered.
For this project the name “Panku” comes from a cross between the words “Pandemic” and “Haiku” = Panku. It is meant to be a humourous play on words. In these strange Pandemic Days, I thought it was time that we lightened up a bit and start The Poetry Pandemic Project. Send us your uplifting, fun, light, amusing, pandemic poems in the form of a Panku – See descriptions below. Your Panku can be ironic, sarcastic, satirical and even sardonic but NO poems with the theme of fear, anger, doom and gloom, will be considered. A Pandemic of Poetry: Our goal is to make this a worldwide pandemic book so help us reach as many countries as possible. Send this call for Panku to your worldwide list. Let’s see what happens. Let’s see if we can create a poetry pandemic. The working title of the book is: In These Strange Pandemic Days. We have no idea how many Panku Poems we will receive. We don’t know if this will become a tree book or an e‐book. At the very least it will be an e‐book and everyone that submits will receive a free download. We will stay in touch with further details. For now we will publish as special issues of Devour: Art & Lit Canada. Later we will combine all of the special issues into one book. Deadline: For now there is no deadline. Just sent your Panku in ASAP. We are planning on publishing as many special issues of Devour: Art & Lit Canada as we can. As soon as we have enough for a special issue we will publish but will continue to receive submissions for the next special issue. This will be a Hidden Brook Press project but please send your Panku Poems to this email address only – pankupoems@gmail.com. It will help us keep the Panku submissions separate from our other HBP projects.
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Submission Details: 1 – Send a maximum of 10 Panku Poems. 2 – Each Panku Poem can be no more than 15 words. 3 – Each Panku Poem can be no more than 4 lines long. 4 – Your Panku Poem does not have to have a title but if it does the title will be no longer than 15 characters including spaces. 5 – Above EACH Panku Poem include your name in italics. 6 – Above EACH poem below your name include your Province / State and Country 7 – Do Not send as an attachment – send in the body of email only. 8 – Do Not send resume, bio, CV or other personal info. 9 – At the top of your email include your name, Province/State, and email address. Please all 3. 10 – Do Not put any numbers listing your poems.
Thank you. We will stay in touch after we receive your submission.
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Have you seen our HBP, John B. Lee Signature Series? It includes some of Canada’s best poetry. Find each of these 6 books listed under “Author” at: www.hiddenbrookpress.com
Order all 6 books and receive a 15% discount and FREE shipping.
April Bulmer
John Di Leonardo
Don Gutteridge
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Eva Kolacz
Don Gutteridge
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Soon!! Coming
Robert Sward
To m G a n n o n Hamilton
John Ty n d a l l
Proud to be Canadian.
Order discounts for these 4 books coming soon.
Antony Di Nardo
Spring Snow Not long ago I was basking under the Cuban sun. The virus, already brewing in China, had not yet been announced to the rest of the world. How happy and carefree were those days, hugs and handshakes oered without question, group gatherings the highlight of each day. Today, a few months
Anna, April, gardening in Quebec 2020 and Anna, October, sunning in Cuba 2019. You only get one guess of which pic is which.
later, having shifted north, I trade that glorious sun for wet, wild snow that blows in like a virus forcing upon me isolation and physical distancing from the elements. The virus, like winter just behind me, has cast its long shadow into the days ahead, but soon spring will reignite my spirit with hope for brighter days. Ann Di Nardo Cobourg, ON
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Thank you Anna for all of your magical photographs.
Ice on the pond in Quebec. Ann Di Nardo trained as a visual artist at The Ontario Collage of Art and Bishop’s University. She is a passionate gardener who frequently carries her camera along with the rest of her gardening tools and most often the camera does the brunt of the work. She divides her time between Cobourg, Ontario and her garden in Sutton, Quebec.
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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo
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