Aqueous by Solstice Initiative

Aqueous

Copyright Notices All artwork and design layout are copyright Solstice Initiative 2013. The poems are copyright of poets. For reproduction or re-use of the work please contact the poets directly for permission.

Contents Editorial ................................................................................................................................................. 7

Nature of water ...................................................................................................................................... 8 CASTUS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Gaurav Deka ................................................................................................................................................................. 8 FALLING TIME ................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Phillip Larrea ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 STILL WATERS ............................................................................................................................................................... 10 Polly Munnelly .............................................................................................................................................................. 10 ONCE WHITE ICE ......................................................................................................................................................... 12 Travolta Masango ......................................................................................................................................................... 12 HAIKU............................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Verica Zibkovic ............................................................................................................................................................ 13

The Rains .............................................................................................................................................. 14 DROPS............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Ranadeb Dasgupta........................................................................................................................................................ 14 TOPICAL RAIN............................................................................................................................................................... 15 Rohitash Chandra......................................................................................................................................................... 15 SHRAVAN MONSOON SQUALL .................................................................................................................................... 16 Amitav Das.................................................................................................................................................................. 16 THE RAIN....................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Partha Kar ................................................................................................................................................................... 20 THE STORM ................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Stacey Law ................................................................................................................................................................... 21 DROPS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Abir Bhattacharyya ...................................................................................................................................................... 23 3

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The Ocean ........................................................................................................................................... 25 MAMA OCEAN............................................................................................................................................................... 25 Kevin M. Hibshman ..................................................................................................................................................... 25 LOST AT SEA .................................................................................................................................................................. 26 Iarla Molloy .................................................................................................................................................................. 26 MAR................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 Marcia David ............................................................................................................................................................... 27 LIQUID SCREAMS .......................................................................................................................................................... 28 Cornelia DeDona ......................................................................................................................................................... 28

Rivers and Waterways .......................................................................................................................... 30 WINDING RIVER BOYNE ............................................................................................................................................ 30 Christopher R. Azzie.................................................................................................................................................... 30 RIVER EUPHRATES ....................................................................................................................................................... 32 Chinedu Jonathan Ichu.................................................................................................................................................. 32 WATER MY LIFE ........................................................................................................................................................... 33 Jerry Mugweni ............................................................................................................................................................... 33 WATERWAY WONDER ................................................................................................................................................. 36 Irene Emanuel .............................................................................................................................................................. 36 SOURCE .......................................................................................................................................................................... 38 James Down .................................................................................................................................................................. 38 LAKE WEED .................................................................................................................................................................. 40 Denise Weaver Ross ...................................................................................................................................................... 40 CANADIAN WINTER DUELS ....................................................................................................................................... 41 Mike Greenacre ............................................................................................................................................................ 41 SUSQUEHANNA ............................................................................................................................................................. 43 Christi Moon ................................................................................................................................................................ 43 WATERFALL ................................................................................................................................................................... 45

Chryssa Velissariou ...................................................................................................................................................... 45

Water of Life and Memories ................................................................................................................ 47 ONYX WATERS ............................................................................................................................................................. 47 Amos Gideon Greig ...................................................................................................................................................... 47 WILLOW TREE AFTERNOONS ..................................................................................................................................... 49 Beth Winter .................................................................................................................................................................. 49 WATER CHILD............................................................................................................................................................... 51 Sean Ratcliffe ................................................................................................................................................................ 51 A SECOND BIRTH ......................................................................................................................................................... 52 Harprasaad Ray ........................................................................................................................................................... 52 TALENTS OF WATER .................................................................................................................................................... 54 Cleber Pacheco............................................................................................................................................................... 54 THE T’ANG OF DRINKING .......................................................................................................................................... 55 Mercedes WebbPullman ................................................................................................................................................ 55

Living by the water .............................................................................................................................. 59 AD ................................................................................................................................................................................... 59 Aprilia Zank ............................................................................................................................................................... 59 DIVE................................................................................................................................................................................ 60 Michele Baron ............................................................................................................................................................... 60 FISHING .......................................................................................................................................................................... 62 Aine MacAodha........................................................................................................................................................... 62 FALSE BAY FISH............................................................................................................................................................ 63 Damian Garside ........................................................................................................................................................... 63 EDGE WALKER ............................................................................................................................................................. 66 Susie Sweetland Garay .................................................................................................................................................. 66 MY FIRST DIP ................................................................................................................................................................. 68 Prabir Roy .................................................................................................................................................................... 68

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Water in love and loss .......................................................................................................................... 69 BLIND .............................................................................................................................................................................. 69 Daniela Voicu .............................................................................................................................................................. 69 THESE FIELDS A JAIL.................................................................................................................................................... 71 Claine Keily .................................................................................................................................................................. 71 THY VEIL, OH RAIN ACROSTIC ................................................................................................................................... 72 Iulia Gherghei ............................................................................................................................................................... 72 A FINAL GOODBYE ..................................................................................................................................................... 73 Sonya Subero ................................................................................................................................................................ 73 YOUR SWEET SMILE..................................................................................................................................................... 74 Anupama Dafre ........................................................................................................................................................... 74

Water and Art ....................................................................................................................................... 75 CONJURING UP ............................................................................................................................................................. 75 Colin Dardis................................................................................................................................................................. 75 WATER SONGS .............................................................................................................................................................. 77 Jyothsna Phanija ........................................................................................................................................................... 77

Water and Gods.................................................................................................................................... 79 O, RIVER GOD .............................................................................................................................................................. 79 Paul Rogov.................................................................................................................................................................... 79 THY NAME IS HOLY ..................................................................................................................................................... 81 Kiriti Sengupta .............................................................................................................................................................. 81 MISHIGAMI(GREAT WATER) ...................................................................................................................................... 82 Leonard.C. Gesinski..................................................................................................................................................... 82 COMFORT SOUL ............................................................................................................................................................ 83 Umm-e-Aiman Vejlani ................................................................................................................................................ 83

Editorial Welcome back to the second edition of the Solstice Initative. I would like to thank all the poets that have contributed to this edition, both the newcommers and poets that have contributed from the start. The theme of ‘water’ originated from the solstice invent group. Water as theme Like creativity, water is the most abundant compound on Earth's surface. This book of poetry explores aspects of water from the pure physical like attributes to water’s association with ideological rituals inside the mind of the poet. The first half of the book associated the physically of aspects of water the poet’s creativity. The physical exploration starts with exploring the nature of water, proceeds to explore the dynamics of water and the in ‘ocean’ and ‘rivers and waterway’ section form the physical backdrops of a poets mind. The latter half of book explores the deeper human relationship with water, human life, memory, love creativity and ritual. The Future The next initiative will include photographs/art works.

Hope you all enjoy this edition

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Nature of water Castus Gaurav Deka Tussled, I see you changing shapes like the faces in water, They that sleep with a thousand men to dream of nightsNot known to return, not known to leave wondering beasts in slumber. To cry and waste in guilt, drawing virginal tears in unending lines fading in the redness of your palm. Perhaps, I had left no choice. Is it that you love me, like the careless bodies edging in the entwining spaces of your fingers, and the innards of your desperation? Is it that you find me in them, As one does, sorrow from turbid rivers of despair and clotted words of dead poets.

In this winter of the quiescent sky spreading like oil on water, Under the rippling depths of my inviolate bloodI stand naked underneath; clammy in the sweat of my coldness. To let peel, and wound my skin around you. To burn and mould like claypots of incense mist, swirlingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;light, dark and grey. To stretch and shrink into the souls of the thousand men, you sleep every night. Copyright Gaurav Deka 2013 Gaurav Deka is a writer from Assam, India. His fiction, poems and essays have been published in Muse India, Indian Ruminations, NElit Review, Fearless [poetry zine], Tenement Block Review and Open Road Review among others.

Falling Time Phillip Larrea A feeling like water Rushing through rusty pipes. Cracking iron, Seeping through sidewalks, Buckling pavement Carrying away street signs, Short-circuiting stoplights, Vanquishing venerable institutions.

Yet, I am safe. Magically half-transformed Into some water creature, Diving, swimming, dancing, singing Within confusion. Still, I am myself- perhaps more.

Night falls on my submerged city. Amidst eddy, current, tide, torrent, Everything fixed swept away. One tall tower stands Aglow in the full moon halo. Copright Phillip Larrea 2013 Phillip Larrea is a wealth adviser and business columnist live in California, U.S.A. His poems have recently appeared internationally in Outburst Magazine, The Poetry Bus Magazine and FourPlay, Nostrovia To Writing, and the Brooklyn Voice. Phillip is the author of two Spoken Word CDs, "Loose Change" and "Scrapbook"

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Still Waters Polly Munnelly Still waters run deep, Into the soul. Bringing a calmness, Of peace of mind.

No rushing, no gushing, Just quietness and still, Tranquility! Almost serenity.

As if washing away, those burdens and complexity, of that of our lives.

Long journeys over, mountainous terrain, with the crosses we all bare, the felling of trudging.

Sometimes begrudging, Just seems to float away.

Still waters run deep, Into your veins, 10

lifting your heart, releasing all pains.

Copyright Polly Munnelly 2012 Polly is a mother of 3 children and has a passion for poetry, animals, music and movies. She began writing my own poetry 14 months ago. Encouraged by a fellow poet and founder of Elbowlanes Poetry group Fermoy Co Cork , Gene Barry, she started to write and post on line. Since then I have started performing my poetry at different workshops and gatherings. She is a member of Elbow Lanes on Line Poetry Group and coadministrator on Poets Nook; a on Line poetry Group. She was recently was invited to Fermoy International Poetry Festival 2013, and made the long list there in there competition for Irish poets.

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Once White Ice Travolta Masango

Once was a wanderer, curious Who knew not love was serious Giving a heart and last penny To one, or two too many Till the hail of all white lies Froze his heart to white ice

Then gave his all to one chosen Never hinting of waters frozen Till she clawed her way in to find A bruised heart, beating for her kind At last, flakes falling Alas, streams flowing

Wiped his with words unfamiliar Kissed hers with lips familiar Merging souls for loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pleasure Halting time at their leisure Into his bosom, her eyes gazing To witness the flames blazing.

Travolta is Zimbawaen IT professional and part time poet living in South Africa. He is greatly inpired by Shakespear and Kipling. More of his work can be found at http://www.thisdeep.blog.com/

Haiku Verica Zibkovic water buckets snake from hand to hand a burning smell Copyright Verica Zibkovic 2013

Verica Zivkovic was born on the 29th of Septembere in Serbia. She graduated at the Faculty of law in Belgrade. She has won a number of awards for her poetry including over 50 international awards for her haiku poetry. She lives in Starcevo, Serbia. She had six books of poetry published:"Someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Standing Behind You", "A Sickle in a Shirt","The udressed Sky", "The Passer-by, "Shift of the Moon" and "The ripe blackberry".

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The Rains Drops Ranadeb Dasgupta

Dropped and life began, Flow - as defined From rhythm of blood. Transparent moments When reborn I think of drops. You made drops As rain paints my nerveFeel you, The liquid verse My water-drops.

Ranadeb Dasgupta lives in Barasat, West Bengal, India. He is a high school physics teacher and enjoys his brilliant fan-following from being a poet. One of his translated poem has been published in Twist of Fate, produced by Stephen L Wilson, U.S.A. This is a global charitable anthology, aimed to support the tornado victims at Oklahoma, U.S. Dasgupta enjoys several Bengali publications in e-zines and in little magazines.

Topical Rain Rohitash Chandra

The trees and the flowers sing to me as the drops torrent the corrugated iron roof after the days heat and shine I am moved by the thought of you alive like the forest awakened in the breeze.The weather wins over this man again sweat dry on my skin I get as far as I have ever been cleansed and freed from the clouds in my mind alive, I become one with a drop of rain

Copyright Rohitash Chandra 2013 Rohitash Chandra lives in Fiji and holds a PhD in Computer Science from Victoria University of Wellington, He is actively involved in literature and has been the editor of the Blue Fog Journal. He is also a poet and his third poetry collection is named ‘‘Being at Home’’ which is due to be launched soon.

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Shravan monsoon squall Amitav Das

Let Your Divine Tune, Shower on the dunes, My lunar barren heart...

Over-heated tracts, Spin-dry intellect, Tired voice and all.

Let it not relent, Showers in torrents, Like “Shravan” monsoon squall!

Let this Divine flow, Ride it calm and slow, Rays of early dawn...

Let these photons greet, In drops ever so sweet, My just-opened eyes...

Let it freely fall, A dark and tender “shawl” On my questioning mind.

When the hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dark, Gloomy barren stark, Seemingly unkind...

No tears in well, None of magic spell, Mind is summer dry!

Let it flow its cool, Form unfathomed pool,

Drowning all my sighs

Raining days and nights, Leaves of joy or plight I see Your glistening touch!

Let it not relent, Showers in torrents, Rain I love so much!

Conquests unfair, Efforts to despair, Actions... arid twigs!

Wizened branch-n-leaves, Aspiration heaves,

Aqueous Born but un-blossomed...

Let Your breath flow in, Moist monsoon wind, I see Your Magic Touch!

Awakened-n-alive, Swaying and thrive, Oh how they get transformed!

With this Divine rain, Your name refrains, Rain I love so much!

Quenching all my thirst, Hunger passion burst, Purifying all...

Let it not relent, Showers in torrents, Like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shravanâ&#x20AC;? monsoon squall

Copyright Amitava Das 2013 Born in a strugglingin Kolkata, India, in 1963, Amitav spent his childhood in rural areas of Bengal and was deeply influenced by nature and Tagore's song from an early age. As a result, nature creeps in in all his writings, so does Tagore. Amitav became a computer engineer by profession and traveled and lived all over the world. He started 'writing' poems at the age of 48, mostly in his favorite language Bengali, one of the most beautiful language of this world. He started writing on Facebook, various groups, and magazines, and hist first book of poems, EKMONA ROD [The Foccused Sun] became very popular and the first edition got sold out in 9 months, quite unusual for an unknown Bengali poet! Nowadays, he lives and breaths poetry..and is working on building a bengali poetry 18

foundation called DHANSIRITIR TIRE, publishing books of other poets and working on to create a news-stand type commercial magazine exclusively for poetry.

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The Rain Partha Kar

A lot of peeping at the glass window And dancing onto the hill's boulder, Should need an contractual end now As other duties are on your shoulder .

O Rain, be restrained , inside the nimbus, Please, keep an eye on the old troughs Those come from the rivers - deep ..... For the richer alone at the burning drought !

O Rain, be cool,many Kalaharies await Away with the feeble mourning melody now... Tell the cloud, "let's go fly quiet"â&#x20AC;&#x201D; There they can't help but only need thou !

Copyright Partha Kar 2013 Partha Kar is a science teacher, at Banwaribad Maharaja's High School. Banwaribad, West Bengal, India. He has published a number of poem online in the bengali language.

The Storm Stacey Law The caps of the waves hypnotically Rolled with the thunder in the heat of the storm I meditate in tune,I adventure, i vent I visualize the beauty desperately swarming At shore, I embrace my thoughts I listen to trembling water My heart and soul I am warming Breathless , I take in what I invent These fond memories imagining Tranquil - I see the moons' reflection I am anew in the twilight hours Gathering all my courage, each moment My journey breathing I reach out my hands With the mental images planted, I gazed I released calamity, I am amazed I gained control of my emotions I still meditate - my thoughts are clear The storm subsides , I do not fear My strength - I see my aura My space, the ocean I then hear Truly with visions so strong, I sublime That the storm is watching me I reciprocate! I am hypnotized!

Aqueous Stacey Law is an independent poet and have published my first book: " Beauteous be Poesy " available on googles, amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and through my publisher Trafford Publishing 888-232-4444 . She has also been published ina number of anthologies and earned awards such as Editors Choice , Creative Writing Skills , and Poet of the year. She is also an artist, and will be attending college for an Art degree potentially next year to excel in skills and to potentially teach in the field. She has a number of previous degrees with various majors including MBA , Accounting and an Elective degree matriculation. Inn the past she has worked in in retail management and in the insurance fields but is adventuring to be an author.

Drops Abir Bhattacharyya

Let there be drops Piercing the dense black through. Let there be drops Below, to touch the land in wait. Let there be drops Nothing for, but a magical chant That would make the soil pregnant. Days passed by in rows With a relentless thirst that thrives The soul, the body and the dreams that last. Seeds of a dream sweet Flourish under the breath, Dreams of a day of rain Pray in the air that it exhales. Let there be drops mortal, Let there be immortal so; The wings of life want to fly to the sky. No drops, if there be Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no cry That made the life vibrant In loneliness in the world. Let there be drops..... Let there be.....

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Sujan Bhattacharyya lives in West Bengal India. His literary activities include Poetry, Story, Essay in Bengali Language. His published title include: Nishkranto Okshar (GERMINATED LETTERS), 2. SHOBDER VALOBASA (THE AFFECTION OF WORDS) and ‘THE TALE OF THE TIMES’ an e-book in English

The Ocean Mama Ocean Kevin M. Hibshman

Absorb my weight that I might float freely above the waves.

Mama Ocean swallow these lifetimes of tears. You give back salt to kill or cure.

Mama Ocean please carry me now far away. All harm I pray, spilling out behind me.

Kevin M. Hibshman has authored or co-authored twelve books of poetry. His latest, Incessant Shining, will soon be available from Propaganda Press. In addition to having had poems appear in numerous journals and magazines around the world, Kevin edited his own small poetry magazine, "FEARLESS" for sixteen years. He received a BA in Liberal Arts from Union Institute & University/Vermont College in 2010. Kevin lives in Pennsylvania with his partner,William, who is an artist, and their cat, Siouxsie.

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Lost at Sea Iarla Molloy

The stars, They twinkle on my tears, As I look out alone

The waves, They crash against my bow, Downing my lifeless soul

The journey has ended, And the sirens screamed, I am lost to a forbidding sea

And as morning came, They found me alone, Missing my companion crew

Copyright Iarla Molloy 2013 Iarla Molloy is a part time poet based in Galway Ireland. He was published a number of work in online journal and ezines.

Mar Marcia David

Tenho sede viva de ti. Amor cego e distante. Beira de um abismo que n達o termina. Sem ti, sufoco. N達o tenho rima. Sou ave sem v担o. Me deixa sucumbir em teu verde-azul manso. Te vejo e n達o te acredito. Como sou pequena.

Marcia David works as poet and journist from Brazil. Her works may seen on http://marciadavidpoeta.blogspot.com/

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Liquid Screams Cornelia DeDona

Liquid screams scatter

surge

tumblelike a waterfall sharp and jagged they smooth stone faces hedonistically split crevices Their familiar rhythm stir in me a dark echo, the delugesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; still surge the same swell the same fall the same changing ebb changing flow changing everything

Cornelia is an Arts and Letters member of the National League of American Pen Women Honolulu. http://www.nlapwhonolulu.org/members.htm Cornelia Connie D. DeDona is the award winning recognized author of ‘Letters to a Prisoner’. Letters… is just one of her six poetry and photography books including: one Fine Art Photography book titled Fire Dance and one Anthology–Saturdays with Lillian.

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Rivers and Waterways Winding River Boyne Christopher R. Azzie

You touched my eyes in so many ways, Capturing the mood in tranquillity. Harnessing your strength with wild rapids, Your beauty captures the heart in so many ways.

The trees sway in the wind, Overlooking the mighty Boyne. As it travels through the county, Capturing every bend and twist.

Home too many species, Who live along this waterway? Ducklings follow their mother, Amongst the reeds on the riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge.

Fishermen cast their lines, In hope to catch trout. Along the banks, Keen walkers and cyclists enjoy the beauty.

Harmony fills the heart, Of all who come to the mighty Boyne.

A place of rest and peace, Tranquillity fills the heart in peace.

Christopher R. Azzie born in South Africa in 1971, both Irish and south african returned to live in Ireland in December 2003. He started to write poetry in 2006. Over the years he has published a number of poems online, unit the 24 March 2011. He has published his own poetry book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hidden Dreamsâ&#x20AC;? ISBN: 978-1-907522-29-1. His poetry is about things that matter and work reflects his belief in Equality and Human Rights, Causes, World Peace, Protecting our Nature and Natural Environment and Heritage. In 2012 he joined forces with members of the Small Impact Writers Group and John Doyle Photography to create a calendar to raise much needed funds for the Drogheda Homeless Aid.

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River Euphrates Chinedu Jonathan Ichu There must be healing power someplace You close your eyes to our demands Set sail frigates without worthy occupants Instead, your tongue only licks our toe Driving us into oblivion Has our land not ridiculed us enough? Has our tears not flowed unend? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided to borrow more from suckling ones Take a look at this chaffed palm Striking hard on hired tambourine Last nightâ&#x20AC;Ś They spend endless days cursing dry bones Where was their mouth piece? Drunken inside a trance That thrives in wickedness Label on empty schnapps bottle reads: Our elders are wayward What covenant drove them wild on our behalf? Dark clouds curl all over dozen of portraits We were not even fetus yet This burden ate up ignorant bloodline Embrace our waters like the days of old. Copyright Chinedu Jonathan Ichu 2013 Chinedu ichu, a married African of Nigerian decent. He has been writing for a number of years. His works reflects the time, life and thought of a typical African irrespective of race, gender and tradition.

Water My Life Jerry Mugweni

Water my life Water my wife. Such is life. They built dams for you. They manufacture Boozers, just for you some with clay pots , some with plastic Jerrycans.

Water my wife. Water my life. this is not life. Bring me a knife. In my wrath, shall striffe

Every time they are thirsty they drink you. They can't live without you. Water my wife. I shall take you away. Far far away. To a foreign land that they may have drought. Neither will they swim in you. Even though you wash their dirty clothes 33

Aqueous they throw you away. Saying you are useless.

Water my wife . Water my life. Such is life. You taught them Crop Rotation. But still they don't appreciate. In fact they try & dominate. Water my Wife . Water my Life.

Jerry Mugweni is a poet from Zimbabew. He has contributed to ‘Shona poetry anthology’ .His most recent poems include ‘zimbabwe is burning’

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/zimbabwe-is-burning/

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Waterway Wonder Irene Emanuel

Indolent waterways weave along narrow canals, soft-boiling bubbles circle fish-floats. Timeless brick-buildings watch the languid water clearing pathways for barnacled boats, on which busy shadows flick images at random; somnolent sailors navigate in timeless perfection, forever frozen, facing designated destinations mapped centuries ago.

I sit on the bank in peaceful contemplation; as the waterways of my mind course through the tapestry of my life. Copyright Irene Emanuel 2013 Irene was born in south africa in 1943 and have lived in Durban since 2002. He was the qinner of the “Hilde Slinger” cup for poetry in 2009, winner of the “Fay Goldie” cup For General Success in the World of Publishing in 2011. Both these awards are presented by the South African Writers” Circle. Poetry allows me to get my message across with rhythmic speed and clarity and is the written word that I like best. My passions are music, reading, movies and cats. 36

She have given talks at “Pinetown Boys’ High School”; Adult Education; Writers’ Group at St Agnes Church; East Coast Christian College, Illovo and At South African Writers’ Circle. I have also judged a few Poetry competitions. Her poems have been published in S A and in overseas journals and her work was selected for publication in “World Anthology of Journeys”; In April 2012 two poems in “Unbreaking The Rainbow, Voices of Protest”; Poems in Issues of “A Hudson View” and “The Speech and Drama Association of S A.” In 2006, a collection of my poems, “A Scorpion Sings” was published by Trayberry Press. Selection of poetry published by Osborne Porter Literary Services, March 2011, Titled: “Count Catula of Shadoland & friends.” She is currently working on a third collection of poetry.

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Source James Down

Words are in the river floating up from the bottom last attached to substantial rocks….the words bob between waves….we see glimpses of sentences in our mind’s eye but we don’t own the words the river only gives them up on loan….if we cup our hands just right and dip in just so….and catch them as they float on past….in this interim we are allowed to jumble the words scramble the words and delight at sentences through sight that comes upon us in the long run….words sink back into the river….until someone else cups their hands just so for a gifted loan….the words are in the river….the river is keeper of the words….and takes them all the way back to the open sea

James Down is Associate Editor of Poetic Matrix Press. He has a chapbook Where Manzanita and full volume Merge with the river published with the press. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a budding song lyricist, a loving step-father and grandfather to his dear wife Joyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughters and grandsons and digs his cat Belle de Bayou. James lives in a paradise called Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

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Lake Weed Denise Weaver Ross

The breeze flowing through the patio door, brushing across bare arms and shower damp hair, reminds me of floating just above the lake weed of Lake Lulu in two feet of clear water, while dipping my toes down, brushing the tops of feathery fronds where the fish have lived ever since the days the melting glacier first created this ancient pond and the Great Lakes, their waters still ice cold during the last long sweltering days of August

Copyright Denise Weaver Ross 2012 Denise Weaver Ross is an artist poet and design based in Albuquerque new Mexico. Her poetry includes Midwest by Northeast by Southwest.

Canadian Winter Duels Mike Greenacre

It’s early dawn on Lake Eugenia and the sun’s just hinting at the day, with jostling clouds reaching over to protect the snowy banks, ice hanging as stalactites from the roof of sheltered lives.

The lake is a ruffled sheet of ice stretching wide from the dam to our jetty’s weathered sides, grey shadows on the lake’s skin creating a miniature desert of dunes rippling in the sun’s peeping gaze.

Even as sun breaks through with the urgency of day, snow sits as a resilient caretaker – the top form of precipitation as an omnipotent force directing life to swerve & be warned.

On the roads snow imprisons cars in ‘whiteouts’- blinding terrorist showers of bullets annihilating life’s excursions,

Aqueous while ‘black ice’ catapults cars as ballet dancers spinning & gliding in frantic style, anticipating the journey’s end.

On the lake, birds meditate without fear and watch as untamed skidooers prematurely brave the ice’s heart, plunging as flying fish into freezing depths – precipitation challenging life to nature’s rules.

Mike Greenacre is a Western Australian poet who has published two collections of poetry: 'Kimberley Man' (2002) and 'Beacon Breaker' (2010). He is a teacher and some of his students have won prizes in the 'Young Writer's Contest' in Perth. He and his wife Tracy love to go skiing.

Susquehanna Christi Moon

interlaced braided streams brush chase the curves veracious

vacillating branches billow lush teal linn over terra firma fluviation

reticulate ripples rush fluent spill the banks resplendent

sublunar crest captures the landscape riparian traced subordinate formâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hush

gush rapture effaced

Aqueous Christi Moon resides in rural southeastern, Pennsylvania USA.. Her poetry has been published in the journal Brush Strokes and Ink Spots, an Anthology of Poetry and Art ~ The River Journal, Nomos Review edition 3 ~ Women on War and Conflict, and Twisted Tungz art & literature magazine, and online on Combustus, VerseWrights, and The River Journal. More of her work can be found at her blog. http://www.letterstothemoon.com/

Waterfall Chryssa Velissariou Wisdom's momentum as an impetuous stream flows with strong splashing rich foams and noises to sparkle, to shake ,to wake up

But when the water of the knowledge in a swamp poured with no exit still stays stagnated real life stops growing in there

If there's a fissure liquid spirit escapes through to become cool creek which to other people generates fertilizing

As stream towards sea quenches the thirst of the earth the creative mind should overflow its wealth fellow souls to cultivate

Aqueous Copyright Chryssa Velissariou 2011 Chryssa is a professor is physics at a state high school in Larissa, Greese. She has published poems and translations in a number of international journals. Her most recent publication “THE SEASONS OF LOVE” ,BOOKSTARS 2012 is her first poetic composition in Greece. Her poetry and work are posted to her blog http://velissariou11.blogspot.gr/

Water of Life and Memories Onyx Waters Amos Gideon Greig Onyx waters lapped pebbled shore, Lonely candles hold total darkness at bay, In distance town lights beckon like lonely Wispâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Inky twilight, sounds muffled, By lapping waters Dingle a distant Memory carried on the night air.

Uncanny friends gather, On pebbled beach, Walking on footsteps Past. Ulsterman, Scotsman, Kerryman and Welshman, The chalice and the vine unites them, Wards of the chill.

Samhainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s icy touch beckons, As sleepy friend drifts off, Her supine form caught by Midnight current.

We four leap into chill waters After her kicking up the surf 47

Aqueous Preventing a premature Viking funeral.

Copyright Amos Gideon Greig 2012 Amos Greig is a recent graduate from Queen's where he studied English and Ancient History. Amos has designed covers for Lapwing Publications, designed their logo , Amos has had work published in Poetry in Motion's The Poet's place and Speech Therapy. He is currently editor of a literary and arts magazine called A New Ulster. His first book of poetry called Lord's of the hill is with a publisher pending publication.

Willow tree afternoons Beth Winter I long for a return to those afternoons when time settled with warm contentment and begged for me to ignore its passage,

the touch of alternating textures from the crazy quilt rolled under my arm and the softening crispness of brown paper scrunched in my fist,

when my feet found the tickle of the weedy path on my way to the smooth stones of the creek where water would skip around my ankles in a game of tag,

you're it, you're it, you're it-t-t-t, ha-ha race away

and lead me to that place where the currents paused, joined together for a quiet rest before continuing their unending journey,

to the hollow under the willow tree that never knew the sting of the summer sun or the worries of hours before or beyond, 49

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where a blanket and book carried me to vivid places and inked strangers became life-long friends

as the creek and breeze held me and calmed me through a comfortable hum & surrender to the commanding weight of my eyelids.

Beth Winter is a writer and photgrapher based in Coffeyvillie, USA. She has contributed to a large number of journals. Here poetry, prose and journal may be viewed at here blog, http://eclipsingwinter.com/

Water Child Sean Ratcliffe

I have felt the fine summer rain on my face Soft like the tears when my children were born I have heard the babble of a brook Like the laughter of a giddy child I have heard the roar of a mighty falls Soothing like a child’s choir I have seen the drips from a glacier Innocent of their destiny, like all children I followed those drips until a babbling brook they became Tumbling and twisting like a child’s first steps Wandered along beside the brooks until they became rivers Memories of my children’s first days in school Rivers careening over a great falls My child falling from the climber I built The rivers pool forming a lake or ocean My child leaves to be a part of the world Life is like that single droplet of water Each one joining together, pooling themselves Making and becoming something greater Like the growth of our children! Copyright Sean Ratcliffe 2013 Since joining the Loose Leaf Poets and Writers, Sean has begun to have fun with his creative side. He is playing catch-up, but doing it with vigour. His current writings can be found on Amazon Kindle where he has published a number of stories and a collection of poetry include ‘Mind Stenographer’ and ‘Black and Blue’

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A Second Birth Harprasaad Ray

I touch you every time It’s a pilgrimage After every bath I bathe. I see myself in a new breath, It seems a second birth, I’m blessed with Always.

I remember the lesson I was taught to learn the life, From the sailing boat you steer. I thought you’re flowing water, One ought to follow a simple type. Little I knew that you’re a mother And also You are an endless seer.

I bathe, I feel a new life, enliven. I enjoy a second birth for ever and a day Seemingly foreseen for me And given.

Harprasaad is lecturer (Assistant Professor) in the Department of English at OMSCC, an affiliated college of JNV University, Jodhpur, India, and also a Research Scholar at the University Department. In addition, he is emotionally involved with two NGOs apart from my own small organization â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Tulip Foundationâ&#x20AC;? who are working for underprivileged and children. A native of Calcutta, West Bengal. , he writes poetry, short stories and fiction.

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Talents of Water Cleber Pacheco

Flow,measure, source, fluid rumor. Diagnostic of forms without contours, rest and amazement, repository for riddles distending up in the spirit, intersection of the heterogeneous, symphonic diatribe weaving noise, embroidery in aqueous housing tasteless, creating the proteic. Day, night, dawn, interval, everything fits in their communicating vessels, surface and depth, reversing averse Copyright Cleber Pacheco 2013 Cleber Pacheco lives in Brazil. He has contributed poetry collections published in Canada, United Kingdom and India. His play Intimidades [Intimacy] received two awards and his book of poems, entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mysteries,â&#x20AC;? has recently finished first in a competition and will be published in the United States. 54

The t’ang of drinking Mercedes WebbPullman

The t’ang of drinking Outside our skins even more liquid. We drink in a crowd gaining estrangement; we ignore sunlight and turn from our bodies eliminating worlds. In spite of the sun insisting thirst our shadows, entranced, precede us. Light will chase them away from us forever, mourning must out-strip winter. We stop dancing and the sun stops staying still. We sit and sing and our bodies freeze in attitudes of beauty. When we’re awake we mourn alone; while we’re sober let’s all stay together, 55

Aqueous let’s set each other free momentarily then blend. Let’s pretend we’ll never meet again in this very place.

If hell itself created water then water moons should darken earth and if sky, instead created water sky should contain many more water mines. Did you know that muddy water kills idiots and not even pure water can keep a woman foolish? If foolish women are already thirsty what’s the use of hiding the devil? Without enough bowls we wonder about exits, without numbers we are divorced from reason. Perhaps the misconceptions we have while sober

can be short-circuited

while we get drunk. In the ninth hour of the unnamed village two skins at midnight like sails. Who wouldn’t be happy? Ignore this, and service will take a long time. These very things have lately been removed by death. A multitude of bowls can’t measure life, the single things are falsely simple. Once we are sober gaining steadily we will rise from our packed skins. Having no idea that our souls exist – of all our sorrows this is the loudest. Copyright Mercedes WebbPullman 2013 Mercedes Webb-Pullman graduated from IIML Victoria University Wellington New Zealand MA in Creative Writing 2011. Her work appears online (Danse Macabre, Black 57

Aqueous Mail Press, Turbine, 4th Floor, Swamp, Reconfigurations, The Electronic Bridge, Bone Orchard Poetry, poetryrepairs, Connotations, The Red Room) and in print (Numeralla Dreaming, After the Danse, Food 4 Thought) She lives on the Kapiti Coast, New Zealand

Living by the water Ad Aprilia Zank Look at this body perfectly glowing in the neon sun skin optimally SPF protected thighs lacquered with seaweeds decorous waves flood the underground sand sparkles with promises like broken glass the man holds his briefcase with petting hands the woman deconstructs her identity behind sunglasses lace-collared old ladies show handicapped badges for reserved seats Copyright Aprilia Zank 2013 Dr. Aprilia Zank is a freelance lecturer for Creative Writing in the Department of Languages and Communication at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany. She was born in Romania and studied English and French at the University of Bucharest. She is also a poet and a translator.

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Dive Michele Baron he always treasured the longest day, clearest skies, solstice of the summer, thriving fields and trees alive with fruit, bees and butterflies in profusion, waters sunlit and warm, beckoning a dive with a promise of forever

he gripped the days of his life surviving wars and hunger and injuries which never would heal, rising with the sun, and working long days, long nights, toil which strained and strengthened, suitable to a life so arduous... but always, diving when water beckoned, freedom from gravity freedom from cares freedom from the injuries which followed his days walking...

he held fast to life, tenacious, last year, his last year, 60

until the longest day, solstice of summer, waited until just before the dawn of the day which would be one earth-turning shorter, and at the first limpid notes of birdsong greeting fingers of light he dove into the waters of forever which will wash us all someday

Michele Baron is a part time poet based in Morroco. Michele has an extensive background in research, teaching, and bioethical, xeriscaping, green and sustainable projects development. She has volunteered in neighborhoods in the North Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. More of her poetry can be found on http://www.facebook.com/norabele

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Fishing Aine MacAodha the sudden downpour my resident blackbird fishing

Copyright Aine MacAodha 2013 Aine MacAodha is a writer and Photographer from Omagh situated North of Ireland, her recent works have appeared in, Doghouse Anthology of Irish haiku titled, Bamboo Dreams, Poethead Blog, Glasgow Review, Enniscorthy Echo, wordsocialforum, previous published poems translated intoItalian and Turkish, honourable mention in Diogen pro culture winter Haiku contest, thefirscut issues #6 and #7, Outburst magazine, celticburialrites.blogspot.co.uk A New Ulster issues 2 and 4, Pireneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fountain Japanese Short Form Issue, Peony Moon, DIOGEN pro culture magazine world poetry day, Poetry broadcast on 'Words on Top' radio show. She has published two volumes of poetry, 'Where the Three rivers Meet' and Guth An Anam (Voice of the soul).

False Bay Fish Damian Garside

When they pulled in their bulging nets in False Bay they had trapped a baby Great White Shark, barely four feet in length (this before ecological legislation made their lives sacred) I can still recall (being eleven, twelve at the time) how it thrashed away until an intrepid someone caught it by its tail and battered into death or submission against the pier's concrete pillar. Quiet enough, then, drained suddenly of sea-potency, Poseidon's anger.

He said he was going to take it home 63

Aqueous (looking suddenly the type that might need a trophy) carve through tough skin and flesh to remove its skeleton.

Oh, predator boy, leave it to my older Ph D-type self to tell you (what but vaguely thought at the time) that sharks have no skeletons, are cartilaginous fish, point out (tactfully, until it comes time for the fist-in-the-face stuff the species still understands) that sharks are connected, the blue of our world hinges on their awesome clarity

nearest thing to perfection in the flesh that God, in all his streamlined symmetries, ever dreamt

Copyright Damian Garside 2013 Born 20th March 1953 (Pisces Aries cusp, year of the Snake) 1964, Damianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family emigrated to South Africa. Studied undergraduate (English and Philosophy): University of Cape Town Masters (English): Manchester University (UK) Ph D (University of Cape Town) Taught English at the University of Durban-Westville and Media and Communication at UKZN and NWU (Mafikeng) His poetry has been published in periodicals intermittently since 1977 in SA literary and poetry journals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; also in the US at Illuminations (S Carolina) He is working on fiction at this point in time Teach semiotics and discourse analysis, popular culture and scriptwriting.

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Edge Walker Susie Sweetland Garay Walking through water droplets is not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

The water flows under us.

We move as it moves, rhythmically, taking the most logical downhill path

until the earth gets in our way. Boulders and trees and all manner of non man made things.

You see, I am a graceful edge walker, confident in my ok ness but afraid to leave the comfortable middle.

Afraid to attempt the great.

The space between risk and safety love and fear hope and hopelessness is smaller than you think.

I have always loved a good bridge, I say as we cross over looking at the green water below.

Perhaps because a bridge always welcomes a weary traveler.

Copyright Susie Sweetland Garay 2013 Born and raised in Portland Oregon, Susan Sweetland Garay received a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in English Literature from Brigham Young University, spent some years in the Ohio Appalachians and currently lives in the Willamette Valley with her husband where she works in the Vineyard industry. She spends her free time writing, growing plants and making art. She has had poetry and photography published in a variety of journals, on line and in print, such as Silver Birch Press, Vine Leaves Literary Journal, The Front Porch Review, Electric Windmill Press, Outside In Literary Journal, Mad Swirl, Eunoia Review, Leaves of Ink, and the Camel Saloon. She is also a founding editor of The Blue Hour Literary Magazine and Press, http://thebluehourmagazine.com/.

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My first dip Prabir Roy

My first dip in the river Ganges Etched in my memory till date. Mom and I ...all together It was so thrilling, whilst No idea of swimming!

My abode, a minute walk Cherishing its cool vicinity Warmth of the river Whenever I talk.

Felt so shy, so very inhibited As I returned home naked. Didn't understand then A child must absorb, The nature and its fountain!

Prabir Roy was born in a small town, Nabadwip, West Bengal, India. This is a distinct place for pilgrimage, which attracts numerous devotees on a daily basis. Prabir is a Mechanical Engineer, did his Bachelors (B.Tech) from Haldia Institute of Technology, West Bengal. A promising poet, he writes short stories as well. Two of his stories were published in ‘Twist of Fate’ an international charitable anthology, by Stephen L Wilson, U.S.A. Prabir’s Bengali poems have been published in several E-zines and little magazines from West Bengal. He has co-authored Kiriti Sengupta in his Bengali Poetry Book, “Byakul Shabdo Kichhu” (which means, ‘heartfelt words’), published by Parampara Publishers, Calcutta, India.

Water in love and loss Blind Daniela Voicu night savaging the notion of space between us seconds dying in particles of memory

it s raining me with lime fragrance not bloomed and tears of saints on earth in a port

traces of sunrise from yesterday still sit idle at sea

sun soak keep in arm all love

the blind morning it rips me in particles of unloved time

waves were caught by my ankles stray

not kissed of any shadow pulling me in deeper blind

Aqueous DANIELA VOICU is a Romanian poet, novelist and painter. Her poems have been published online and in many magazines, including Poetic Diversity, Pireneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fountain, Cuget Liber, Agero Stuttgart, New York Magazine, Curentul International, Revista Luceafarul, Pagini Romanesti in Noua Zeelanda and Pheonix Mission. And also in various anthologies, including Tears of Ink, The Poetry of War and Peace, Words on the Winds of Change, Just a Dream and Reflections on a Blue Planet . Her poetry collections are Poems of Angels (2006), Blue in Vitro (2012), Surfing Silence (2012), Windows Without Dreams (2012), Sky Hands (2013), Vulnerable Breeze (2013) and Sunset and Love (2013). In 2009, she founded the international magazine of culture and literature, Cuib Nest Nido; and in 2011 she founded the international poetry festival of music and contemporary art, The Art of Being Human and the poetry group with the same name. She create 5 anthologies of international poetry The art of being human( 4 in English and one in Romanian). Since 2009, she has been a member of the Writers' League of Romania.

These fields a jail Claine Keily

When fields are heavy and green with this love the gloom of the night pins me down and earth a hollow that takes me down I lay my head here beside the river in which we both drowned

And the distance of these fields a jail in which only bitter seeds may grow holds my homeless ghost dead and weeping dreaming that I have another's home

Copyright Claine Keily, 2013 Claine Keily has published poetry in various Australian journals, and has produced limited runs of art and literary books. Her writing is influenced by french symbolism and currently teaches literature to high school students.

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Thy veil, oh rain acrostic Iulia Gherghei

When every sound stops Rain vanishes in the tall grass Inside a thirsty ground Thy veil, oh rain, Thy veil of greyish clouds wrapped around my chest Exits the scene No actors left on stage to savour thy triumph

In triumph though No satisfaction is

Tomorrow you will hunt again Here I'll wait your choking clouds Embracing with my blood your poisons

Stripped of any chance The clear sky Abandoned me in thy Rain Stars have written the sentence

Iulia lives in Burharest Romania. She works with the national radio broadcasting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Radio omania Cultural as a technical director. In her space time she writes poetry. 72

A Final GoodBye Sonya Subero There is a quiver in her voice as she calls out his name; An echo of emotion; She stretches an arm reaching for a familiar face; A tenderness which she had never felt before, Desperately she wraps a fist around a shadow searching for shape, Her ears are being tickled by the wind as she listens for that heartbeat; An individual melody, uniquely vibrating with time, Blinking, her eyes become cleansed; hoping an image would be cast before her, But her eyes cannot form that figure; the figure cannot be found! For it has vanished leaving nothing but memories behind . . . Nothing but whispers, nothing but shadows, Nothing but empty hallways . .

Copyright Sonya Subero 2013 Sonya Subero, eighteen years of age is a High School senior residing in the multicultural, multitalented and exquisite twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. She is a novice writer with an unbreakable passion for Literature; for her Literature is more than writings on a page but rather art on a canvas; it is a means by which persons can paint a vivid picture of their emotions and experiences while conveying them to the audience. Subero has been writing for two years but has been interested in Literature her entire life even capturing the award for outstanding academic performance in the English Language at her high school for the year 2012. Suberoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultimate dream is to publish a novel which she is currently working on.

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Your Sweet Smile Anupama Dafre

Dark clouds Hide the sun But, when they shed Tears, sun shines again Radiating light, rainbow Adorns the sky, now bright blue For a seeker to easily Find pot of shining gold at its end. When you'll rise above all hardships And let the rain from your eyes Cleanse your soul, and open Your heart, welcome joy I'll find treasure Behind your Sweet smile.

Anupama Dafre is a spiritual healer and and a poet. Her work has been published in several anthologies. She lives in Mumbai with her two children.

Water and Art Conjuring Up Colin Dardis Each gift-given word is a grain of sand I compress to form a pearly vision within the mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye, having not the grace to see you for real.

In absence and dearth, the imagination thirsts over legends of aquiline form: the roll of water down denuded back, loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s irrigation.

May I rest my lips by the limber edge of your oasis, and for a moment drink in the prospect of us at swim, soon, happily drowning. 75

Aqueous Copyright Colin Dardis 2012 Colin Dardis is a poet, artist, and musician from Northern Ireland living in Belfast. His work has been previously been published in numerous anthologies, journals and zines in Ireland, the UK and the USA. He is the editor of FourXFour, an online journal focusing on poetry from Northern Ireland. Pen Points Press, a poetry micro-press founded by Colin and Geraldine O'Kane, will be launching in Autumn 2013. Colin is also the host of Purely Poetry, an open mic poetry night in Belfast, and a member of the Voica Versa performance group.

Water Songs Jyothsna Phanija

The drizzling echoes like when happy love chirrups, The mystical mist fall as melodious musings. The rivers flow in the anxiety, As to experience the canorous and catastrophic tone, For each surprising change.

The safe and sonorous trickle Between the plants, The tacit and silent words When glittering on the flowers, Flowing with the vessels when whistling, Speaking in hush In the tears slosh, Gurgling bubbles, And the seashore roar, The uncertainty of life In its ice melting aria.

Its music is silence, Its songs are worded in the recipes, Its tunes are composed when nature instructs, Its flow is infinite and its Music is tangential between memory and experience, Perception and reality.

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Jyothsnap hanija is a doctoral candidate at the Department of English Literature, EFL University in Hyderabad, India. She did her Masters in English Literature from the same University. This 23 year old young writer was a gold medalist in BA English Literature. Her poetry has been published in Luvah, Coldnoon, Tajmahal Review, Kritya, eFiction India, Miracle, Fragrance, Induswoman Writing and are forthcoming in Skeletonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anthology, Kumquat Poetry and her short storey in Emerald Hews anthology of Short Stories. . Her academic writings have appeared in Subalternspeak, eDhvani, Wizcraft, Barnolipi. She contributed her essays to the books Indian Women Novelists: A Critical Spectrum (2012), and Contemporary Indian Drama in English, 2013. Currently she is in the editorial team of Criterion

Water and Gods O, River God Paul Rogov

There is a River god beside us, love In the morning cold, Shivering betwixt cattails Where our souls unfold

Kneel, my child! World’s stir; it listens, diaphanous, like gnawed meat Hear tornado from Abydos roaring, roaming With whipped up copper, sleet

Slush & oil of providence, Osiris! Regal curses of a king. We drink no beer, nor eat bread lightly Beneath our eyes are rings.

Are you trampling villages in wrathful freedom? My wife and I are without children. We’ll kneel here, drinking, wanting, wondering If a feather of judgment weighs our lives. Give us child, O rising god, a surprise! We’ll use Truth and feet. We’ll use our hearts, too, and wade in icy waters

Aqueous To the Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beat.

Pavel Dimitriovich Rogov, who writes under the pen name Paul Rogov, studied Comparative Literature at the UC Berkeley and Social Work at USC. His work has appeared in Danse Macabre, Jumping Blue Gods, Exterminating Angel Press, Yareah Magaazine, Femicatio Magazine, Cultural Weekly and Social Justice

Thy name is Holy Kiriti Sengupta A few drops or else A tub-full of it, along with silky petals, can make you Christ-feel and baptized thee!

No shape of its own No colour, if pure No odour, when clean No taste, as serene That’s God within!

Carrying life since day zero Memoirs of history float Religion, the saviour Water, a metaphor.

A professionally qualified Dental Surgeon (B.D.S) from the University of North Bengal, India. Has a number of international poetry publications, e.g. in Taj Mahal Review www.tajmahalreview.com , Kritya Online www.kritya.in and very recently in “Twist of Fate”, an international charitable anthology from the United States. He has his Blog, Kiriti’s www.kiritisengupta.wordpress.com Kiriti has numerous Bengali poetry publications in little mags and in several E-zines.

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Mishigami(Great Water) Leonard.C. Gesinski Green and Blue Grand swells of the lake,such a deceptive beauty How many mysteries do your waters hold?

Giving no quarter How many a skilled mariner’s vessel adorn the murky bottoms? Price paid in full for braving her storms and squalls Copyright Leonard.C. Gesinski 2013. Len Gesinski lives in Villa Park, Illinois, USA. 49 Year Old Poet, Abstract flavoured FreeForm , Haiku, Senryu, and Tanka forms. Spoken Word Poet, Painter(Oil on Canvas), and Hand-Sketching with both Charcoal and Pastels. His poetry ‘Layers’ was published in Brian Wrixon’s ‘The Poetry of War and Peace’(BLURB). I’m a Longtime Member and now Organizer of the Naperville Writers and Poets Group(Naperville, Illinois). He is current writing a booking ‘Conversations(In Blue)’—Family Traditions and Cherished Memories, Quotes, and Old Neighborhood Friends. Website: http:// http://leng64.wordpress.com/

Comfort Soul Umm-e-Aiman Vejlani

See me as the soft preludes in a wintery garden, on roses shuddering under their coats from my pelting wantons; imbuing beauty’s breathings in exchange for lonesome earthen.

I course through concaved rocks laid out in nature’s absent fashion; I listen to their phantom broodings, under the Milky Way’s whimsical musings, petered out hopes by the purple-grey sky.

Find me laden in seclusion across lengths of green turned brown; under coarse courtship of brisk winds I hold you together, absent but not lost of form, existing silently as supplier and restorer.

Upon indolent brooks, I rush cold and opaque; like the tears you may weep inside me.

Aqueous I collect, as I pass your core, murmurs in a game of Chinese whispers calling to me: comfort soul.

Umm-e-Aiman has been published in a few online and print magazines. Most of her poetry is simple, in directness and fluidity, hoping to communicate, through her writing, a feeling that can be related to by people from all wakes. She wishes to continue locating broader portals that will showcase her writing to give her the credibility of being an ocean swimmer. She also writes under the pseudonym Sheikha A.