POETRY PLANET International magazine (December 2021 Edition) by Poetry Planet Magazine

Exclusive: RITU KAMRA KUMAR

Holiday Celebration In India A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY ON DEPED’S SHOULDER By Dr. Zaldy Carreon De Leon Jr.

BACK COVER: Is Christmas Really Jesus Birthday? (Fact Or Myth)

WHAT’S NEW -METAPERSPECTIVE -AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE -A PIECE OF MEMORY -EDUCATORS SHARING THEIR STORIES

The Administration Team

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Marites C. Ritumalta Chief Administrator

FEATURED ARTIST-------------------------------------------3 Ritu Kamra Kumar

Gigi Balita Tanushi Singh Antara Bose Vicki Hangren Hauler Moderators/Conductors

FEATURED STORIES----------------------------------------4 Renalyn Ramirez Alvin Viaña Indah_Ma Jolie Fille Marvin P. Vasquez Loreta C Bande Maria Editha Garma-Respicio Rodino Incarnacion

Elmer Buduan Gamulo Odum Kingsford Maria Dulce Leitao Reis Marvin Omosemen Pamela Tennant Jeffrey Cejero Evaluators Marie Ezekiel Marizel Cabigting Editors Marites Ritumalta Dr. Zaldy Carreon de Leon Jr Vee Barnes Columnist: Printed and Published by: Poetry Planet Book Publishing House Rosario Pozorrubio Pangasinan 2435 Email: maritesritumalta@gmail.com Contact number: 09554960044 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher/author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher. Some photos and backgrounds used were taken from Google and may contain their own copyrights ..

ACROSS THE MILES--------------------------------------12 Sudha Dixit Anjana Prasad Deluke Muwanigwa Arose Saad Amiya Rout POETRY CORNER-----------------------------------------16 Vildana Stanisic Margaret Karim Daniel Miltz Bernadith DeLa Cruz Madhuri Kulkarni Khachab Dorji QUOTES------------------------------------------------------24 Selma Kopic James Timothy Acheneje Aditi Lahiry Maria Elvira Fernandes Correia Nderitu Wa Munuhe Chandra Sekhar Batabyal Ency Bearis Gloria Magallanes-Loeb Nel Cruz Sarah Wheatley Yusuf Adenike Meliza Docot Correa Anjana Prasad John David Meadows METAPERSPECTIVE by Zaldy carreon de leon Jr.---26 A PIECE OF MEMOERY by Marites Ritumalta---------27 AUSTRALLIAN PERSPECTIVE by Vee Barnes--------28 CAPTURED MOMENTS----------------------------------------29 WRITERS’ PROFILE--------------------------------------------30 BACK COVER: “Is Christmas Really Jesus Birthday?”

FEATURED ARTIST JOY OF GIVING Ritu Kamra Kumar Welcome the season of chill and chillin' with festive felicity and winter wellness! The ecstatic elation whispers softly in the air "Go, be of good cheer. The celebration and cornucopia of joy, gleam of laughing lights, and aromatic candles reflect the spirit of majestic magnificence and frenzy of joy everywhere. Well, it is the time to nurture relationships, bathe in the holy waters of compassion, philanthropy, ignite the light of peace and piety by celebrating the joy of sharing, caring, and giving gifts in kind, handshakes, and hugs tight. Receiving a gift, even a small one leads to butterflies in the stomach at every age, the eagerness and excitement of unwrapping a gift are worth a memorable click. I recall with nostalgia how I looked forward to unboxing moments on birthdays and festivals whenever opened a gift decorated with bows and ribbons, untying would be a blissful encounter with happiness. Now in my mellowing years, a new attribute has made a home in me to shower my dear ones with gifts and revel in the joy of giving. It is so heartening to make someone smile, the illustrious glow, and glimmer in their eyes, in awe and amazement. Aww! They look so bright. Every human being desires to be loved and pampered irrespective of age and gender. The best way of expressing love is giving gifts of love, laughter, liveliness wrapped in gracious gestures, avid actions, delighted deeds, and small gifts in kind. It is not the diamonds, pearls, or riches that you have to gift but truly tiny gestures count. Life gets a meaning if it is lived for others. My family and friends celebrate each other's accomplishments and achievements, festivals, and special days with surprise get-togethers and a treasure trove of small significant gifts to transfix the moments.

A gift is a tiny thing but it is a cupboard full of mesmerizing memories, a Keepsake of emotions, sentiments, care, and compassion, a token of timeless love that makes you cherish the joy of giving as well as receiving. So this festival season when you exchange greetings and gifts, go a step ahead, reach out to the underprivileged and deprived ones, load your kitty with small boxes of gifts, share a pack of goodies who need it, and partake in the joy of giving. Nothing can substitute the sense of satisfaction you derive from such small gestures. Whenever we give something selflessly to someone known to us or even a stranger we become creatures of hope recreating hope for ourselves and others. Learn to give and shine not just exist and whine. Harvesting on the wings of hope spread the exuberance of sharing and caring and be an active participant in others' joys. From revelation to celebration make this festive fervor alive and thrive singing with the English poet, Alexander Pope "Act well your part, there all the honor lies Happy tidings to all!

FEATURED STORIES SAVED BY A WRITER Renalyn Ramirez There were several moments in my life when I almost gave up. When I say giving up, I mean turning my back away from love and life and everything in between, including my passion. My last attempt was in October 2020. The reason why I was on the verge of ending my life was so close to me that I could not think of any other escape route but to die. Only if I could, would I rather run away from home. But I was in so much pain that I could not even get out of bed. I was so ready to leave the world. And I know I would have been dead – only if I am not a future writer. So instead of praying to be dead by the morning, I started wishing for more stories to write. I stopped crying and searched for books to read. Luckily, I immediately found one. I found hope from Joel Pablo Salud’s “The Blood Republic” which I got from him with his signature, for free. His stories are essays of bravery to face life’s unfairness. I found not only hope, but an idea on how to live with courage and principle. His narratives are like a friend that

offers me solutions for my worries. His words are comforting. He writes to tell his stories and thoughts, but the way he writes makes me feel like he listens and understands my own story. Every page is worth it. Then I have come to realize that if he, the former editor-in-chief of the Philippine Graphics, has been through worse before being able to write his own book that saves sanity, then I probably have several thick layers of hell to go through before being free. All I have to do is to listen to his father’s advice: to “fight for the freedom of your pen, look after the poor, and never fear to enter hell even with just a spoonful of water”. I aspire to be brave like him. I hope to be inspired by his essays. I also want to write these kinds of story someday and make somebody feel the urge to continue despite hell-like obstacles. I know no two people are meant to share the same path of life, but I hope to remember him every time I am hardly going through mine, just to be brave and stay alive. He gave me a free book and he gave me hope. His power is in his words, and I was saved by these.

TEACHERS IN PANDEMIC TIME Alvin Viaña When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in almost all over the countries, people have taught in mind what will happen for the education of the young ones. How would they continue their studies amidst the spreading of the deadly virus, the economy, and all other sectors that will be affected? Different departments and agencies both public and private started to make a plan in facing the pandemic crisis. In the education sector, they have planned on how the education will be delivered to the learners even when they are just at home. Different modalities, platforms, strategies, and other relevant things were given into consideration for the success of delivering quality education However, teachers are still active as if nothing happened. They did not even mind that they are considered as one of the frontliners. Things have changed from the normal to the new normal. Teachers are very adaptable to all kinds of changes. Despite the pandemic, they were able to extend their hands in any possible way they can. Some of them enjoined themselves in a worthy organization where the main purpose is to give aid to the needy ones,

and while others, chose to be of help in their own little way. Truly, teachers have a huge heart not only for the learners but also for everyone who seems to be at their lowest point. I am a teacher. And as a teacher, my responsibility is to nurture our learners not just in the academe but also the real-life and real talk experiences so that they may feel the importance and value of life as they learn and make improvements in their lives as a learner. In this pandemic time, I was able to be a significant teacher for I was able to share what I have with those people who are really in need. I have been an active member and volunteer in an organization wherein our main goal and objective is to let them feel that life must go on amidst the pandemic that has brought the crisis to mankind. We reached people in different places in areas where we could give something for them, and it is nice to see the smile on their faces as we give them the pack of goods. The joy of giving is an art of humane. And, having a great mind is something that you think for others because there is God in your heart.

THE JOY THAT MONEY CANNOT BUY Marvin P. Vasquez Can we eliminate poverty in our society? Is it really possible? Many people now want to become rich because we are all really tired of being poor. Some are doing so much hard work, some of them are betting in a lottery, and worst some of them are doing bad things like selling drugs, robbing banks, and snatching jewelry. I met some less fortunate people in our Barangay and I learned that some of them are still able to be happy and be satisfied with their lives, but also, I met hopeless people. I remember an old short story about a young poor man and in one part of the story strikes me a lot; it stated, “A poor boy found a cut foot in the trash while looking for some plastic to sell. After finding it, he said, “What a pity. I almost have new shoes if the other foot was here.” As we can see, in that short part of the story the young poor boy was not able to identify the urgency of the situation, even though he was holding the dirty cut foot of a human, he is still thinking about having new shoes. If we’re born poor, there is nothing we can do about that, but if we die poor, maybe, there is a problem in us. There are a lot of opportunities for us to get out of poverty, but only a few grab that opportunity.

I remember a Chinese cliché, “Opportunity’s missed cannot be regained.” Opportunities knock only once, so we must be attentive. Due to poverty, crimes and corruption are undoubtedly increasing, that’s why our economy is being affected even our lifestyle. Our words written on a piece of paper is very powerful to open the hearts and minds of people. We also have the opportunity to give, give knowledge through words and encouragement to engrave in the hearts of every individual. We don’t know, we may become an instrument to change the lives of someone who are reading our works. Therefore, the problem of poverty sometimes is not because of lack of money, but because of missing responsibility in achieving our goals. Now, some missed the concern of giving, they missed the opportunity of having joy in giving. The joy that we will experience most especially to the needy is beyond measure and indescribable. It is priceless. Having that kind of joy is something that money cannot buy. So, let us not missed that opportunity, we know that poverty exists with us, and we have a lot of chances to give without expecting in return. After giving, I know we will experience the true joy that we never had experienced before. Remember this good quotation of Martin De Haan, “He who doesn’t have money is poor but he who doesn’t have anything but money is poorer.”

THE SUBLIME JOY Loreta C Bande When my grandson was three, he donated new toys for other children on Christmas. He was made to understand that other children have no toys. In another year, clothes, in next food and so forth. He was taught early that sharing is caring. Compassion has to be caught early to make it a natural trait. In school, he was on a compassion experience. On one stage in a truck, he saw a 6-year old gathering firewood, building fire, and cooking some cereals. He came out about to cry because he had never done what the boy had done in order to eat. He asked his parents something to help the charity group assisting the indigent and he offered to clean the yard in exchange. Now, when told to conserve water so the resource could go a long way he finds also other things to conserve like electricity, food, detergent, and the likes. These things are resources of the earth to share with others. He's careful with food waste that may clog the sink and associate improper waste

disposal with clogged waterways, polluted rivers, and dirty oceans. The act of giving and sharing run a gamut of dos and don'ts that cater to all living and non-living things especially those that have been wantonly exploited. Our treasure, talent, and time put together are needed to promote certain advocacies to raise awareness and hope and to bridge the gap between ignorance and education, squalor and cleanliness, moral degradation, and godliness aside from that of the haves and have-nots. The human populace is in a crisis from a microbe that can't be seen by the naked eye. The bravado of unconcerned swaggering without regards to communal protocols is the absence of giving. It abets the spread of the dreaded COVID-19. What if our health services would collapse? If we are one in our acts we will make miracles, we will make life better, we will make this world a safer place, we will magnify our souls into God's likeness and we have made a difference. This is the ultimate giving.

THE TRUE MEANING OF JOY Indah_Ma Jolie Fille I give, not because I am rich, not because I am wealthy and have plenty of material things. I give, because God is good to me and I want to show to others that God is also good to them. By giving I find the true meaning of joy. Giving is one of the best investments we can make to find true happiness. Giving rightly comes from the heart, without expecting anything in return. We find that the more we give, the more we receive. The power of giving is manifested through the kindness and generosity we bestow on others. In addition, giving has the power to change our moods and feelings. If you're feeling down, try doing something that makes other people happy, and see the results for yourself. If we feel empty and alone, try to do something meaningful and useful for other people, and feel the benefits. The important point, you have to do these things with enthusiasm and passion.

Happiness and love that we deliver to others, will bring true happiness and unity with The Creator. When we give, we will reap the joy of seeing big smiles, laughter, happy tears, and gratitude for life. We know that if people gave even a little of their time, expertise, knowledge, wisdom, mercy, wealth, and love, the world would be a more peaceful and healthy place to live in. The reward of giving is priceless. If we want happiness, we must first give happiness. If we want love, we must first give love. We can't expect someone to give us something, but nothing can ever stop us from giving. We have the power to give. Look for opportunities to give and help others. Joy will come to us when we give ourselves to others. Let's practice and persevere to be a person who brings happiness and peace to others. Try it, sure it will works!

TOKEN Maria Editha Garma-Respicio She needs to work assiduously. She's been the breadwinner for how many years now. It's no easy job, but she's used to it. Working overseas has been her family's bread and butter, the only means to uplift their economic situation. It's been how many years now.. After more than a decade of tending to the basic needs of her employer, she already mastered the daily routine. The family she's serving was the epitome of wealth. She's the nanny, tutor and housekeeper, and sometimes a nurse to their children. Compared before, work now's not complicated. Because the kids were grown up. She vividly remember thirteen years ago, she used to sleep in the children's room, read their favorite bed time stories, and sing the nursery rhymes to put them to sleep. How time flies! She stop from reminiscing when the youngest of the children arrived. "Aunty where's my lunch, i am starving?" the boy demanded .. "Wait a moment dear, i will warm up the spaghetti now," she answered. She watched cheerfully as the boy savored every bits of the spaghetti. The first time she arrived in their family the boy was just a month old, now he's thirteen. The two older girls are studying abroad. Only the youngest is studying in the town. She treated this boy as her own child. Oftentimes defending from mischievous acts whenever his parents punished him. Two months ago, she talked to her employer. Whether or not she'll renew her contract. They said they will increase her salary, as what they did every time she signed a contract. This time around, she rejected the offer. She didn't renew her contract. The very reason, her family needs her now. Her son's finished college and now working. t...

Only her daughter is studying now. Her husband want her retire from working to manage their store. Everything is settled, her plane ticket, even the cargo box was packed back home. Her luggage is ready. Last night they celebrated a farewell party for her. And they gave a precious jewel, a ring, which symbolizes her hard work and dedication.. It's bittersweet 'cause she's leaving her second family here in Hong Kong, and the children she took care for straight thirteen years. She didn't anticipate that saying goodbye is indeed emotionally tough. She hugged them one by one tightly.. All were teary-eyed.. "Aunty always keep in touch," they said.. " Yes, i will," she said, now sobbing.. She turned her back, wiped her tears and walked away, clutching tight the token ring to her chest.

THE JACKET Rodino Encarnacion The date was February 24, 2017. My work colleagues were chatting amiably while we were all seated on the provincial bus. I, on the other hand, held my rumpled jacket close while looking out the window with a distant look in my eye. It was one day short of me turning 22 and yet I felt the coldness not from the air condition of the bus but my own heart. I breathed heavily as soft as I could before glancing back at my colleagues who were still conversing in low tones. The trip to the province took an hour as I led the way to our house. When we all got inside, I introduced my colleagues to my mother as they said their “hellos”; two of them even embraced my mother as she motioned for my colleagues to seat themselves in front of the dining table. Low steam rose from the foods on the plates as my colleagues thanked my mother profusely before helping ourselves to the food, all the while chatting about things in the workplace and even our personal lives. I, in turn, embraced my mother tightly as she whispered a “happy birthday” to me before she let go.

After eating, my work colleagues and I sang songs in the karaoke machine. All of us were singing along to the songs as my mother smiled at me and winked before leaving us to enjoy. In the middle of our merriment, one of my colleagues gave me a thin black jacket that had our company logo. I smiled as I savored the cool touch of the jacket before thanking my colleagues. “Thanks a lot, you guys, I— “ but my words were cut short as a tear rolled out of the corner of my eye. This time, my colleague who gave me the jacket hugged me quickly. She further said that it was what they could give for my birthday. I thanked them once more before sharing a group hug. After my colleagues left, my mother stepped outside and found me wearing the new jacket. “How’s the jacket?” my mother noticed “It’s warm, mom,” I answered. “Thanks to you and to my colleagues who made my birthday special.” I wear the new jacket to this day.

ACROSS THE MILES

GENEROSITY Sudha Dixit

“No one has ever become poor by giving”. This is an invaluable quote by Anne Frank. The best example of this a lamp. Any amount of light taken out of it does not lessen the light of the lamp. On the other hand, umpteen numbers of other lamps get illuminated. The radiance becomes thousand-fold. Giving without any thought of return or any other selfish motive, is like that lamp that produces dazzling light and does not get diminished at all. I developed a neurological problem in my brain. Earlier, a very dynamic person, I began to need help at every step. I was hesitant to ask for help but I was vulnerable. I could not walk without holding somebody’s hand; but all sense of guilt disappeared when I saw a glow on the face of my benefactor. What I want to say is that people love to help if it does not cost them too much money or time. Helping someone (elderly or a blind person), showing the way to a lost soul or wiping a child’s tears, enhances a feeling of usefulness in the individual who does such act of kindness. Doing the good job of the day, make one happy. Education has turned into an industry now a days. There was a time when imparting knowledge was supposed to be a ‘noble’ thing. If the pupil was dumb, the teacher would make it a point to improve his brains as much as possible. Fortunately, if the student was intelligent, the teacher would be more than happy to further his education. My father believed in helping young people to earn something to be able to afford college education. My younger brother was quite bright but at time needed papa’s help in maths. Papa came across a middle-aged person needing a little financial help. Papa was not rich but he used to find excuses to help people, whom he wished to help. So papa engaged that man as tutor for my brother. He was very good and devoted teacher.

He was paid to teach my brother only. I used to sit in another corner of the veranda and do my school home work. Once or twice, I asked ‘masterji’ (The Teacher) to answer some math-problem. He, gladly, obliged. He found me pretty intelligent and was more than happy to help. Papa saw it and told him not to bother with me as he could not afford to pay for two children. Master ji said that it made him happy to answer my queries as he liked to teach brainy kids. He further said that he had no wish to charge extra. Papa was overwhelmed. With his resourcefulness and clout, papa got master ji many more teaching assignments. I was very young; but I could see the glow of gratitude on masterji’s face and a shine of happiness on my papa’s countenance.

A PATH TOWARDS HAPPINESS Anjana Prasad For it is in giving that we receive -Francis of Assisi It is all about a compassionate heart that makes a big difference in our lives as well as others. Seeking joy? Step out to help others. Be there in the need of others. Giving comes with a built-in reward of joy, and happiness that touches the heart's core. Giving is best when you do it unconditionally. It can be as little as giving compliments. Giving without expecting anything in return is like footprints without feet. When life blesses you financially with fortune, raise your standard of giving. Helping cannot change the entire world but can at least change the world of one person. It gives inner joy to bring a tiny curve to others' faces. When people support each other incredible things happen. A rainbow shines through the little droplets aligned with the sun. Donating and providing meals to the underprivileged is the best of the little thing we can do. Distributing blankets and warm clothes to needy on the railway

station, watching their faces light up with joy. Prayers and blessings on their lips give me immense pleasure. Feeding food to hungry children sitting on altars stairs, satiate my hunger when I see them smile in satisfaction. The food tastes better when we share and eat. Gazing into myself and wandering in my thoughts I exhale, a misty breath. I realize the marvel of nature. Sharing is the virtue that can be best learned from nature. From a babbling brook and a river ready to quench our thirst. A tree never eats its own fruit. Never sits under its own shade. Under the winking stars, the cool breeze never stops flowing. Growth is good but we should not forget generosity and love. The compassion in the heart gives joy. A joy that can't be stolen, but can be increased bit by bit. A sense of giving purifies the mind and brings joy to the soul. Bliss to be a truly human heart. So let us step out and be supportive. Let not the pangs of greed slow us down. Keep our spirit enlivened and make a difference in our lives and others. And it all starts with an open heart. The best gift of joy is 'The joy of giving!'

POWER OF PEN Afrose Saad Pen is such a sword which can fight, with agility all times. It can make the cascade of happiness without any cost. By the dance of words, moon will appear even in the day time. A writer is such a creator for making anything enthusiastically. It doesn't need anything. It doesn't demand anything. Mind dances gleefully. Heart beats with lovely thoughts. Writing comes from core of heart. No need to suppress emotions. No need to feel shyness. You're the emperor of your world. You must show yourself as a legend. Try to depict all things in life's canvas. Yes---you can and finally you can touch the pinnacle of happiness. Joy --- even in a very tiny art, without segregate anything in life. The real happiness comes by giving others anything heartily. It must be done without any condition. No situation can halt that tidal dance. Let the power of ink to speak. Let it sketch the colorful world for all. Share your thoughts. Share your love. Give a hand at all needy verses. Don't expect anything. You will feel the most precious moment on earth. Mark this word in heart. Pen---sings, song of heart. Pen bleeds emotional rains. Pen bleeds solidarity to gain. Pen bleeds to luculent. Pen bleeds as nacarat to drench. Ink murmurs through lovely thoughts. To make chant of nightingale. Not like a blatherskite--Ink Ensor cells like a magician! Pen sings, song of heart. Pen sketches the inner sense of caged world. Pen expresses unspoken words. Pen is the sword of mighty touch. Don't underestimate the power of ink. Don't segregate the lively drift. It's such a soliloquy of pen--- inner self! Pen is the pastel to make colorful life's canvas.

Poetry can depict the meaning of abstract Poetry can show the shining stars Poetry can touch any site on earth Poetry is roaming all over to empower hearts As God showers His love Upon all His creations Without any hesitation The way for shining birth Poetry acts as the part of God By speaking all unspoken words By sketching the lively art Poetry is the rhythm for lovely world Now it will realize that writers have big hearts to do anything. They can make the paradise. They can scatter the ray of sanguine sun all times. That helps to shower drops of joy for drenching all sites.

THE WRITER WITH A BIG HEART Deluke Muwanigwa A writer may appear to be a lonely person, spending hours upon hours talking to a piece of paper through the dance of a pen. And now in modern times the thumb or the index finger-walking the talk on an electronic canvas. The need and the drive to share ideas, emotions and communicate their unique circumstances drive them to spend lonely moments putting into words their experiences. Putting words together to send subliminal messages to other humans is a lastditch effort to pass on a feeling, an ethos, or a cultural aspect that, communicated in speech, may sound weird. Written words allow a reader to switch to their contemplative mode, thereby soaking in the mood of the writer in the quietness of the reader's loneliness, allowing the more profound understanding of the message being passed on. The written word is obstinate, in that, your first reading might not evoke the emotion which the writer intended, but rereading the same words some other time might be a better occasion for a better understanding and a better atmosphere to soak in and appreciate that which the writer intended for you to understand. Literary works now being touted as major works of art, were, at the time the writer put pen to paper, taken just as a writer raving about something, but changing demographics and the universality of the human spirit has led to the resurgence of some hitherto unknown literary works. So, it is then that, the written word is a repository of multi-faceted communication, allowing each reader to interpret the writers' communication according to the reader's experience. And some written works may contain imagery, metaphors, and idioms peculiar to a particular culture, which would change in meaning in time as cross-cultural interaction occurs. More so now in this digital age where the world is becoming a village. The literary world needs writers with big hearts.

The question then is who are these writers with big hearts? Writers with big hearts are those whose writing gifts the world with rich cultural crosspollination. Their works are relatable in every culture and are devoid of stereotypical assumptions. The big heart of a writer is pure in its intention and draws its metaphors and images straight from the wonders of nature. It celebrates our similarities as human beings and diminishes our perceived frictional differences and emphasizes the celebration of the human spirit. In real life, you find that writers with big hearts also spend a considerable amount of time and material resources in the betterment of other people's lives, because, by virtue of a writer being a sharer of words and ideas, the giving spirit transcends the realm of literary works to philanthropy. Bettering the lot of the less privileged as an offshoot to the tendency to want to give. It is no surprise, then, those good writers are writers with big hearts because their need to share words and ideas is an inherent need to share other things as well. This magazine shares the stories of writers with big hearts. A hearty congratulations to them. May their giving spirit permeate and transcend their literary works.

JOY OF GIVING Amiya Rout You will definitely get something unexpectedly , if you would have given something openheartedly once .This proverbial ideas dominates in any culture .With this lies the very joy of giving .In Buddhist texts , there are mentions of many stories relating to past births of lord Buddha .Needless to say that before attaining proper Buddhahood , Buddha had lived many lives of animals .One of them is his life of an elephant which he lived .In this life he was the king elephant .Like any other lives ,he was simple , kind and generous par excellent .As an elephant , though he was naturally living in the dense forest ,he was not at all wild in his appearance and nature as well .Once he was little away from his herd ,he marked a man hiding behind a tree out of fear .He gently but majestically neared him and squatted stretching his trunk on the ground feigning to rest and impressing the man that no untoward incident will occur .That man observed harmlessness in the elephant and neared him and touched his long tooth gently . That man was very poor and was in search of precious forest things to collect and to sell that for his bare sustenance .He had an axe with him .Observing extraordinary innocence and harmlessness with the elephant , the man thought of cutting a small piece of tooth for selling and meeting his family needs .When he did so ,the elephant was found unmoved despite unbearable pain and bloodshed .With that piece of tooth the man went away merrily ,sold that in market and with sufficient money he managed his family so happily for some days .After money was exhausted ,

that man again came to forest searching that elephant. After finding elephant in its usual calm position ,the man could easily collect the rest piece of teeth. This sort of sacrifice or celestial joy of giving ended in tragic death of the elephant. Prominently ,this kind of suffering was common with many births of lord Buddha. Buddha was a celestial figure and his acts have unquestionable moral importance for all mortal beings and for all times to come . We learnt two things from this story .Firstly : this is supreme example of giving and finding eternal joy . Secondly : the greed is root of all mundane sufferings and cause of hell-bent destruction of human beings .Really there is joy in giving .The act of giving is majorly materially related ,which is indicative of generosity .This is a binding force between the giver and the taker .This promotes we-feelings of higher order at individual and collective level as well .This sort of human virtue needs cultivated .We live in a greed ridden society at present time .So we have many a destructive 'isms' like terrorism ,extremism ,militarism etc ...dominating our overall life spheres and making us terribly suffocated and feeling that we live in a hell bent inhuman society . Undoubtedly our long cherished heavenly human society seems to have started collapsing .Its symptoms are clearly visible from core institutions like marriage and family to the largest and so-called powerful UNO . There is need of true love among human beings .There is bare need of learning the art of enjoying giving .

POETRY CORNER WHEN THE SOUL SCREAMS Vildana Stanisic Bosnia and Herzegovina

If I have to burn at the bottom of hell, with my body to protect you from the forces of darkness, I agree to that. Just sadness not to look in the eyes the color of the sky, whatever I can and cannot do, I will do whatever it takes. The whole world, if it's against you, I will go against the whole world on my own. I'm not asking for a drop of water or a crust of bread, just your smile to see, I need it. The soul when it whines painfully in the wee hours, the heart when it tightens in the chest and beats for you, just say, just call, hey my brother. Your sister loves you and dies for you. And bloody tears when they wash my face, while the tormented body shakes in a death rattle, for your salvation I give my soul to the devil and I go to all the forbidden addresses. Because my life without you is not life and I don't want a new morning to dawn without you. Let him prepare a bonfire for me, I will burn, and let them set you free, let them save you.

THE DISH WASHER Margaret Karim India

Happiest when writing poems "No money in it" his Mother said Took away his pens, paper Slapped dreams out of his head Found a job, conformed Happiness soared in his heart Realized his wages ensured Siblings would have a good start Menial work, endless hours Treated with disdain Polite, diligent, hard working Not once did he complain Brothers and sisters educated Living comfortable lives Now he works two jobs For their children he strives No time for poetry But his hopes do not die We talk about literature Our spirits soar high

Former addict and dish washer Regarded lowest of the low If only others understood Inner contentment we know 17

THE HAPPY STRANGER AT POETRY Daniel Miltz USA

One day at a very large book store I met a man selling poetry For money he wanted to swap poesy But I really wanted some prose

So to his satisfaction, I decided to go In search of the bats he craved The winds it did eerily blow But he felt that my day could be saved

Instead, got any haiku, asked I For that's how I'll spend my money No haiku here, said the guy He seemed to find it quite funny

There were tables selling verse Jingle knowledge in many shades He left and directed me to stalls selling prose People were scattered from many trades

I'm a Poet It goes without saying In the event that you need Some poesy rhyme I'll give you a very fine price I'd rather have some published work The man blinked rapidly thrice I got lots of jingle knowledge The man seemed exceptionally mannered And his manner was graceful He wasn't what I would call zany With great respect I noticed he was brainy Like others, he thought I was friendly Some say I'm a bit happy He gave me a gentlemanly curtsy As if he thought I wasn't ready to buy So in search of my prose, I departed But before I could leave The man came running full-hearted I can help you I believe Cats, bats, you shall find Cakes, snakes, you can get You must now open your mind Take a tour down poetry road

I was greeted by a peculiar lady She seemed to be rather happy I couldn't help thinking she might be quite shady I wondered if she was at all gappy Before I could open my mouth She shouted, "For you, I have some prose I headed towards her, to the south Past some large display of creative compose But how did you know? - I asked Do you want them or not, she did say Silently, the books she passed Given to me, I did not have to pay As I walked away I heard a crackle Or was it, perhaps, a hushed cackle From a poet who possesses a good heart I never did find out his name from the start

BRAVE SOUL Bernadith DeLaC ruz Long time ago, a baby girl was born Born in the 70's where gadgets still unknown. Clinging to her mother's arm where comfort grown And to her father's lullaby, she's a princess with a crown. Time passes by, she's learning how to crawl Her first words brings warmth to the family like a shawl. And so forth she began to stand up alone Walking by herself, not afraid to fall down. Leaving the childhood days is more interesting For she encountered different levels of living Here comes the adolescence stage full of day dreaming For in the mind is the love as if always there waiting. Grand is the adulthood for it is full of bad and good Flew from her birthplace to earn and bring to the table good food. From growing up less fortunate for her is not a hindrance Striving hard with a positive mind, she is now in great abundance. And when she tried her luck overseas In the midst of huge tall buildings seems like a wilderness. Devoured with different cultures, shocked her confidence But what a brave soul, she is always in God's presence.

The world threw her disappointments Failures and heartaches even bad sentiments. People used her and leaving her brokenhearted But she never thinks revenge nor even hatred. She existed, showered with positivity Learning that life is a chaos completely. Never gives up even the future has no clarity Believing that God has given her a purpose to spread love, peace and humanity. She knows her game and played it confidently Ignoring toxic surroundings, situations, emotions, mindsets, fully. She walk her talk and stands firm, nothing can destroy That's her legacy, you can have it and enjoy. Oh God! So loving, kind and merciful Granting her a one of a kind brave soul. In the midst of trials, agonies and miseries She is like a phoenix, burned, renewed and rose from the ashes.

Pursuing her dreams is not that easy She often dealt with unseen jealousy Surrounded with monsters of envy But she surpasses it all with unbelievable bravery.

THE UNUSUAL JOURNEY Madhuri Kulkarni

She sat in the reserved seat.. On her train journey... Everywhere only men to be seen The weird looks on their faces... Made her feel... uncomfortable... This was not the first time... She travelled alone .. But today... With the TTE not in any vicinity... She was alarmed inside... But calm on the outside... What if he never comes...?? What if anything unwanted/unforeseen be-fells?? Heart beat so high... Her flushed face could speak volumes.. To the keen onlooker... Then one man came up.. And said .. Sister.. your place is not here.. Come to the other compartment... Trust me... My family is there... She searched his face in anticipation... His assuring eyes gave her some satisfaction.. Gathering her luggage she pulled her feet towards the other compartment... He introduced his family to her. And said...rest assured... You sleep well... She could open her mouth..

Muster courage and say.. Thanks brother...for the timely help... He said...back home...I too have sisters.. I know what would be the situation.. If one of them would be in your place.. She was sweating profusely... But the assurance. Made her light... She thanked him and God in her heart... And waited for the TTE... Who never turned up.. It happened to be a marriage party.. Spread over 2-3 compartments... They alighted in the morning... The Brother was no where to be seen.. Tears of gratitude flooded her eyes.. She alighted and reached home safe.. *

(I experienced this in March 2000 when I was travelling alone to attend a cousin's wedding...I was alarmed to see the flow of alcohol and the nonsensical banter in the compartment)

RESURRECTION OF A POETIC SOUL Khachab Dorji After succeeding a matriculation, was a juncture For a few hundreds of gleefully eager graduates; Hurray! To continue as gratified sophomores Or to pursuit a training to invigorate life radiate.

The teacher crumpled my poem of sheer hardship; The class hushed with drooping heads in fear, For he always wore a superiority complex in heaps, In majestic walk, he exited with my poem- so dear.

Old friends celebrated the sweet retrouvaille; With illegal sips of wine for our triumphs, Gaily selecting streams on our fancied way, Collectively, chose we, the field of Commerce.

With that merciless deed, my heart got wrenched Never to attempt for next with exhausted energy. The wee poetic bud in me got literally crushed, And took its hibernation with assassinated synergy.

The nation had countable High schools around; The reunited comrades made a common deal To be the pioneers of newly upgraded, a sound High School with compact compound in real.

The beauty of poetry got derailed from my domain; I moaned at its death with a faraway repentance, Relinquished with no intention to enliven it again, The tragic drama of literature ended in entrance.

Literary festivities hadn't been so popular As I glance back to those lamentable years. They were neither handy nor spectacular, Even if I'd written mandated, caught on ears.

The winter hibernation relayed to long estivation, Then to its full stop to the cion of literary skill; Penning prose, just to make through examinations Which was nothing less than a mandate; out of will.

School magazines shoved their way though; Flaunting the literature of students with Achromatic pictures at the bottom rowIndicating the authorship we longed in myth.

Salute to technological era; platforms aplenty, I admitted in late, sensed I of them, only in 2021, Poetic lake of glacier melted to flow gradually, With such a reluctant pace did the dead, reborn.

Comrades would be engrossed in crafting Their literary master pieces to feature In the memento for a nostalgic remembering, Boasting of the quilling to depict their future.

A bit of momentum did poetry start to germinate, Generously powered by the literary sanctuaries, Devotion took its tempo with recognitions, ultimate, Rekindling the puffed out flame of potential poetries.

The fall in schools would be the era of literature; Ideated I, to pen down a rudimentary acrostic, Of my name with novelty, but to a remote grandeur, I invested time, came up with a poem, lethargic.

So, I brood on emotional quills to undo what's done; In inspiring the creative youth of the present, Never to be underestimated them for rising sun In exhibiting their talents as luminary crescents.

Study hours were cacophonic hustle and bustle, Came in a teacher, caught me unfortunately. As I was reading my poem loud, yet not a rattle. "Do you need to advertise?" He sneered blatantly.

FAREWELL, THE SADDEST WORD Naidz Ladia Today, I take few pictures from outside our home.. the two balete trees which my father planted years ago are already big. These two trees give a good shed to my plantitas.. Behind it, grows the bamboo which s half the height of balete tree.. As I recall...my father, every time I'll visit this house, He is always cleaning the backyard . That's his hobby after he retired from teaching.. Today, am a bit sad looking at these trees, I can no longer see my father around. The only compliments that comforts my heart is the thought that he is just sleeping and may meet him in a right time. At the gate stood the 15 feet tall bougainvillea which is a pink-white color combination . My father had planted it many years ago.. the stage and the mini gym s still the regular place for family reunions, family gatherings and family events.. All thanksgiving of his grand children were held in this place. A beautiful place my father built after his retirement.. I can see the avocado tree waving above the roof . Now it bears more fruits, my father usually made a small fire so it will produce smoke . It helps the fruits grow and protect them from insects.. Recalling memories.... while in the emergency room of such urgent All doctors and all staffs are performing the AED Until it is not working anymore as if my world stopped . as if I stopped breathing too.. I looked up and say a little prayer to our Allah.. his last line which is only a hand sign means " he will go".. Now I can end this poetry, Many times I attempt to finish this but only now I understand what his hand says... To my father, “I didn't look at you in your coffin because I want you always alive in my eyes.. I was there when you took your last breath but I can’t do nothing to prolong your life.. am so sorry for that. am so sorry for that.. No one wants you to leave, but when you closed your eyes, speechless I was.. my tears rolled everywhere from my eyes.... My mentor my hero. My father. Farewell!...” 22

THE JOURNEY MUST BEGIN Kristine Andaya Ventura

This short story begin, When I met a lady aged nineteen. Mentally she became blind, The reason why she left her dreams behind. Living unhappy was really uneasy, Daily burdens disturb her brutally. They knew that she was so weak, Can't even have a strength to speak. Trials dragged her into a cage, Wherein she can see nothing but her own image. A lonely beautiful young lady, Living in a castle that lack of serenity. Every single sunrise she ask, Who is she if she'll wear a mask. Why others treated her as a stranger, Why at her young age she can feel anger. But time has came for her to realize, That she must find her hidden paradise. Her soul doesn't deserve to be alone, But she needs to find that way by her own. So she picked up her broken heart, And finally found where to start. She told herself, "My new journey must begin, Before I left the age of nineteen.

QUOTES

Life is a blank page where we ink our experiences. Kirti V

The blank page is waiting for the thoughts to mature, the pen is ready to capture the sparks of the soul, sincere, pure. Selma Kopic

Parchment is ready to quill and ink, and a Poet attempt to write Poetry feel his emotions fly into thoughts of nothing.

An inkhorn blares louder than a horn yet the voice is silent. James Timothy Acheneje

Quill your thoughts to keep yourself motivated regularly.… Aditi Lahiry

Maria Elvira Fernandes Correia

Words are all we need to express our deepest thoughts.. pick a pen and start your journey. Nderitu Wa Munuhe 24

I can shake the world with a piece of paper and a pen Whilst you can't kill a mosquito with your canon.

The pen flow its ink, of what you think, something, anything revealing them in writing.

Chandra Sekhar Batabyal

Ency Bearis

“ My quill is ready and ink bleeds on paper as powerful words come across the whole sheet of parchment like magic “ -Gloria Magallanes-Loeb

With each drop of ink, formed a new generation of thought, the pens flow seeping into a million lives thereafter. Sarah Wheatley

“ I am a writer and born to tell stories. I bleed on paper and let my ink speaks to be my voice.” Meliza Docot Correa

As my pen moves, it is the work of my soul, and the ink that blots my paper are the words being dictated by my heart. Nel Cruz

A pen is a lens to fence the sense, that makes writers powerful. Yusuf Adenike

The words carved becomes immortal, inspiring lives for ages. Anjana Prasad

A pen is a tool in the right hands. It can bridge the great gulf between the souls of man. -John David Meadows

METAPERSPECTIVES Dr. Zaldy Carreon De Leon Jr.

A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY ON DEPED’S SHOULDER No one yet has truly acknowledged the genius and the perils of the people behind the system of education we had today. The K-12 program fostered an educational climate that made Philippine education at par with other countries like the Canada, Japan, Germany, UK, and the U.S. in terms of the number of years a student may have from Kinder to Senior High School. Formerly, the number of class years in the Philippines is 10 (not counting Kinder). This educational structure is 2 years less than what almost all countries had been implementing. In fact, the Philippines is one of the last countries to implement the program. In other words, graduates of the curriculum before K-12, even if they already had college or university education, were not seen “competent” because of these lacking years. Some went to abridgement programs, or those who were more privileged went to schools offering International Baccalaureate (IB), and other alternatives to enjoy the privileges of working at first-world countries with the kind of training they had in the Philippines. The Department of Education (DepEd) leads the country in explaining the concept, benefits, and the advantages of aligning the system to the global program. Along with the explaining, DepEd has also created the Curriculum Guide (CG) from Kinder to Grade 12 to implement the program since its implementation in 2016. Although the CG must be revised again and again to fit the dynamics of time and circumstances, teachers were just so creative and passionate in their works that, along with all the paper works, they became like superhuman in all aspect of being a teacher. Then, came 2020, when Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19 or SARS-NCov-2) became a global threat, the country hoped that the virus won’t enter.

While majority of the senators and concerned individuals voiced out their suggestions to close all ports, and airlines, Secretary Duque of the Department of Health (DOH) suggested the opposite. To cut the long story short, when the first infected person was reported, and the spread of which turned out quick, the government made its decision to issue a lockdown in March 2020. The educational system suffered along while businesses were closed – economy becomes fragile. Given this situation, learning must not stop. Thus, the DepEd complied with the needs and the document called Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) has come down. This was the basis for Self-Learning Modules (SLM) made by teachers for their students. The counterpart of which, among private schools, is the so-called Curriculum Map. Both MELC and the Curriculum Guide are lesson guidelines developed based on the most essential needs of the students that must be learned as perceived by the teachers. Imagine how much wisdom the creator of these CG should have to accomplish such a task. The readiness and the competence of the DepEd assumed great responsibility into this kind of work, a challenging one indeed in the time of the pandemic. Thus, pushing the program, the following gists were expected to be generated in the course of the program: first, that K-12 program gives students sufficient time to master skills and absorb basic competencies; second, graduates of Grade 12 are ready for employment, entrepreneurship, middle level skills development, and higher education; third, the K-12 program accelerates mutual recognition of Filipino graduates and professionals in other countries; fourth, the new curriculum provides relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen track. See the whole K-12 package explanation on this matter. The accomplishment of DepEd from the implementation of the K-12 program, the institutionalization of the Curriculum Guide, their works with MELCs during the pandemic, and other activities to fit in the situation of nonface-to-face delivery, is a history in itself. To summarize thus, as one may see the power of unity, truly, invention too becomes the mother of necessity.

A PIECE OF MEMORY

But Madam Rebecca took her into her arms in his fifth grade, and amazingly, his love for learning rekindled and even excelled in his academics… I don't have any clue how Mrs. Rebecca did it, but she embezzles in me an awe and happiness on behalf of my son's progress. I learned afterward, that kindness and generosity embodied Mrs. Rebecca Torres and impartially reaches out to help any child disregarding their standing in life. Filling her tribike with goods properly packed, she walked from house to house, especially to low-income families affected by the pandemic. She was so brave, wearing a face mask and face shield as protection, she personally carried and handed over the relief goods to the pupils she once handled, still remembering each one’s faces from her heart, filled with concern, she reached for them, calling out their names at their doors. Asking how they were. Her quality as a generous person in the community is apparent through her actions, while she is widely known by all as the stern grade 5 adviser of Rosario Elementary school that handled everyone’s kids' math subject. The lines on her face reflect her years of teaching as it had become her world. But I have seen her true character, underneath her detached look is a soft heart filled with compassion especially for the children she not only taught, trained, and helped but even more, she has come to love.

Marites C. Ritumalta

THE TEACHER WITH A BIG HEART It was in April 2020 when the first blow of covid-19 struck our town. After having some of the symptoms that indicate I have gotten the virus, I was locked down inside our home with my three children. We cannot go out to buy food, and nobody in the neighborhood dares to come to our aid as they were terrified of the possibility of contracting the virus. But one day, after a week of being locked down. Someone was outside our door calling out our names. She was Mrs. Rebecca Torres. She was holding few kilos of rice, sardines, noodles, coffee, etc… she was wearing a mask to protect herself, and yet I saw love and kindness in her teary eyes as she handed me her gift and as she inquires how my kids were, That touched me so deeply. Mrs. Rebecca Torres lives a few blocks from home and became my children’s teacher in their primary. At first gaze, her face shows no sign of emotion, so if it were your first time to meet her, you might think of her as a very strict educator. When my 2nd child became traumatized by the bullies in grade four, we cannot make him go back to school…

Mrs. Rebecca Torres photos

AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE Vee Barnes

THE JOY OF GIVING She sat there pondering over her day, broken sad with no way words to say. When suddenly her doorbell broke, a whispered word behind the veil. She was not expecting signs of life to be coming to her abode. With a twist of a weary hand, she spoke to the face she had but longed to see. An old flame from many moons ago, was standing behind the meshed screen. ‘Hello dear,’ his voice did break, as a smile spread from her ear to ear. Caught in the moment she could not speak shrouded under surprise and fear. “Can I come in?” He softly retorted with a soft glint of hazelnut in his eyes. As shakyhanded she pushed the door open with a, “Wow, this is a pleasant surprise.” He placed a soft kiss upon her cheek, smiling the grin she'd been longing to see. Softly speaking he said, “It's great to see you after all these years, you'd never believe where I have been.” With the kettle boiling a pot of tea he spoke of far of places across the sea, about people he met and all the things had seen.

As her heart melted like he was a dream. Hours had passed many stories shared, for one another these two still cared. When out of a rucksack he pulled a gift-wrapped with an angel breath painted twill and ribbon. Handing it to her with a glint in his eye, “I bought you a gift I hope you don't mind for regardless of our past you've always been kind.” She smiled at him warmly, with her hands shaking as she grasped the gift he had given. Slowly prying apart the twill and ribbon. To reveal a book so beautiful with fine gold printing across its top, reading, “if you have found the joy of giving, you have found the joy of living.” Slowly a tear fell from the corner of her eye overwhelmed, she began to cry. Not tears of sadness but tears of joy, from the gift that he had given. Every page within that book was blank with the same gold writing written elegantly along each edge and upon the very last page was a pledge written. Reading, “I know how much you love to write, so with every page yet to be written, will you let me be your knight in every chapter left to be written.”

CAPTURED MOMENTS

WRITERS’ PROFILE Dr Ritu Kamra Kumar is working as an Associate Professor in Post Graduate Department of English, MLN College Yamuna agar Haryana, India An avid writer she has contributed 300 write ups, articles and poems in National newspapers, Woman's Era and Coffee Table books. Around 30 research papers of hers have been published in national and international research journals and anthologies .She authored four books-1. Configurational Coordinates of Woman's Space in Select Novels of Shashi Deshpande2.The Priceless Petals3 The Strokes of Solitude4 kalp Vriksh :Seth Jai Parkesh's journey of Compassion, Passion and Philanthropy

Marvin P. Vasquez, LPT, MM is graduated in Southern Baptist School of Theology with the degree in BTH - Christian Education and in Cavite State University - Cavite City, with the degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. I finished my Master's in Management major in Educational Management in Philippine Christian University - Dasmariñas, Cavite and currently taking my Phd at the same school. Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church- Cavite City. My wife is Joyce B. Vasquez we have one son name Joshua. I am an ESP and English Teacher in Noveleta National High School.

Alvin Viaña is a Secondary School Teacher at Las Piñas East National High School – Mathematics Department. Took up my Graduate Degree at TUP Manila in the course MAIE–AS and completed my Academic Requirements and passed the Comprehensive Examination. Finished my undergraduate course at PLP major in Mathematics. Currently, handling Grade 9 students and been in the teaching for almost two decades now. Also an active member in a civic organization.

Loreta Chia Bande is a retired professor who used to teach students research writing, Mathematics and English. She had been a mentor for 40 consecutive years. Among her friends are a good number of her former students, thesis advisees, colleagues and her own esteemed teachers and professors. Upon retirement, she went into tree farming to help reforest her hometown Isabel, Leyte. The hardwood trees are 9 to 10 years old now, tall and stately. Some are bearing fruits.

Maria Editha Garma-Respicio holds a Degree in Nursing, Physical Therapy, English Literature. She has a National Certificate in Computer Operations, Dressmaking, Massage Therapy, and Food and Beverage Management. She started her passion in writing at age 9, was a published story writer of Liwayway Magazine at 14. She coauthored many anthologies worldwide and had won poetry awards both local and overseas.

I’m Bernadith De La Cruz, 42 years old, a mother, and a native of Purok 1, Brgy. Santiago, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. Currently working in Hongkong as a domestic helper. I’m a new active member of Migrant Writers in Hongkong, Share Hongkong and Uplifters. Writing is one of my source of happiness. I love writing motivational and inspirational poems and stories.

I’m Khachab Dorji. I am teaching in a primary school in eastern part of the Himalayan Kingdom, Bhutan. It's been 17 years in my teaching career. Recently, I have seen a poetic Phoenix rising from the burnt ashes. I now treasure it dearly and ensure my inner voices are inscribed to leave them existing long after I make an exit from this world.

Naidz Ladia, the author of the "Farewell, The Saddest Word" is a woman who only knows nothing but happiness inside her heart...She is a kind hearted, humble personality who wanted to reach everyone's heart through her passion of talking and writing. Naidz Ladia is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Marcelino Manibog..She graduated her bachelor's degree in University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan North Cotabato.“ I got all my source of power from my children; Eljay, Jay An, Sherry Jay, Jolly Rizza, Zenia Mae, Adean Ressan and Martsu Ressan"..God is watching us!

I’m Madhuri Kulkarni from Bangalore, the silicon city of India. Well, my writing journey started in 1981when I was in 8th grade. I wrote in school wall magazines in both English and Kannada, (my local language)... I have been writing in Kannada and my poems have been published in 3 Anthologies. I am not a systematic writer. I write what pleases me. My poems have been shortlisted for a magazine which has been delayed due to the pandemic. Talkative by nature, I wish to spread love and positivity

My name is Margaret Karim, I began writing poetry a year ago, aged fifty nine. An unexpected and surprising journey. An introvert, interest in my work has been overwhelming. Poems have been included in Poetry Planet Antholgies, and I was asked to become "resident poet" for Yasou E-zine. Honours, beyond my expectations. I live in historic Gibraltar. It, and words, are my abiding passions.

Daniel Miltz was born in Michigan and now comfortably retired, resides in Hampstead, NH. After devoting 40 years to the Engineering domain-- now contributing value to society through his writing as a Freelancer Writer & Poet. Academically, Daniel is a ‘Mechanical Design Engineering’ degrees holder from Detroit Engineering Technical Institute & Lawrence Technological University. In his engineering career, he contributed in the Aerospace Industry, and in many Government Aerospace programs.

Afrose Saad (Real name -S Afrose ) , born in Bangladesh, achieved M Pharm degree. Involved, in the awesome writing world from August-2020, casually. She always tries to spread the inspirational words by magic of ink, for a peaceful earth, to lead a lively life. Her writes are published in many anthologies.

IS CHRISTMAS REALLY JESUS BIRTHDAY? Was Jesus born in December? Many don’t want to open the subject as it may object to what has been traditionally practiced in centuries by Believers and even unbelievers. But let us consider few facts before reacting to my article. Our strongest resource is the bible. It says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1) on a stable while Shepherds were “living out of doors and keeping watches in the night over their flocks.” (Luke 2:8). Let us think logically if Jesus was really born on December 25, Bethlehem should have a cold, windy, or snowy climate and there is no way shepherds could stay out all night and even if you think I have no clear basis on this because I don’t live in Bethlehem. Here is the second information, ‘If Jesus was not born on December 25, when was he born?’ From Matthew chapters 26 and 27, we understand that Jesus died at the time of the Jewish Passover, which commenced April 1, 33 C.E. Moreover, Luke 3:2123 informs us that Jesus was about 30 years of age when he commenced his ministry. Since his earthly ministry lasted three and a half years, he was about 33 1/2 years old at the time of his death. Christ would have been a full 34 years old six months later, which would thus be about October 1. So when was Christmas on December 25 came from? Christmas did not start from the bible but from the Romans with pagan gods that were celebrated every end of the year, these gods have birthdays on December 25. These pagan gods were a god of Agriculture, “Saturnalia”, and two sun gods, “the Roman Sol and the Persian Mithra”. To adopt Christianity to everyone, Pope Julius I declared December 25 as Christ's birthday in the year 350… So is Christmas Jesus' birthday? I will let you search and decide. How important is giving to be a Christian, while everyone believe that generosity comes from providing foods and gifts giving. There are far more important than just giving them food to survive in a day, a week, or a month… Jesus clearly stated the most important thing to be a real Christian is telling them the truth (the good news)(Mathew 24:14)… Because the truth will give them life not just to survive temporarily, but to live eternally… So, how valuable is it? There is joy in giving knowing that their eyes were opened to the truth and not be blinded for a piece of bread… October is a dry month with an average of 17mm (0.7in) rain. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 24.6°C (76.28°F). If you enjoy looking at a blue sky and love the sun than this is a great time to go to Bethlehem with 276 hours of sun. October is known as one of the best months to visit Bethlehem. (source-Google)

In Bethlehem during December average daily high temperatures decrease from 62°F to 55°F and it is overcast or mostly cloudy about 28% of the time. (source-Google)