POETRY PLANET INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE by Poetry Planet Magazine

P P

International Magazine

OETRY

Published Quarterly

May – August 2021

LANET

Builder of Dreams

FEATURED AUTHORS Angel Bryan Ocampo - Philippines Sudha Dixit - India Kolongs Victor - Nigeria Samuella Conteh - Sierra Leone Maria Dulce Leitao Reis - Portugal Daniel Miltz - USA Deluke Muwanigwa - Zimbabwe

SPECIAL STORY “Tribute to My Children’s Teacher-Jeanne de Guzman” by Marites Ritumalta

FEATURED BOOKS Spotlight Words In Motion Dancing with Death Born To Dream

Testimonials Captured Moments Poetry and more….

The Administration Team

Table of Contents

Marites Ritumalta Chief Administrator

Featured Authors------------------4

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

Featured Books-------------------11

Elmer Buduan Gamulo Odum Kingsford Maria Dulce Leitao Reis Marvin Omosemen Judges Marie Ezekiel Marizel Cabigting Dexter Amoroso Editors

Featured Stories------------------17

Testimonials----------------------19 Poetry Corner---------------------25 Captured Moments---------------28 About this magazine (back cover)

I don’t dream big, I just want to dream right, the right to get those poems that are uniquely written be published and be protected… But because I am just a small dot in the huge world of poetry, no one seems to appreciate and value the works of budding poets like me! It is the reason I created “POETRY PLANET”. Building a strong foundation is not easy, especially if you are a nobody… But if your heart is pure, you don’t need to shout to be noticed, your good deeds shouts louder. Efficiency along with humility are two of the ingredients that will help you climb a ladder to success… Start dreaming small and big things will happen… In the world of poetry, some are gifted with enormous talent but needs to be enhanced, some are born with a gem but needs to be tarnished… It is our role to make those hidden abilities be exposed.. Poetry challenges are being conducted daily and weekly for us to learn, with certificates and awards to boost confidence… and most of all, to build dreams. Because we want to help budding poets build their dreams, we continue to stand, even if many tried hard to make us fall… For none can stop igniting hearts that are willing to learn.. For that eagerness, new writers are born, they are the featured Artists of POETRY PLANET and the reason this magazine is created… This magazine unfolds the starting point of aspirants’ lives when their works were first recognized as winners chosen from submitted entries of participants around the globe. The featured stories/poems you read are one of their bests… Some of them are now accomplished writers with their own books published… They made their dreams come true, for they are born to dream… Founder 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.

Featured Authors Angels Brought Me Here

-Angel Bryan Zapanta Ocampo

Heavensent! No better adjective best describes Poetry Planet. My involvement with them is beyond book writing. It’s a Family of Budding Authors. My friendship with Madam Marites Ritumalta, (Tess as we fondly call her) started via messenger during lockdown. Me: Magkano po ang publication? (How much is the publication fee?) Tess: Magkano ba kaya mo? (How much can you afford?) Me: Generous (Unlike other publishing houses, it costs thousands) And the rest is history…. Poetry Planet is a gift sent from Up Above. It’s an answered prayer for my Cause. The proceeds of my professional fee directly go to my Labss Seminar for a CAUSE providing financial assistance to deserving but indigent students. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, I had no speaking engagement for face to face SLACs and INSETs. Then Poetry Planet head Ma’am Tess, woman of substance and humility, came to the rescue. As they say, blessings come from the most unexpected ways. God’s wisdom and guidance brought me here. He showed me Poetry Planet to continue my CAUSE. Aside from using my speaking skill in providing Seminars, why not try to use my writing skill in publishing inspirational books this time of hopelessness and helplessness? Now, it’s not only Labss Seminar for a Cause but Labss Book for a Cause providing free snacks to our students while answering their modules in the time of pandemic. Because of the support given by Poetry Planet, I can humbly say that I am using my God-given skills as my gift to Him and legacy to the world. Poetry Planet worked in my life, “when God closes a door, He opens another.” Truly, the door of Poetry Planet is full of limitless possibilities to make your dreams come true. A True Planet of Hope and Builder of Dreams!

Biography:

Angel Bryan Zapanta Ocampo has authored 5 inspirational books with ISBN from National Library of the Philippines and Amazon (USA) published by Poetry Planet Publishing. He received recognitions as a book author from: Global Academy of Human Excellence (GAHE) – Ambassador for Literature Gawad Ybarra 2020 – International Excellence Award as a Published Writer Doktor AV Spetkompetens – Doctor en Literatura.

Poetry Planet has been a blessing in my life. -Maria Dulce Leitão Reis

Before Poetry Planet, I published in Portuguese Anthologies, but my dream was to publish solo and in English because the visual exposure is much greater. I found in Poetry Planet everything I needed. I participated in challenges, won some awards, participated in Anthologies and published my first solo book, Sunrise, followed by seven more(16 books in all including Portuguese version). Right now I have content to publish 3 more books (6 more to publish including Portuguese version), it just hasn't happened yet, due to very painful family situations, which have not yet allowed me to dwell on it. I cannot fail to mention its founder/administrator Tess Ritumalta. The success of Poetry Planet is due primarily to this great woman very hardworking, of enormous sensitivity, intelligence, creativity, innovation, vision, a maker of dreams. All lovers of writing, whether prose or poetry, have in Poetry Planet an open door to the future and success. My heartfelt gratitude to Poetry Planet/Tess Ritumalta. Maria Dulce Leitão Reis(Maria D Reis) Portugal 5

A poem becomes a poem when it finds a reader. Poetry Planet Publishing House helped me consolidate my poems scattered all over into themes and got them published. -Deluke Muwanigwa Hello poets. Hello fellow humans here on Poetry Planet and on this beautiful planet we call earth. My name is Deluke Muwanigwa. I am 57 years old and growing young with every poem i write. It is great to read poems from all over the globe from people of different cultures. I hail from Zimbabwe, in southern Africa and I would encourage some of you to visit my country. It's beautiful. We need to protect our earth from things like global warming, racial intolerance, bigotry and general decadence. We are the world. I have been writing poetry for quite sometime and have been on various poetry sites interacting with other poets. My poems were, therefore scattered all over the place and there was always a risk of a poem getting lost forever. A poem is like a bolt of lightning. It hardly hits the same place the same way and therefore it is important to keep a record of the points of inspiration because when that inspiration is gone, it's gone like the wind. What a blessing then when i joined Poetry Planet Publishing House's poetry site to discover that they could publish my poems. I sent a collection of poems which showed my progression from a newbie to a budding poet and Poetry Planet Publishing House published my first poetry book called "Who's that boy? I was so pleased with the service i got from the publishing team at Poetry Publishing House I decided to submit another set of a hundred poems into a second book called " Poeting Therapoetics". Four more poetry books followed these two to tally at six. My dream come true. Consider this my fellow poets. The year is 2400AD and we are all gone and the people living during that time want to know what life was like in 2021AD and they surf the web and stumble on "Afrika Cryisis"...one of my books....to find out that Africa was once a beautiful developing continent but is now the seat of the UNOPP....the United Nations Of Poetry Planets covering poets from the Milky Way and beyond. Far fetched?

Poetry Planet Publishing House allows me to dream in poetic verses and for that i thank them and hope they grow from strength to strength. Keep posting those lovely poems on Poetry Planet. Cheerio! -Deluke Muwanigwa, Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa. 6

My Journey with Poetry Planet By Samuella Conteh

I have always enjoyed writing for as long as I could remember, though it was not until many years later that I got discovered as a budding poet. I wrote until I was fortunate to have some of my poems and a short story published in local anthologies in my country Sierra Leone. Armed with the awareness that the Internet was an ocean of information, I ventured out searching for what I could learn about poetry and that was how I found Poetry Planet in late 2018, the first online writers group I joined. It was a feeling of home after a long sojourn in the wilderness. Poetry Planet gave me the opportunity to interact with other budding poets and some well seasoned writers too. This got me writing every day to keep up with the many different challenges/games. As I continued honing my writing skills, I followed up on different forms of poetry and I continued learning on the go. Becoming a regular winner at challenges and being featured in almost every Poetry Planet anthologies, gave me the confidence to start sharing my writing online and I soon gained recognition in many other online writing platforms. My poems and stories have been featured in dozens of anthologies on Amazon and other bookstores, magazines, e-zines and websites and blogs. I have also earned myself many awards and certificates online and I have also solely authored two collections of poetry: "Love Colours" and "The Unsung Song" and also become a well known name in my country. With all these achievements, I remain grateful to Poetry Planet, where it all began. Samuella J. Conteh - Sierra Leone 7

One person often ridiculed me, saying, “Again Sudha is thanking Lovely Garcia (at that time that was Tess Ritumalta’s name).” I ignored hm. Later he became very demanding, saying, “Sudha! Leave this Lovely Garcia’s group.” I told him categorically, “I would rather leave you.” He was so offended that he ‘Unfriend’ me. Sudha Dixit I joined Poetry Planet six or seven years ago. There were many other groups. My poems won some prizes. That encouraged me to write more and participate in poetry contests. While other groups, also, were conducting contests, Poetry Planet had either some ‘Themes’ or some forms of poetry to be followed. I found it educative. Tanka poems, Landay poems, Sonnets, Elegies, Limericks, Ballads, Villanelle, monologue etc were taught to me via contests and challenges. I am happy to say that winning them really encouraged me to participate more and more. I have done my masters in English Literature. I did not learn these forms there. Our educational system has very limited curriculum. Periodically educational system should be updated. That does not happen. So, those who are keen on learning do find a way to learn. I got my education from Poetry Planet, to a large extent. I am grateful for that.

Every time I won some challenge or got an award of excellence, I put it on my wall. One person often ridiculed me, saying, “Again Sudha is thanking Lovely Garcia (at that time that was Tess Ritumalta’s name).” I ignored hm. Later he became very demanding, saying, “Sudha! Leave this Lovely Garcia’s group.” I told him categorically, “I would rather leave you.” He was so offended that he ‘Unfriend’ me. Had he not done so I would have blocked him. I don’t allow anyone to run my life. Some other group owners tried to own me. I did join several groups but never left “Poetry Planet”. My parents have taught me the value of gratitude. I never forgot that. I am always grateful to anyone who does me a favour or shows me kindness. My group (Poetry Planet) has helped me grow as a poet. It has added to my learning. I am an eternal disciple. I call myself a school girl. Poetry Planet is my educational Institution where – the more I write more I polish my skill and my style. I do not write to win. When I am given a theme, I let my imagination run. I don’t read others’ posts before penning my own. I don’t want to be influenced by others. I am a free thinker. ‘Winning’ just happens. It definitely makes me happy but when I don’t win, I move on. I enjoy expressing myself. I am a compulsive writer. Poetry is my passion. I was writing even before I was getting published. I have huge pile of my unpublished work. Poetry Planet keeps giving me platform. I am thankful for it. For past so many years this is my group. It owns me as I own it. I have got hundreds of poems which I wrote for Poetry Planet; most of them got me accolades. Proud to be a part of this group. Sudha Dixit –India

POETRY PLANET magazine 8

MY ENCOUNTER WITH POETRY PLANET -Kolongs Victor In my wandering.... I realized no man is an island, and perhaps one of the greatest ingredients of success is having encounter with the right people in this journey of life's struggle. But sometimes that seems a difficult feat, simply because many things are skewed. What is your dream? How far are you from it? What is the reality of the contemporary world? Who's by your side?..... Such are the chequed variables that moderate the fluidal thrust of our progress---and unless the indices are in our favour, making waves become a Herculean task altogether. In fact, many potentials still wander in the wilderness of peril because of lack of support and proper guidance. Perhaps my story was not different from the above scenario until...... MY ENCOUNTER WITH POETRY PLANET If we all work hard in life and remain committed to our ideals, our paths may cross one day....the path of the high and the lowly, beginners and celebrities, the path of our questions and their corresponding answers. This is my story in the year 2020 while still wandering in the wilderness of Facebook, I stumbled on this promising poetry group--Poetry Planet. It actually turned out to be the culmination of the adage which says, "Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation". Everything turned out to be a stepping stone unto my dream of not only becoming a published author, but also of making my little voice heard by whosoever may care to listen. The platform really offered to be a soft and promising ground for budding poets to experiment their writing potentials, perfect it, and thereafter be launched into the world of authors. And now I'm proudly a published author of a poetry book--"Souvenirs Of Life"- a collection of poems. This happened after series of poetry contests in various prompts, which sharpened my writing skill and earned me assorted certificates of honor. But the joy of it all is that, I can now write better than before. In the wake of these all, I have the courage to declare Poetry Planet "A Partner of Authors", or better still, "Authors' promoter". Here I met unrelenting administrators--focused, guided, honest, humble, resourceful and approachable. Such is the company we need in our quest for scholarship and journey to greatness. Kolongs Victor Nigeria 9

The Impact Of Poetry Planet by Daniel Miltz How did Poetry Planet helped me as an acclaimed writer. Well, being involved with this special group these past few years taught me how to enjoy sonnets. All embracing, one of the most rewarding benefits is the joy of sharing, collaborating, and forming friendships with other fellow poets all over the world's globe. It opened up my genius poetic mind more and gave me the ability to understand the group's idea and behind the scene creative force. It made me appreciate rhyme, rhythm, and style to a much greater degree. Overall, I view Poetry Planet as a gathering of individual understudies who are all excited about the art of poetry and willing to learn more and in that process, encourage each other to support one another. It gave me a chance to write and perform poetry and allowed me to express myself and improve my writing skills more. Primarily, we all want to achieve self-expression and enhance our literacy through the writing and performance of poetry. As poets, we know how poetry is extremely important because it allows us to appreciate and understand the world around us. The essence of poetry resides in its ability to cast a "sideways" light on the world, allowing the truth to creep up on you. Poetry teaches us how to live and to be reckoned with, while its verses has the ability to impact people of all times and make them think about anything from love to tragedy; without a doubt, verse may rouse. Every poet speaks to all of us differently, and when we hear another person’s perspective of a piece, and expose them to different ways of poetic expression and articulation. I find it most rewarding...And that is the joy of being involved with this special talented group known as Poetry Planet. Daniel Miltz USA 10

Featured Books CONSCIENCE, CONSCIENCE ON MY WALL Featured winning poem Conscience, conscience on my wall Am I worthy to look at you at all? Am I just a reflection of my deeds Camouflaged by the pretension of my sins? Dreamer, dreamer on my wall Have you achieved anything at all? Am I just the sum of my needs and wants Or the product of my triumphs as I stood tall? Teacher, teacher on my wall Have you imparted great lessons at all? Are you the book that your students read Or like the fancy book covers that mislead? Brother, sister on my wall Are you a good giver to the needy at all? Are you the vine that gives us grapes Or a barren fig tree a hungry man hates? Mother, Father on my wall Are you loving parents to us all? Are you the home to us children Or the abode of a cruel heathen? I am you, you are me, can't you see We are one, you're the doer, I'm the whisperer Each decision is a right or an error While we do the game - rock, paper, scissors. So mirror, mirror on the wall Who is the greatest of us all? Will the great scorer count our mistakes Or just our heart's contents and the love it makes? Answers, answers on our wall... Copyright Roland Joseph Perez Philippines

We writers write to find ourselves. Amidst this pandemic and chaos surrounding us, we often seek to vent our inner turbulence. Poetry can truly be healing and therapeutic for writers who find solace in words. Poetry Planet under our founder Tess Ritulmalta, is proud to provide a platform for all aspiring poets to find their voice. The Poetry Planet team consisting of judging, organizing online poetry challenges and distributing certificates for excellence and winnings poems to help aspiring poets gain confidence in publishing their work. Poetry Planet unites poets from all across the globe in the love for poetry and continues to be the builder of dreams since 2016 by being a catalyst for turning budding poets in becoming published authors. The Winning Anthology is the compilation of all the winning poems from the various poetry contests like Word challenge where the poets are given a word as a prompt , Daily poetry challenge where poets write poems inspired by a picture or word or phrase given as the prompt. Similarly ,the song challenge where the poets write poetry inspired by a given song or the Ekphrastic poetry form challenge where poets are to give a vivid detail in the form of poem with the given a famous painting or any other work of art. All the winning poems are published in the winning anthology book to showcase their talent and inspire aspiring writers to write their heart out. Here's to the world of poets and their poetry .Here's to the universe of words and their magical powers to heal. Copyright Tanushi Singh

THE UNIQUE MELODY Featured frompoem) Selma Kopic (Featuredpoem winning Soaked in dejection and grief Rush to where nature shall flourish For nature nurtures relief Every element chirps a song Healing the wreathed heart To grow healthy and strong Go to the shore and feel the lullaby Chanted by the waves to the sky And when night creeps softly The stars start humming their best melody Bringing bounteous sleep To the eye that was prone to keep Bringing a blessed "Hi" To the heart heaving a sigh The best tune ever comes from the bush when the wind strokes the trees and makes a hush Like a summer breeze And the sweet stream gush Quenches the thirst and smears the rusty heart stepping upon dry leaves spur a rattle The sound of reptiles squeak in their daily battle The best garment the earth can get The splash slosh of the rain A tune that eases the pain When the day breaks and birds twitter their mellifluous chirp makes feel better No need for a drum, nor for a guitar Music from nature dangles your far Every element of earth From dawn till dusk Brings a music wealth Copyright Selma Kopic Bosnia And Herzegovina

Poetry is a choice of words in a structure that creates a series of motions. In simple sense, poetry is Words in Motion. It is a union of rhythm, rhyme, onomatopoeia, alliteration and assonance, among other figures of speech. It is a fusion and merging of sound, tone, and motion reverberating to a lilting and melodious expression. Poetry is an art in motion, swaying, and dancing to musical measurement and pattern. This book is aptly titled Words In Motion since the same title is being used in the challenge that Ms. Tess Ritumalta, the group`s Founder, conducts in the group Poetry Planet. This particular challenge is one of the longest-running challenge in the group, making it popular and well participated by members. In this book, there are various poetry themes or prompts which may be extremely different or not connected with one another, yet somehow has found some connection on the whole in a sense that most of these themes are incorporated correlatedly into a whole book. The poems included in the book are the winning piece about different topics conducted in the group in Words In Motion Poetry Challenge. Each writer has his own point of view, and from there, the entries were based regarding his chosen theme. Each prompt or topic was divided into Themes. These themes are then chronicled into Sub-Themes. We can see here the different points of view of each writer in the varied topics they have come up to present, and how the book showcased their own significance as a whole. It may be a hard feat to gather and somehow collate these pieces of poetry. These various writers may somehow think congruently far from each other, or they may not have the same wavelength of writing or line of thinking. All the same, these minds naturally found its unity in voicing out their ideas, their creativeness, and their artistry through this one goal of building a book anthology that will manifest and interpret the point of view of each individual writer. One mind related things about love, bared its desires, depicted how it is to let go. Another one recounted memories and unfolded its scars, disclosed things left untold, chronicled life`s turning points. In addition, one more envisaged destiny and the beauty and musicality in this planet earth we live in. Whatever may be his or the other`s point of view, however far and impossible it is to meet another`s path on the same road, there is always a link that binds the innermost thoughts of a writer. It is because they all share the same points of view, that is, to write and express what is inside their hearts. And that is the musicality in every writer`s mind, the words that have the power in creating motion in every reader`s heart. -Gigi Balita

BEST OUT OF QUARANTINE Featured story from Pelden Wangchuk

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered strain of coronavirus, a type of virus known to cause respiratory infections in humans. This new strain was unknown before December 2019, when an outbreak of a pneumonia of unidentified cause emerged in Wuhan, China. – Google information. In March 2020, the world was in panic as COVID-19 becomes an outbreak, infected people rise to millions and death tolls to hundred thousand ( records became millions in August 2020)… Suddenly, our daily routine has changed, as all were obliged to stay in their homes and not allowed to go out…. We are all in LOCKDOWN… It is the reason this book was made. This year (2020) marked a horrifying history no one will ever forget, the world is being attacked by an aggressive murderer, an unseen enemy killing millions… No, it is not a sci-fi movie we dread to watch, this is reality… The cries are real, the deaths are real, the virus is real, invading the bodies, killing people… And if we are not careful, we will be one of its victims… As writers, we want to record these events so that next generations will be informed, if we, by chance, be able to survive this fate… The prose, short stories, and poetries included in this book are written by writers of different ages, of different level of education, of different backgrounds, and of various countries, all joined to share their thoughts and experiences while being lockdown in their homes… I have to preserve and record their writings through publication… For our children, and children’s children… Some of the more than 100 participants are not professional writers, they are still learning to write, grammars can be corrected, but their thoughts matter and should be shared… Let us explore and read their experiences inside this book called, “LOCKDOWN DIARIES”. By Marites Ritumalta

Dear Diary, Life has never been as easy as we all aware of. It has never been a piece of cake except when you can say all the numbers till 10 or when you can buy chocolate from the shop. Life is all a missing puzzle or a long tunnel wishing if there is an answer to it or a bright light waiting for you at the end of the tunnel. Since the news of this disastrous life-sucking COVID19pandemic, I was totally anxious and nervous about what the world may become behind this zero knowledge of this monstrous virus. What is all in my head was the novel coronavirus ganging up together against this selfless mother earth sucking away all the innocent people (earthlings if I may say) like a vacuum cleaner. All the images from the series, Stranger. Things that the faceless monster taking all the people as a hostess kept on pouring into my brain. The virus was so deadly that the people should be kept isolated and the way the virus spread and made people die soon after the virus spread into their exposed body is nothing like, but that of in a series Kingdom, where when one zombie bite one person and creating a continuous flow of uncontrollable zombies. I know it was such a childless and baseless thriller, a fantasy created in my mind yet, it seems so surreal. But the thing was I was too far off to the galaxy and even to my reach that I forgot life is not only about the faceless monster and flesheating zombie, but it is also about a single ray of hope and a droplet of sunshine that can fall from the sky and sprout into a magical flower which can heal your pain. The one thing that I can proudly say after or if ever this situation gets back to normal is how I have changed into such a fine man! I am not bluffing nor bossing around, but if there is ever a word to describe the person of what I become, I would say a fine gentleman. This period of lockdown is the most quality and effective time that I have ever used. Do you ever remember the last time you spent with your family?

I supposed it would be the time when you are at the primary level or secondary level when you are still a baby in your mind and the moment you step out your doorstep for your higher education, you have been apart for the past couple of years. But the thing about this lockdown is you are getting those precious time back to make up the time you missed to laugh with your families. How insane is this! It was a dream come true to talk with my single mother and to play those funny tricks with my brother, to laugh and cry in the home that I grow up. It was and it will always remain a handful of memories that will be the medicine during my sad moments. The time with my family and with the home that I grow up is a great deal of packages. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to spend those moments with their family when there are people who are orphans or don't even have a proper roof to sleep. A free twenty-four hours are in your pocket and it's your part to do with it. "Every day is a bank account, and time is our currency. No one is rich, no one is poor, we've got 24 hours each." Each second is important and has to use effectively so that you don't regret it later. I have spent my days reading a book I love and all the other delightful stuff. The book by an author like Sidney Sheldon, Paulo Coelho, and His Holiness Dalai Lama was so great and mind refreshing. It teaches you about the right path to choose despite puzzling crossroads. Reading not only kills your time but improve your language. Apart from reading, drawing, cooking the food you like and doing some workouts are worth the time. Then the ongoing online classes keep on track and made you learn with no disturbance and keep your brain updated with the important topics. I have learnt so many things and the lockdown have taught me how to become a strong, resilient and an independent person. Like all the other people, it sculpted me into a fine statue of loyalty and kindness. Since the lockdown, the earth has healed itself. The sky is blue like you have ever seen and you can see the far Himalayas standing rigidly yet, beautifully. The magical sight of our mother earth is a treat to your eyes and a mind-boggling view. It makes me think like people living on this earth is such a mistake. It tells you about how we the people are the damage and the threat to earth. It tells us how much it is wrong to live in this world if we don't take care of it at all. We've created a living hell in front of ourselves and to our future generation. Due to a decrease in pollution and number of people going outside the home, the sky was clear and the place was like a newborn child that is innocent, yet clean and better. We can even see the wild animals freely roaming outside our home. It makes me realize how much we are taking the space to ourselves selfishly without thinking of other living animals. This lockdown was like my box of newly found treasure and wisdom where every single day you are filled with lessons and wisdom. Life is not all about the hatred and the negatives, but about the positive possible and magical things and the brighter side of the moon. It taught me how much our family is important and then we should spend every second, every minute and every hour with them because life is so short that we never know when will the bad news will come. It taught me to discover who I really am and to take care of myself. The lockdown taught me the importance of health and the certain things we should do to fight from all the evilness to stay warm and strong, to be a better human being. Copyright Pelden Wangchuk Bhutan

Photo of Durbadal Ghibela

TIME OF LIFE AND DEATH Featured poem from Nimfa Vsquez Mateo

Hitting the dance floor with death is an individual excursion of steps. The means starting from the hour of birth into the baffling domain of the obscure. That is the reason religion has assumed a significant part into the mentality of human progress. Passing is a piece of Life. We are moving together. The dance of vastness before the entryways of time. We can live our fantasies, as we are dreaming our future. Leaving your bouquet to pendulant and pirouette, one final time prior to being assented into the obscure away. Time is unending from the midsection to the transfer of the unknown, as you in the course of your life acknowledge the capture of death straightforwardly. So what is the Dancing With Death? You will by all methods eat up this idyllic exposition of poetry with the final blow end -last second quest for life's more profound meaning. These incredible creators share their verses following the conviction of their sharp interior voice of life, and with its effect on the dance of death. This collection, we concentrate overwhelmingly, on the communicates got with these prize researchers. The inspiration and motivation driving this assortment of sonnets, rhyme stanzas, is the essence of life that are connected with the sashay inside. The abstains will vitalize your readings. As we appreciate this resuscitating group pieces from our most prominent artists. Enjoy! Daniel Miltz-USA

It's God's gift and a blessing Every day all must do something Dealing with it there's no avoiding Shall we go on believing Where may one beheading In this world, many are starving When is the time should be starting To know that one must be striving Continuing a daily chance of surviving The mighty hands are lifting and creating Bringing a life so blissful and heartening Don't take the challenges complaining Ready to deal with fears and suffering Bear that in mind and be willing To accept the risk we are receiving For our fates depend on how we are allowing Not taking positivity and be content with nothing Or be independent and pursue everything And be satisfied with what we are having We must strive hard for learning Use our mind for visual thinking Start a productive day by building Your utmost hopes and dreaming Out there in the sunny field walking Moving further with the usual jogging Have a breathy morning by running After all the works do gardening While sipping a cup of tea enjoy sitting Dining with family be comforting At the end of the day start examining What brings great moments so fulfilling All the beauty and colors of the surrounding Give the precious moments recollecting The happiest experiences worth treasuring Those significant events with mixed emotions kept playing Why should be afraid of life's coloring Summing it up all make the year more gratifying Life must have its forceful meaning DANCING WITH DEATH is all worthy and reassuring Shallow and Hollow Copyright Nimfa Vasquez Mateo

THE JOYOUS GIFTS OF NATURE Featured poem from Gowri Bhargav O, ye humans!! Don’t be filled with sadness, Just look around for happiness. Numerous sights and sounds surround you, Observing is all you need to do. Nature’s hand is always at play, Be grateful to HER every day. To keep all your worries at bay Cherish her gifts, happy you shall stay. Watch the silent flower blooming with glee, Your caged thoughts will be set free. The willows whispering songs with a breeze, Listen to them and your worries will cease. The morning birds that sing in a choir, Can make the lingering dystonia disappear. The relaxing sound from a wind chime, Can make those soulful moments sublime. The glowing sun with its bright rays, The soothing sound of ocean waves, Waxing and waning of the moon, A fluttering butterfly from a cocoon. The buzzing bees, the rustling leaves, The falling raindrops and the mighty seas, They all sing songs so unique, Yet it’s the earth's language that they speak. And then when everything seems so still, With blissful silence, you shall be filled. Your emancipated soul will sing songs of mirth, Reminiscing the joyous life on earth. Copyright Gowri Bhargav India

Amidst this growing fear of these uncertain days, the pandemic has truly tested us in incomprehensible ways. Never had we given a thought to our breath like we do today. Breath is all the difference between living or getting by every day. Poetry can truly be healing and therapeutic for writers as well as readers who find solace when nothing is going their way. Poetry Planet under our founder Tess Ritumalta is proud to provide a platform for all aspiring poets to find their voice. The Poetry Planet team consisting of judging, organizing online poetry challenges, and distributing certificates for excellence and winnings poems to help aspiring poets gain confidence in publishing their work. Poetry Planet unites poets from all across the globe in their love for poetry and continues to be the builder of dreams since 2016 by being a catalyst for turning budding poets in becoming published authors. Spotlight, the winning anthology is the compilation of all the winning poems from the various poetry contests like Word challenge or monthly picture prompt challenge where the poets are given a word or picture as a prompt, Daily poetry challenge where poets write poems inspired by a picture or word or phrase given as the prompt. Similarly, there is a song challenge where the poets write poetry inspired by a given song or the Ekphrastic poetry form challenge where poets are to give a vivid detail in the form of a poem with the given a famous painting or any other work of art. All the winning poems are published in the winning anthology book to showcase their talent and inspire aspiring writers to ink their thoughts and build their confidence. Poetry Planet has proudly created several published authors who have found their freedom through poetry and given voice to so many aspiring poets who hadn't tapped their own potential in becoming successful authors until Poetry Planet paved the way. More power to Poetry Planet for building dreams and changing lives every day. May we continue to believe in the power of words to help us get through our days. May our spirit continue to fight the darkness looming over us through the words we ink every day. May we never forget to seek the spotlight within our tales. Tales of sheer resilience. Poetry is the mirror of the human spirit. Long live Poetry for unraveling time and again we can heal through verses if we just let in the pain. It's true as Robin Williams once said "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world " Tanushi Singh Published Writer/Administrator

Featured STORIES A Tribute to My Children’s Primary School Teacher By Marites Ritumalta JEANNE DE GUZMAN Teacher 2 Rosario Elementary School Rosario Pozorrubio Pangasinan Philippines A mother’s love has, is, and will always be longed for…caressing and nurturing from birth and even until our hair turns gray. Teachers, on the other hand, act as our children’s second mothers in school, reaping the love and trust they sow in each child's heart. There is one teacher in my children’s school who, not only mastered the art of teaching but also the art of loving! As a mom, it is our responsibility to bring our kids to school from the start of their schooling till they are able to manage by themselves. Going to school to monitor my children, even meeting with their mentors, gave me an opportunity to observe my kids' primary school life (kindergarten to grade six) from the eldest to the youngest. The school has become our second home, We wake up early each morning preparing uniforms, meals, even snacks for the whole day. Many times during the day, I drop by their school to check on them. One teacher whom I got to know better was Madam Jeanne de Guzman, who handled my kids' Science and Filipino subjects and was their adviser on their final year of primary schooling. I am so awed by how this teacher has mastered the art of patience that she can maintain calmness even under extremely irritating circumstances. Her smooth and sweet voice created a sense of security with every child she handled allowing them to sense the loving atmosphere especially by kids hungering for affection. My own children had been very reserved and the school activities requiring participation to sing, dance, or play challenges their shy personalities. Yet I was amazed by how she built my children’s self-confidence especially that of my daughter. Things I am not sure to accomplish alone being an introvert myself. Madam Jeanne is truly dedicated to giving all her best to her pupils for them to achieve the best education they deserve regardless of their ability, level of life, and amidst their family's financial incapability. She once related how some of her pupils weren't able to pay their school fees even after they finished elementary, but for them to be accepted for high school, she kindly paid their bills. That really touched my heart. Another quality that makes a teacher endearing is not the material nor the doctorate degree she achieved but the possession of abilities like empathy, understanding, love, and also their impartiality. And I was able to identify those qualities with Madam Jeanne. I may not actually know anything about her personal life, but one thing is for sure, she has won my heart and the hearts of my children. Those are something they will surely cherish and take along with them as they traverse another chapter of their lives.

DEXTER AMOROSO Writer/Editor

Dexter is, first of all, flattered that he is listed among the editing team in Planet Poetry magazine.

We have a surplus of writers and editors, to be noticed like this is for him a privilege. He is a 42-year-old work-in-progress poet and writer who enjoys hiking, eating and cookery. He is witty and clever but can also be very shy and a bit nervous. He is addicted to crispy pata, something which his cardiologist pointed out was taboo when he was diagnosed with a heart ailment. When he sees tasty food that is not good for his health, he often says, "Ang sarap magkasalanan. Forgive me for I will sin again." The health problem intensified in 2000. Dexter has lost two jobs as a result of his health issues, specifically: management system auditor and business process analyst at shipping and real estate companies. He has a degree in computer science and changed careers and wants to enter the world of teaching. He took the required 18 units professional education so that he can take the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Unfortunately, he failed in Math (majorship) when he took the exam. He wrote a poem titled "Math" when he found out the negative result. That was the first poem he wrote and that's where he started writing poems.. He took an MA in Education but he was not able to pursue it because they had to fly to Singapore due to his wife's overseas assignment. Except for the fact that he is taking care of two kids, he can't work in Singapore because he only has a dependent pass. His wife holds a work pass. To help her wife pay the bills, he tried to apply at Jollibee Singapore where he got approval from the MOE and he worked as a fryman. However, he did not last long because his health deteriorated probably due to the nature of the work from hot then cold then hot again then cold until he was hospitalized. The hospitals he went to did not help his physical pain.

Apparently, it was not a drug thing. It was all a waste except that he met many very wonderful and nice people. The pains in his body persist. But his vital signs were checked daily, and they were always great. He even loved the doctors and nurses there. Every single person there reached out to help him- but to no avail. He prayed it is not just pain he is forced to live with for the rest of his life. When it gets severe it is quite unbearable. He was confused as everybody else. He doesn’t want to take any strong painkillers because he knows that leads to addiction. A lot of medicine has been removed and the only medicines he take now are concur and omeprazole every day. Amazingly, as terrible as he feels, in all the anguish, he looks in the mirror and he still looks handsome. His not being able to give his Facebook friends with healthy doses of humour is, spiritually, as bad as the pain physically. He won't burden you any further. When he left the hospital, in order not to worsen his health condition, he decided to swap his tong for a virtual pen that resulted in the loss of his regular income. The saying "You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs" is true. At any rate, frymen don't just wear aprons - they also wear many hats! He now uses the hat of a writer. He joined the Pinoy Writers Toastmasters Club to overcome his fear of public speaking and improve his writing skills. He authored the books "Rustic Charm", and "STAYAT-HOME DAD: Makin' popcorn & Wiping Asses: Their Turn To Pop Is Coming, but Don't Poop At The Same Time!" thus-far. Both live and available for purchase in the Amazon, Bookemon and Lulu! He hopes that by sharing meaningful snippets of memories, experiences or stories that rattle around his head, he can dispense wisdom, humour and other things that can be a source of life inspiration. Even if it's just a small positive change in other people’s lives or he even made you smile, he would be very happy because he has contributed something of value. Physically, Dexter is slightly overweight but otherwise in good shape right now. He is tall with brown skin, black hair and some whites hiding and brown eyes. He has one or two distinguishing features including a birthmark on his left shoulder, Due to the crispy pork and Dexter looks older than his actual age. Dexter's best friend is Al Galang. They've known each other for some years now though meeting each other in person is not a necessity to know each one…technology comforts that bother. His new friend is Don Lumanag. They chat endlessly at any time of the day. He is obsessed with blues. Becoming a father is the best job he has ever had. Dex Amoroso-Singapore

Testimonials from Poets Around the Globe Writing poetry allows me to express thoughts and feelings while also being creative. Not typically a confident writer technically so becoming part of a group where I could take part in admin set exercises, where there was no judgment, I felt like a member of a supportive family and found myself in a place which enabled me to become more confident with my writing ability. Being part of Poetry Planet has broadened my poetic understanding and encouraged me to consider alternative perspectives I possibly would not have. A heartfelt thank you, Poetry Planet, I am wholly grateful for the nurture you have so selflessly and collectively given. My name is Kate Baker-Loveday, I am an artist and live in the U.K. When my health changed dramatically in 2011 I found I could no longer do many of the things I once could and writing became my therapy. Kate Baker-Loveday-UK

Poetry Planet has given me a platform where I could unfold my poetic quest. I have been writing for a long but they remained hidden in my diaries and notebooks. Sometimes I caught hold of my friends and family members to listen to what I wrote. I was appreciated and encouraged but I didn't have an opening to reach out to many. Then one day I got to know about the poetry forums on the net. I became a member of quite a few but Poetry Planet is the only one I have stuck to till now. It opened up opportunities to hone my skill and learn more about many poetry forms. I have been a student of literature and as such was already exposed to world literature. But here I got a chance to be a participant myself and my writings reached out to a large readership across the world. I learnt and learnt as I wrote more and more. I am thankful to Poetry Planet and its admins for providing such a wonderful platform to all poetry lovers. I must also mention the international meet we had in the Philippines where we met fellow poets and the great hospitality that was provided to us by Tess Ritumalta and her team. I am so happy to have made some good friends in a different land. Thank you so much. During a period of poetic meditation. I look forward to the Planet verse. It stirs me to the excellence and delicacy of my characteristic mind wanderings. I understand the Planet's significant task to carry out in approaching a scope of voices, encounters, and interests to react to this critical snapshot of challenge. Presently, like never before, the force of the Planet verse is important to me. It brings issues to light, reconnects me as an artist of prestige. To my Poetry Planet poet makers and coordinators at all levels, you are the first important step builders of flourishing poetic minds. Daniel Miltz-USA

Swati Das-India

POETRY PLANET is home of poets, for both budding and older poets The warmth and the down-to-earth approach, of welcome, kept me glued here after I joined the group a few years ago. The great poets and poetesses, drawn from all over the world that has joined, helps to make the group a lively place to be in. The sharing of various poems and the puffs in the shoulder to the buffs of the pen, readily made the writing of poetry an enjoyable exercise. The various competitions that cut across all categories of poets and poetry help to reinforce creativity and, through the works of others we draw inspiration from each other. The shared winning platform of writing, in the various competitions and Anthologies created after, was just overwhelming. The certificates a clear and a sure proof of creativity put to work and reward of well worked out thoughts, adds up to the many feathers in one's poetic pursuit. My joy in joining the group has been overwhelming and taking part in the poetic writing competition, awesome. It has helped to sharpen my spontaneous writing ability and skills in writing free verses or academically styled writing. Thank you poetry planet, thanks to the founder, thank you all the admins, and thank you, fellow poets and poetesses, who through poetry planet, have helped us to become a family, And truly, one big family of poetic writing. Pappa Jalo-Nigeria

I have only been with this group for a short amount of time, but, I had been looking for a poetry group just like this for a couple of years. a poetry planet is a great group of people who love poetry. Admin is interactive and approachable. ‘It’s a beautiful place to share learn and grow as a poet’ Thank you poetry planet. Vee Barnes-Australia Poetry Planet is a great place for people to write about any theme, any form, but also to share the wisdom of happiness through literature art. Also, they have a Jury who always are respectable and profound advice gives to us, participants. Always brings new challenges to think. Maid Corbic-Tuzla

My sincerest appreciation to Poetry Planet-You provided an abode for my thoughts, you sheltered my creativity and catered me in a family of diverse culture. With you I found a home, I can express my talent freely without fear of being misinterpreted or misjudged. This is a perfect avenue of growth and sharing, we don't know each other personally but love and friendship surpass our differences. In just a few months with you, I can attest to how I've improved. May God continue to bless us all as we continue to bring the message of hope to our planet! Ellen Retoma-Philippines

POETRY PLANET has been a great experience for me. Here I have met poets from all over the world and have exchanged experience with them. This has given me another meaning for poetry and poet s' friendship. Being part of some Anthology has made me feel good and made me very happy. Ollga Farmacistja-Albania With the exclusion of Pluto in the solar system, there still are nine planets. There is a different life existing here. The dwellers are all strangers or bare acquaintances but they have a commonly shared vision - promoting the plight of living of all dwellers through their intellectual capabilities. This planet is a peace-loving one. It is named POETRY PLANET. I am truly fond of this planet. I shall never cease to be a part of it. Khachab Dorji-Bhutan POETRY PLANET has firmed up and proven beyond doubt to be one platform whose horizon is not receding or resigning anytime now. The globe, despite its far, wide, and deep dimensions, has united its various tones and tongues and found its way out via the facades of this planet's dais. It has folded humanity in one grip by bringing together souls that have offered their voices on various themes affecting them across the planet's sphere, through poetry other anthologies that I, too, happen to be included. We live, herein, appreciated and awarded for writing verse: and thus the vibrance within this forum's life. Victor Wesonga-Kenya

Ever since joining this group, I've been exposed to all forms of poetry and writings. I've learned from them and it has helped to improve my writing. It has helped me evolve through literacy and see things differently. With the help of different exercises and challenges, I was forced to dive into different themes and try new things. The planet has helped to spread our ideas worldwide through anthologies, inspiring us to keep writing. I encourage the group and all its members to keep to the platform as the exchange of ideas builds unions and perhaps friendships. McRawlings Lekeaka-Nigeria Poetry Planet is a sweet haven, where aspiring writers/poets can hone their hidden talents, a great platform to express our thoughts and feelings and to voice out what we want the world to be heard. What I admire most is they gave credit and recognized the talent within each and everyone and for that, it boosts the confidence of the aspiring writers/poets to come out in their comfort zone. At the same time can learn and gain more knowledge from others. Rema Tabangcura Philippines-Singapore I have long been a member of Poetry Planet, I have been represented in the last two Anthologies. Challenges, confrontations, and subjects set give exceptional dynamics to the group POETRY PLANET. I am pleased to participate in them regularly. There were more confessions than you on poetic challenges that always made me happy. You are one of the few groups that gathers poetry inventory, motivates the poetic word, and animates the competitive spirit. Warm greetings and sincere congratulations. Duška Kontid-Montenegro Poetry planet is a wonderful platform to drench emotional words in any form; helps to show the writing as a special art form. Various patterns of contests are totally incredible. It allows me to discover my sense of inking power spectacularly. The esteemed admins and moderators are so helpful to rise the sun even on dark sites. I'm really pleased to be a part of this fantastic group. It gives me the aesthetic value of writes. A Glorious platform for anyone to reflect emotional words within its heart; one of the most prestigious platforms in the writing realm!!! Afrose Saad-Bangladesh

"For me as a new member here just a few months ago, Poetry Planet is a home for all writers and aspiring writers like me. Despite differences in country, culture, language, and religion, Poetry planet brought us together in one passion, one emotion, one inspiration and motivation, one feeling, and one harmony through literature and writings. Poetry planet is a place for poetry lovers like me to enhanced and develop more my skills and learn more about the poetry world. Rosie B. Licudo-Hongkong 22

Poetry Planet is an amazing writing platform for writers around the world. There was time I didn't knew about different forms of poetry. I just used to spill my heart on paper, unaware of the different poetry writing techniques. I participated in competitions and challenges and my very first poem on PP was chosen for excellence award along with other poets around the globe. There was no looking back since then. I confess, my writing journey began with PP. It has been more than a year now with this amazing and encouraging group. I appreciate PP as a global friendship platform of like minded people who encourage each other's work. Thank you PP, founder, Admins and jurors for all your efforts put in to conduct challenges and competitions. Thank you PP for helping me grow as a writer. Poetry Planet publishes winning entries in an Anthology under the banner of Poetry Planet Publishing House, Philippines. An Amazing feeling to have your name in a book, along with established writers and authors is a dream come true for me. Thanks PP for accepting me. Another home on this planet - POETRY PLANET. Anjana Prasad -India My writings are bland, my pen begin to lost its ink until Poetry Planet invaded my world and my pen start its burning flame and I begin to scribble words and my writings become full of tastes and colour. Poetry planet gives me inspiration and motivation how to improve my words and challenged to come out of my comfort zone. Those aspiring and successful poets inspired me that I can do more. Poetry planet serves as a window for me to open my door in opportunities to grow and explore. From daily quotes challenges, to song N poetry challenges and metaphoric challenges we poets are trying our best to comply in these prompts. I see numerous poets international and I’m reading their amazing pieces and inspire me that I can do more and I can be one of them as well. Poetry planet serves as platform where we can share our emotions through our words serves as motivation to go on and keep our pen flaming. THANK YOU POETRY PLANET FOR BEING AN EYE OPENER TO OUR DREAMS Jenelyn Leyble - Philippines I joined Poetry Planet Group in September 2016 with my poem "ROSE PETALS" was awarded on 20th OF June, 2017. During the last five years I have composed more than 120 poems for the Group and Awarded with Certificates of Commendation, Artist of the Week, and Certificates of the Participation. Being a student of English Literature, English Poetry has remained my passion but I started writing only after my retirement from the Bank service. It's said that a person is always a learner and age has no bar. The Group has encouraged emerging poets like me. During this period my fifteen poems were published in their Anthologies. Poets were also educated of the different forms of the poetry like, Sonnet, Haiku, Tanka, Limericks, Ballad, up to more than 100 forms. I remember an incident when I won with my poem "PHOTOGRAPH". One of the Jury Member was not happy with the result but the Admin fought for me. I am thankful for that, resulting that it boosts me to write poems for other groups too, and there I won many Awards and my poems were published in the Anthologies. Pramod Saxena- India

In 2019 I was destined to be a member of POETRY PLANET. As if the Almighty provided me with a platform to quench my inherent thirst to write poems in English. Though I have a good deal of publications in my mother tongue ODIA, to write poems in English was a great fascination for me. Before becoming a member, I was translating my ode poems of two or three lines in to English .After becoming a member ,there were themes of varied colors before me to compose poems. I have been intuitively prompted to do mini research on any theme allotted. In some of my first attempts I was unaccepted by the group .In stead of being disheartened , I had drawn self inspiration and had determined to go ahead. I started reading a lot and attempted every possible competition presented by the group. My joy knew no bounds while I discovered myself as appreciated one by the group .In course of time my name figured in Excellence list . Self confidence evolved in me to attempt more and more competitions. When my poem found a place in the book anthology: LEGACY, I was overjoyed. I have every thanks for Esteemed Poetess Lovely Garcia who stood as a constant source of inspiration for me. She is so encouraging and generous . One incident I must mention here .Due to some technical problem I had failed to submit my story for an anthology organized by her .She understood my problem and allowed me to submit within a stipulated time .Surprisingly she accepted the script with an inspirational comment. This group has many a time shown its greatness by open heartedly accepting all entries for its certain anthologies which has immensely encouraged poets all over the world contributing their original thoughts. Besides this group has been very educative to me by making me to learn different techniques and styles. The Almighty bless its members with good health, peace, prosperity, security and shining creativity . Long live POETRY PLANET. Dr Amiya Rout - India Poetry Planet is an International poetry group on Facebook. It is a group with more than 50,000 members comprising poets, readers and other intellectuals from all over the world. I joined this group three year back with a purpose to improve my literary activities through writing poems, taking part in poetry contests and reading poems of various tastes written by renowned poets from different parts of the world. Within these three years, I noticed a lot of improvements in my writing abilities. All the poetry contests conducted by this group make me engaged in my literary activities for few hours in almost all days. I learnt to write poems of different forms and tastes and on different topics. I have learnt a lot from the writings of several budding and veteran poets. This group periodically invites poems, stories from all the member poets and publishes the poems received for the purpose in the anthologies. These anthologies are made available in online stores like Amazon, Lulu etc. Thus my poems and several poems of other poets are made available to a larger section of readers all over the world. These create high morale in me and energize me in writing more and more poems. I participate in almost all activities in the group and learn a lot from writings of other poets. There is a tremendous growth in my literary activities. The administrator, moderators and judges in this group are very much thorough about their responsibilities. The beauty of this group is that, each poem written in the group are read, judged and appreciated by the juries. The members in this group are very cordial in nature. All these make the group a wonderful one. I must swear that I have written more than 900 English poems till date, out of which almost half the poems are posted in this group. I have a personal liking for this group and wish more and more success of the group. Kishor Kumar Mishra- India

POETRY CORNER SILVER STREAK LINING

“In the fast and fleeting lives, I will be the only one to thrive and survive. With my true inner self “

I am the Silver Lining in a cloudy sky. I am the buried treasure you try to hide. I am the sunshine piercing through the clouds. Just like the Sunrise I want to love you out loud. Songs of love, are my heart’s desire. When I think about you, I catch on fire. Through my silver lining, I have reached many peaks. My heart and soul is yours, as my mouth speaks, I’ll be the silver lining. Like the police are to their law. I’ll be the Bright light that protects you. When you are about to have a great fall.

I will cover in my lining when life turns dark. You will never hear the howling wolves or dogs that bark. My lining is vintage it’s been around for a while. I am here for you all the time my child. My love for you will never run out. I am the tiniest bud...beginning to bloom and sprout. I am the Silver Lining that comes from Heaven above. Just keep your Faith in the Him because He was sent with Love.

“Reach the moonlit while climbing up the mountain to mark your final destination.” Dimithri Wijerathna Daily Quote Challenge Winner

ENCHANTED If eyes were ocean In her's will I gladly drown And till the last breath is chocked My face will hold no frown She's a rare gem Locked in the body of a human More precious than diamonds she is Hence my jewel Her beauty is out of this world It glows like the rising sun Best described as Enchanting and mermaidy

Her laughter is like the eagle's egg You don't easily get it But when you do It's more soothing than a healing balm A thousand sapphires can't compete with her eyes Sometimes I think am staring at the skies Burning with blue flames They can hold any man spellbound And melt his soul like ice Yet when she smiles A million stars twinkle I must be enchanted For everything I see seems mesmerizing. C.I. Nwagod Chinagorom Song N’ poetry Challenge Winner

"Me, Myself and I"

He Was Tempted

I am a particle of the Universe Born on 1968- year of the monkey I am a wild traveler--unstoppable in every journey I'm a curious explorer and a poor passenger at all times I am a pilgrim- the forest is my home They say I'm a sightseer- never fear of great heights I am also a tourist to every jungle, near and far I, myself, am a wanderer of nature- a tripper, a trekker, a globetrotter I am an excursionists in this paradise land My Zodiac sign is Leo- symbolized by a lion I am silent but roar like a lion- confident to my own voice I speak loud and clear--frank yet honest and true I lead my people who trust me, and conquered my world as their world, too I love peace but I boldly fight for the sake of my beloved I let no one trespasses my rights for I seldom trust I am tested by trials and time But the truth is, they call me King- a king without a crown I'm a poet, a budding poet In my soul runs images, pictures and ideas I have the spirit of a brave neophyte, but I also have the soul of a humble master I read literatures from East to west, from the past and present - about gods and heroes, about war and freedom and even about the strange things in my life I write at my bests as my own masterpieces I compose songs, I pen prayers in my own unique verses I write like a child who loves nursery rhymes I write like a prisoner who is worthy of freedom Sunrise and sunset, hope and darkness are my favorite themes This is me, I, myself Alone but not lonely, dreaming the impossible I may die a poet but my poems rise.

Ah! The exquisitely beautiful lady, How could he resist the temptation, Of peeping through the keyhole? What a marvelous sight! The lovely lady undressing slowly. It was not a decent thing to do, he knew, Invading her privacy, like a peeping Tom, But he was no saint, and she was so seductive, Why did she keep him out and lock the door? Why was she playing hard to get? He could gaze at her loveliness forever, And through the keyhole, She looked so enticing, Looking at herself in the mirror, And slowly shedding her clothes. He wanted to crush her in his arms, And whisper sweet words into her ears, But today she had kept him out, Perhaps she wanted to tease him, Oh well, he would try his luck again next week. Copyright Vasudha Pansare Ekphrastic Poetry Challenge Winner

“The awakening of the raging waves riding in the sky cannot hinder the radiance of the sun that is beaming in my heart” -Katrina Black Butterfli Captured Emotions Daily Quote Challenge Winner

GAME OF THRONES

PLEDGE OF LOVE

He's regarded as the Alpha Male Many titles, infinitely powerful Helios or Titan, Apollo or Surya Of unsurpassed glory, blinding and fiery

I have loved you more than anyone. I have loved you since we become one. I am not the way I used to be. I am stronger and wiser, as you can see.

Golden ball of energy Hypnotizing astrophysicists and astrologers Spinning celestial marvels of life A mystery for scientists as well as saints. Closer home than the colossus The Crescent Moon plays the coy seducer Her brilliance and bashfulness Bemuses the ardent charioteer Oh Serene Selene! Dazzling Diana! Purest Phoebe! Lustrous Luna! Oh Constantly Changing Chandrama! A Divine Courtship is this? The male suitor and his elusive bewitcher? Or an astronomical Game of Thrones? Whatever! Mesmerized mankind is By the sheer glamour of the Sun and Moon.

YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND! I am the "Open, Sesame" of life Your wish is my command! Do you desire riches without compare? I am the door to the treasure house Do you hunger and thirst for knowledge? Curiosity is the key to unlock my secrets Do you yearn for a taste of wisdom? Come through me and have your fill Whatever your wishes I will grant your request No matter how big your dream Come to me and it will become real

Remember my words, my darling said, As he hugged me and kissed my head. Be my lady and have a family on our own, Raise our children and love you as I have shown. I will always be here to lend a hand, To help and guide you when you don't understand. Somehow I believed his words, I'd seen He was not the man he promised to be. Sadly, he was a man who did not care. He abandoned us because he was never there. I often cry myself late at night to sleep. The ideal man's love was not mine to keep. I miss you, darling, I won't lie. Not a single hug or one last goodbye. Too sad, he is now a man free to roam, Not worrying about his family or even coming home. He walked out of our lives and never turned his way. Oh, why my darling, why didn't you stay? Copyright Ailenemae Ramos Words In Motion Poetry Challenge Winner

I am the door to a world of limitless possibilities No one comes knocking To whom entry is denied None comes asking To whom answers are refused Whoever looks in Will not remain locked out To those who turn their backs The door is closed and under lock And the key hidden in a book.

CAPTURED MOMENTS

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE 6 years ago, I created POETRY PLANET, conducted poetry challenges; issued the first certificates given in a Facebook group... and also, I initiated the publishing of book anthologies. The purpose is simple; to help aspiring writers reach their dreams… Then groups started to imitate me, now, every time I open my news feed, I see different styles, designs of certificates from countless groups, who also conduct their poetry competitions... Invitations for book anthologies are everywhere as they discovered free publishing online... It is humbling on my part that we started it all… But seeing that almost all are doing the same, I started to think, should I continue when everyone is practicing it when I can no longer give certificate will they still join in my poetry games? When everyone is compiling for book anthology? Should I continue publishing? Those questions popped out in my mind… Sometimes it annoys me when a new idea comes out in my head and when I start to apply in the group, the next day, it is practiced in another group… and they tried to make it better… One friend told me, life is nothing when there is no imitation; it is dull when none use you for their gain… But I do believe in the uniqueness a budding poet possesses that needs to enhance, that is the reason that I continue with my advocacy, the reason why Poetry Planet remains standing despite all the challenges I encountered, for many that joined the group and left for greener pasture, I am happy that because of this humbling group, they were able to reach their dreams… For that continued to support me, I thank them with heart. To thank each one that continued to support the group and the poetry challenges, a new idea sprung into my thought… The reason this magazine was created. The aim of this magazine is to highlight and recognize successful budding writers that were able to publish their own books, and talented aspirants, believing and boosting their abilities though they are still new in the field of writing. For our first issue of the magazine, we will be featuring recent book anthologies published by yours truly, and how many poets from around the globe were able to reach their dreams because of Poetry Planet. Watch out for future issues soon to come out internationally. Marites Ritumalta

INCLUDED ARTISTS FOR THIS ISSUE Featured Authors:  Angel Bryan Ocampo - Philippines  Sudha Dixit - India  Kolongs Victor - Nigeria  Samuella Conteh - Sierra Leone  Maria Dulce Leitao Reis - Portugal  Daniel Miltz - USA  Deluke Muwanigwa - Zimbabwe Featured Books -Born to Dream: Foreword by Tanushi Singh Featured poem by Roland Joseph Perez -Words In Motion: Foreword by Gigi Balita Featured poem by Selma Kopic -Lockdown Diaries: Foreword by Tess Ritumalta Featured story by Pelden Wangchuk -Dancing With Death: Foreword by Daniel Miltz Featured poem by Nimfa Vasquez Mateo -Spotlight: Foreword by Tanushi Singh Featured poem by Gowri Bhargav

Featured Stories -Jeanne de Guzman -Dex Amoroso Testimonials  Kate Baker-loveday  Swati Das  Daniel Miltz  Pappa Jalo  Vee Barnes  Maid Corbic  Ellen Retoma  Ollga Farmacistja  Khachab Dorji  Victor Wesonga  Mcrawlings Lekeaka  Rema Tabangcura  Duška Kontid  Afrose Saad  Rosie B. Licudo  Anjana Prasad  Jenelyn Leyble  Pramod Saxena Amiya Rout  Kishor Kumar Mishra

Poetry Corner  Marion Remnant Parish  Ketki Jalan  Dimithri Wijerathna  C.I. Nwagod Chinagorom  Elmer Buduan Gamulo  Vasudha Pansare  Katrina Black Butterfli  Nandita De  Ailenemae Ramos  Liege Lord lanre Captured Moments Photos  Ellen Retoma  Sudha Dixit  Britney Marie  Durbadal Ghibela  Olivia Hidlebaugh-Cool  Richarddonna McCabe  Nandita Dee  Elmer Buduan Gamulo  Meenakshi Dwivedi  Ma'm Ella  Daisie Vergara  Maria Dulce leitao reis  Anjana Prasad  Dolo Res, Eliza Segiet  Bernadette Reyes  Lord Lanre