Selected Poems For Children
Fabrizio Frosini & Poets Unite Worldwide
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Poems by
Alexandro Acevedo Johns, Chile
Ellias Anderson, Iran
Saadat Tahir Ali, Pakistan/KSA
Anna Banasiak, Poland
Abhilasha Bhatt, India
Sheryl Deane, South Africa
Richard Deodati, USA
Vera Dike, Czech Republic
Fabrizio Frosini, Italy
Alem Hailu G/Kristos, Ethiopia
Istabraq Rafea Gharkan, Iraq
Simone Inez Harriman, New Zealand
Birgitta Abimbola Heikka, Nigeria/USA
Afrooz Jafarinoor, Iran
Vincent Chizoba John, Nigeria
Joji Varghese Kuncheria, India/Oman
Su Jen Lin, Taiwan
Mallika Menon, India
Leloudia Migdali, Greece
Bharati Nayak, India
Valsa George Nedumthallil, India
Margaret O’Driscoll, Ireland
Marcondes Pereira Da Silva De Mesquita, Brazil
Sarah Persson, UK
Rini Shibu Pullampallil, India/Kuwait
Al Ream, USA
Marianne Larsen Reninger, USA
Govinda Rimal, Bhutan
Kirti Sharma, India
Anzelyne Shideshe, Kenya/Germany
Udaya R. Tennakoon, Sri Lanka
Tze-Min Ition Tsai, Taiwan
Savita Tyagi, USA
Hans Van Rostenberghe, Belgium/Malaysia
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Editorial Project by
Fabrizio Frosini
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Editorial Board:
Richard Deodati, Fabrizio Frosini
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Selected Poems For Children
By Fabrizio Frosini and Poets Unite Worldwide
Published by Fabrizio Frosini at Shakespir
Copyright 2017 Fabrizio Frosini
Editorial project by Fabrizio Frosini
Anthology of Poetry
Poems by:
Alexandro Acevedo Johns, Ellias Anderson, Saadat Tahir Ali, Anna Banasiak, Abhilasha Bhatt, Sheryl Deane, Richard Deodati, Vera Dike, Fabrizio Frosini, Alem Hailu G/Kristos, Istabraq Rafea Gharkan, Simone Inez Harriman, Birgitta Abimbola Heikka, Afrooz Jafarinoor, Vincent Chizoba John, Joji Varghese Kuncheria, Su Jen Lin, Mallika Menon, Leloudia Migdali, Bharati Nayak, Valsa George Nedumthallil, Margaret O’Driscoll, Marcondes Pereira Da Silva De Mesquita, Sarah Persson, Rini Shibu Pullampallil, Al Ream, Marianne Larsen Reninger, Govinda Rimal, Kirti Sharma, Anzelyne Shideshe, Udaya R. Tennakoon, Ition Tsai, Savita Tyagi, Hans Van Rostenberghe
Cover: image from Pixabay.com, used under Creative Commons CC0
All rights reserved
ISBN 9781370673759
Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the Authors, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for respecting the work of the Authors.
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«What a naughty boy was that
To try to drown poor pussy cat!»
‘Ding, dong, bell’, Nursery Rhyme
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Table of Contents
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The Poems
Authors’ Biographies
Poets Unite Worldwide
Other Books Published
Where to find us
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«Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity,
There never was a Cat of such deceitfulness and suavity.
He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare:
At whatever time the deed took place—MACAVITY WASN’T THERE!»
Thomas Stearns Eliot, ‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat’
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es
Time to go to bed? Read a poem to your small child —or grandchild. A poem before sleeping is the best way to enter the world of dreams..
(Fabrizio Frosini, Italy)
This “Poetry Book for Children” is a compilation of poems by poets from all four corners of the globe, of whose country of origin, race, creed and color transcends any differences therein; and whose art and intellect have combined to present to the world of a child this lovely collection of verse, out of both the love of children and for the pleasure of poetry lovers everywhere (and even for those who don’t like poetry!). From the humorous to the cantankerous to the downright silly and wise, the content between these pages will likely put a smile on an otherwise frowning face and can even brighten a cloudy or rainy day. Written by poets of all ages and backgrounds, the craft herein is both timeless and endearing; something to cherish and keep handy for future inspiration, or just to read as you go about your normal everyday routine. Read and Enjoy!
(Richard Deodati, USA)
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My heartfelt thanks to my American co-editor, Richard Deodati, and the other poets of this Anthology: this book is the product of the commitment of all of them.
(Fabrizio Frosini)
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«Faster than fairies, faster than witches,
Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches;»
Robert Louis Stevenson, ‘From a Railway Carriage’
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The Poems
~ Poems for children up to 6 years old ~
Alexandro Acevedo Johns, ‘Magic Friend’
Ellias Anderson, ‘Chocolate scoop’
Saadat Tahir Ali, ‘Mom’s on whatsApp’
Anna Banasiak, ‘The Wizard Comb’
Vera Dike, ‘The Boogie’
Fabrizio Frosini, ‘Grandma & Grandchild’
Joji Varghese Kuncheria, ‘A Child’s Song’
Su Jen Lin, ‘Wow, it’s especial!’
Leloudia Migdali, ‘Little Red Tomato’
Valsa George Nedumthallil, ‘My Pussy Cat Speaks’
Margaret O’Driscoll, ‘Children’s Nature Guide’
Marcondes Pereira Da Silva De Mesquita, ‘Magic Pencil’
Sarah Persson, ‘Fishing With Dad’
Rini Shibu Pullampallil, ‘Three rounds for small children’
Al Ream, ‘Seasons’
Govinda Rimal, ‘My mama told’
Kirti Sharma, ‘Mesmerizing’
Udaya R. Tennakoon, ‘Kinder Father’
Savita Tyagi, ‘A Baboon’s Dream’
Hans Van Rostenberghe, ‘The donkey-monkey’
~ Poems for children aged 7 to 10 ~
Abhilasha Bhatt, ‘A letter to Mommy’
Sheryl Deane, ‘Little Boy, Beautiful child’
Richard Deodati, ‘Sweet Memories Passed On’
Alem Hailu G/Kristos, ‘A King Born’
Istabraq Rafea Gharkan, ‘A Child’s Eternal Song’
Simone Inez Harriman, ‘Baxter’
Birgitta Abimbola Heikka, ‘My Iroko Tree’
Afrooz Jafarinoor, ‘Say no to home’
Chizoba Vincent John, ‘A Tale To Tell My Mother’
Mallika Menon, ‘A Gift from God’
Bharati Nayak, ‘Oh my child!’
Marianne Larsen Reninger, ‘Sweet Cherries’
Anzelyne Shideshe, ‘Sing Along Long’
Ition Tsai, ‘Grandpa’s Loofah Shed’
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«The clock struck one.
The mouse ran down,
Hickory Dickory Dock.»
‘Hickory Dickory Dock’, Nursery Rhyme
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~ Poems for children up to 6 years old ~
Alexandro Acevedo Johns
Magic Friend
I’m your imaginary friend
when you are alone
and you’re feeling off
on your smartphone
I give to you sweets
without control
if you run and dance
every day a lot
I’m a galactic hero
with millions of drones,
you and I can help children
that are looking for homes
Because animals
are also my friends,
from circuses and zoos
I release to them
I bet you don’t know
that I’m inside
your puppy’s tail
showing our happiness
I only beg of you
that when you grow up
just call me sometime,
and I’ll answer
direct to your heart.
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Ellias Aghili Dehnavi
Chocolate scoop
Me, Amy, Matthew and John
In a plain of Jonquil run.
Amy a butterfly chases
Big smiles on our faces.
Me, Amy, John and Matthew
Try a game which is new,
Who catches a white moth wins
Amy smiles, John grins.
One.. two.. and three I caught
Amy waits her shoes to knot.
John caught one and Matthew none.
YAY, the game as usual I won.
Mr. Anderson, the ice cream man
Who said he has visited Iran,
Calls us to eat some ice creams
Of happiness Amy screams.
Since forever we’re a group
Always we eat the same chocolate scoop,
We laugh, jump and eat
Who cares if his clothes remain neat?
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Saadat Tahir Ali
Mom’s on whatsApp
Waving and saying some words to me.
How do I tell mom… umm, oops, pee.
Bag by her side she’s ready to go.
My little nosy, it needs to blow.
My porridge is all over the place.
And egg yolk smeared all over my face.
Coo coo, Aba dabba goo boo goo.
Mom’s on whatsApp! What shall I do?
Smiling at the cell for like an hour.
Texting and pacing near her car.
Waved me goodbye as nanny walked in.
Banged her head and made a din.
Stuck in this high chair far too long.
I’ve tried crying and my coo coo song.
Coo coo, Aba dabba goo boo goo.
Sheena’s on whatsApp! What shall I do?
As Sheena’s trying to wipe my mouth.
There goes mom, tearing down south.
Wish I could bathe, splash in water
Crawl at will in the grassy quarter.
I want to play with molly all day.
Not sit here stuck in a window bay.
Coo coo, Aba dabba goo boo goo.
Molly’s wagging her tail! What shall I do?
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Anna Banasiak
The Wizard Comb
Hidden under the books, surrounded by pens.
White —but he has a soul of gold in a sense.
He wants to fly away from the table.
Maybe then the world would be…
more wonderful.
My once favorite subject of play… with a doll;
Now broken and abandoned under the wall.
He was replaced by a NEW,
much bigger and colorful too.
I tell him of sorrows and fears.
He consoles me, wiping away all my tears,
and brings all the children sweet dreams…
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Vera Dike
The Boogie
(everyone deserves to be loved…)
I.
Mrs. Boogie
She is fat and she farts
but she has a good heart.
Since morning till late at night
she cares about her Boogie child.
She puts on the floral dress
then she cleans up the boogie-mess.
At the stove, in a big pot
she cooks froggy-snake soup.
She sets nice table cloths;
in the garden she picks roses,
in the oven she bakes cookies,
because she loves Mr. Boogie.
II.
Mr. Boogie
The claws, the fangs, his eyes all red:
he hides himself under the bed,
waiting for mom to switch off the light
wishing you a very “good night”.
Grinch’s smiles and ugly hands
he comes from scary lands.
Close your eyes, cover your ears..
go, run fast to your dreams!
Bony fingers, crooked teeth,
he’d like to grab your feet.. But
hug your pillow and sleep well,
Mr. Boogie can go to hell!
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Fabrizio Frosini
Grandma & Grandchild
(a small poem for small children)
Grandma is going to take a nap in the garden.
I feel a little sleepy, honey; I’m going to rest for a while.
Do not make noise, my little darling. Ok?
Yes.. Sure.. Have a good nap, gran.
Slurp.. slurp.. slurp…
Uh-uh.. what’s that sloppy sucking noise!
It’s the dog that’s slurping, granny.
Chirp.. chirp.. chirp..
And what about that noise from up the tree?
It’s the twittering of birds, gran.
Meow.. meow.. meow.. Hissss…
Stop that, little darling, stop that.. Silence, please.
Not me. Two cats are meowling and hissing.
Buzzzzz.. Buzzzzz.. Buzzzzz..
Ohh.. what now? It’s impossible to sleep, here!
Uh-uh.. There’s a large hornet’s nest on the tree,
right above your head, granny.
Gosh! Let’s go, let’s go.. hurry up!
Don’t want to kick a hornets’ nest..
Besides, I’m not sleepy anymore.
__________
Grandma’s note:
[a tip for grandchild:] no slurping when eating. Take small bites and chew thoroughly with your mouth closed. Shh! Keep your voice down —and don’t smile.. :))
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‘Grandma & Grandchild’, Italian version
La nonna e il nipotino
(una poesiola per i più piccoli)
La nonna vuole fare un pisolino in giardino.
Ho un po’ di sonno, tesoro; vado a riposarmi un pochino
Non fare rumore, per favore.
Certo nonna. Buon sonnellino!
Slurp.. slurp.. slurp..
Uh-uh.. cos’è questo fastidioso rumore di risucchio!
È il cane che fa rumore bevendo, nonna.
Chirp.. chirp.. chirp..
E questo rumore dall’alto dell’albero?
Sono gli uccelli che cinguettano.
Meow.. meow.. meow.. Hissss…
Oh.. basta, piccolo caro, basta: fai silenzio, per favore.
Ma non sono io, nonna: sono due gatti che miagolano e si azzuffano.
Buzzzzz.. Buzzzzz.. Buzzzzz..
Ohh.. cosa c’é adesso? È proprio impossibile dormire!
Uh-uh… C’è un grande nido di calabroni sull’albero, nonnina
Ed è proprio sopra la tua testa.
Perbacco! Via, via.. andiamo via!
Meglio stare lontani dai calabroni!
E poi.. non ho più sonno.
__________
Nota della nonna:
[un suggerimento per il nipotino:] non fare rumore quando mangi; dai piccoli morsi e mastica accuratamente, con la bocca chiusa.
Shh! Abbassa la voce —e non ridere.. :))
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Joji Varghese Kuncheria
A Child’s Song
1.
I’m a little lamb
So meek and mild and gentle
God’s own creation
2.
I’m a butterfly
Fly majestic on my wings
I go merry round
3.
Angel am I
Blue and sparkling eyes I have
Angels are jealous
4.
Small bee am I
I roam around for honey
Making no money
5.
I love drinking milk
Mom is sad, I am sad
My poor little calf
6.
I’m always pampered
I am a joy to all
I cry though for toys
7.
I am a dove
Long to fly high up the sky
Not an eagle though
8.
Great joy I am
I am born of great pain
I love my sweet Mom
9.
I’m a little child
As sweet as other children
Bubbles of the air
10.
I cycle around
In my tricycle often
I’m a life cycle
11.
I’m admired always
There’s a nation inside me
You can see it though
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Su Jen Lin
Wow, it’s especial!
During the day,
A plane was in the blue sky.
It flew high and far away.
There were many dragonflies
in the flowers.
They lifted their heads and looked up.
“Wow, it’s especial!”
exclaimed they,
“When did our companion fly to heaven?”
During the night,
Many fireflies were between the grasses.
They were happy,
and carrying the lanterns everywhere.
There were many stars in the sky.
They bowed their heads and looked down
“Wow, it’s especial!”
exclaimed they,
“When did our friends fall to the ground?”
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Leloudia Migdali
Little Red Tomato
Little Red Tomato is so terribly sad
Her mother does not like her playing
All of her friends she thinks are bad
No matter what she keeps saying.
The Potato is so totally unclean
The Eggplant indescribably dark
The French Bean not even to be seen
The Pepper dotted with huge marks.
The Onion, Garlic and Broccoli
Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, as well
They cannot even talk properly
Do they not horribly smell?
What a joy little daughter treasures like gold
At her Birthday party she holds
How cool and fun all her friends to be told
What a surprise her mother beholds!
Color, taste, look or smell
Are not the needed traits to care
Kindness and Politeness you can tell
Are the rare goods real friends share.
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Valsa George Nedumthallil
My Pussy Cat Speaks
I am a cute little pussy cat
I love to lie on my mama’s cot
I always chase the ugly rat
That comes to gnaw at my master’s hat
I wear a striped coat of fur
When I relax, my tail I stir
You know it is milk, I prefer
You can hear me sing a refrain–‘purr’?
On my face I have pointed whiskers
But nothing as those of the tuskers
Sharp are my ears, that I catch all whispers
I have claws as piercing as pincers
Everywhere I freely wander
When I am at rest I always ponder
When pulled down from the border
I land on my legs, a real wonder
By nature I am very cool
But don’t take me to be a fool
Some see me as a ball of wool
Fish often makes my mouth drool
I am everybody’s darling pet
Those who see me give a gentle pat
None can hate me, I shall bet
At night I wander like a bat
I have a pair of gleaming eyes
They are of the shade of blue skies
When I meow, each rat in terror flies
Between cats and mice, there’s no compromise
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Margaret O’Driscoll
Children’s Nature Guide
In January see all the bulbs shooting
They even push up through the snow
In February look out for frog spawn
Check along little ponds as you go
In March the earth is warming
Sow seeds, plant a small tree
In April lambs will be prancing
Many birds’ nests you will see
In May walk in bluebell woods
Use ramsoms with their garlicky scent
In June forage for sorrel
Watercress, nettles and mint
In July enjoy watching the swallows
That have migrated over the sea
In August snack on bilberries
Collect juicy wild damsoms for free
In September pick some blackberries
Make jam or eat them with cream
In October gather sweet chestnuts
Walnuts and hazelnuts a forager’s dream
In November see the many berries
Watch leaves whipped up in a storm
In December gather fallen pine cones
Paint scenes by the fire and stay warm
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Marcondes Pereira
Magic Pencil
We may do something more than write
when we use a pencil, ‘cos we can let fly
all the things we create,
as a strong hero, or a colorful butterfly.
A robot, with five or six squares;
with an oval, we may draw a shortcake;
a funny snowman with three spheres;
with a rectangle, a long cake.
We may do more than a letter or a line
when we use a pencil, ‘cos we don’t hide
all the things we can imagine.
Let’s free our thoughts inside!
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Sarah Persson
Fishing With Dad
I’d love to go out fishing with my dad on summer days,
We’d cast our rods at shallow tide and sit and watch the waves,
Before too long the rod would twitch, we’d catch those crafty fish,
Then take them home for mum to make her tasty fishy dish.
I loved the times I shared with dad,
Such treasured hours for this young lad,
So any little chance of that,
I’d grab my rod and fishing hat,
We’d laugh and chat and whistle tunes,
Whilst fishing ‘tween the rocks and dunes.
When coming home to show the catch,
No better feeling could you match,
When waiting for my mum’s embrace,
A smile so wide just filled my face.
So many times she’d made that dish,
But every time, just so delish,
My mum’ and dad’s traditional ways,
Had brought such joy to this lad’s days.
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Rini Shibu Pullampallil
Three rounds for small children
I.
Clean Hands
Clean, my hands are clean
Yes no Germs are seen
Soap your hands everyday
To take off your sickness, away.
Mamma says wash before food
Dada says yes you could
Grandma says no more flu
Grandpa says you are clean, very true.
II.
Ant Family
We march in line left and right
Army to fight with nasty bites
We hug and kiss when we greet
We love to eat lots of sweets
We carry crumbs very much heavy
Store the food in our colony
Red and black is our color
So tiny no wonder
We are the ant family
And move quite happily.
III.
Little Bunnies
Behind the tree playing hide and seek
Under the bushes no one can speak
Hopping and jumping two little bunnies
Enjoying the play though it was sunny.
Little bunnies found a big carrot
Started fighting for the carrot
Mammy rabbit thought of a trick
Send to a farm with the chicks.
Little bunnies slowly munching
Again the two started punching
Chewing and crunching, so yummy
Lovely little bunnies, always funny.
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Al Ream
Seasons
O Summer, steam and heat,
Wavy lines upon the street,
Wash my face, perspire and flow
Evening skies with sunshine glow.
O Autumn, cobalt sky,
Electric air that crackles dry,
Sugars up the pumpkin rind,
Neighbors trade their crops in kind.
O Winter, blue and white,
Lawn of rye all green and bright,
Cat and dog upon the rug,
In a sunbeam, sleeping snug.
O Spring and tulip flower,
Bee that travels hour to hour,
Coax the sheep to clip your grass,
Golf-green smooth and unsurpassed.
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Govinda Rimal
My mama told
We live near the shore
In the wild and lonely moor
Here, summer days are bore
Cloud slowly soar
Pitter patter it starts to pour,
And my mama told
Hey! Baby doll,
Outside it is cold.
When the rain is gone
The foggy dawn is blown
The cloud is ruptured and torn
the sun is once again born,
And my mama told
Hey! Baby doll,
Outside isn’t cold.
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Kirti Sharma
Mesmerizing
Fly, fly miss butterfly,
fly along the wind.
The colors so bright,
your wings shine,
you mesmerize me.
Run, run king lion,
run around the trees.
Fastest of all,
jaws so strong,
you mesmerize me.
Swim, swim little fish,
swim along the sea.
The sparkling skin,
those tiny fins,
you mesmerize me.
But these tall trees,
standing everywhere,
no movement is seen.
Your branches spreading
across my balcony,
you too mesmerize me.
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Udaya R. Tennakoon
Kinder Father
You invite me to sing and dance
To the playing background songs
Dancing with you.. never I have sung
Words and rhythm incomplete, incomplete
Clap, clap, step, step.. I sing with you
Beating the rhythm on the floor together
Not in my childhood I have done so
It is so beautiful to be with you
“Johnny, Johnny”… Yes papa?
“Eating sugar?”.. No papa.
“Telling lies?”.. No papa.
“Open your mouth!… hah… Ha-ha”
On the bed, in the night, there´s a theater
Sing the song of you and me, of how it is together
Sleeping time is passing by, shouts mother
“Wait a while!” Change the role, order of your master
“Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?”
“Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full!
One for the master, one for the dame,
And one for the little boy, who lives down the lane”
Who is the Master, who is the dame?
And who is the little boy who lives down the lane?
After the song, there’s calm on the bed
Story of the world in a tale I have to tell
Why and why, how and why
How can I answer to all of your “why”
Why and why, how and why
Unending why.. but it’s time to go to sleep
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Savita Tyagi
A Baboon’s Dream
Once there was a Baboon.
His name was Balloon.
He saw a balloon flying
And said to himself,
“My name is Balloon
I will fly above the lagoon.”
He climbed on a tree,
Raised his hands,
Bent his knees
And flew like a bee.
But instead of flying
With a thump he fell
Moaning and crying.
His ma and pa came on searching
And found him gloating
With the thought of floating.
When spring was in the air,
Ma and Pa took him to a fair.
They put him in the basket
Fastened with a balloon in the market.
The owner took him to Balloon festival
They both flew high above the carnival.
Baboon was happy and singing
When he heard the bell ringing.
Just then
Ma came down to wake him up
He was getting late for the school bus.
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Hans Van Rostenberghe
The donkey-monkey
There was a little monkey,
who behaved a bit like a donkey
He had good looks
But did not like books
He had a fast mind
But rarely was kind
He thought he was the best
Ignored and bullied the rest
And then there was one of his brothers
Who was always caring for others
His looks were not that good
But he read as many books as he could
His learning was a little bit slow.
He was humble and kept his voice low
He was gentle and anyone would find
That this little monkey was almost always kind
Now tell me, my dear friend
Who do you think in the end
Was the happiest monkey?
The one behaving as a donkey?
Or the one who kept his voice low?
I am perfectly sure, the answer you know
*
~ Poems for children aged 7 to 10 ~
Abhilasha Bhatt
A letter to Mommy
Hey, mommy! How are you.
Hope you are fine there,
Up in the sky with uncle moon.
Say my hello and give my wishes to him.
From dawn I was missing you
And from dusk, when uncle Sun went to his bed,
I was waiting for you to come.
Why you do not come to meet me in every daylight…
I asked daddy but he said you are a big star angel now;
You have to help lots of little children who need your help,
But I too want to live life with you, mommy:
You and I haven’t together from my two birthdays.
I waited for you to wish me by your lovely sweet kisses
You used to give early in the first light and late in sleep time.
Where are you, mommy;
I am missing you so much.
Daddy says you will come one day,
But when you will come
Take me with you up high in the sky
Where you live with grandma and grandpa.
Daddy loves me a lot and plays with me
But I want to live with you too.
Why me, daddy, and you can’t live together
Like my other friends mommy?
I miss you a lot mommy.
*
Sheryl Deane
Little Boy, Beautiful child
Little boy, Beautiful child
The world is your embrace
All is light and fearlessness
While untamed animals dance with you
By the lake
Wild Flowers open in your gaze
Their perfume rising like butterflies
Fluttering in the warm breeze
Leading your path ahead
Little boy, beautiful child
Your heart beats strong
Wash clean the battered shores
Of adult greed and pain
Take us to a place
Of Peace
Teach us all you know
Show us how to feel
Guide us to wisdom
Bathe us in your childhood delight
Little Boy, beautiful child
Your cries wrench grown hearts
And helpless innocence breaks fierce souls
Those that hurt you are cursed
For generations of war
Will spill from your innocent wounds
And infect cities to empty retreat
Forgive us little boy,
Unfreeze the cruelty of adults
Show us the path we lost when
We focused on being grown-up
Little boy, Beautiful Child
Stay with us always.
*
Richard Deodati
Sweet Memories Passed On
Baseball, football, basketball and more,
Dogs ears, rabbit’s feet and cat’s paws galore;
I wish I had a movie reel of all the fun I had,
Chasing after dreams that night I played Sir Galahad!
Apple dumplings, peach ice creams, banana bread du jour,
Grape nut flakes and blueberry pies,
Carrying black currant dreams home from the store;
All good things from sugar cone toppings
To marmalade cakes in your
Big bowl of luscious lemon drop soup
In the days of yester yore.
Now let me tell you all about
Just what sweet memories I’ve had,
And of all the games I played when I
Was but a younger lad;
Still,
I never once thought I’d lose them all or have to tell them all goodbye.
Because of all the chances that I’ve had,
(And all the times I tried)
Of all those times I tied myself up in hopes
Of keeping those dreams inside.
But once I flinched, I grew up and I pinched,
And away flew those dreams to hide,
Yet I’ll never forget how my mother once said,
As she was tucking me into my bed,
By my side…
“My son, you must always remember
To make it a habit like we did with the rabbit’s foot
And to not play around but instead,
Before each night as you get into your bed,
To teach YOUR son how to love and have fun
While he’s young and so full of good temper.”
*
Alem Hailu G/Kristos
A King Born
Once upon a time there was an old king
Who used to worry about only one thing
“Surely one day I will pass away!”
As many I advise, among my sons,
The wiser the heir, must take over
To govern my subjects better.
Next to God, to corporeal things
Who is above,
I want to check the strength of
My sons’ filial love.
Thus his sons he called to: “How much
do you love me? Respond!”
Answered the elder,
“I love you like honey
That has no parallels any!”
He won the warm laughter, of his father.
“I love you like sugar, could honey be any better?”
Answered the second, thus a corner
He succeeded to cut in his father’s heart.
“I love you like a salt, as there is no fault
As missing this ingredient
In any dish, we want to relish!”
Said the youngest proving the wisest.
“Come over here! Take over my throne,
You are a king born!”
Replied the king feeling
From his heart the lifting
Up of something.
*
Istabraq Rafea Gharkan
A Child’s Eternal Song
Mama, mama sing for me
On the grass, under the tree.
Let my heart dance with your voice,
And let the world with me rejoice.
Sing for me while I play,
Sing for me all night and day,
For in your eyes I’ll live,
And hope your song for me will give.
Sing for me the song of love,
And write it on the stars above,
Or write it on the moon so bright
Or send it with the breeze at night
Where the flowers merrily bend
And their fragrance everywhere send
So that love will melt in the air
For our days to be nice and fair.
Sing for me to sing for you
Songs that fall as the morning dew
On your ears, cheeks and eyes
And on your heart to relieve your sighs.
And I’ll sing for you of the years
You kindled for me, and the tears
In sleepless nights you shed
Over me when sick in bed.
Mama with me will be all along
For she is my eternal song.
*
Simone Inez Harriman
Baxter
It wasn’t too cool on my first day of school
To be bullied, laughed at, and made a fool
By the biggest, meanest, toughest boy called Big Bully Bill
But that’s when I met Baxter, on that bad day at school
When I was being teased and taunted by Big Bully Bill
Out of thin air appeared Baxter, the little rebel rascal
Grinning and brimming with ploys to annoy
Because Baxter is a ghost of a very naughty boy
Baxter had scruffy black hair and was short and stout
And wore his black and white striped T-Shirt inside out
Laughing he told me that only I could see him
And that he’d come to teach Big Bully Bill a lesson
So Baxter stood on his shoelace with a grin on his face
Big Bully Bill tripped and ripped his pants in front of his mates
Later Big Bully Bill was flicking snot at me in class
Baxter stood behind him and did the loudest, stinkiest farts
Big Bully Bill was blamed and shamed for breaking wind
For the whole class booed and made fun of him
During assembly, Big Bully Bill kicked me hard in the shin
So Baxter chased a wasp into his clothes to sting him
Big Bully Bill ran screaming and ripping off his clothes
The wasp had gone down his pants I suppose
So bare-bummed Big Bully Bill ran out of school
Red-faced and feeling very much a fool
And everyone cracked up with laughter
Big Bully Bill would be the butt of jokes long after
Thank goodness Big Bully Bill did change
He let me alone and never bullied me again
So Baxter said goodbye as this fun was all done
For his awesome adventures had just begun
*
Birgitta Abimbola Heikka
My Iroko Tree
He stands strong and solid still
on the east corner of the marketplace
on Ewusi Street
where I played at six
and watched traders ply their treats.
“Pots and pans
stop and buy.
Beads and bracelets
for your wives.
Hot fried beans,
have we here
Bread from the bakery
just arrived
Fish fresh from the sea
makes for a sumptuous evening meal!”
Ages have passed since I was six
But on Ewusi Street, he still exists
Slightly bent but solid still
on the east corner of new high rises
for the rich
where once stood the marketplace
Wrapped around his tremendous trunk,
I see playing new kids
Sitting on those large limbs
that offered solace when I was six.
*
Afrooz Jafarinoor
Say no to home
Daddy is calling me
He wants to take me home
He says dinner is ready
But I don’t want to go home
I love the playground
Here everyone is happy
I like to bike round and round
No one gets angry at me
Mommy’s food is delicious
But I don’t like to eat
She is always anxious
It doesn’t sound sweet
I love the kids’ noise here
I play with them and even fight
But I hate the noise there
Mom and dad just fight and fight
Daddy tells me “Life is a game dear!”
But I don’t like to play where
I am always a loser.
Daddy, please, let me stay here!
*
Vincent Chizoba John
A Tale To Tell My Mother
She is the beauty of the day
Her smile opens the noon
Her laughter brightens the night.
She is the beauty of the day
Her teeth are the stars’ perfection
Her hair is the earth’s cover.
When she laughs, the world comes
Her face has the rainbow’s colors
I will write my name on her temple
She is the verses of poetry on my lips
Edifying humans future through purity
She is the love to whom love is love to.
Her tongue is the seas and the oceans
The golden cherubim clothed in holiness
A juicy saint created beyond description.
On her chest I will live till eternity calls
She is the brightness of my life and destiny,
She holds the key to the inner court of me.
She is the beauty of the day I was born
She: a mother, a teacher; and a mediator
Standing between me and my chi above.
If you see mother at the market square
Tell her that her son is writing a letter;
A letter that will change her life forever.
*
Mallika Menon
A Gift from God
A noble gift from God to me
is that none but my son.
He is only five plus one
Who lives in an imaginative world.
His silly doubts make me smile
as I am the proudest mother of him.
My naughty tot’s amusing talk
I can share with you, children!
“Mama, who has given the butterfly
stunning dress in vibrant shade?
From the abloom vines and climbers
who are flying up with the breeze?
Do winsome floras also have
winning wings like butterflies?
Who has tied the rainbow there
high up in the sky with skill?
Tiny stars and sun and moon
can use the same as a swing.
Mama… Who has taught the cuckoo well
the perfect basics of the music?
Talent or the daily practice
What makes her a perfect singer?
Everywhere there is air though
why can’t I see it Mom?
Do a zillion stars en masse fall on earth,
or are they fireflies with light on their tails
I wonder, what they are in de facto!
His funny queries went on and on
Like the waves in the sea, one after the other…
*
Bharati Nayak
Oh my child!
Mummy and Papa love you
Come
Give them your sweet kiss
And also your little help
When they need you.
Oh my child
Grandpa and Grandma love you
Give them your sweet kiss
Hold their hands
And play in the park.
Oh dear
Your little sister loves you
Share your toys and toffees
And help her in studies.
Oh my child
Uncle and Aunty love you
Give them your sweet smile
And do help them
If they need you.
Oh my dear child
Our dog Tommy loves you
Give him your love and care
And play around.
Dear child, your teachers love you
Give them your respect
Obey their words and do your tasks
You will shine bright.
Oh my child, keep trying
Never be afraid of failure
Success will be yours for sure.
*
Marianne Larsen Reninger
Sweet Cherries
Mamaw tells the story of how it used to be,
In a special time and special place
When she was a kid like me.
“Imagine a shady grove of trees, under dark branches I do sit.
Overhead are little fruit umbrellas, and
Blue skies can barely peak through it.
Bees buzz and sunlight streams down,
Like dusty ribbons of dancing light, that
Sweep the mossy green ground.
My mouth begins to water, sweet cherries hung up high,
I must get a wooden ladder, and climb clear way up to the sky!
My Daddy says, “Caution, don’t you slip and fall.”
I place the ladder carefully, and then I will become so tall!
I hold my pail so firmly, and the handle I do swing.
I fill it up quite quickly, and sweet cherries I will carry
To Mama who will tell me, always, the same old thing.
“You eat more cherries, than your pail will hold, and a stomach
Ache they’ll bring!”
Other kids loved the sparklers ‘n’ fireworks from July Fourth,
But I loved Fredonia, N.Y. and our cherry adventures up north!”
*
Anzelyne Shideshe
Sing Along Long
I heard a song
of three little kids
Sing, along long’
Sing, along long’
Why did she leave?
Why didn’t they stay?
Mum with him,
Dad with her,
Sally and Lassie,
Sing, along long’
Sing, along long’
They are happy,
And we are cranky
Though we love Daddy
We stay with Mummy;
Now we are all
A big, bigger family.
Get along long’
Live along long’
We pray, along long’
Forever, to be happy.
__________
Author’s note:
this poem speaks for the children whose parents are divorced: those left at the edge, wondering how to cope with the separation. Though they may be having man questions, they should not despair and try to support their parents’ decision.
*
Tze-Min Ition Tsai
Grandpa’s Loofah Shed
The whole row of camphor trees next to the house
That year I was born
All by grandfather planted
Now all the same as I have grown up
Green foliage stretched around
Become an interconnected circle
In the summer
When the sun hangs high in the sky
Is spitting out the air like a stove
Grandpa set up that loofah shed
In the only cool shade
On the one hand in order to shade
On the other hand waiting for harvest
I am often under the shed
Chase those butterflies
Hide the bees
A strip of
One after another
When Grandpa lies under the loofah shed
Looking at those small loofahs one by one hanging
Always laugh and say
Those naughty loofahs
Oh yeah
Very much like you
When you are in infancy
*
Authors’ Biographies
Alexandro Acevedo Johns, Chile
— My name is Alexandro Acevedo Johns, but I sign my writing with my maternal surname (Johns). I am Chilean, born on November 2, 1947. I’m a lawyer and live in Santiago, the capital of Chile, with my wife Marcela. In my youth I was devoted to poetry, as many of my generation. Now, since I retired from the legal profession, I’ve regained my freedom to write. It is said that writing is a very demanding activity and endanger the spirit if you’re not an optimist. But, after the years, I feel that writing helps me to stay alive and connected emotionally with the world we live in.
*
Ellias Aghili Dehnavi, Iran
— I was born in 1996 in Iran, and I'm currently living with my family in Esfahan, the cultural capital of Iran. I'm studying English literature at the University of Esfahan (B.A student). My favorite fields of study are poetry and English literature. I wrote my first poem, a limerick, when I was twelve years old, and compiled my first Poetry collection, on peace as a topic, when I was 15. One year later, this poetry collection got a recognition from the faculty of foreign languages (University of Isfahan/Esfahan), and also hit an important festival in Iran, called "Khawrazmi". Since then, I've published some other poetry books, also with friends -members of the M.O.P international group, of which I'm currently the second secretary. Since we are all seeking for a better world, where peace and friendships are basic values, it's a honor to be part of 'Poets Unite Worldwide'.
*
Saadat Tahir Ali, Pakistan (currently in Saudi Arabia)
— I was born (in Jan. 1965) and bred in Pakistan. A medical doctor by profession, with postgraduate qualifications in Radiology, I’m currently living in Qaseem, Saudi Arabia. My hobbies include indoor plants, interiors and woodwork.. and making friends. Over the years, I have traveled to many countries and as a reasonably experienced traveler, I am a senior reviewer on travel and foodie sites. I like nature landscapes architecture and history. I am averse to concrete jungles. I am a diehard audiophile. I consider myself a wide eyed student, ready to listen, learn and improve. I loved poetry when I was at school, started writing decades back while at cadet high continued through to King Edward Medical College. Freedom from bondage in all forms and colours, love and universal brotherhood are my cherished values. I am an incorrigible romanticist and love music.
*
Anna Banasiak, Poland
— Born in Poland in 1984, I live in Łódź, in the central part of the Country. I’m a poet and literary critic. You can find me on poemhunter.com, but a number of my poems can be read also on different websites. I’m interested in Art and psychology.
*
Abhilasha Bhatt, India
— I was born on September 8th 1993 in “devbhumi”, literally “land of gods”, named Uttarakhand, a state in the northern part of India, national heritage of culture and nature. Born in a pure gharwali Brahmin family, when I was 2 years old, my family came to Delhi, where I’m currently living. I have done B-tech, now I’m an engineer and love to do programming, coding and painting. I love writing poems. I am fond both of poetry and novels; my favorite poets are Pablo Neruda , Robert Frost , William Buttler Yeats and, for the Hindi-Urdu poetry, Ahmed Faraz, Sahir Ludhianwi, Majruh Sultanpuri. My favorite novelist is Khaled Hosseini. Love my country and always try to figure out its different colors, cultures and rituals in the form of poetry. I especially want to write about what is kept hidden from the outside world, describing aspects of life unfamiliar or neglected, in the form of poetry.
*
Sheryl Deane, South Africa
— I was born in 1963 and live in Cape Town, South Africa. A musician and Concert Organizer by profession, I write in my spare time. I completed my studies in English and Music at the University of Natal, KZN, South Africa, where I obtained a B.Mus (Hons). My father and mother read me many poems as a child, including poems by Wordsworth, Blake, Keats, Yeats and TS Eliot: it became a way of thinking from an early age. I started to write after my father died. My poetry is inspired by modern poets like Ted Hughes, Olive Schreiner and Bessie Head. Writers such as Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, Terry Pratchet are a favourite inspiration. My short story, “Time to Jump”, won first Prize in a Whisper Poetry 2016 edition.
*
Richard Deodati, USA
— I began writing poetry at the age of 14. Showing an interest and talent in rhythm & rhyme, my high school teacher encouraged me to write whenever I felt inspired to do so. Later, while attending college in New Mexico, I became Fine Arts Editor of my college newspaper. In addition, I began a lengthy career as an avid Thespian, winning a Best Supporting Actor Award, oftentimes being cast for multiple parts in a show. An equity actor, I have acted in, directed &/or produced dozens of plays, one of which “Once Upon A Time On A Magical Christmas Eve,” was a musical Christmas Extravaganza entirely set to rhyme. I also authored and composed music to an adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice In Wonderland,” and composed and wrote the lyrics to hundreds of other songs along with dozens of poems. I was named Director of “County Camera,” an early evening magazine-style cable TV show. American by birth, my father & mother hail from Tuscany (Lucca) and Abruzzo (Provincia di Campobasso), respectively. Born in 1949, I'm presently residing in York County, Pennsylvania, USA. I've traveled to Europe twice, once to investigate my family roots in Italia.
*
Vera Dike, Czech Republic
— Born 11.5.1982 in Teplice, Czech Republic (where I still live). In 1998 I was diagnosed with hearing loss; for such an handicap I could not continue in my studies. I’ve been writing poetry for years and I’ve published short stories in RF Hobby.
*
Fabrizio Frosini, Italy
— Born in Tuscany in 1953. Currently living close to Florence and to Vinci, Leonardo’s hometown. Doctor in Medicine, specialized in Neurosurgery, with an ancient passion for Poetry. Author of more than 1600 poems, in 15 collections. Thirteen of them are also published as ebooks —among them: «The Chinese gardens», and «Karumi – Haiku & Tanka» [Author’s Page].
*
Alem Hailu G/Kristos, Ethiopia
— Since in Ethiopia we use our age-old style to name a new born child (chosen Name, Father’s Name, Grandfather’s Name): Alem is my name, Hailu is my father’s name and G/Kristos is my grandfather’s name. Born in Ethiopia in 1974, I live in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia capital city, where I’m currently deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Herald. M.A holder in literature, from Addis Ababa University, I’m a published poet, novelist, editor, translator of masterpieces, literary critic, playwright and journalist. My book “Pupils’ Poems” has been published by Lulu (ISBN 978-1-329-30770-4).
*
Istabraq (Al Ahmadi) Rafea Gharkan, Iraq
— I was born in Al Anbar province, Iraq, in 1986. Currently, I live in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, because I was forced to leave my city, Ramadi, after ISIS took full control of it. I have MA in English literature from the University of Baghdad, College of Arts, Dept. of Language and Literature. Studying English literature in general and English poetry in particular, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, played an essential role in helping me discover my poetic talent and feel confident of myself. This sparked my love for writing poetry in English. I also teach English poetry at the University of Al Anbar, College of Arts, Dept. of English. Al Ahmadi is my pen-name.
*
Simone Inez Harriman, New Zealand
— New Zealand is my native country. I was born in Christchurch, in the South Island, in 1959, and I now reside in the heart of Northland (in Māori: Te Tai Tokerau; it is the northernmost region in North Island). I live with my husband in a serene valley with her mountain, her trees, her streams and green fields, that capture, heal, calm and enchant me. I have a very rich, demanding and rewarding career in nursing. So in between shift work I spend as much spare time as I can on poetry for rest and relaxation. I am a quiet reflective person. I enjoy gardening, reading, and motorcycle riding.
*
Birgitta Abimbola Heikka, Nigeria (living in USA)
— I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1960 (the year of “equality” for many African countries), to a Swedish father and a Nigerian mother. I moved to the U.S. in 1987. I’m currently living in the state of Maryland. I have two wonderful daughters.
*
Afrooz Jafarinoor, Iran
— I was born in 1972, on a cold day of January, the same date as Federico Fellini. I’m from Hamedan, Iran, now a resident of Tehran. I’m a teacher and writer. I have studied two majors: English and dramatic literatures. I write poetry, plays and scripts and I translate various texts. I can speak some languages: English, German, Kurdish and Turkish, but none as well as English. My mother tongue is Persian, as I was born an Iranian: daughter of a brave war veteran and a talented gentlewoman, fortunately I’ve grown to be truly human.
*
Vincent Chizoba John, Nigeria
— Born on the 18th of May 1990, I hail from Nkporo, in Abia State, in the south eastern part of Nigeria, and I currently live in Lagos, the major city and former capital of my country. I am a poet, film director and novelist. I studied mass communication from Lagos state polytechnic. My works have appeared in many magazine and have been performed by many students in Nigeria. Many radio stations have hosted me for interview around the country. I have four published books to my credit which includes: Goodmama, Hard Times, Chicken Revolt, and Letter from Home.
*
Joji Varghese Kuncheria, India (currently in Oman)
— I’m an Indian national working in Muscat, Oman, since 2004. I was born on February 14, 1953, in India. I did my M.A. in English literature from Christ Church College, Kanpur (Kanpur University, India). I’m a senior Lecturer, teaching British and American literature to the undergraduate students in a college in Oman. I started writing poems while I was working as a teacher in Ethiopia (1978–1985) and have continued to write, after a long gap, from 2009 onwards. I’m very passionate about the peaceful co-existence of the people anywhere in this planet, and cherish to see such a world order. I’m a good chess player too.
*
Su Jen Lin (Lin Lin), Taiwan
— Su Jen is my name and Lin is my family name, but I’m also known as Jennifer Lee, while Lin Lin is my pen name. I was born in Taiwan in 1962, and live there, in Changhua City, with my husband and my son; we are a happy family. My husband works in Asia University. He is a serious teacher and an outstanding poet. My son attended the second year of the Department of Automatic Control Engineering, Feng Chia University. He is the only child in our family; however, he is not the so-called spoiled child. We have trained him to be independent since he was a little boy. In addition, my son is also a master of the Rubik’s cube. I’m a professor, work in Department of Chinese Language and Literature, National Changhua University of Education for more than 20 years. I teach Chinese classic prose, Children’s literature, and Reading and writing education. I like to teach, and earnestly teach. I have more than 90 academic works. I’m also the chief editor of “reading, writing, and teaching”, and the editor of “Chinese Language Monthly”. Reading, writing, and traveling are my favorite things. I have won many literary awards, and teaching awards. I often write book reviews in journals. It’s my dream to travel around the world and write travel experience in literary works.
*
Mallika Menon, India
— Born on the 23rd of January 1961, in India, I hail from Kerala’s capital city, Trivandrum, on India’s southern tip, but I enjoyed my life in Mumbai. Lover of music and literature, I sing songs and poems. One day, I started singing my own poems! I offer collection of poems in mother tongue Malayalam as well as English. Simple emotions, gentle feelings and shades of empathy reflect in my poetry. I like reading philosophy. I enjoy interior decoration. I’m travel-savvy, keen to explore cultures and cuisines world-over.
*
Leloudia Migdali, Greece
— My name is Leloudia Migdali. I was born in 1959 in Itea, a nice little city close to Delphi, ‘the center of world’. Attended school there till 1979, then followed a course in the English Literature Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Back to Itea, where I still live, ran my own English institute till I was appointed at the public sector. I have been teaching English for the past 29 years, in Primary, Secondary and High school as well as in the Maritime College in Galaxidi city. Meanwhile I got a postgraduate degree on Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Patras University. Poetry and writing has always been my favorite hobbies. After my retirement from public sector, I have been devoting more time in writing poetry. Currently writing poems on life and the way I see it. I also write contemporary articles on online sites. Happily married and mother of two children
*
Bharati Nayak, India
— I hail from Odisha, an eastern state of India which has a great heritage of art and architecture. I was born in 1962 and live in Bhubaneswar, capital city of Odisha, with my husband and our three children. Graduated from Ravenshaw University of Cuttack, I have done my Masters degree in Political Science from Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar. I am in a Government job and pursue writing as a passionate hobby. I write in English and in the vernacular language Odiia –I have published one poetry book in Odia titled ‘Padma Pada’. My English poems have been published in two ebooks, ‘Poetry Against Terror’ and ‘Poets Against Inequality’, and also in the newspaper ‘The Statesman’‘, in the magazine ‘Odisha Review’, in peer reviewed international journal ‘Rock Pebbles’, and in the Anthology book “Splash of Verse”. My Odia poems have been published in a number of newspapers and magazines. I am a member in different poetry organizations, in India and abroad, and write a blog, namely ‘Bharatispen’ on Wordpress. I also take interest in social issues.
*
Valsa George Nedumthallil, India
— Born in 1953, I live in a suburb of Ernakulam, Kerala (in the south-west of India), where I lead a happy and contented life. After a successful career as a college teacher, when I retired from service I took to poetry. Now it has become an obsession and a mentally rewarding engagement. I write on a wide spectrum of topics spanning Nature, Love and Human relations. I have to my credit four published volumes of poems: ‘Beats’, ‘Drop of a Feather’, ‘Entwining Shadows’ and ‘Rainbow Hues’. As most others, I long for a peaceful world where man is bound to man by the invisible thread of love and live in amity and harmonious co existence. In a strife ridden world it is incumbent on the part of a poet to dwell upon social issues like war, corruption, poverty, refugee influx etc.. We should hold a mirror to life and its sufferings and joys and strive to bring each one’s life a trifle closer to the worth and meaning of man’s existence on this Earth. Only by exposing the injustices and absurdities of society and voicing against them, we can reduce the gloom that permeates the lives of many in our society.
*
Margaret O’Driscoll, Ireland
— I’m Irish, born in Sept. 1960; a mother of seven and grandmother of eleven. My poems have been published in various anthologies, ebooks and magazines. I’ve recently published my first collection of poetry, ‘The Best Things In Life Are Free’. I’m a Social Care Worker and like walking, singing, dancing, and reading, to unwind. I love to spend time with my grandchildren exploring, gardening, watching films and cooking.
*
Marcondes Pereira Da Silva De Mesquita, Brazil
— Born in 1991, I live in Barueri (State of São Paulo, Brazil). I’m a poet who is searching for my own truth, in this liquid world. I write to understand myself and the chaotic universe we’re living in. I love to study languages and listening to Heavy Metal. My poetry speaks about war, love, religion, Philosophy, History and several other themes, although I write chronicles, tales and theatre plays too. My biggest influences in terms of poetry are: Camões, Petrarch, Boccaccio and Homer. I study their texts to create my own epopees, which I would like to see transformed in music. In my free time I love reading (both poetry and novels) and spending with my girlfriend. I am technologist in Human Resources by Faculty Fernão Dias and this year I started to study three languages: Spanish, Finnish and Japanese. I love to know and learn about different cultures around the world, and I’d like to show the world my poetry and prose writings.
*
Sarah Louise Persson, United Kingdom
— I was born on 14th October 1966 in Wellington, Shropshire, England. I have lived in both South Africa and Denmark in the past, but have come to settle in the beautiful West Yorkshire, England, currently living in Leeds. I work in a bank but my true passion is in poetry. I used to write so much as a child but it faded into the background of my life until recently. I suffered a depression and the writing of poetry helped me get my feelings down on paper and eventually helping me to deal with my emotions in a positive way. I now write almost daily and am a very happy individual. The best thing is that I get to share my poems with such a variety of people from all walks of life and the feedback inspires me even more. A few of my poems have been published in Anthologies (e-books edited by F. Frosini). I am so proud of my achievement and believe these poems to be an outlet for many people who actually don’t like what they see in their everyday lives and want their opinion to count in so way.
*
Rini Shibu Pullampallil, India (currently in Kuwait)
— I’m an Indian poet, born in India in 1978 and currently living in Kuwait city, Kuwait. My poems include topics like nature, animals, love, beauty, life and kids. I am a drama artist too. My hobbies are philately, numismatic and writing poetry.
*
Al Ream, USA
— My name is Al Ream, born in 1965, in the United States. I live and work on a farm in Greenback, Tennessee. My poetry has been printed in Decanto Poetry Magazine (UK), Poetic Images: the Great American West (Woodinville, Washington), Society of Classical Poets Journals 2015, ’16 and ’17 (Mt Hope, New York), Rocky Point Times (Puerto Peñasco, Mexico) and The Lyric (Jericho, Vermont). A member of the Demosthenian Literary Society at the University of Georgia, I deployed to Hawija, then wrote on Lookout Mountain, continuing with Delta Kappa Epsilon International. Berkeley, Ann Arbor and Athens encouraged me as a writer. In 2015 I wrote in Arizona at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument 5 miles north of Mexico.
*
Marianne Larsen Reninger, USA
— I was born in Denmark in 1944 and emigrated to the United States with my parents in 1947. I began painting and writing at a very young age and by 16 was studying painting and taking commissions. My prime influence was a Russian born artist, Tatiana McKinney, world famous with work in the Vatican and in major museums. From Tatiana I learned to see “the atmosphere between the mountains” and the “meaning between the words”. Today, I paint and write from my mountaintop home near Asheville, N.C.. I consider myself an “editorial artist” with my acrylic/collages often containing original poetry. My work is textural, touchable glimpses of the natural world and my reaction to life’s political and social merry-go-round, words become as important as the brush strokes. The work is meant to be read, like a favorite book or poem, as well as, absorbed, like a visual feast. Marianne’s Art board.
*
Govinda Rimal, Bhutan (currently studying in India)
— I am Bhutanese. I was born in 1993 in Sarpang district, Bhutan. I believe that words possess power in it. Language is beautiful, it can hurt harder than the sword and makes you feel better than all other pleasures do. It can make a man cry or laugh. I was inspired by the beauty of language and started writing poems since I was in 9th grade. I am currently pursuing B.Se biotechnology degree from West Bengal University, Kolkata, India.
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Kirti Sharma, India
— I was born on 7th October 1996. I live in Delhi, India. Currently I am pursuing my Under graduation in Science from Delhi University. I started writing poems when I was 15 years old, as that part of my life was a turning point. I realized the true happiness lies within one self. The world of poetry became a part of my life and I started reading & writing more of them. I learned how each line of a poem has its own music. The poems written by P.B. Shelly are my favorite; ‘Goodnight’ being one of them. I generally write poems on love and solitariness as these two conditions are common in every person’s life. My poems consists of simple words & are easily understood. My other hobbies are singing, dancing and reading novels. Paulo Coelho is my favorite author.
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Anzelyne Shideshe, Kenya (currently in Germany)
— born and bred in Eldoret, Kenya, in 1982, where attended high school up to year 2000. In 2002 I moved to Mombasa where I studied marketing at the Technical University. Working in sales and marketing has been a plus to more experiences. I’m currently in Germany (Baden-Württemberg) and my passion to write intensified.
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Udaya R. Tennakoon, Sri Lanka (living in Switzerland)
— My full name is Udaya Rathna Tennakoon Mudiyanselage. As a Diaspora Poet, I live in Zürich, Switzerland, but my home country is Sri Lanka, where I was born in 1970. Being a political refugee, I could see the world in many perspectives and engage with writing and research. I graduated from University of Colombo and University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. At the University of Basel, Switzerland, and also at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, I studied ‘Peace and Conflict Transformation’ for my master Studies. As a writer, I’ve written some theater works and contribute articles to many websites and also as a social activist, I engage with many voluntary works inside Switzerland and Europe as well as Nepal and Sri Lanka.
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Tze Min Ition Tsai, Taiwan
— My name is Ition Tsai 蔡宜勳, where 蔡 (Tsai) is my Family name, while Tze-Min Tsai 蔡澤民 is my pen name. Born in 1957 in Taiwan (Republic of China), I live in Changhua city. I hold a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics. I have equal affection in science, mathematics and literature; the results are all reflected in my academic and creative writings. I am an Associate Professor for Asia University, Taiwan; at the same time I am a columnist for several poetry journals as well as the editor of “Reading, Writing and Teaching” academic text for the National Changhua Normal University, Taiwan. My writing includes novels, prose, and poetry, and I specialize in describing nature and humanity’s love and affection through these creative literary works (for such a reason I am often referred to as a “green poet”). In addition to receiving many domestic and foreign literary awards, a large number of my works have been translated into more than 13 languages in over 37 countries.
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Savita Tyagi, India/USA
— Born in 1948, I was raised in India. As a student of liberal arts I loved history and literature and completed my M.A. in Western History. After marriage I migrated to California and later came to live in Edmond, Oklahoma, where I reside currently with my husband of 46 years. In U.S. for some time my love for reading was limited to English language. However the need to expose our children to their language, culture and religion brought me back to my roots. While organizing children’s classes at my home and temple, I started studying more of our spiritual books, in English as well as in Sanskrit, and realized that some of the best poetry was hidden in the ancient literature. While ancient poetry takes me to the path of self discovery, the contemporary writings help strengthen the social consciousness. Some of my poems have been published in newspapers, anthologies and magazines. A self published book of poems ‘Back Yard Poetry’ is available through Blurb. But most of my poetry and other writings are on my blog ‘When Thoughts Get Wings’ and on poemhunter.com. Besides reading and writing I enjoy walking, quilting, meditating, learning from Nature and visiting with friends. I am moderate in my views and have deep respect for human values that nurture and nourish us in all walks of life.
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Hans Van Rostenberghe, Belgium (currently in Malaysia)
— Born on October 18th 1964, in Oudenaarde, Belgium, I’m currently living in a town called Bachok, in Kelantan State, Malaysia. I am a doctor in medicine (neonatologist) and a professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia, where I have been working since 1994. Among the most important sources of inspiration in my life are Dr. Albert Schweitzer, Dr. Martin Luther King and the Organization ‘Médécins sans Frontieres’. Poetry has become a passion since 2010, when I was bedridden for three months, due to a fractured vertebra. I write under the pseudonym ‘Aufie Zophy’ and post most of my poems on the website PoemHunter. I am a reader of philosophy, a nature lover and a family man. I believe strongly that the world is heading towards harmony through an ever increasing kindness revolution which is close to its sharp inflection point on its exponential curve. My blog
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Poets Unite Worldwide
‘Poets Unite Worldwide’ represents, in my mind, an invitation and an appeal (“Poets worldwide, unite!”), and it is more an open group of poets, an independent community, than a formal association —but still an ‘Association’ of about two hundred free minds and spirits.
I’d say that this comes, first, from my own nature: I consider myself not just an Italian, but a Citizen of the World —born in Italy by chance—, equal to everybody else: all human beings on planet Earth, in brotherhood. I have an independent mind and the utmost respect for the human values of freedom, justice, privacy.. and I dislike almost all kind of formalities: for such reason I stay away from anything that sounds bureaucratic.
Although living in different countries and continents, we all feel a kinship, being part of this poetic drive for worldwide peace and brotherhood. In such a way, we work together for the highest purposes, as all mankind should do.
I can say that ‘Poets Unite Worldwide’ was born, in its extended form, in the Autumn of 2015, when I invited tens and tens of poets, worldwide, to join me in writing a poetry compilation on (against) terror, in response to the bloody Paris events of November 13, 2015.
I felt the urge, that time, to began working on a new ebook, ‘Poetry Against Terror’, and I enlisted ‘my’ community of poets worldwide to help, since I wanted it to become a large collective work: the voice of poets from many different countries, worldwide, who stand up and speak aloud, but without hatred, against the bloody madness of terror. Astonishingly, 64 Poets from 43 countries lent their pens in the effort, and I wrote, in the introductory note to the book, “we—poets of the world—wish to make our voices resonate in the minds and hearts of all women and men who refuse to be silenced by hate and violence.” Pamela Sinicrope and Daniel Brick, both of Minnesota, USA, along with Richard Thézé, England, co-edited the collection of diverse poems about terrorism —in Paris and around the world. Cover art was by Galina Italyanskaya, Russia.
The project came together quickly, with poets coming from countries in all continents, including Arab/Islamic countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, New Zealand , Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, United Kingdom, USA, Zimbabwe.
Poem topics range from a focus on the liberty of France, to the musings of a mother who does not want her child suffering from terrorism, to a young woman who incessantly searches Google for the answers to the terrorism problem, to the story of African villagers who drink from a cow’s horn under a peaceful moon until terrorism takes over. Many of the poets have experienced terrorism first-hand, and this witness is expressed in their writings and their biographies. As Pamela Sinicrope said, “We’ve all been touched by terrorism. For some, the topic hit home after the events in Paris, but for others, terrorism has been a disturbing part of everyday life —these facts are borne out in the poems. The poems speak for themselves.”
Yet, as a group of poets collaborating together on a variety of projects, we didn’t stop with that first book. We do have a blog, that Udaya Tennakon created, as well as a Fb page (see below). Since then, we’ve been continually publishing and growing, and –hopefully– improving as writers.
In Spring 2016 we published the ebook ‘Poets Against Inequality’, to add our voice to those other unequivocal voices that denounce an absolute lack of equality in our society. The poems collected in that book (as well as the previous one) belong in what is called “Poetry of Witness”, and we believe that this is a task that all of us, as poets, have a moral obligation to pursue, because we can’t accept to live in a world where extreme poverty is so widespread and sheer inequality is the norm.
Another project accomplished is a book on the Refugees theme: in March 2016, while looking at an image taken on the border between Greece and Macedonia, I felt the urge to write a poem. From that urge, a new editorial project was born, the book ‘By Land & By Seas’; then others followed, like ‘We All Are Persons – Why Gender Discrimination?’. And surely, after the present book, thanking the enthusiasm and energy of many in our group, new good projects will follow. Our mission keeps on.
Fabrizio Frosini
(on behalf of ‘Poets Unite Worldwide’)
Our Facebook Page
Our Blog
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Poetry ebooks from the same Publisher
(*Bilingual Editions: texts translated into Italian by Fabrizio Frosini)
Anthologies:
– ‘At The Crossing Of Seven Winds’ – English Edition;
– ‘Nine Tales Of Creation’ – English Edition;
– ‘Scattering Dreams & Tales’ – English Edition;
– 'We Are The Words – Siamo Parole' – *Bilingual Edition, English–Italian;
– 'Whispers to the World – Sussurri al Mondo" – *Bilingual Edition, English–Italian;
– ‘The Double Door’ by Daniel J. Brick & Fabrizio Frosini – English Edition;
– ‘Poetry Against Terror’– English Edition;
– ‘How to write Poetry, A Handbook – Come scrivere Poesie, Manuale’ – *Bilingual Edition, English–Italian;
– ‘Poets Against Inequality’– English Edition;
– ‘By Land & By Seas – Poetry for the Refugees’ – English Edition;
– ‘Voices without veils’ – English Edition.
– ‘Singing Together – Poems for Christmas’ – English Edition;
– ‘We All Are Persons – Why Gender Discrimination?’ – English Edition;
– ‘A Note, a Word, a Brush – Ode to the Arts’ – English Edition;
– ‘Seasons of the Fleeting World – Writing Haiku’ – English Edition;
– ‘Our Chains, Our Dreams’ [Part One] – English Edition;
– ‘Our Chains, Our Dreams’ [Part Two] – English Edition;
– ‘Our Chains, Our Dreams’ [Part Three] – English Edition;
– ‘Our Only World – Poetry for Planet Earth’ – English Edition;
– ‘Time to show up – Poets for Democracy’ – English Edition;
– ‘Let’s Laugh Together – Poems for Children’ – English Edition.
Under publication:
– ‘Moments of Lightness – Haiku & Tanka’ – English Edition;
– ‘Essays on the World of Humans – Saggi sul Mondo degli Umani’ by Daniel J. Brick & Fabrizio Frosini – *Bilingual Edition, English–Italian.
by Fabrizio Frosini as sole Author:
– «The Chinese Gardens – English Poems» – English Edition – (published also in Italian Edition:
– «I Giardini Cinesi» – Edizione Italiana);
– «KARUMI – Haiku & Tanka» – Italian Edition;
– «Allo Specchio di Me Stesso» (‘In the Mirror of Myself’) – Italian Edition;
– «Il Vento e il Fiume» (‘The Wind and the River’) – Italian Edition;
– «A Chisciotte» (‘To Quixote’) – Italian Edition;
– «Il Puro, l’Impuro – Kosher/Treyf» (‘The pure, the Impure – Kosher / Treyf’) – Italian Edition;
– «Frammenti di Memoria – Carmina et Fragmenta» (‘Fragments of Memories’) – Italian Edition;
– «La Città dei Vivi e dei Morti» (‘The City of the Living and the Dead’) – Italian Edition;
– «Nella luce confusa del crepuscolo» (‘In the fuzzy light of the Twilight’) – Italian Edition;
– «La Chiave dei Sogni» (‘The Key to Dreams’) – Italian Edition;
– «Echi e Rompicapi» (‘Puzzles & Echoes’) – Italian Edition;
– «Ballate e Altre Cadenze» (‘Ballads and Other Cadences’) – Italian Edition;
– «Selected Poems – Επιλεγμένα Ποιήματα – Poesie Scelte» – Greek–English–Italian (Αγγλικά, Ελληνικά, Ιταλικά – Greek translation by Dimitrios Galanis).
Under publication:
– «Prelude to the Night – English Poems» – English Edition (to be published also in Italian Ed.:
– «Preludio alla Notte» – Edizione Italiana).
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Where to find us
See the Publisher’s Page at Shakespir
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Please, leave a review for this book at your retailer.
Thank you.
You can also visit our Fb page
Our Blog
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A very good poetry book for small children, up to 10 years of age. Read and Enjoy. ~*~ Time to go to bed? Read a poem to your small child —or grandchild. A poem before sleeping is the best way to enter the world of dreams.. ~*~ From the humorous to the cantankerous to the downright silly and wise, the content between these pages will likely put a smile on an otherwise frowning face and can even brighten a cloudy or rainy day. Written by poets of all ages and backgrounds, the craft herein is both timeless and endearing; something to cherish and keep handy.. ~*~