Selected Poems For Children

 

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

es

ts

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’

_*

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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ts

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.

_*

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?

_*

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?

_*

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…

_*

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!

_*

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.. :))

_*

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?”

_*

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.

_*

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

_*

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!

_*

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.

_*

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.

_*

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.

_*

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.

_*

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

_*

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.

_*

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’)

 

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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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