Welcome to our special collection featuring eight remarkable poets, their pens have uniquely woven the Latin phrase, "Per se" (meaning "by itself" or "intrinsically" - into their creative tapestry of perspectives, standing powerful, their contemplations of truth's elusive nature, these poems demonstrate how two small words can open vast poetic landscapes. Come join us and journey through the selections, notice how each poet has transformed the expression into something distinctly modern and personal, proving that in poetry, no constraint is truly a limitation, but rather a doorway to unexpected creativity. "FOR A REASON" For a reason, the sun rises at dawn An element of time, an ethereal cycle
Dawn, per se, is a perception of the mind
Enlightenment to enrich a darkened stance.

For a reason, the day expires to an afterglow
When the hands of time urges us to break free and pause. A respite from a hard day's toil, homeward bound, we retire Afterglow, per se, is the alarm of twilight to calm our soul. For a reason, our hearts learn to embrace love A romantic feeling that adds color to our lives We seem to soar above, on a magical journey Love, per se, is a spell that radiates from the core of the heart. For a reason, we opted to chose a life-time partner Together we designed our plans with a family to raise We took the plunge, unmindful of the risks and hazards Marriage, per se, is the sacred vow that binds our hearts together. © GUS PEREZ AMIO
Philippines "LIFE SOLUTIONS" In everyday life we struggle to find solutions Yet, it comes to a point where we need attention Leading to procrastination, life in a habitual way Taking things for granted, waiting till the apple falls and sways. The complexity of life is like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle Noting it takes time learning what you want, don't fumble There will be lots of twists and turns, per se, down along the road Self-discovery about yourself and challenges that add to the load. Be focused, with determination either good or bad results Because this is how you know without help to consult A cacophony of facts that you have to figure out Rule the changes off your list per se, no doubt. This gives you the option to know what's best A moment of truth, pain and suffering to the test be strong, resilient and wise with patience With growth and success see your future be complacent. © GLORIA MAGALLANES-LOEB U.S.
"LIFE AND DEATH, PER SE" Every mortal will taste death
But not all have tasted life. This truth, per se, is false
But it may, per se, be true. We live not to die We taste each life's strife. With your magic wand Grab the clock's hands Smell, taste, feel, see, hear Live not to die, dear. The mortals will taste death They will be buried down deep The hoax per se, is true: The truth is up to you! © MARIA EVELYN QUILLA SOLETA Philippines "SUMMER JOY" In a tropical country like mine Summer is a sibling to sunny skies Warm, moonlit nights, calm seas delight
Flora bursting with colors, a pretty sight. But summer, per se, is not all about heat It is the ardor of a lover's sweet gaze, The tight grip, the enchanting embrace The magic potion of love aflame. A poet scribbles words in a hammock Nostalgic, sweet melody whispers in the background Conjuring images of radiant faces Gentle breeze fanning the soul. The brook's murmur, a pleasant distraction Cajoling eyelids and lashes to kiss And set off to a realm of deep slumber Where angels and fairies cavort and traipse. Ah, the joy of summer in our city Lifts one's spirit and heart to race
In pursuit of solace from a cruel world
And snuggle closer to those who matter. © ROSEMARIE MIRANDA
Philippines
"PER SE" Not the thing itself, but its essence, A philosophical whisper in Latin We speak of love not per se, But through fingers intertwined and silent glances. Truth exists beyond the words we choose, Like shadows dancing behind what we think we know. The moon isn't beautiful per se - It's beautiful in how it pulls at oceans and hearts. Nothing stands alone in perfect isolation, Each object, idea and moment Connected to something larger than itself. What matters is not the boundary, per se, But how meaning spills beyond the edges, How we find ourselves in the spaces between What is said and what is meant. © CONCETTA PIPIA
U.S.
"THE DANCE OF A FLICKERING CANDLE"

When I lit myself, I didn't just help the world
become a little bit brighter, not just brighter per se, But also a little bit warmer. Courage blooms in the hearts of innocents, And their will to face darkness grows stronger, Defeating shadows of fear
And making illusions of weakness tremble and chill. But I don't know how long I could last For the wind of envy tries to snuff me out. I tried to befriend this wind for the innocents' sake, But alas, we're born to be each other's nemesis. All I can do is dance gracefully, Make my wick bend if it's necessary. I'll light until I can,
Until these kids are strong enough. They are the essence of my existence, The reason why I continue to burn and light. Maybe through them, the world might even become Brighter and warmer - these kids are my hopes,
Wishes and prayers! © JEFFREY CEJERO
Philippines
"INSPIRED BY THE MOON" She seemed close to me that night
Our attraction seemed undeniable As the air seemed to dance around us
We conversed with no words, per se. I saw her face cradled by soft clouds That's when her ember landed on my heart My pen had sat idle for years Inspiration lifting my hand, laying verse to poem. With a firm grip she held on
My fingers moving to her tune
Before I even stopped my art
It had already spread her soul. Throughout the earth, in her light I scattered her spark with each line Igniting inspiration into hearts Like she did into mine, comforting. With gentleness flowing from her
My words stamped her face On every line that I wrote down
Till dawn came and took away her crown! © CAROL MITRA
India
"LOVE, PER SE" I'm leaving you with a heavy heart
Not because I care less
Nor am I not anymore amorous with you
Nor you're not anymore in my dreams. But you see,
Love, per se, cannot move you Back to my heart's door Nor your embrace
Nor your loving world of happiness. Thus, I have to love you less. If I have to love myself more
I've learned that I've built such a high standard For myself, to just kneel before you. You must learn to value
My love, per se,
Coz it meant the whole world.
My whole world, which I simply lay before you. I'd better go But let me tell you this All my love, for you, per se, I bring it with me,
Even if it's just fragments, mere memories. © MILDRED PAR Philippines