Nostalgic moments are wonderful reminders of past and present, evoking a medley of emotions and memories, transporting into different times and triggering a sense of longing and warmth, whether it's revisiting childhood memories, reminiscing about friendships or recalling special holidays and occasions, nostalgic moments have a unique ability to connect us with tidbits of friend and family or an eventful reflection. Poets were prompted to write about their special nostalgic moment and apply the 5 senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste into rhyming couplet form. Out of 16 entries, ILA chose 7 poems to be featured here. WINTER - MY FAVORITE SEASON In winter's hush, a silent whisper falls, Snowflakes dance, a ballet on frozen walls. Icy winds hum tales in the still night air, A crisp symphony, whispers beyond compare. Beneath the moon's gaze, a frosty sight unfolds, A canvas of white, where the world in silence molds. The touch of cold, a shiver on the skin, Nature's embrace, where winter dreams begin. Tasting snowflakes, a delicate delight,
Each on the tongue, a moment pure and white. A fragrance lingers, crisp in the breeze, Pine-scented whispers among snow-laden trees. © CONCETTA PIPIA USA WANDERING BIRD How do I journey on the mystic way? As the sturdy moon fades away My mind is fickle and stray Like a moon child gazing lazily away The moment I feel a taste of my dream Bringing sight of nostalgic stream Touch of my hand is inspiring A sound of applause is aspiring But it is not for fame or power I wait For a humble being that read, I will be a hero not a saint Like a hummingbird fluttering on the horizon The sweetest smell of violets sprung. © SHEILA ANN Malaysia AN HOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE Sitting at this cold airport seat Longing for your sweet body heat As you wrapped your small arms around me Smelling your baby scent filled me with glee I remember how you licked that creamy ice cream Painting rainbows in reality, not a dream Those innocent brown eyes drown my thoughts of tomorrow I am going to miss you, with so much sorrow. Why do we have to live away from each other? Worlds apart so far from your grandmother? Your angelic voices, babbles, music to my ears Now that memory rushes the tears Its saltiness I taste a reminder after all That there is no cold winter without a windy fall Few minutes before take-off, I feel your imaginary embrace As I wrapped your shawl with the blue lace. Till next time we visit again my love With the grace of God above. © ROSEMARIE MIRANDA Philippines LOVELY SURROUNDINGS Just sitting here without a care All that is around for me to share Taking in all of everything I see Many simple things just astound me In this room alone is the smell of old books The aroma of coffee and my stew as it cooks I stare out of the window what beauty I see The beautiful sunset is just looking at me It's awesome moments of blissful peace As I dish up my supper enjoy my wonderful feast I look outside again and a full moon fills the sky Daylight to night time in the blink of an eye The sound of the waves upon the sea A wonderful day giving comfort to me Just pure serenity this life that I love These blessings bestowed from up above It's like feeling the touch of arms around me Keeping me safe deep within my tranquility Everything provided for me to share With everyone I love because I care. © Steve Lyman
UK LIFE Breathtaking I gaze at An environment to sit around and chat The scent of blooming flowers fill the air A treat for my mind is only fair on this chair Or just to sit on the cushion of green grass and sigh The blowing breeze tickling my face forcing me to lie My mind spreads its wings to fly high Into the sky of freedom search for peace I must try For life has been cruel like citrus on my tongue Hit me hard, when I was so young I aimlessly wandered the rugged highway of life Walked the many miles of lies It tore me into pieces, I sunk in pain It ripped out my heart, I bowed in shame. But inner strength ignited in me, faith to rise With confidence I march forward to get my prize. © JAYNOBO JAYMES Papua New Guinea ARAKAN REVERIE Beneath Arakan's sky, like a blanket blue, An Arakan child, memories bloom anew. Taste of rice, like a hug from earth's embrace, Shared like secrets, a warmth in every trace. Silken sands beneath bare feet, nostalgic Those memories, so indelible and magic. Sight of paddy fields, a rainbow in the song Colors dancing, like laughter all along. Sounds ripple like the river's gentle prayer, Muezzin's call, a sweet melody in the air. Fragrance of winter foods, served with love, Through the kitchen's door, my beloved mom. In Arakan's heart, where memories belong, Childhood's whispers, a lullaby, sweet and strong. © MAYYU HAMIM Myanmar VISTA OF CHILDHOOD There were moments touched by scenes in row,
Followed by taste of rare tune in the melody flow. Moments of childhood, enjoyed in joyous chanting,
Stay aside till these days in track facet of scene. Noisy sounds, and joyous meet, aside the kin ring, Created by dashing fit with pals, echoes in scene. Match scenes exist in flash and live at the sight, Hurrah colossal blares till today, in day and night. School days and classroom toss, falls at fore, And imagination floats like fluid creep at outdoor. Like sweet smell of flowers, moments but trot, Forge ahead in leap line and in hold of pose short. © SHIV RAJ PRADHAN
Siliguri