On April 6th, we presented poets with a Themed Prompt: "The Bliss of Solitude" and asked our poets what the theme meant to them, how did it make one feel and to write their poems in 16 lines or less. We received many beautiful entries yet, we chose five "Best Entries" to be featured here, on ILA Blog. "In Silence" Sometimes we are faced
with many trials and tribulations
We asked ourselves what to do

If we are believers in God
HE always says
Turn to HIM HE is everywhere
How to turn to HIM
We ask ourselves

Just be still in where you are
In silence just talk to HIM
Pour out your problems

After a while you will feel
Inner peace in yourself
As HE has taken over.


© David Soh
Singapore "Bliss of Solitude" A moment of escape! Hibernation!
Into the wild; a rejuvenation!
Beneath the dusk of contemplation,
Behold the birds of innovation.

Returning to their gemutlich nest,
Kissing thru' the ochre breast
Of the sky; swaying o'er in zest,
They bask within the clouds at rest.

Far and wide the open seas,
Ruffled by the gushing breeze,
Their panorama creates memories,
Drenched in rains of the easterlies.

Perched on wings of subtle time,
The sun goes down as a mundane rhyme,
Flapping birds as a sonorous chime,
Makes me savor the dusk sublime.

Celebrating the dusk of solitude,
Beyond the human multitude,
Another world of pulchritude,
Reigns the gossamers of longitudes.

Faded ranges of ebony peaks,
A falcon o'er them flaps and squeaks.
Molten hazel on her crimson cheeks,
Makes her blush for umpteen weeks.

She is a damsel down the lane,
She bides beneath the hilly terrain.
Her eyes hold agony and disdain,
But I want her sublime smile again.

And onto the turquoise waves agleam,
Molten hazel weaves a dream.
Swaying raptors in scarlet beams,
Rouse in me few fancy whims.

A frothy damozel dwells in me,
Waltzing in a delightful spree.
Few moments miming a reverie,
Amid the solitary dusk of glee.


© Dipanjan Bhattacharjee
India "One is Not a Lonely Number"

I have been often asked, "are you lonely?"
Being alone makes me enjoy my life
I can do what I like and I find this lovely.
I am free without fighting against any strife.

Some people think that I live like a monk
I enjoy my solitude with a blissful attitude
They think that my life is dull without a spunk
I can live without the presence of a multitude.

In the silence of my place, I find my inner solace
Away from the din and worthless banters
There is no need for fancy, just a small space
This is my sanctuary, free from senseless chatters

Being alone is never lonely, but rather it is blissful
For in solitude, one can see the inner beauty of life
I don't feel grouchy but makes me smile and joyful
I don't feel like a caged bird, pierced with a knife.


© Dolores Lapinid
Philippines "The Power of Silence" It may sound nothing
But it gives more peace
And power to create
Harmonious relationships
for each other.

Conflicts of indifferences
Is the source of all noises
But learning to keep silent
And respect each other's opinions

May keep relationships
Intact and close with each other
Never underestimate
The power of silence

For where is silence
There is God. © Antoniette Dy Tubale
Philippines "In Pensive Mood" Being alone somewhere
Is a moment of reflection
It gives good judgment
With the silence of great solace. When we are in painful misery
Solitude starts to flow in heart
Without knowing that a sudden bliss
Would sprout from the heart with gleams

Glancing at the waves of ocean
And the vermillion rays of the sun...
Can alleviate and drench the pains
That enlighten the heart in bloom...

Thus solitude is like a song of confidence
That erases pride and prejudices...
And tears of passion will wash away ever fear...
And such solitude turns into bliss...


Zenaida Laragan Taloza
Italy Below, in the slider, image of our prompt and a painting by Zenaida Laragan Taloza