A Quartet of Poets ENIGMA Dream away like the moonbeams creeping out In the mazed network of bewildered mind Intricately zooming amidst the penumbra Flashing, dimming, like a vague outline of shadows Transfixed, piercing through the myriads of hues As if in a ruptured trance, a dream, a parody Slowly fading away in the fleeting purple wilderness. © GUS PEREZ AMIO Philippines SEPIA SOLITUDE'S STRENGTH In shades of sepia, my identity is drawn, A solitary figure, amid a sea of faces, Lost in the labyrinth of societal norms, Echoes of ancestors whisper in the wind's embraces. Alone, yet tethered to a heritage unseen, Through solitude's lens, I find my strength refined, A brown silhouette against the backdrop of time. © CONCETTA PIPIA USA A PLEA AT DUSK TIME Could you wait for me at dusk? Do not forget the candle for it starts to get dark And bring with you the perfume of violets This morning I poured all my fragrant zeal And if you kept saying what do I need more I say: "A kite to fly, a paper boat to go away And some lyrics of my last verse......" © SIHEM CHERIF Tunisia Once again, in the reckless secret sea port of words An old ship has crashed in an unequivocal storm Its mast now broken submerging in many love poems In the chiaroscuro of many shared dreams and stranger times. Time and birds take a sudden flight merging into memories A dusk melts into a haze of dark shadows, trapping the footprints A stranger kissed you once in the mist of many aromas and rain lost nights. © AMITABH MITRA South Africa

You are still small, but your strength is great, you know. Eyes so blue as the sea and a beautiful glow little lionesses of life, you are exactly what true beauty means. You are the light of my life, more beautiful than the sky, just go boldly and always to new victories. You are everything visible, my little girl, that even small beings can overcome the most difficult things. While your blue hair gently flutters, surrounded by the sea, little soul, your beautiful face illuminates everything and because of you, the light of my world does not disappear. Your smile is my entire life your happiness is everything to me and remember just one thing, you are my unique treasure! If at times, you find life difficult, you will always have my love and I will be there for you as long as my heartbeat doesn't betray Little lionness, you can achieve anything because you are mom's fighter who doesn't give up! © DANIJELA ĆUK

Moments spent in solitude and reflection, Enshrined in golden memories that are uniquely mine. Engaging in light banter, exchanging glances over trivialities. A tug-of-war to grasp and conceal, The anticipation of meeting with someone or being met. Yearning and longing, the desire to be near, the playful act of feigning indifference. Giving precedence to others while leaving me solitary. Laughter intertwined with fleeting moments of disdain. Nights longing for the dawn of a new day, Pretending nonchalance while eagerly awaiting a visit Meeting for no purpose other than the desire to connect. An intense longing for someone's presence, An irresistible hankering for companionship, All of this floods back when someone appears, Inwardly, within the corridors of my memories. © SAJID HUSSAIN Pakistan ** Dr. Sajid Hussain , born on February 1, 1969, in Morgah, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, is a distinguished poet, educator, and advocate for literature. He holds memberships in global literary organizations and h as received numerous accolades, including the Shahitya Pata Award and the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Literary Honours. He has authored acclaimed works and contributed to international anthologies. A senior Chemistry teacher and Master Trainer in "Low Cost and No Cost Science Material," Dr. Hussain is also a homeopathic doctor and former principal. His poetry, often focused on humanity and nature, is widely published and translated. Dr. Hussain is a committed adovcate for global understanding, cultural exchange, and social justice, using his platform to inspire positive change and foster dialogue. Dr. Sajid Hussain is the author of several acclaimed books and has co-authored numerous international anthologies. His notable works include: 1. Acquits of Life 2. Parlance 3. Cloud Nine Fantasia 4. Oceanic Upwelling 5. Waves and Rays of Life He has contributed to, and co-authored various international anthologies, including: 1. Flowers of Love 2. Arabian Nights 3. Poets for Peace 4. The Candles of Hope 5. Poetry Collection 6. Poetry for Ukraine 7. The Silk Road Literature 8. Ancient Egyptians Modern Poets 9. Mediterranean Waves 10. Peace andn Love Make Society 11. Rhapsodies 12. Dandelions: Multiverse of Poets Additionally, he compiled Pakistani English Poets Prodigy, which was published in the USA. Dr. Hussain's books and anthologies cover themes such as love, peace, resilience, and the human condition. His works are known for their profound empathy and eloquence, reflecting a deep understanding of the human experience. His poetry has been featured in prominent international magazines and websites, and he has penned over 1,400 poems, published in more than 200 world anthologies and magazines, translated into several major languages.

Review of Peshawa Kakayi's poem, "Universe and Man as a Formula" by Marie J. Mond Translator: Goran Sabah Peshawa Kakayi, known for his dynamic writing style, recently published "Universe and Man as a Formula" in ILA Magazine, from the 2019 Kurdish book, Cosmology. The poem reaches the imagination of the reader, making the reader feel like a spectator and co-creator of the universe. From the beginning of time to the pinnacle of evolution, humanity has a choice to use matter to create its own world or accept the universal design. Kakayi examines creation, the riddle behind it, and what it means for the future. Kakayi's use of personification animates his writing. Humanity referred to as "man" converses with "science" pondering its role as one who modifies nature or adapts to it. The "big bang" is explored with nuclei that think and speak of a time before light was formed. The reader is brought back to the darkness through the big bang, the formation of stars, clusters and life on Earth. In this poem, humanity is being questioned because it shows signs of depression. Kakayi writes, "Man goes into universe/ Wants to say I exist no more..." Humanity sees nature in the form of atoms to use for its own purposes apart from its natural design. The role of destroyer is taken on by humanity. It looks at phenomena without examining the cause. Kakayi expresses, "I examine not me but the big bang." Only when humanity embraces light does it co-create without harming the natural world. Kakayi brings up wine and drunkenness as part of the healing process. Culturally, wine helps humanity forget the darkness and seek the interaction with others. Here, love fits into the equation with the potential to be divine and intentional. Peshawa Kakayi's poem, "Universe and Man as a Formula", is rich with unforgettable themes. The dilemma facing humanity is addressed by exploring the unvierse. Humanity has two ways of being a co-creator. Will humanity heal itself and make the right choice? Either way, Kakayi's poem, imbued with the undying and universal drive to create, is a must read for poetry lovers world-wide. © Marie J. Mond 07.25.24

Review of Paul Barnard's poem, "Didn't Expect This" August 3, 2024 " DIDN'T EXPECT THIS" I know...your bones mean well chartering undertones...that don't sell well But, it's characterizing your hype as most stressingly, unwell. Shouldering that extracting, what lays piping your organical mind Births as panicky amusements distracting a serious rhyme whilst wasting tickings precisely picking up your kickings, lagging chimes Whereby, alike every stowaway's share humping along a friendship line your wear of unconscious cares don't see baffled seas saddling grapplings rippling wrangles sapping our graphic dams Awhile your flooded causings, watering attributes, pausing our pans convincingly dampened to own what lies in argumentative storms of which whether your fronts will weather Atchoo...oh you handed me a cold Look, pal for your character to truly climatically sell I think I gotta paddle back home and re-float your bib that braces your attitudes tone Grr...darn modus operandi humans © PAUL BARNARD South Africa Editor's Review: The poet delves into the intricate realm of human emotions and the internal struggles that accompany them, employing vivid imagery and poignant tones depicting complexities of character and the burdens of emotional turmoil. Paul's poem is structured as a series of thought-provoking verses, delving deeper into a landscape of emotion, evocative language such as "chartering undertones", "shouldering extraction" and "rippling wrangles", adds even more depth to the emotional poetic narrative. The poem explores conflict between one's outward persona and inner struggles, portraying a sense of emotional discord as well as touching on the nuances of interpersonal relationships and the unconscious burdens individuals carry with friendship. "Didn't Expect This" delves into emotions, like stress, panic and confusion, effectively conveying the weight of feelings through metaphorical language. "DIDN'T EXPECT THIS" is quite the intense exploration of human emotion, characterized by rich language and depth along with portrayal of internal struggles and interpersonal dynamics and the compelling reflection on the complexities of human character and emotional resilience. Annette Nasser EIC ILA Magazine USA

"REPLY FROM THE UNKNOWN LADY" (Reply to a poem by Saqlain Mustaq) Here is your letter - unmarked and unnamed "To an unknown lady" - the bemusing envelope, I wonder how it arrived. Inside, the script of a rover - curious about beautiful ladies. Words spill like a secret confession, a tapestry of lust and loss. I was just gazing at your torn shoe, you took it to heart otherwise. No, I never forgot you I too, am a poet of fleeting lovers A negative reply, yet not an end The letter rests now in my hands try again, I am waiting for another. "EXISTENTIAL ANGST" I am sick of earth, a disconnection of breath is all to mail my bones in half-rates for cineration is not working well enough. Wrap me with bare dreams see if you can veil my body, I have loved on the December clouds, no mortal can see me naked. I am overexposed, I am as far as Chile, I am purposely mad, you can build a whole life with only three worlds - I love you. More fleshy than a pig, earth will refuse my history, did I ever live here, once it had a cave named Hira.

"STARDUST" Love is a conqueror shoots silver arrows but if it happens that you refuse him it throws you into the marshes! He is a fierce warrior He holds you like a booty As "slave" you follow your golden crown wears! After the violent invasion flowers of the soul have withered you are in divine court your spirit is enchanted! You go through secret passages swallow tails fly low you arrive at the Parthenon as a king they wear your purple tunic! That's where your life shines in the stone-pillared alleys stardust is gathering in five-petalled lilies! Unsuspecting, you taste it you think it is the nectar of the gods. You never heal follower of the passions... "BIRTH" On earth, the small island thousands of young storks they go to sea, arrive running. With evening sky, our home destination flutter a nest, they do! On earth, the small island a child arrives of God's path for years. He lets out his first cry of joy is anticipation. He shines like a white viconia. We all set up a dance in our own sky anticipating songs of the wind which brings us to you treasure of the whole world my perfect sea angel! I will drink you like wine giving you a kiss. It resurrects from the darkness! You bring the light with you clothed in purple. You sleep in hugs and caressses! "SONGSTER" My love is a vocalist away in the marshes. He is my only hymn. He will bring me to you. To taste your rainbow, climax of honey in your garden as soon as I come from your heavenly arrows. Peacock fans its wings cheeks flaming after the heart was flooded pleasure from the buds. Andromachi Benekou was born in Chouliarades, Ioannina. Her love for books and development pushed her to study Economics, Pedagogy and postgraduate studies in learning disabilities. At the same time, she is a poet, puppeteer, painter and author, her projects have been performed in many schools. Her puppet plays include poems she has been writing since high school. She has been distinguished for her voluntary activity in institutions of Ioannina, with the promotion of Greek literature and culture.

When you kiss, and touch me only, the whole world is ours. We both know that you intoxicate me with your touch and undress me with your eyes. You have no idea how attractive you are to me. Like a gentle breeze of wind, ruffling my hair, gently brushing lips over my nose, I tremble from this madness and if I stop enjoying, I wouldn't dare. Our bodies joined together only in your arms, I am so loved. Only your lips, sweeter than honey. I don't want your hug from me. Your kisses all over, you've awakened the fire in a woman like this. We both go crazy with longing and passion, stealing each other's kisses I melt when you gaze into my eyes yet I also know how to fight back and conquer easily as you fall under my spell. My heart no longer cares for peace. Crazy pounding, my soul burns, my mind fighting with itself while my soul burns, my mind is fighting with itself while locking lips I lose my mind What are you doing to me that I should kiss you with the same fire © Danijela Ćuk

It's All from a... 'T' to 'U' Imagine you are asked to design a T-shirt with a meaningful, humorous or even an insignificant message....Well, we did just that with poets from our Facebook group and chose three messages that stood out among the rest... "YOU ARE A PIANOFORTE" Loud sounds come from your mouth when you want your opinions to be heard or anger is let out after so long, like an erupting volcano But see how soft the sounds that your heart makes, when it finally finds the inner peace it was seeking! It makes you join the angels' choir to sing for joy, or express your feelings of love through music. You can be loud and soft depending on your reaction to what life gives you along its way. © Gheorghe Laura Romania "BITTERSWEET" So bittersweet you are giving me beautiful memories but also hard times. Still, I can not let you because I became addicted. You are like a medicine that needs to be taken so sour, but so good. © Bogdana Gageanu Romania "LIFE IS FULL OF BITTERSWEET MEMORIES - HUMOR THEM AND ENJOY LIFE..." The holiday outing ended with a bittersweet note due to unexpected rain. The cab driver had to return in the rain almost blindsighted. We were all in fear, expecting Dad's spitfire reprimand awaiting us for our misadventure. When the cab reached home, we stepped down and paused under the sunshade; Dad was playing a classical tune on the pianoforte. We were happy to know that Dad was in his rare, quieter disposition and there would be no shouting of 'begone'. We went inside and Dad was happy to see us safe and home. We dined together and regaled Dad about our adventure in the rain. © Kalucharan Sahu India

"I got frozen in the Patriot Hills, ripened within myself' Sometimes when the sun appears, Snow starts to wail, 'What a century! Since when I was vulnerable Snow eaters devour me?' I am in a country, My root goes back to the ice age. Since humans set foot in my land, Climate has destroyed my nature, I am now hit My future will be a miscarriage baby, I might not produce offspring! Oh humans! How foolish are you? You created a flag for me, So that the other six territories Melt in me, Look, besides period and semicolon That appear in my mountains, Commas grow in my plains. In some places, it is snowing, Languishing my stories. Along the way, my body is frozen My feet provides my soul with another air, Tipsy with the slushy snow. My feet do not need a coat of snow, The ancient snow had no name on the summits, People come here jumping on planes, using parachutes To live in this icy territory; I set a tent in Patriot base camp My groans mix with snowflakes at night. I cannot read the stars, Looking at my fingers, Shivering, As if, they were asteroids falling from the space. I hugged my knees, At this midnight, thought of yester night Why I am so pale in this whiteness and Cannot go back to insomnia. I came outside like a night watch Startled people, Each grabbed a lamp I redrew the Kurdistan map for them on snow, Look! Its limps have horseshoes. Its head neighs like a horse, Pay attention to its head, a head of Western women, The wolves want to behead it so that It stops neighing! My home is a child, Its cord is not cut Its liver and intestines Are extracted by the political parties. Even now Its heart is a blazing fire, A flame that smokes, People want to be a flame, but are not allowed. No word is uttered by itself, Some words contain history Turned hundreds of words into one word, For instance: Kurd and mountain, Kurd and diaspora, Kurd and rebel, Mountain, diaspora and rebel are The summary of hundreds of books Have come out, To be read in this fast wheel Keep their heads out of other books! ©Peshawa Kakayi Translated by Goran Sabah ** Peshawa Abdalla Abdalrahman , also known as (Peshawa Kakayi), is a Kurdish poet and writer. He was born on April 19, 1984, in Qaladze, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. He completed his primary, secondary and high school education in the same city. In 2008-2009, he obtained a bachelor's degree in political sciences from Sulaimaniyah University. He has published articles in many newspapers and publications. He has published 21 collections of poems, written and published a research book, and a book on poetry based on four in-depth interviews. He also wrote a literary diary, that's an average of 24 books so far. He also has four books ready for publication, two of which are research and two of which are poetry. Several studies and readings have been conducted on his poems. In addition, ten undergraduate studies have been conducted on his poems. Peshawa has also translated four books into Persian. He has translated a collection of poems into Arabic. He contributed toward a book entitled 'Poets for Peace', published in Tunisia. He also has contributed to an anthology book entitled "The Multinational Pen Soldiers", prepared and published by Mohammed Shamsul Haq Babu of Bangladesh. Several of his poems have also been translated into other languages including Albania, Uzbek, Spanish, Igbo, English, Indonesian, Bengali, Bosnian, Polish, Chinese, Russian, Serbian, Arabic, Persian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Macedonian. He has been published in the United States in the first and second volumes of the American poetry journal, 'Paradise on EARTH', an international anthology. He has also received seventeen awards in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Goran Sabah Bio: Goran Sabah is a novelist, critic and translator based in Erbil, a capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. His notable works include 'Cheap Humans' (Science Fiction), 'How to Critique Novels' (Criticism) and 'How to Write Novels.'

Do you remember when we spoke of swans? The seasons pass so quickly, While age passes by so slow, It seems like only yesterday - That I was there. I can still see the colours Of the sunshine on the lake, I can still see the white cob, As he rose into the air. 'Do you remember when we spoke of swans?' (Now I'm talking to myself, That's a sure and certain sign of getting old) I told you that they loved just once, And when their partner died, They were destined to live on the lake alone. You thought that was so very sad, And I, at the time agreed, Not knowing all those years ago - I was talking about me. ********** Rainbow It appeared as if by magic a carousel of light stretching across a sky that threatened rain. A mirage of colours rising from the west then settling on a field just near my home. What did the ancient people think when it first appeared a prelude of a message from the Gods? A rainbow bridge that led them to another world beyond? an omen from a loved one that had gone? In my day I believed that's where leprechauns hid their pots of gold on the very spot where it came to land. But although I rushed and searched the field it always seemed to be the next until it just grew tired of my silly game - slowly faded and was gone. © John Anthony Fingleton (Löst Viking) Review: John Anthony Fingleton's poem, "Do you remember when we spoke of swans?" resonates deeply with themes of time passing, loneliness, and reflection on life's fleeting moments. The imagery of swans, symbolizing love and loss, is poignant and evokes a sense of melancholy. The contrast between the swift passage of seasons and the slow march of age beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of growing older. The poem's structure, with its conversational tone and introspective musings, invites readers to contemplate their own experiences of love, loss and the passage of time. The vivid description of the sunshine on the lake and the image of the solitary swan rising into the air creates a vivid scene that stays with the reader long after reading. In conclusion, "Do you remember when we spoke of swans?" is a heartfelt reflection on the inevitability of change and the enduring power of memories. It touches on universal emotions with a gentle yet profound voice, making it a compelling piece that speaks to the human condition. "Rainbow" by John Anthony Fingleton, complements "Do you remember when we spoke of swans?" with its contemplative tone and exploration of natural wonder. The poem vividly describes the appearance of a rainbow, likening it to a "carousel of light" amidst threatening rain. This imagery immediately draws the reader into a scene where the mundane meets the magical. Similar to the first poem, "Rainbow" contemplates the perceptions of ancient peoples and personal childhood beliefs. It suggests that rainbows might have been seen as mystical bridges or omens, connecting the ordinary world with something transcendent or spiritual. The mention of leprechauns and pots of gold adds a touch of whimsy, contrasting with the deeper reflections on human curiosity and the fleeting nature of wonder. Both poems share a common thread of nostalgia and introspection, reflecting on how perceptions evolve with age and experience. While "Do you remember when we spoke of swans?" focuses on the passage of time and solitude, "Rainbow" explores the intersection of reality and imagination, suggesting that even as we grow older, elements of magic and wonder continue to shape our perceptions of the world. Together, these poems invite readers to reflect on the intersection of memory, nature, and human imagination, offering a poignant glimpse into the complexities of the human experience across different stages of life. Reviewed by: Concetta Pipia ILA Magazine Contributing Editor/Reviewer *** John Anthony Fingleton Bio: John Anthony Fingleton was born in Cork City, Republic of Ireland, and has lived in various countries including the UK, France, Mexico, and has completed six tours in different African states with the French Armed Forces. Currently residing in Paraguay, Latin America, Fingleton's poetry has been published in journals and anthologies across Ireland, the UK, USA, India, and France. His work has been featured on Irish and American radio, as well as in Spanish on Latin American broadcasts. He has contributed to several books of poetry for children and had his poems included in numerous national and international journals, blogs, reviews, and anthologies. Fingleton's accolades include being named Poet of the Year (2016) by Destiny Poets International Community, Poet of the Month (March 2019) by Our Poetry Archive, and Poet of the Month (April 2019) by The League of Poets. He was also recognized as Author of the Month by Spillwords in December 2020 and was nominated for Author of the Year by Spillwords in 2020. His poems have been selected for anthologies in India, South America, the UK, and the USA, some translated into local languages. Additionally, Fingleton's words from two Viking poems were arranged and recorded by the group Valkrym in May 2024. He is the author of several anthologies, including 'Poems from the Shadowlands' (November 2017), 'Words That Found Me' (December 2019), 'Poems From The Banks' (January 2020), 'Poems from a Restricted Place' (April 2020), 'Secret Fjords' (May 2020), 'A Gathering Of Words' (June 2020), 'Lost Places Other Poems' (January 2021), and 'Late Snows and other Facebook Poems' (October 2022).

The Harmony of Visual Art and Poetry "THE COLOR OF US" We are all born stark naked our first hour most special inspection, swift our first notes a blessed concert of life, our genes precious giving us our unique skin - Red, our introduction into this world, cream screams alert, our satisfaction of life, gifted blue, our orbs brown hazel spark bright, our promise of everlasting blessed light promise bright - first notes, our lullaby each coo and aah, delightful new life ignites - Loved ones rush to welcome new life, admiration at a high, smiles abound, yellow, our happiness bright alight sparkling, glistening magenta, our concern dissipating quickly rushing to teach belief, actions white, examples found in family DNA, lessons learned future life precious yellow, hope green, our love for nature teaching us to ensure our environment is protected - Appreciated, educated Sky - blue hope to protect not to neglect or else black hope will puncture our orange love light brightening glowing golden hope in our daily lives... Live Life Love Life Paint your life brighter than ever before... You matter. We matter. Let us combine our inner super trooper light as we shine together forever... As we release our inner lights... © Don Afrika Beukes (Painting also by poet) France "WAITING" (Haibun) While waiting for our granddaughters who would have their ballet recital in two hours, my husband and I took time to grab a nap at a friendly coffee shop, and I, on the watch for interesting shots, took this photo while he was having forty winks. Sleepless, I take out My flute, Basho, to play to A brand new haiku © Ma. Milagros T. Dumdum Philippines "EMPTY ME" These planks, a seat for silence These rims, a stick to silence These empty eyes, cart unexplored dreams Is silence an entity? Or universe. © Mushtaque B. Barq (Photography by Poet - above) Jammu/Kashmir "Shahjanabad Café", painting by Amitabh Mitra. " SHAHJANABAD CAFÉ" This happened again on a strange café noon river days flew where a distance left a crooked wind a lone fort gaunt daring again to remember memories stuck to mirrors we had seen each other so often then cups, glasses and lips all together happened again and in the midst of a forest sleep our eyes once again rode many a writhing storm voices staged suddenly where I had once touched you again. © AMITABH MITRA SOUTH AFRICA Art by Shweta Sahai "ELYSIUM" I forage for you In the love songs of yesteryear The trammels of convention Had imprisoned me then Now that senescence has immured me My spirit has been freed A birdsong has come alive The little sparrow Perched on the curlicues of my condominium bursts into a refrain My spirit becomes one with yours Like the chirring and the chirping amidst the colonnade of trees in the garden of Elysium. © Shweta Sahai India Photography of Abdallah Ibn Edriss "OLOLUFE MI" (My Lover) If "L" in life represents you, Layla, the rest will still be your name ifé (love), 'cuz far atop that iroko tree, is a symbol of your victory in my heart. Thus is roses are red and violets are blue, your lips would be a thornless flower, that candle my way to the sacred temple, far deep into the meadows of órun. Your existence gave life a meaning; A purpose and now it's you I'm needing Take my heart with you in this calabash And travel the sea of eternity, and wait For me where heaven meets earth. © Abdallah Ibn Edriss Nigeria Photography by Gheorghe Laura "THE WAIT" I'm standing on the Titan's knee, Looking around in awe and fear As the sea urges me to swim, After all, it is a hot summer's day. I politely refused for the hundredth time Despite being tempted to do it. The laughter of my peers echo across the seafront, Asking me, "When will I come join them?" Being in my teenage years, The world seems bigger than I expected, So, it's better to wait for the right moment To spread my wings and fly towards the sky. "When will it come? Is it worth the wait?" © Gheorghe Laura Romania Photography by Jurine Garcia "SUNRISE AND SUNSET" It's really nice to see, every time I look at you. Your gentle warmth, that soothes my sadness. In all - the - day and overnight adventures I'm always waiting for you. Every time seeing your beauty, You remove my depression and anxiety I feel that I am free from everything... I know the time will come when I won't see you anymore. I have no regrets.. Because once in my life, you made me feel That with every dip and rise, I found rest. © Jurine Garcia Philippines Photography of Sonal Rao "COOL DUDE" Your stand was exuberant but mine wasn't that cheerful! Your smile was jovial but mine wasn't that ebullient! Your confidence was backslapping but mine wasn't that unreserved! How come you're so loud or Why are you so warm? You shared a pain in that enthusiastic moment But it did seem real! You seemed to mock at my energetic Presence with a vivacious smile! Aren't we all a part of this animated drama With a tearful soul, trying to fit in ardently??? © Sonal Rao India Artwork by Matt Elmore "PAPA ELEPH ANT" It's all over you done left we lost the baby I'll never forget we were so happy everything was set you smiled at me I'll never forget we told everyone without regret everyone knew I'll never forget we bought a crib nothing we didn't get but our little darlin' I'll never forget you got sick we didn't expect it too happened I'll never forget It's all over you've done left I lost you both I'll never forget. © Matt Elmore USA Art above by Andree Malenoir Featured in a slideshow "THAT NIGHT " A Queen of the Ocean A ship full of dreams Magnificent liner It's not all it seems Unsinkable giant Buoyed up by the waves No cause to be fearful A Star of her age! She was built there in Belfast Shipyard...Harland & Wolff Alongside her sisters She was proud of herself Tho Olympic, Gigantic... They would both meet their fate But TITANIC lives on... And so does the debate! So what caused her demise? It's an iceberg, we're told... There's no doubt that this happened On that night, in the cold! Could the rivets be faulty? Did a fire rage within? Well yes, both of these 'things'... Are the place to begin! Yes, a fire burnt within her And the rivets were weak That they popped out on impact Then they started the leak Very soon tons of water Well it deluged the ship And it didn't take long For her head just to dip! As she sank in the ocean There were many who died There were so many questions Before 'they' could decide... Whether negligence caused The worst maritime wreck And why were the lifeboats Far too few on the deck? Well the questions still come But the answers are few... And did the 'White Star' Have answers? I believe some of them knew! © Andree Malenoir UK Photography by Sheila Ann "ADIEU TO SUN" Time is moving so slow today and it burned the grass So hot and humid, I thought I would pay homage with the white wind and white birds of Chimborazo where the mountains festooned with white clouds, I journeyed towards the westering sun until I was burning flesh. I asked the wise but vexatious aubade He laughed seeing my discomfort toil. The vast trees of the land are no more, broken and devoured. The soil is tattered The very faces that I saw were gloomy and hated the reddened sun. He told me that he washed his hands at the heathen of humans of the rays that came and passed as he coddiwompled to other regions, and I quailed adn befuddled as my days were graced by the moon and the stars. © Sheila Ann Malaysia Artwork Title: "The Last Autumn Sunsets Under the Pomegranate Trees" Artist: Mehrangiz Talaiezadeh Country: Iran Style: Hyperrealism Size 30cm x 36cm Materials: Polychromos colored pencils on Stenbach cardboard Signed painting © 2021 "THE LAST AUTUMN SUNSETS UNDER THE POMEGRANATE TREES" The last autumn sunsets under the pomegranate trees The pomegranate trees; full of red ruby seeds full of jewelry beads; The jewelry beads embedded in shields; The shields full of sweet and bitter weeps; The sweet and bitter weeps flows through human lives; The human lives full of shades and glitter lits; The glitter lits on a flory plain in pretty reds; The pretty reds over the chaise; The chaise with tea ware parties, the parties, full of intimacies The intimacies with raw almonds, tricolor is In the last autumn sunsets under the pomegranate trees The spirit of honesty breeze In the peace pure jungles. © Mehrangiz Talaiezadeh Iran Photography by Gloria Magallanes-Loeb "SEEKING" Seeking a better view from above Will I find happiness and love? The massive azure blueness of the sky Assures me with comfort even up high My beaming heart is full of desire Can't fathom much longer to acquire This beautiful feeling that am inspired To hold unto before the sunset expires Gives me hope that my fate will come As we meet before dusk, when Nightingale sings not be glum! © Gloria Magallanes-Loeb USA