“I’m happy and deeply honored to be invited by the Foundation and Cultural Organization International Academy Orient-Occident (Curtea de Argeş, Romania) to take part in the 12^th edition of its International Festival “Curtea de Argeş Poetry Nights” on July 16-22, 2008 at the Curtea de Argeş- the capital of Wallachia in the 14^th-15^th century. And also, I’m very thankful to the organizers for providing me this wonderful opportunity and experience of a life time to meet/socialize and exchange thoughts with other writers/poets from around the globe, who’ll be attending this international literary event of such great importance.”—Ernesto Pangilinan Santiago, the TSOPR Editor.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL “CURTEA DE ARGEŞ POETRY NIGHTS” – ROMANIA

 

About the Festival: The Romania International Festival “Curtea de Argeş Poetry Nights” was set up in 1997, belonging to the annual programs of the Foundation and Cultural Organization International Academy Orient-Occident (Curtea de Argeş, Romania). This festival has a unique character, within the Central European countries, it has aimed and succeeded from the very beginning to become part of the international circuit of big festivals such as Struga (R. Macedonia), Las Palmas (Spain), Medellin (Colombia), Trois Rivières (Canada), etc. The International Festival “Curtea de Argeş Poetry Nights” is conceived as an encomium to the world poetry nowadays, as a ceaseless poetical performance: such as the Romanian traditional music, art exhibition and book releases, Romanian folk dances, visits to the fortresses and castles of Vlad Ţepeş (Dracula), trips to the Carpathian Mountains and many more surprising activities. The festival lasts 6 days and 6 nights.

 

Literary Prizes: On the occasion of the Festival, the Academy will award the following prizes: 1. Wallachia Prize (for Translations); 2. Balkan Grand Prize (for Poetry); 3. The Grand European Prize (for Poetry); 4. Orient-Occident Grand Prize (for Arts); 5. The National Grand Prize (for Literature); 6. The World Grand Prize for Poetry.

 

Objectives: Among the objectives of the Foundation and Cultural Organization International Academy “Orient-Occident” and of the International Festival “Curtea de Argeş Poetry Nights” are: 1. Promoting of mutual respect, the respect between peoples and cultures, promoting peace, non-violence, cultural, linguistic, ethnical, religious and age tolerance on the national, regional (Balkans, South and Central Europe) and international (East-West, North-South, Orient-Occident) plane; 2. Getting men of letters from all cultural meridians together; 3. Stimulating the Romanian contemporary creation; 4. Increasing the interest of men of culture from abroad in the Romanian culture and civilization; 5. Strengthening of the civil society interest for the Romanian and universal cultural values; 6. Increasing the role of the particular / private initiatives in the preparation, organization and administration of the cultural act; 7.Turning to good account of the cultural management experience of Romanian personalities; 8. Integration of Romanian cultural values in the international circuit; 9. Formation of participation spirit within individuals and collectivities to the knowledge and promotion of the Romanian and foreign cultural values.

 

Yearly, on the occasion of the festival, one ceremony of joining new members to the International Academy Orient-Occident takes place in Master Manole’s Hall (Royal / Episcopal Palace at Curtea de Argeş).

 

The 12^th edition of the International Festival „Curtea de Argeş Poetry Nights” will take place on 16-22 July 2008, having as motto: „1001 Poems” and it will be hosted by poet Dumitru M. Ion (President) and poetess Carolina Ilica (Artistic Director).

 

 

Dimitris P. Kraniotis, Poet and Medical Doctor
Founder and President of World Poets Society (W.P.S.)

Poet’s Profile:

Dimitris P. Kraniotis is an award-winning Greek poet. He was born in 1966 in Stomio, a coastal town in central Greece. He studied at the Medical School of the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. He lives and works as a Medical Doctor, specialist in Internal Medicine in Larissa, Greece. He is Doctor of Literature (Litt. D.) by the World Academy of Arts and Culture, Academician of the International Academy of Micenei (Italy), President of 22nd World Congress of Poets (Greece 2011) by United Poets Laureate International, Founder and President of World Poets Society (W.P.S.) and Ambassador of Poetas del Mundo to Greece. He is Editor and Director of the electronic magazine “World Poet” and 3 online poetic libraries, Editorial Director of the Greek medical magazine “Hippocrates”, Member of the Editorial Board of the Greek literary magazine “Graphi” of the Cultural Organization of the Larissa Municipality and Member of several organizations including the Hellenic Literary Society, Greek PEN Center, International Society of Greek Writers, Hellenic Society of Writing Physicians, Larissa Writers and Poets Society (former Vice-President 2003-2006 & President 2006), United Poets Laureate International (UPLI), World Academy of Arts and Culture (WAAC), International Writers and Artists Association (IWA), Union Mondiale des Ecrivains Medecins (UMEM), Poetas del Mundo (Chile), Poetry Society of America (PSA) and Academy of American Poets. Four of his poetic collections have been published: “Traces” (poems in Greek, Larissa, Greece 1985), “Clay Faces” (poems in Greek, Larissa, Greece, 1992), “Fictitious Line” (poems in Greek and translated into English and French, Larissa, Greece 2005) & “Dunes” (poems translated into French and Romanian, Bucharest, Romania 2007). His poems have been translated into English, French, Romanian, Bulgarian, Serbian (Serbo-Croatian), Dutch & Portuguese. Central theme in his poetry is contemporary man, his impasse, his worries, his fears, his hopes and dreams. He has won a number of international literary awards for his poetry (in Greece, USA, UK, France, Italy & India), which has been published (in books, anthologies, magazines & newspapers) in many countries around the World.

 

Websites of Dimitris P. Kraniotis:

v      The Official Website of the Greek Poet: http://www.dimitriskraniotis.com/

v      World Poets Society (W.P.S.): http://world-poets.blogspot.com/

v      International Poet: http://international-poet.blogspot.com

v      Greek Poet: http://greek-poet.blogspot.com

 

 

Poems by Dimitris P. Kraniotis

 

Fictitious line

 

Smokes

of cigarettes

and mugs

full of coffee,

next

to the fictitious line

where the eddy

of words

leans against

and nods,

wounded,

to my silence.

 

 

Ideals

 

Snow-covered mountains,

ancient monuments,

a north wind that nods to us,

a thought that flows,

images imbued

with hymns of history,

words on signs

with ideals of geometry.

 

 

Illusions 

 

Noiseless wrinkles

on our forehead

the frontiers of history,

shed oblique glances

at Homer’s verses.

Illusions

full of guilt

redeem

wounded whispers

that became echoes

in lighted caves

of the fools and the innocent.

 

 

The end

 

The savour of fruits

still remains

in my mouth,

but the bitterness of words

demolishes the clouds

and wrings the snow

counting the pebbles.

But you never told me

why you deceived me,

why with pain

and injustice did you desire

to say that the end

always in tears

is cast to flames.

 

 

Ashes

 

The fireplace

was eager

to put a full stop,

in the sentence

where the road

of my dreams

stuck

upon the word of happiness

with sparkles

of wet logs

I collected

from the inside of me

that I dared

to turn to ashes.

 

 

Rules and visions 

 

Life counts

the rules;

the sunset, their exceptions.

Rain drinks up

the centuries;

spring, our dreams.

The eagle sees

the sunrays

and youth, the visions.

 

 

Denials

 

A roar of cars

seals the dawn

with short-cut answers,

with unyielding denials

that are repeated

explicitly

every sunset.

 

 

One-word garments

 

Waves of circumflexes,

storms of adverbs,

windmills of verbs,

shells of signs of ellipsis,

on the island of poems

of soul,

of mind,

of thought,

one-word garments

you wear

to endure!

 

 

Maybe

 

The cloud struggled

against the sand

underneath the rain

of ”no” and ”yes”,

forcefully treading

on the rationale

that obeys

the impasse of ”maybe”.

 

 

What I ask

 

A ball of threads

my prayers

whisper

frightened.

Foolish ”I’’s

are choked

without you ever

knowing

what I ask.

 

 

The ”don’ts” and ”zeros”

 

The night

that strangled

the endless moments

I had wished

to live,

passed by

without my lighting up

the candle

I had longed

to warm up

all the ”don’ts” and ”zeros”.

 

 

Limits

 

Fragments of glasses

in the empty room

of the inarticulate whispers,

bleed

our limits,

fill

with sores

the caress of our soul.

 

 

They called her crazy

 

She loved

the flowers, the trees.

She kissed

the poppies, the lilies.

She played

with animals, like a child.

She adored

the humans, the birds.

She would sacrifice herself

for the life and love.

They called her crazy!

But why?

 

 

To you I speak

 

To you I speak,

do not show indifference.

This moment

to me

is mighty.

I am happy.

These words I uttered

and all were sad.

They left,

heads down.

 

 

To the dead poet of obscurity

(In honor of the dead unpublished poet)

 

Well done!

You have won!

You should not feel sorry.

Your unpublished poems

-always remember-

have not been buried,

haven’t bent

under the strength of time.

Like gold

inside the soil

they remain,

they never melt.

They may be late

but they will be given

to their people

someday,

to offer their sweet,

eternal essence.

 

 

Victory

 

Short

is the life of victory.

Stuck

on the mud of the mistakes,

on the mud of the tarmac.

 

 

Copyright © 2008 Dimitris P. Kraniotis

 

 

The March 06, 2008 PoetrySoup International Poetry Contest brought in over a thousand of poems (1150) of all kinds and in different poetic forms, from poets around the globe. Narrowing the field down to 277 semi-finalists, only 25 winning poems were selected and they are currently featured on PoetrySoup home page.

Selecting the winners was, surely, a tough task for the judges, ‘cos all the entries were superb and each poem had something to convey, but only one poet could receive the top prize: 1st Place Award of Excellence and the honor went to Ernesto Pangilinan Santiago, an Overseas Filipino Worker based in Athens, Greece. Unknown to many he’s also a poet and author of “The Walking Man” a poetry book published by Outskirtspress. He is also nominated for the 4th MUSES AWARDS-POETRY PRIZE and will be travelling to Bucharest, Romania to participate in the 12th edition of the International Festival “Curtea de Argeş Poetry Nights”, July 16-22, 2008.

His winning poem “Spring Bud” appealed to young readers and the olds alike. It truly worked in words the very same way a gardener works in his garden. The poem amazes the readers with its shape form, words usage and originality.

Read the winning poems here: http://www.poetrysoup.com

Poet’s Profile:

Magnus Amudi Nwagu is a poet and a young student, from Affa in Udi local Government Area of Enugu state Nigeria and was born on August 30, 1987. He loves literature and writes poetry with zest. He is currently enrolled at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in Nigeria, taking Law.

His Featured Poetry:

AFRICAN DAMSEL

The aesthetic work of nature
As shining as the dark coal of the east.
A figure admired than 8
Hairs like the tail of horse

A skin better than fresh foliage in day
Legs far more straight than ostrich’s
Eyes sharper than eagles and lovelier than cats
The “Uri” her beautifier and decorator

A walking cat in her walk
Gentle and peaceful like dove
As diligent as the diligent ant
Per excellence in all

Thou are beauty
Thou are glorious to behold.
–
NIGERIA

Nigeria is this you the golden eagle
Feeding on dried vegetation with wings in black
Once like Isaac in sight of Abraham
A rose in the hands of jezebel thou are

Could that be you so lean as if HIV positive
Infected by unfaithful partners of yours
That prefers thy quality to that of leprosy hands
Oh! What a paradoxical life

Can you ever grow in spite of all this?
Like the great Iroko tree in my village
But if the red cap, the talking drum
And the great amara eaters will come together with one voice

And say like the biblical Jesus, “Stand and Walk”
I know that thy bone shall rise again.
–

FISH BONE

In the middle of a meal
As tempting as Nebuchadnezzar’s table
She feasted fiercely
Without noticing the protruding bone,
In the fish she churns

Alas a cry
For help,
Creating a sore in the throat
Neither water nor food
Shall find its way down

For her system disrupted
Like our system of governance

She must be treated
For their to be an improvement

Copyright © 2008 Magnus Amudi Nwagu

4th Muses Prize - Poetry Nominee: Ernesto P. Santiago, Poet from Greece

Nominated Poem in 2007: December Sky

 

Filipino Poet/Author Ernesto Pangilinan Santiago is nominated for the 4^th Muses Poetry Prize, for his work “December Sky” from his poetry book “The Walking Man”. His poem, also, won a 17^th place honourable mention in November 01, 2007 Poetry Soup International Poetry Contest. Mr. E. P. Santiago lives with his wife in Athens, Greece.

 

 

His Nominated Poem:

 

December Sky

 

I sit, with deep contentment, by the window

And watching the young evergreen out-shadowed

The oak tree, where love once etched on it, I sowed

 

My time quietly slipped into the picture

Between my only son and his firstborn son

Between the past, the present, and the future

 

I have the feelings, but no words are spoken

When the words are spoken, my own feelings gone

Hidden for life, in my sagging rocking chair

 

I felt the late afternoon cold breeze, touching

White-bearded face, with the autumn scent tingling

While the golden sun has faded, into gray

 

I saw the charmed naked ladies, still smiling

In a bright purplish pink, for there are no snows

Soon, the land will be white, when tomorrow bows

 

As I eagerly wait for December sky

To glow, with sensational firecrackers’ lights

In my arms, my grandson awaken from sleep

 

No words spoken, but, has the smile on his face

In him I saw myself, in my father’s arm

Now I know, December’s coming, to give grace

 

—

 

Muses Review/Muses Poetry Prize Nominees, click this link:

http://www.musesreview.org

 

 

Author’s Biography:

Gino Dolorzo is raised in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines which would want to call him GiNoLoCo for he thinks it is an indication that he’s a part of a sub-species called humans. He’s currently taking up his Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education Major in Special Education in Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan

Furthermore, he usually associates himself to a wilted daffodil accidentally-like dancing with the rhythm of the breeze sullenly waiting when to be blown away or pretty much synonymous to a chewed bubblegum just patiently waiting when to sink in.

Mr. Gino Dolorzo’s poem “Cobwebs and Tears” is a 4th place (Honorable Mention) winner of the January 28, 2008 “The Love Me or Love Me Not Free Verse International Poetry Contest”, sponsored by: USA poet Mark Cotterman-Author of the Beauty of Someday: Poems from a Dysfunctional Heart

Featured Poetry:

Juliet

She sits sullen
Quiet and isolated
Onto a sea-shell littered shore
Beaten by the wave
Like a mute deafen by the midnight air

Child-like,
She stares at the moon with freckles of moon rock
Silhouetted against the sky streaked with white
As if tie-dyed in pale grey
As she reluctantly sniffs the salt-scented
Twilight mist cast by the sea breeze

Worn-out,
She strums the smooth silhouette of
Her companion —a suspicious-looking
Bottle fogged-up by her breath.
And ah! She treats it
Her sister —not in blood but in heart.

In a single doubtful gulp,
She devours its rust colored liquor
Which, too later guarantees nothing but
The rest her body aches for.

Seconds passed, sea birds have flown
Streams of sweat
Gush down the sides of her face.
The pins and the needles kick-off
Their catwalks on the runway
Pole of her spine.
While, the spotlight of her mind
Clothes her thoughts with numbness.

She sits still
Now prostrate with unease
Like a pigeon that had lost
Half of its feathers
Beads of tears roll down
Towards the wingtips of her lips
Frozen with a smile half-baked.

Subconsciously
Her eyes shut
But gently
For good.

***

Cobwebs and Tears

The moon casts a surreal light
Upon looking out of the window
The night is my mistress
Solitude my blanket
Then I think of you;
The daffodils dancing as they glisten
Your almond eyes,
Serene lips always rest unscathed -
Right every after kiss,
Your silly ponytail.
They speak to me in rhythms
They hush me in rhymes
As I haunt an honest silence
To save the calmness half death

My body aches to breathe your breath -
Your tequila breath.
I smile stretched from ear to ear
For it brings the contemplative
mood of my soul
Your flavored lip gloss lingers on me now
Bewitched on how it bathes
As it rinses my lips - my chapped lips.
Like an ocean hugging its shore
Sweet
Toothsome
Relishing
It tastes like Paris

Tonight I lie in bed,
A nest which doesn’t offer
A place of comfort no more
Tossing and turning
Swaying restlessly
All because you stop singing my lullaby
It’s our pillow upon my head
Reaching against my wet cheeks
Dull
Lifeless
Colder than death
Too later - Too soon
It would then be

Drowned by cobwebs
Soaked in tears.

***

Almost Poetic

Falling in love
Is a decent manifestation
Of emotional full growth;

Falling out of love
Is an indelicate indication
Of emotional immaturity.

Copyright@2007 GiNoLoCo dolorzo

Useful Tips on Writing Rhyme Incorporated Poetry

As we all know, there are so many types and genres of poetry and learning it one by one is time consuming, simply ‘cos one must first seek and understand the meaning of each form, before one can write a poem of his/her own in a chosen form or style, but if you are like me, (patient enough to learn new things) who loves creating/inventing new poetic form, then bare with me and I’ll share with you the hints writing poetry in a new poetic form called “Rhyme Incorporated”.

A “Rhyme Incorporated” is a poetic form meaning “incorporation of poets’ names and the titles of their poems” in a new poem. Rhyme incorporated poem can be written as a short three mono-rhyming lines (a Tercet) or in multiple stanzas of mono-rhyming tercet and it is drawn from the titles of poems written by poets around the world. The rhyme scheme for this form of poetry is aaa, bbb, ccc, etc.; line 1 and 3 may or may not have same syllable counts.

I created “Rhyme Incorporated” as an answer to the calls of my peers/fellow poets: to write a tag poem (being played in 2007 at the Poetrysoup Community) to culminate the performance of other members by sharing a tag poem and have fun writing poetry.

Writing in this poetic form one must bare in mind to stay focus on his/her topic and no doubt must keep the interest of the readers. Also remember, in order to have a successful “Rhyme Incorporated” poem, one must read other poets works, (why? simply because how can you write a rhyme incorporated poem without knowing the names of the poets and their poems), then select the titles of their poems and with your own feelings/ideas, carefully construct a meaningful, interesting and heartfelt poem.

Well, the goal of this poetic form is to write a poem and at the same time to unite and to promote other poets and their works, and to foster and solidify
brotherhood/sisterhood/camaraderie/friendship/peace among poets.

Surely, writing Rhyme Incorporated poetry is a lot of fun, enlightening and a very challenging activity. At first glance it seems difficult, but when you have the will to write, then I assure 99%, if not 100% that you can write a rhyme incorporated poem and the further you go in studying/writing in this form the closer you become the great master of Rhyme Incorporated. Oh, do not stress yourself or push your brain hard writing this kind of poetry, lest your work become meaningless and you end up not feeling well about me…lol.

And, if you are not a poet but has the craving to become one, just like me, and want to give it a try writing poetry, well there is always a solution. Use Google search and find an existing poetry forum/community/site, then join and start reading their works (you need to do a lot of reading, before you can write a rhyme incorporated poem) and at the same time read/commend their works. And, if you see an interesting titles of poems that you can use for your own rhyme incorporated, list it down on a piece of paper and later write a poem, but only when you are inspired, ‘cos this way you can easily write in this form and the best part of all, it will make your poem a masterpiece that everybody will look at and of course it will make you feel proud of yourself and feel like a great poet too.

Ok, here’s the simple rule of this poetic form, a poem is not a rhyme incorporated poem, without the names of other poets and their poems’ titles in your poem. That’s it!

Lastly, do not forget to acknowledge the poets, for using their names and the titles of their works in your Rhyme Incorporated poem. This can be done by making a footnote at the end of your poem. A simple “thank you” note will be fair enough. Incorporating other poets or your own peers and their works in your rhyme incorporated poem is a compliment/an honor to all of them. But above all, be friendly or else they won’t allow you putting their names and titles of their works in your poem…lol! Good luck!

Here’s an example of a three line (Tercet) Rhyme Incorporated:

One Day In Spring

O, waiting for John Heck “In Fields of Eden”
when “I Kissed a Butterfly” for “Breaking the Pen”
that Brandlynn Scruggs asked for “An Hour in Heaven”.

This poem consists of:

Poet John Heck, his poem “In Fields of Eden”
Poet Brandlynn Scruggs, her poem “An Hour in Heaven”
Me, my poems “I Kissed A Butterfly” and “Breaking the Pen”.

Here’s an example of a longer Rhyme Incorporated:

Starless Night: The Art Of Giving
I
1. I was reading Michelle MacDonald’s superb piece of art “Sea Shanty”
2. Secretly, under the haiku master Katherine Stella’s “Yum Yum Tree”
3. When smiling Carol Brown, invited me to her grand “Surprise Party”
II
4. The charming lady of the soup was no longer feeling bad or “Sideline”
5. After mending herself, thru helpful John Boak’s “Like The Best Wine”
6. I am not sure, if playful Julie Bristow told her the miracle of “Divine”
III
7. Thank God! Doret Cope sighed; she didn’t suffer from a “Stolen Love”
8. She enjoyed the work of Dawn Drickman’s “The Tiger And The Dove”
9. She is a good person that I told her my secret of having “Other Love”
IV
10. At the party, Keith Bickerstaffe, without her luckless maid “Ophelia”
11. Was talking to Sir William Robinson, the great man behind “Mahalia”
12. I guessed she asked him why I wrote “O God, The Rat Has A Phobia”
V
13. Dancing flawlessly, to the nostalgic tune of Jeffrey Lee’s “Music”
14. Was my haiku mentor, she’s mesmerized by Mahalia’s “Light Magic”
15. But co-host, a certain Adam Piper was caught trapped, at “The Attic”
VI
16. I did surprise all, even Sir William Robinson, “When I Stop And Pray”
17. I interrupted my recitation of own favorite “Cast Your Doubts Away”
18. ‘Cos I rather break my pen, but not a promise: “And To Thee, I Pray”
VII
19. Epulaeryu chef Joseph Spence Sr. who “Makes The World Go Round”
20. Was explaining, his cooking, to sweet Elaine George, but “Spellbound”
21. By the strong romantic power, of yellow “Dried Rose On The Ground”
VIII
22. That got humble Daria Stone confused of feeling “Unlocked, Not Free”
23. A beauteous Deborah Simpson smiled and asked him: “Sequester Me”
24. Joyful Karen O’Leary said, the handsome chef will “Travel With Me”
IX
25. Thinking of O, Ms. Jill Martin was in her solitude “Quietly…breathing”
26. That she just waved her hand greeting April Lewis “Without Speaking”
27. I spied humorist Donald Meikle writing a “Note to a Lady in Waiting”
X
28. Let’s party! Exclaimed silent Sami Al-Khalili, but not “Only In Winter”
29. That’s a real cool idea, and I said, how about in “The Field Of Summer”
30. Dame Marcyle Beer offered her place called “Welcome To Fort Beer”
XI
31. A rising star Taryn Melville proudly breezed in: saying “I Am From…”
32. But, party guy Anthony Slauson showed us his “Fingers of Freedom”
33. Leaving noble Alyssa Finley’s young mind fixated in “Dreams Come”
XII
34. A free verse expert JeanMarie Marchese of Homosassa uttered “Slow”
35. Let snow lover Linda Smith tell us first her “Footprints In The Snow”
36. Indeed, we’ve our time to introduce ourselves, before “The Cockcrow”
XIII
37. Sweet Elaine George arrived, when the night still had a “Tender Heart”
38. With a special gift for Raquel Nicholson, ‘cos she has “a broken heart”
39. I learned that Big John Tanaskow did not wish to go “Back At the Start”
XIV
40. The party made poetic Mark Hansen expressed himself in “Cloud Nine”
41. Perhaps he had consumed much of shy type Nicola Steel’s “Plumy Wine”
42. For he was too excited to meet a bright Seema Ali on a “Poetry Online”
XV
43. Before the party was over Juanita Ganir sprung from her “Sacred Well”
44. And, old Londoner Matt Doe spoke of his mighty “Showdown In Hell”
45. To a sexy Tamiviolet Manchas, but she xoxoxo urged him, “Don’t Tell”
XVI
46. Many thanks to photographer William Jones for his “Living In Color”
47. A souvenir that reflects my own plea to “Make Me Whole, Once More”
48. A plea to everyone, to all friends, to remember that “My Name Is Thor”
XVII
49. That night, vibrant Effie Blake told me “You Don’t Have To Be A Star”
50. To see the beauty of this world or meet Troy Nelson of the “Dead Star”
51. Ahh!!! My voice need to be heard that I wrote “To You, Mr. Apolinar”
XVIII
52. It’s about quest of heart and mind, of being simply “Me And The Moon”
53. Stressed Michele Nold had a simple request, “Where is the Bath Room”
54. I didn’t entertain her, for I felt dizzy coming out from “The Lost Room”
XIX
55. Then, I overheard grin-faced Oshin Ifedayo saying, “She’s gone at Last”
56. Who’s who? The “Christians, Muslims, Jews…” “Heaven Waits For Us”
57. A place of peace, where we can write a sonnet of being “Home, At Last”
XX
58. So, you can tag or be tagged, in our “Starless Night: The Art Of Giving”
59. I agreed, with Vince Suzadail Jr., that giving’s more of a “Human Being”
60. Tammy Armstrong liked the ambience, but said, “Something’s Missing”
XXI
61. Some didn’t come; they’re busy surfing, ‘cos “The Deep Blue Is Rough”
62. Historian Charles Fuller sent them a note, “I Hear You In A Photograph”
63. Now, I see why dear Tatiyana Carney has “Lock Box And Photographs.”

Note: “Starless Night: The Art Of Giving” is a long poem of 63 lines (not included the line count between stanzas) and has incorporated 43 poets and 65 poems. See what other poets are saying about this piece, by clicking here:
http://www.poetrysoup.com/poem_detail.asp?PoemID=52454

Ernesto Pangilinan Santiago is a poet/immigrant living in Athens, Greece. He is the author of a poetry book “The Walking Man”, published by Outskirtspress.com

More info: http://www.outskirtspress.com/ernestopangilinansantiago

How to Write a Fiboquatro Poem?

Author: Ernesto Pangilinan Santiago

How to Write a Fiboquatro Poem?

Oh, you don’t have to be a mathematician to write a Fiboquatro poem. The Fiboquatro poems are a superbly amatory gesticulation and oftentimes may covey your thoughts and feelings more articulately than spoken speech. Whether you agree on this or not, it is still my opinion…lol! The specific theme for this form is more of love and inspiration, but a poet writing in this form can have his/her own choice of theme. The Fiboquatro is a poetic form, consisting of two or three stanzas, a combination of Fibonacci and a stanza of 4 lines, with an abab rhyming scheme.

Variation #1:

1st stanza: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5 … Fibonacci syllabic count

2nd stanza: a basic quatrain, line 2 and 4 same syllable count and with an abab rhyming scheme.

Example:

Writing Fiboquatro

You

can

write your

own poem

of Fiboquatro

by combining a Fibonacci

and a rhyming quatrain;

‘tis lot of fun and so easy

to deal with and no pain.

Variation #2:

1st stanza: 13, 8, 5, 3, 2, 1, 1 = inverted Fibonacci

2nd Stanza: 16, 16, 16, 16 = all 4 line of same syllable count and must rhyme, abab.

3rd Stanza: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 = Fibonacci

Example:

* Her Wings Of Love

her laughter fills the room, lingering over my skin

whilst frail soul dances to the beat

of her heart, lifting

me, beyond

my bed

by

her

wings of love, her perspective for living, not only for today

but, for a brighter tomorrow, ‘cos as I speak to her she sees

me as in me, of yesteryears and of now, for her, I’m no way

despite being trapped, in a special caring, a boredom disease

but

her

love that

I feel more

of a survivor

than a victim of virulent

seas of pain, ‘cos she remained the same, a loving wife

* Poem published in “Voices of Hope” by Global Poets Guild

Variation #3:

1st stanza: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 = Fibonacci

2nd Stanza: 15, 13, 15, 13 = 1st & 3rd line same syllable count; 2nd & 4th line same syllable count and must rhyme, abab

3rd stanza: 13, 8, 5, 3, 2, 1, 1 = inverted Fibonacci

Example:

* With Songs Of Morrow

though

I’ve

been on

this stage for

so long and I’ve met

unbeknownst, souls come and go, yet

still I’m not losing my spirits to a supple death

and, I asked no one to feel sorry seeing my black hair fall

for I have seen that feelings myself, when they shaved me

it made me sigh for the loss, but I’ve nothing to fear at all

for my guardian angel says: soon, from pain you’ll be free

you, dear love, the time is on your side; use it wisely

and cry not for me, for I wash

my sorrow, with songs

of morrow

have faith

in

Him

* Poem published in “Voices of Hope” by Global Poets Guild.

Ok, you’ve learned the counting and the rhyming scheme of Fiboquatro, now what you gonna do is to have some practice writing it. If and only if, I force no one to write, but I do encourage everyone to explore the fun of writing this new form of poetry, the Fiboquatro, so if you have time to spare and/or have the penchant for writing or playing with words, why not take a few moments and give yourself a try at writing a Fiboquatro poem for someone you know, maybe for your friends, for your love ones or just for yourself, for fun?

But remember (and don’t blame me…lol!) if you entered your Fiboquatro poem in a poetry contest and didn’t win any poetry merits/awards/prizes, it is still okay, what matter most is the person you present your Fiboquatro poem will surely cherish it, as if it were written by one of the great poets. Winning the heart of one person or simply making others happy thru your writing is great than winning hundreds of poetry awards/prizes.

Yes, many of us tend to value an individualized present or gift, better than one that’s bought or purchased from gift store or online gift shop. Most certainly, other people do appreciate our time and travail we made on their behalf. So, come on, be creative and explore your senses!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/poetry-articles/how-to-write-a-fiboquatro-poem-323287.html

About the Author:

Ernesto Pangilinan Santiago is a poet/immigrant living in Athens, Greece.  He is the author of a poetry book “The Walking Man”, published by Outskirtspress.com

More info: http://www.outskirtspress.com/ernestopangilinansantiago

Book Review “Voices of Hope” Edited By Crystal Bourret

“Voices of Hope” is a touching collection of poems, edited by Crystal Bourret, poet/founder of The Global Poets Guild and it’s published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The book cover was created/designed by David Weimer, who provided the book a beautiful touch of hope and life. The layout of this amazing collection was simply exceptional. 

“Voices of Hope” a project, came to reality inspired by one woman’s determination to make a difference through the power of the mighty pen and it gives an opportunity for contributing poets/authors to share their works and messages with the world. 

This collection features some of the most talented, emerging poets of today. These are individuals from all walks of life, who have shown the generosity to share their poetry with goals of raising awareness about cancer and to raise funds to help a charity for the benefits of cancer victims. Each poet offers his/her own insight about cancer and provides comfort through their heartfelt poetry. It also demonstrates the solidarity of the contributing poets and their un-replaceable sense of caring, with love and compassion that makes “Voices of Hope” special.                

“Voices of Hope” is a book worthy to read and I highly recommend it to people who wonder about cancer, the dreadful disease that affects million of people young and old, to those who has suffered losses and pain, and to those who just want to delve their selves into reading and enjoy great pieces of arts. 

I really think that the opening poem on page 2 of this collection was superb and very inspiring that was written by the Editor herself entitled “Wings of Dove”. This poem though with softness in its tone, yet the message was very vivid and full of hope, uplifting those who are in grief.  

Another write that I found to speak of such commitment and love- the link which binds us people is “In Unity…” by poet Karen O’Leary. This was a free-verse poem of sentiment, for all readers to reflect and refer to. 

“Angels Cry” by poet Vince Suzadail, a rhyme poem that readers can relate in some point of their lives. It brings back sad memories of losing a child and it was well penned and profound. 

“Ship of Dreams” by poet Elaine George, in this masterpiece there’s peace and serenity that one can feel upon reading it. This was a beautiful tribute poem to a father right from a daughter’s heart.  

“Branches of Love” by poet Rhoda Galgiani was undeniably an excellent poem, full of emotion, tribute of a mother to her lost child. 

The foregoing writings were just some of my favorite poems. After reading this poetry collection, I’m in great awe for words and really I am very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful project. My congratulations to all of the contributing poets/authors for a job well done!    

Book Details: 

Voices of Hope, pp 112

Year of Publication: 2007

ISBN # 978-0-974987-0-2

Publisher: The Global Poets Guild  

To buy this book, visit www.amazon.com 

Or click here: http://www.globalpoetsguild.com/

                                                                                                       

American poet John Heck, the First Prize winner of November 1, 2007 Poetrysoup International Free Poetry Contest was born and raised in  Brooklyn, NY. He loves to write. Indeed, he’s a brilliant master of word and the kind-hearted god of soup whisperers, at www.poetrysoup.com  where he’s an active community builder. At present, he’s working with a high profile entertainment conglomerate in NYC developing marketing strategies for children’s programming and research.

The Interview:

Legend: TSOPR = The Sound Of Poetry Review
JH = John Heck

1. TSOPR: Why do you write poetry? And what is poetry to you?

JH: I love to write. Writing is a form of relaxation to me. Poetry is a wonderful medium. It allows one to express their emotions and thoughts in the guise of an art form. Poetry can also be mysterious to a certain extent. Does the reader interpret your words as fact or is the poet’s write purely fiction?

2. TSOPR: Being a poet, d’you have any favorite poetic form and theme in writing your poetry?

JH: No. I usually write in the free verse form but enjoy stimulating my poetic range by investigating all types of poetic styles.

3. TSOPR: What’s your favorite poem(s)/poetry book(s)? Your favorite Poet(s)?

JH: Difficult question. If I had to choose two of my favorite poets they would be Anne Sexton and Ogden Nash. How’s that for diversity? My favorite collection of poetry is Anne Sexton’s “The Book of Folly”. My favorite poem, however, is “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath.

4. TSOPR: Would you recommend that people, especially the young ones, should read and write  poetry? Why?

JH: Yes and No. I wouldn’t force young children to write or read poetry if that’s not their penchant or calling – but I certainly would try to highly encourage it! I believe reading, in general and on any level, is important to anyone growing up. It’s essential to their education and knowledge.

5. TSOPR: Please, tell us your feelings on winning the November 1, 2007 Poetrysoup International Free Poetry Contest?

JH: Very honored.

6. TSOPR: Were you expecting to win the contest? In your opinion, what the PS Judge(s) saw in your poetry?

JH: I believe anyone who enters a contest would like to see their achievements rewarded. The poems entered in Poetry Soup’s November 2007 contest were stunning. What the judges saw, in my poem, is a mystery to me. Poetry is a varied commodity. A melting pot of different emotions, subjects and styles. Poetry is written to stimulate a reaction within the reader; whether it be internal or external. I wanted my poem to be a combination of both. I wanted the reader to see the imagery and digest the emotions of my main character.

7. TSOPR: What motivated/inspired you to write your winning art “Purple Heart”?

JH: My Dad and a photograph.

8. TSOPR: What makes “Purple Heart” so special?

JH: My father was a Marine Corp. soldier during the Korean War. Twenty five years after the battle had ended my father still recalled horrifying images. One of his buddies died in his arms. A war picture I came across in Time magazine, along with my father’s recollections, triggered the poem.

9. TSOPR: And what makes a poem/poet/poetry book popular?

JH: I’m not sure if there is a definitive answer to that. I, myself, like all styles of poetry. I anticipate diversity and range from a poet. A poet who can make me cry with one poem – laugh with the next and force me to ponder the third -shows me this writer embodies scope, depth and versatility.

10. TSOPR: Are you planning to publish your own poetry book(s)?

JH: Yes. I’m still unsure of the title at this point.

11. TSOPR: There’s a saying that there is no money in poetry, is this true?

JH: I don’t know. I’m not writing for the money. I’m writing for personal enjoyment.

12. TSOPR: What are your other plans right now after winning the PS contest?

JH: Going to Disneyland! Only kidding. I would like to continue my writing endeavors and broaden my knowledge of poetry. I am presently working with a friend on developing a musical comedy. I’m writing the lyrics and both my friend and I are penning the score.

13. TSOPR: Running your own free poetry contest and as a poetry judge what d’you seek in a poem?

JH: Believability. The poem and its subject matter must strike an emotional chord with me.

14. TSOPR: For the readers of this blog/ezine, who is John Heck to you? Please, tell us about yourself, your mission/primary goal in life, as a poet/writer?

JH: My primary goal in life is just being happy. I never intended to write and be recognized. One of my friends who is a successful poet stumbled upon my poems accidentally. He encouraged me to forward my work to publishers. I’m presently working with a high profile entertainment conglomerate in NYC developing marketing strategies for children’s programming and research. One of the company’s executives in their PR department is reviewing a story- boarded draft of a cartoon sketch I presented them. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Aside from that, John Heck is just a down-to-earth guy, who enjoys the company of family, friends and loved ones.

15. TSOPR: Thank you Sir John, for your time and great blessings to you for 2008!

JH: Thank you, Mr. Santiago for welcoming me and I wish you continued success with TSOPR and all your future creative endeavors. I am honored to have the opportunity to know you as both a brilliant poet and friend. May 2008 bring you an abundance of happiness and prosperity!

Here’s John Heck’s Winning Poem:

Purple Heart

Morning glowed, Phillip.
A purple fire
burned beacon bright
against the stench of napalm.

A thick thistle
two feet from your head
wordless in speech,
watched with dark misfortune
curving letters of prayer
above your bleeding valor.

A crumpled martyr
lying there,
innocent as a schoolboy
amidst the blare of gunfire -
asleep in our country’s eyes
dormant in the arms
of an adopted comrade.

I held you - lost brother
tucked inside my soul;
nineteen and breathless.

The tears inside
my empty lungs
spilled so softly
onto your forehead
as I knelt in the center
of August’s cancerous garden;
staring at the mud stained badge
nestled peacefully
above your silenced heart.

I slowly ingested
and tasted your
bullet-ridden honor,
as I was viscerally blinded
by the sickening,
piercing strobes
of a delicate
mourning’s

glow.

Copyright © 2007 John Heck

More of his works can be found here:
http://www.poetrysoup.com/blog/index.asp?PoetId=1934

Interviewed Online by TSOPR Editor, Wed, 26 Dec 2007 03:05:35 -0800 (PST)