Your reflection dwells in the eyes of the spiritual.
I seek You, O God —
tirelessly, in the silence of morning,
in a drop of dew,
in the breath that awakens with the dawn.
I search for You
in the touch of the wind,
in the bird that sings unseen,
in thoughts that fall silent
while the heart speaks.
I know,
You are everywhere —
in the gaze of the beggar,
in the smile of the wise,
in the hush of the temple,
and in the clamor of life.
When I kneel,
it is not before the world,
but before Your eternal goodness.
When I weep,
I do not fear sorrow —
for I know You are in every tear.
To You, O God,
I offer this verse,
let it be a bridge
between my being
and Your eternity.
Maja Milojković was born in Zaječar and divides her life between Serbia and Denmark. In Serbia, she serves as the deputy editor-in-chief at the publishing house Sfairos in Belgrade.She is also the founder and vice president of the Rtanj and Mesečev Poets’ Circle, which counts 800 members, and the editor-in-chief of the international e-magazine Area Felix, a bilingual Serbian-English publication. She writes literary reviews, and as a poet, she is represented in numerous domestic and international literary magazines, anthologies, and electronic media. Some of her poems are also available on the YouTube platform. Maja Milojković has won many international awards. She is an active member of various associations and organizations advocating for peace in the world, animal protection, and the fight against racism. She is the author of two books: Mesečev krug (Moon Circle) and Drveće Želje (Trees of Desire). She is one of the founders of the first mixed-gender club Area Felix from Zaječar, Serbia, and is currently a member of the same club. She is a member of the literary club Zlatno Pero from Knjaževac, and the association of writers and artists Gorski Vidici from Podgorica, Montenegro.
Egotism I have no pen to compose a poem I have no paper to draw humanity I have no conscience to judge I have no eye to see anything I have no heart to feel other’s feelings I have no mouth to protest I have no hand to hold I have no leg to walk I have no brain to think I have no risk to die Because I am a dead body! My soul is not with me I have no power to stop war. I have only egotism.
Together happiness is to cross the battle of the storm.
Marriage means long tour,
Love, respect, burdens, “to rely on mutual respect,
In the wonderful glory of each other in two lives ”,
Happy results are happy in the last day.
Short biography:Amb. Dr.Priyanka Neogi from Coochbehar. She is an administrative Controler of United Nations PAF,librarian,CEO of Lio Messi International Property & land Consultanncy, international literacy worker, sports & peace promoter, dancer, singer, reciter, live telecaster, writer, editor, researcher, Literary journalist, host, beauty queen, international Co-ordinator of Vijay Mission of Community Welfare Foundation of India.
THE CITY OF LIGHT AND LOVE: A Poet’s Heart Between Vietnam and Perth (Poems by Vo Thi Nhu Mai)
.
Vo Thi Nhu Mai is a Vietnamese poet currently living and working in Perth, Western Australia. As an editor and translator, she has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Vietnamese voices across the globe. Apart from her many poetry books published in Vietnam and overseas, her work includes two major anthologies, The Rhythm of Vietnam and The Graceful Fold of Time, both of which compile the writings of over 250 Vietnamese authors living abroad. Each anthology sold out its 500-copy run and was launched in multiple Vietnamese provinces as well as in Perth, demonstrating the global resonance of Vietnamese diasporic literature. In her own poetry, Vo Thi Nhu Mai offers a gentle, genuine tribute to her two homes, Vietnam and Perth, through verses rich with cultural imagery, inclusive spirit, and lyrical simplicity. Her poems are as much about identity as they are about belonging; they celebrate diversity, friendship, and the harmony of everyday life. Below are four poems that beautifully reflect her voice, tender, observant, and deeply connected to place and people.
.
1/The City of Light and Love
In this poem, Perth is painted as a vibrant mosaic of cultures. From fresh Italian bread to spicy Indian curries, from Mid-Autumn lanterns to Vietnamese bánh chưng on Tết, Mai acquires the richness of multicultural life with warmth and clarity. The city becomes a shared space where traditions meet, families celebrate, and everyone belongs. The closing stanza, “This is a city of light, friendship, and love”, is both a declaration and a quiet prayer for unity.
.
THE CITY OF LIGHT AND LOVE (Vo Thi Nhu Mai)
.
Perth shines under the warm sun The ocean waves dance, and the breeze feels fresh Birds sing in the bright blue sky Fields and hills stretch far and wide
.
People from many places call Perth home They bring their cultures, traditions, and flavours Italians bake fresh bread with a wonderful smell Indian families cook curries rich with spices
.
The Mid-Autumn Festival fills the streets with colour Lanterns glow, and the Chinese lion dance excites the crowd Vietnamese families gather to eat mooncakes Children laugh as they carry lanterns shaped like stars
.
On Tết, Vietnamese homes fill with the scent of bánh chưng Red envelopes bring joy, and peach blossoms bloom Australian families enjoy meat pies at picnics Or camp under the shade of tall gum trees
.
Families and friends gather in parks and vineyards Sharing food, laughter, and stories Children cheer at footy games While seagulls circle above the bustling fish market
.
In Perth, everyone belongs No matter where we come from we are part of one big family This is a city of light, friendship, and love
.
++++
2/A Special Place
Here, the poet walks us through a school day in Perth through a child’s eyes. We see cultural differences not as barriers but as opportunities, for tasting new foods, making new friends, and learning kindness across languages. The simplicity of the language mirrors the purity of a child’s world, one where acceptance comes naturally, and joy is found in everyday moments.
. A SPECIAL PLACE (Vo Thi Nhu Mai)
.
Perth is big, with a bright blue sky The ocean is clear, and the sun feels warm Each day is familiar, but there is always something new New people, new things, new ways to explore
.
Our classroom is full of laughter Friends from many different places Some have dark hair and brown eyes Some have light hair and blue eyes like the sky
.
Lunchtime is a chance to try something new Pizza from Italy, sushi from Japan, bread from Turkey Pho from Vietnam, tacos from Mexico We share our food and learn from each other
.
Sometimes, I don’t understand everything Some friends speak quickly, and I need time But they wait for me Smiling, holding my hand, and making me feel welcome
.
In Perth, I learn how to share To help my friends and show kindness Even though we speak different languages We all live under the same Perth sky
.
+++++++
3/The Adventure of Friends in Perth Garden
Nature takes centre stage in this joyful, imaginative piece. The animals of Perth, kangaroos, koalas, bunnies, even a playful squirrel, coexist in harmony, symbolizing the balance between humans and nature. Through this gentle narrative, Vo Thi Nhu Mai invites children and readers of all ages to fall in love with their surroundings and embrace the wonder in simple things.
.
THE ADVENTURE OF FRIENDS IN PERTH GARDEN (Vo Thi Nhu Mai)
.
The kangaroo hops around Walking through the green meadow It passes by the koala Sleeping peacefully under the shade of a tree
.
Little birds flutter in the sky Their songs echo everywhere Nearby, the soft bunny hops Running quickly through the sweet grass
.
A playful little squirrel Sneaks around the garden looking for seeds Suddenly, a butterfly flies by Its bright colours, like a beautiful painting.
Grasshoppers hop happily Their legs bouncing all over the ground A spider weaves its web Waiting for the morning, as beautiful as a poem
.
The camel stands proudly Alongside the kangaroo, climbing the hill All the cheerful animals Live together in a vast land
.
Let’s play with nature To love the wonders it brings Open your eyes wide Because Perth Garden is always beautiful Always full of joy
.
++++++
4/ Together From Every Flower
This final poem reads like a love letter to inclusivity. Through the metaphor of a garden where every flower blooms differently, the poet speaks to the strength found in diversity. Children from different backgrounds come together to build a better future, a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion, unity, and shared dreams.
.
TOGETHER FROM EVERY FLOWER (Vo Thi Nhu Mai)
.
In the green garden, we all play Every child is safe and happy Each hand, each smile From many different countries, we are all friends
.
The Australian sky is warm and bright We learn and love every day Every language, every skin But friendship is what makes us special
.
Together, we build a world where Everyone can grow with pride We care for one another and share our dreams Like flowers growing under the sun
.
From English, Vietnamese, to Chinese Every language is a new colour We learn from each culture Because we are all one big family
.
Together, we walk on a shared path Reaching for our dreams Protecting every child, keeping them safe For a bright and happy future
.
++++
Vo Thi Nhu Mai’s poetry opens a window into a world where cultures meet without clashing, where nature and humanity thrive together, and where the heart carries both the scent of hoa mai and the breeze of the Indian Ocean. These poems are more than verses; they are bridges between homes, generations, and hearts.
