Deprivation-

The touch was clear. It asked for something else. Something more pure and crystal.  Transparent as my sister's fingernail. 
I create muses in the air and talk to imaginary situations. Pets, people- furniture and sky. I bang utensils on the table and chew table cloth.  
With shapeless nights and foamy mouth, I  say my prayers and chant all the Buddhist sayings. Deprivation—-- a long pause.
 From the sky like a circular topology. From inch to inch, moving gently to nowhere.
Now, I see television and dance to sepia voices, lost sounds or perhaps to kettle whistle. 
I do not remain a body. Shifting towards a sanguine night sitting on a Jasmine.
I discard everything. 
All and everything. 

Devika Mathur resides in India and is a published poet, writer, and editor. Her works have been published in The Alipore Post, Madras Courier, Quail Bell, Modern Literature, Two Drops Of Ink, Dying Dahlia Review, Pif Magazine, Spillwords, Duane's Poetree, Piker Press, Mojave Heart Review, Whisper and the Roar amongst others. She is the founder of the surreal poetry website "Olive skins" and writes for https://myvaliantsoulsblog.wordpress.com/ She recently published her book "Crimson Skins" and her five poems were also published in the Sunday Mornings River anthology and has her works upcoming in two more fierce anthologies.

black cavities
outside the hospital 
empty corpses


compliance ...
cries for help 
getting louder 


burning flames 
outside the embassy 
a soldier protesting 


blood-stained gown
behind the window
a gasping doctor


ceasefire ...
a man in the rubble 
collecting body parts 

EVENING IN THE  MEADOWS

In this meadow full  of swampy land.
Adorned with mountains trees, grass, flowers and salubrious evening air.
The sky was looking so glorious  tinged with golden color 
It was a nice evening mesmerized with wild flowers. 

Meanwhile the moon appeared in  the sky with  million smiles.
The fringe sky looked glimmered with  moonshine.
Slowly the moonshine wrapped  the whole  ambiance. 
Every beings lighted and delighted with  the soft moonlight.

The tall trees of the meadows looked beautiful  and meditative. 
A rapt silence reigned in that realm of beauty. 
In the meantime the rustle of the leaves resonated the air. 
There  was whisper of enchanting fragrance  in the  air.

Then rose the crickets that remained hidden in the grass. 
They started  their  hymn in that  enchanting  glade.
Prevailed there a beauty and blissful  air.
Reverberated the meadows with the songs and whisper of night so fair.

Dr. Maheswar  Das
India


MORNING REVERIE OF THE WOODLAND 

Morning  descends with  million  smiles and blessings of eternity. 
The enormous all- pervading  sunshine sprinkles and makes the  entire ambiance colourful.  
The dew-sprawling-grass field looks glamourous and colorful.
The blade of grass dazzles carrying the dew drops in its breast.

The morning breeze enthralls all beings with  an amazing  touch of happiness. 
The chorus of bird-flocks in the  sky enlivens all beings with an infinite peace
The valley  looks  colorful  carrying the tall trees under the enchanting sky
The woodland whispers with glee carrying the enormous shades of  clouds.

The tall mountains of  the valley kiss the clouds with so much ecstasy in their eyes.
The buzzing of the bees and butterflies makes the land a paradisal look.
The narrow brook that flows in the valley carries  the songs of the cuckoo in an enchanting way.
The sky lark and other song birds spread their music spell unheard  of anything of the woods.

The morning  resonate with the  musing of nature seems meditative .
The rapt reverie of valley  is often broken by songs of  birds.

Dr. Maheswar Das
India



FROM DEATH TO IMMORTALITY

Like lightning, you are the spark in everything
The energy in all beings 
How futile is it to cling to matter always. 
How long we will remain as a slave of matter 
Not master
Never greedy to go up
Leaving the dense gross, ascending  to subtle 
How  much inert is our intellect 

Oh Lord  
Raise our consciousness
From darkness to enlightenment 
Make us free from the  bondage of gross matter
for a upward journey From mortality to immortality 
From darkness to light 
From matter to divine
For, immense resplendent 
light is beckoning from far beyond 

Dr.Maheswar  Das
India



Daffodils

Oh delightful golden daffodils
Oh messenger of spring
As I behold you for the first time in the garden green
I fell in love with your mesmerizing beauty
To me, you are a golden love flower of heaven
As l see you, my mind thinks of the spring season
I  look all  around to see the presence of spring
With your arrival, spring has already set in
With all its splendor and glee.

Under the radiant purple sunshine
I  see you in the meadows
You are dancing and swinging in the zephyr
Your fragrance lifted me to the realm of heavenly joy and cheer
Heaven's beauty has nestled in your soft gaze.

How beautifully almighty has wrought you.
How beautiful is your whisper
How enchanting is your serenity and beauty that cheers all
How beautiful is your fragrance that attracts all poets  and viewers
In vale and meadows, your fragrance stirs the air.
Your presence makes the ambiance colorful

Dr. Maheswar Das
India



Dr. Maheswar Das
-------------------------------
He is a bilingual poet, translator, editor, and story writer. He writes in English and the Odia language.

He has been pursuing his creative writing for the last twenty years and has authored more than one thousand English poems. All of his poetical exposition centers around Nature, God, love, and relationships. Some of his poems have been translated into international languages. He has co-authored three English anthologies of poems with his two friends.  Besides he is the co-author of more than fifty English anthologies of poems of many literary groups.

He holds the degree of M.A. in both Economics and History. He has accomplished a Ph.D.  degree in sociology from Utkal University. He also holds a law degree from M.S. Law College, Cuttack. He hails from Mallipur in the district of Cuttack, Odisha, India.

His English poems have been published in several national and international journals and Anthologies and have gained worldwide appreciation. He has received so many accolades from various national and international literary groups. He is a recipient of the Gold Medal award from the World Union of Poets, Rome.

LOW TIDE IN LAGUNA DE BAY

They embrace each other again, 

skin to skin, the islets of water spinach

and the surface of sticky mud 

after a week of dancing with the waves.  

The elusive seagull is close by,

roaming in the transient seashore

created by the low tide. 

The islands of water lilies aboard

in the breakwater, lonely 

for not receiving a warm welcome.

The sun is weaving, the twilight

says “Hello”, and in the distance

here comes the blinking of artificial stars

created by the city which deteriorated

that once deep Laguna de Bay.

I am there, standing on the pathway

that once part of the lake’s body,

jealous of the lake’s destruction.

I don’t know; perhaps it’s just me,

drowning in my deep thoughts

wanting to be visited

by low tide one day.

About the Author

John Lloyd C. Casoy is a public-school teacher in the Philippines. He has a bachelor’s degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major in Filipino. Currently, he is writing his thesis for his master’s degree in Master of Arts in Filipino – Literature at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Epistolary Poem #155 by Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai of India and Kristy Raines of the United States of America

MAKE ME REALIZE! (Dr. Dalai) 

My heart belongs to you
I must go where you may lead
If love is red I am colour blind
I may not see the things
That you might see
And I may do just what I should do
I am looking through the eyes of love
And can see so much
The other eyes don't find
Still the sparkle in your eyes
Makes me realize one and all..



She sees the changes and speaks...

THROUGH EYES OF LOVE! (Kristy Raines) 

My heart will always belong to you
Wherever you walk, let me walk beside you
You could never see through my eyes .. But
I now see changes in you that weren't there before
I will always let you do things your way
But now I see more compassion and more empathy
You are seeing so much more through eyes of love 
They now sparkle when I catch you smiling 
And if I have helped you see some of these things
know that I was sent to you for that very purpose

You have shown me many things too.... <3



***
Epistolary poem #196 by Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai of India and 
Kristy Raines of The United States of America


I BELONG TO YOU! (Kristy Raines) 

The pain and anguish won't be lost
But I 'll be yours all the days ahead 
I 've scattered myself around you
Love has bloomed in your fragrance 
I accept it whatever be consequences 
I belong to you and I do live in yours
I care not if the world stands against 
Call me faithless and I won't mind ever
I see my heaven burnt ere even built
Now where 'll this affliction of love reside
I crave for you no matter what you're .



She will always take her chances with him...


YOU BELONG TO ME! (Dr. Dalai) 

Though painful moments still remain
I will always be yours until time stops
You have made a nest in every part of my life
and unshakable love for you grew stronger 
I'll stand strong beside you regardless
of whatever comes against us in this world
You belong to me, and I to you no matter the cost
Faithless is something we will never be
for our heaven abides in the love that we share
I may not be the one you would have chosen in the past
but I am the one who denies you nothing 
and the one who loves you in every circumstance. 
Never will I ever crave anyone else's touch but yours
as your heart fits perfectly, like a glove, in mine



***
Kristy Raines is a poet, writer, and author, born in Oakland California, in the USA. Kristy is retired, married, and has two children and three granddaughters.

Kristy has five books waiting to be published. One anthology with  prominent poet from India, Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai, will launch sometime in 2024 called, "I Cross my Heart from East to West", along with two fantasy books of her own called, "Rings, Things and Butterfly Wings" and "Princess and The Lion", an anthology of her poems in called, "The Passion Within Me, and her autobiography called,  "My Very Anomalous Life".  Kristy has received many literary awards for her unique style of writing. 

She is also an administrator for Chaucer's Square and Motivational Strips Literary Groups on Facebook.

Kristy enjoys music, making pottery, painting and raising awareness for the Rohingya people and friends who live in the refugee camps of Cox's Bazar and also raises awareness on human trafficking internationally.
****

Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai (DOB 07/06/1973) is a passionate Indian Author-cum-poet while a tremendous lecturer of English by profession in the Ganjam district of Odisha. He is an accomplished source of inspiration for young generation of India. His free verse on Romantic and melancholic  poems is appreciated by everyone. He belongs to a small typical village, Nandiagada of Ganjam District, in the state of Odisha.

After schooling he studied intermediate and graduated In Kabisurjya Baladev vigyan Mahavidyalaya then earned a MA in English from Berhampur University PhD in language and literature and a D.litt from Colombian Poetic House in South America.

He promotes his specific writings around the world literature and trades with multiple stems that are related to current issues based on his observation and experiences that need urgent attention. He is an award winning writer who has achieved various laurels from the circle of writers worldwide. His free verse poems not only inspire young readers but also the ready of current time. His poetic goal right now is inspiring others, some of which are appreciated by laurels of India and across the world. Many of his poems have been translated in different Indian languages and earned global appreciation and lots of well wishes for his upcoming writings and success in the future.

He is an award winning poet and author of many best seller books. Recently he was awarded Rabindra nath Tagore and Gujarat Sahitya Academy for the year 2022 from Motivational Strips and a gold medal from the World Union of Poets, France & the Winner Of Rahim Karim's world literary prize in 2023.The government of Odisha's Higher Education Department appointed him as a president to the governing body of Padmashree Dr Ghanashyam Mishra Sanskrit Degree College and he is the Kabisurjyanagar.Winner of HYPERPOEM GUINNESS WORLD RECORD 2023. Recently he was awarded at the SABDA literary Festival at Assam.

 

Waiting for You in Your Dreams

If you feel lost and can't find me in the moment
have peace that I am in your heart as you are in mine  
Life is lonesome at times and I despair in those moments 
Then, in my dreams you appear with your sweet smile 
and I know I am not really alone
Never fear of me forsaking you 
As long as we are both dreaming of each other
how could those desires ever disappear?  
Yes, I feel empty during the day without you 
I miss your handsome face and your gentle spirit 
But when I fall asleep at night, your whole being surrounds me 
and I am comforted knowing that you are with me there 

So, when you lay down your head every night
know that you will find me waiting for you in your dreams... 



I Cross My Heart

Reach for the stars and there you'll find me
The ray from the moon will be your path
Reach for my hand and I will not let you fall
That is a promise I will never break
What is behind us is gone 
It is ahead where we'll find a peaceful place
Time is unpredictable, here only until it ends
Don't wait to tell me the things you never could
Once that moment is gone, it never returns
So don't keep them from me even if you leave
for in our sorrow will still be our moments of love
Beautiful memories will never be forgotten 
and my desires will never end for you
Standing far away, holding my heart in your hands,
is where our story ends for now 
But I will be back to search for you,  as I always do...

I cross my heart  ❤




No "Once Upon a Times" for Me

When you bow down in prayer
Ask Him, if you must live without me
If so, then what is the purpose of falling in love?
Though we have been separated for a time
The cries of our hearts are still as loud 
In this life, we survive much torture 
Some more than others 
This, I am used to
I don't cry tears anymore because I know 
how to live with endings more than beginnings
I know your heart still searches for me 
I can feel you when you look at my picture
I feel numb as I hear harsh words coming from you
Fortunately, I am used to unhappy endings in my life
No, "Once upon a times" for me
I close the door to my empty heart again for the last time

I can't go through this again.. 



Meet Kristy Raines.
A poet, writer, and author, born in Oakland, California, in the USA.
Kristy is retired, married, and has two children and three granddaughters.

She has five books waiting to be published. One anthology with a prominent Poet from India, Dr. Prasana Kumar, Dalai,  which will launch sometime in 2024 called, "I Cross my Heart from East to West", two fantasy books of her own called, "Rings, Things and Butterfly Wings" and "Princess and The Lion",  an anthology of her poems  called, "The Passion Within Me, and her autobiography called,  "My Very Anomalous Life".  Kristy has received many literary awards for her unique style of writing. 
She is also an Administrator for Chaucer's Square and Motivational Strips Literary Groups on Facebook.

Kristy enjoys music, making pottery, painting, and raising awareness for the Rohingya people and friends who live in the refugee camps of Cox's Bazar and also raises awareness on human trafficking internationally.

YOU'RE  MY SECRET!

In my words you come every moment 
They all bear your name of my breath
Do stop when I don't take your name
When you're annoyed to be honest 
Whenever it happens I am with you
Know not why I care for you so much
I find you and I do accept your entity
But just can't stay away from yours
You're so close for you're my secret 
Honestly I exist for your good self only
I can't think of staying away from you. 



MEMORIES OF YOUR TORMENT!

After crossing the road of our love
We met leaving far behind everything
How about walking to the no man's land
Hardly do we know eachother though
I feel as if I 've got my soulmate in you
Days go by ; nights don't seem to glide
Memories of yours do torment me a lot
The world has reduced me to this state 
Sitting and clutching my wounded past
Cause you're so close to me , you know
But I think you're out of my reach now .



NOTHING IN MY HAND!

I wish your presence when I am awake
Always in my dreams if I shut my eyes
I've recorded my world in your name
For the first time in my life you came
My eyes were wet while laughing
Nothing in my hand ; me empty &  lonely
Your entity you know essential to me
My palm lines aren't perfect though
It is clear you've accepted me as I am 
There was loneliness in my heart and
In your presence I feel heavenly bliss .



 I BELONG TO YOU!

The pain and anguish won't be lost
But I 'll be yours all the days ahead 
I 've scattered myself around you
Love has bloomed in your fragrance 
I accept it whatever be consequences 
I belong to you and I do live in yours
I care not if the world stands against 
Call me faithless and I won't mind ever
I see my heaven burnt ere even built
Now where 'll this affliction of love reside
I crave for you no matter what you're .



Biography of the Author

Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai (DOB 07/06/1973) is a passionate Indian Author-cum-poet while a tremendous lecturer of English by profession in the Ganjam district of Odisha. He is an accomplished source of inspiration for young generation of India .His free verse on Romantic and melancholic  poems appreciated by everyone. He belongs to a small typical village, Nandiagada of Ganjam District, in the state of Odisha. 

After schooling he studied intermediate and Graduated In Kabisurjya Baladev vigyan Mahavidyalaya then earned a MA in English from Berhampur University PhD in language and literature and a D.litt from Colombian Poetic House in South America. He promotes his specific writings around the world literature and trades with multiple stems that are related to current issues based on his observation and experiences that needs urgent attention. He is an award winning writer who has achieved various laurels from the circle of writers worldwide.

His free verse poems not only inspires young readers but also the ready of current time. His poetic goal right now inspiring others, some of which are appreciated by laurels of India and across the world. Many of his poems been translated in different Indian languages and got global appreciation. Lots of well wishes for his upcoming writings and success in future.

He is an award winning poet author of many best seller books. Recently he is awarded Rabindra nath Tagore and Gujarat Sahitya Academy for the year 2022 from Motivational Strips. A gold medal from world union of poets France & winner Of Rahim Karims world literary prize 2023.The government of Odisha Higher Education Department appointed him as a president to Governing body of Padmashree Dr Ghanashyam Mishra Sanskrit Degree College, Kabisurjyanagar. Winner of "HYPERPOEM" GUNIESS WORLD RECORD 2023. Recently he was awarded from SABDA literary Festival at Assam.