Poetry from Perwaiz Shaharyar

The Song of Love

I couldn’t write any song after your departure

We were so deeply fallen in love with each other

That no one could apart us, we were so inseparable

However, destiny has planned something else for us

Finally, you met an accident of severe air crash

Now, I am alone and forlorn in this cruel world

I think there is no life without a loving life partner

Whom can I show my pains of breaking heart

Alas! I wish no one fell in love

Otherwise, she will not be able to fly again like a broken-wing dove

Poetry from Ri Hossain

Do Not Spoil the Evening

— Ri Hossain

In your restive, waiting evening

Experience tells you,

Do not spoil the evening;

sip your coffee, and ponder something—

Is everything so wretched?

The light is dim, framing the dustbin outside.

Such a nuisance—the little girl in nothing at all!

Even the intersection is unhinged, rushing with red eyes,

opening green eyes only to go blind.

No, not these.

Do not waste a thought on such things.

A man of your worth doesn’t bother with them;

please, do not ruin your evening.

Ask yourself instead: why is there no Starbucks here?

Is the coffee cloyingly sweet?

Thinkers like you crave a bitter brew.

Ponder your new lover’s swelling breasts instead—

the finest creation of beauty in the world is a woman’s breast.

Your fountain pen, engraved with the Madonna,

sheds its clothes as it writes—

compare the two pairs of breasts, while within your skull

a war breaks out between rival miracles.

Do not dare think of the beauty of the vagina,

it is like a black hole,

where your entire being collapses into nothingness.

Do not spoil the evening;

let each sip of coffee

yield another intoxicating draft.

May your evening be blessed. Let her arrive,

let her warmth outmatch the coffee’s steam.

Sit face to face and begin to write—

let the lover’s body strip down like the fountain pen.

Do not spoil the evening.

Drag the poem deep into the night—

let the ink of the fountain pen

flood the undiscovered vagina.

Ri Hossain is a prominent voice in Bengali poetry, recognized as a rebellious and resilient figure in the contemporary literary landscape. Born on August 19, 1981, in Rangpur, Bangladesh, with ancestral roots in Munshiganj, he began his literary journey in 1993. His poetry deeply reflects personal experiences, societal conflicts, urban alienation, and a steadfast commitment to free expression. Author of several works, including the poetry collection Kobitar Abhyutthan Chai (2024), his writing bridges social consciousness with profound psychological and intimate introspection.

Poetry from Brian Barbeito

Screenshot

The North York Poems

(for Tara)

Evergreen and Hawk

Impossibly tall, 

Wonder wander in the skies. 

Clouds that enthrall,

A golden new beginning

Black hawk with frayed looking

Feathers at the back,

And the green so old

And slightly moving

Firmament worlds fine

The Red Chairs and Table

The paint held up,

Wooden and steel,

Round, not large not small

Just medium size chairs

Designs on their backs 

Like faces

A table is everything,

For I needed somewhere to

Put my items upon

Whilst watching the day,

Whilst thinking of the creative way

A Garden is a World

Yellow petals have occurred,

And some red ones on the ground also

I think the raspberries

Those old red ones new again will show 

Up this summer,

Reminding me of the spirit

Of my grandparents…

And we have learned how

To make jam,

Oh the soulfulness of the

Jars and process and

End product 

The Story of the Raccoons

Solitary one wandering. 

Where are you going?

Be careful of everything,

It can be a weird world

Nice eyes and fur,

You are looking no doubt

For food. And aren’t we all

In a way actually and

Symbolically?

Watch the tracks my friend,

And maybe go along the sides of 

Boulevards by the light of

The moon,

The eternal moon 

Dawn’s Deer 

A group pauses as the

Sun tries to begin. Agile

And interesting. Go then to

Your job of life and try

And stick together 

There, by the forest 

Perimeter in the suburban

Sprawling worlds…

Look look look,

God definitely made

The deer

The Blooming Branches

I see in just one week

You have really begun to 

Grow. I don’t think

Anybody noticed. There is

A

Cardinal around there,

And it is disturbed that I

Am present. It flies away. 

Sorry Cardinal

I didn’t even know you were there

At first

Fly fly in the spring summer

Sunday sky

Coffee, Stone, and Flower

I have a coffee, and there is 

A stone nearby, ancient looking.

What a juxtaposition between the

Rock and the flower bed beside made

Of wooden planks and 

See the flowers and the small metal

Sign

That says ‘BASIL’

I take a sip of the coffee,

Breathe. Stand and stretch,

The slow quiet life is better,

More observant and reflective,

Yes let us find words and pictures 

And the most soulful route to

The world and ourselves that

Is possible

That Old Statue

The one of the three watchers

of the world. It’s old but sturdy. A bit

Broken but that is what it is…

Grey countenance. Maybe a spirit 

Guards it. It seems somehow so. 

The grasses green and the berries red

Grow around it,- around the

Stone watchers of the world and

The possible garden phantom-ghost!

I declare it is protected through rain and

Wind, night and light,

By a great garden deva 

Sagacious and kind

Do You Remember When?

The old times when we met?- and the

The vibes and atmosphere? I can. Summer sun. White clouds. Me and you and

The wild birds that flew, some poems

And they were written in a blank paper

Book,- yes with a pen and some

Quick easy fun drawings of flowers

And people, of mountains

And even of you

Screenshot

Terra Cotta Days

A plant container is everything, no?

Different sizes and their matted finish 

Not glossy, perfect for the weather and the soil and the root systems. Nice. I like it. 

Gardeners everywhere have these, and

The bases; the stands. It’s like writing or photography in that you can put any flowers you want inside them – you are a creator or at least a guide, a curator of the artistic and creative spirit a medium for something good

The Tree of Life 

On a wall. Metal. Big. Symbolic of hope and organic cycle and beingness of existence. Love. Like. Look. The world outside the yard is quite quick and full of ambition, the worldly type. But the poets and artists understand the Magic of the gardens and the quiet meditative qualities of the yards in summer yes, the verdant and colourful gardens warm…

Poetry from Kushi Nanayakkara

The Poem of Peace and Love

Fumes of grey drew ghosts on the sky,

Once a sapphire canvas now painted with cries.

A lone pearly dove flew above the ruins.

A wandering poet saw peace among the chaos. 

The rubbles and echoes felt unseen for a while. 

As the poet followed the dove with a forgotten smile. 

Line by line a poem weaved on the way.

A hopeful light, a bridge over where night lay.

The dove descended on to a hanging block.

Pointed its beak towards the rubbles below. 

The poet gazed, seeing a crumpled  up book,

Took out a pen, the poet treasured through high and low.

Sat down on the stones, the marks of the violence. 

weaved the poem of peace in scared silence.

The poet slowly tied the poem on the dove.

And watched it carried the poem of peace and love.

Loveless Humanity

Widowed ‘Humanity’ walked on the road.

Witnessing people breezed right pass through.

Unseen, Unheard, Unfelt, Unmoved.

She was bewildered, Had she became a ghost?

‘Empathy’ and ‘Sympathy’ joined later on,

Still no one noticed their pearly glow.

The world carried on, soulessly happy, 

Chasing the mist of greed and money, 

‘Kindness’ laid on the road, long gone.

Her stench drew no trails of tears.

‘Honesty’ bled, her dress was stained. 

‘Empathy’ and ‘Sympathy’ lost it and fell.

‘Humanity’ unwillingly moved on the road.

Another pearl dress splayed on the floor.

People stood around, singing “Peace lives on”.

While ‘Peace’ laid there distorted and crushed.

At last ‘Humanity’ stumbled and dropped.

Only the nature witnessed this mournful crime.

People walked by laughing hallow croaks.

As six corpses decayed, Unseen, Unmoved. 

Wishes of the Children

A child watching other children play,

Laughing, running, in a joyous day.

The child looks at his hands in dismay,

Carrying bags of trash every day.

He looks at the clothes of the others.

Bright colours fashioned with animals. 

While his shows, his bones through tatters, 

Worn and torn, never whole only holes.

He gazes at the parents watching their kids,

Twinkles in their eyes, glowing golden skins.

He wonders where his own, on or under the grass?

Yet he smiles instead, A hope is all he needs.

The playing kids saw him with all the bags,

Wondering of his strange bags and clothes.

Yet ‘come, let’s play’ waves the angelic kids,

Their hearts so pure, Yet the boy hesitates.

One mother got up, coming towards his way,

He prepares to run, but her smile stops his day.

‘Hey, wanna join them?’ She asks lovingly,

The boy slowly nods, Wondering is it a dream or reality?

In life, every child deserves a peaceful life.

It shouldn’t be a dream or a case in the courts. 

Only love and care, every child wishes in life. 

And nothing should ever, deny that from their lives.

Kushi Nanayakkara is a Sri Lankan born poetess who brings nature, human experiences, and creativity together through poetry. She studied Graphic Design/Information Technology before finding her way into poetry in 2020.

Her work often revolves around themes such as nature, art, life, love, mind, death, philosophy, and social themes such as justice and humanity. Her poetry was featured in literature websites in USA and India and newspapers in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Her poetry was also published in poetry anthologies and magazines in India, Iraq, USA and the Philippines. Her sincere wish is to inspire hearts to stay creatively conscious and continue refining her craft. 

Essay from MD. Shinha Sarder

MD. Shinha Sarder is a young Bangladeshi entrepreneur, researcher, journalist, writer and musical artist who has developed an interest in technology, digital media, creative work and entrepreneurship from an early age. His activities reflect the growing role of young people in Bangladesh’s digital economy and creative industries.

Born on November 5, 2004, MD. Shinha Sarder grew up in Khulna, Bangladesh. He pursued his early education at Khulna Zilla School and later studied science at Ahsanullah College, Khulna. He is currently associated with the field of Computer Science and Engineering, where his academic interests connect with his broader involvement in technology and digital innovation.

As an entrepreneur, Shinha Sarder has focused on technology-oriented initiatives and digital platforms. He is associated with IT Tech BD and Biostar, where he has worked on developing ideas related to technology, online services and digital communication. His entrepreneurial activities demonstrate his interest in transforming technical knowledge into practical projects.

Research is another important part of his professional interests. His background in computer science has encouraged him to explore topics involving information technology, software, digital platforms and emerging technologies. Through research and independent learning, he seeks to expand his knowledge and contribute ideas to the rapidly changing technological environment.

MD. Shinha Sarder has also shown an interest in journalism and digital reporting. His work in online media involves writing and presenting information about technology, entrepreneurship, current affairs and people working in different creative and professional fields. Digital journalism provides him with an opportunity to combine communication skills with his interest in technology.

Alongside technology and journalism, music represents another significant area of his creative activities. As a musical artist, he has explored music production and digital music publishing. His involvement in music reflects his desire to maintain a balance between technical education and artistic expression. In an era when independent musicians can reach audiences through digital platforms, Shinha Sarder has used online media as an important part of his creative journey.

Writing is also connected to his professional identity. He has worked on books and educational content covering subjects such as computers, information technology, social media and personal experiences. His writing interests range from educational materials to creative and digital content, demonstrating his broader interest in sharing knowledge with readers.

One of the notable aspects of Shinha Sarder’s journey is the combination of several fields. Entrepreneurship, computer science, research, journalism, writing and music are often treated as separate professional areas, but he has attempted to bring these interests together through digital platforms. This multidisciplinary approach reflects the changing career opportunities available to young people in the modern digital environment.

For young entrepreneurs and students, his journey illustrates the importance of continuous learning and experimentation. Technology is developing rapidly, and individuals increasingly need to combine technical knowledge with communication, creativity and business skills. Shinha Sarder’s activities across different areas demonstrate an effort to develop these capabilities simultaneously.

His story is also connected to the broader transformation taking place in Bangladesh. The growth of internet access, social media, digital businesses, online journalism and independent content creation has created new opportunities for young professionals. Entrepreneurs and creators can now build audiences, launch projects and distribute creative work without depending entirely on traditional institutions.

Looking ahead, MD. Shinha Sarder aims to continue developing his work in technology, entrepreneurship, research, journalism, writing and music. His multidisciplinary interests have positioned him as an emerging young figure seeking to build a career around both innovation and creativity.

The journey of MD. Shinha Sarder demonstrates how education, technology and creativity can come together to create new professional possibilities. His experience highlights the potential of young Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and creators who are using digital platforms to explore ideas, develop projects and communicate with audiences locally and internationally.

Poetry from Eva Petropoulou Lianou

My dream of togetherness

The sun has fallen

Behind the mountain s face

Looking at the horizon

I see your shape.. 

The sky had so many colors

Orange

Pink

And some green

In the middle

As a painter I mixed up

The cold and the warm colors

Making yours eyes with a black pencil and your lips with a light red

-I ask the sky

-Did my sun, will come back again?

The sky responds :

If you believe in Light

Sun will always shine for you!!!!

 

……..

Peace, 

So expensive

We buy so many weapons

To maintain it

If we pray more

If we were kind to each other

We could say

We have Peace of mind

Poetic heart

Call for meditation

Inside our heart

Peace,

We say a lot

We make nothing

Peace,

Such as a woman

We adore

But few can get

Peace,

A value with no cost

If the humans understand the word…

I wish one day….

……..

Contact

 I forgot what a kiss is The taste of an afternoon coffee.

So as the waves pulled from the land, I feel like a desert ship.

Contact I forgot what that word means, Shipwreck for months In books I look for a meaning to embrace me, to tell me everything will be fine ..

 To go and leave those roses in my father’s memory, To light a candle to the Virgin Mary.

Contact, To be in your dream hug Let me see your eyes To smell your perfume I’m looking for that word in that old dictionary

………..

We are the people we love

The people we care

We have dreams

and goals

We have so much energy 

But we meet people in the wrong time 

And they block our path

They manipulate our energy

Our dreams

Our wishes

We are so many people

We are thoughts

We are grateful

We are rejected

We are understood

But we are souls.

We are only beautiful souls

Full of gratitude

And beauty

Don’t leave anyone to destroy your inner voice

Your beautiful soul

We are here to become our dreams!!!!

Poetry from Claire Photini Karamousiz-Chalkias

My poem to nobody 

Footsteps heard… 

on the cracking ice layer of a lake 

like those cracking hopes I had as a kid. 

Cursed from birth to live restless. 

Every fragile step omens a dive into the dark waters but.. 

Do I dare to wake up what’s underneath? 

Demons reflect on the sparkling surface 

Past secrets are veiled under the tree shadows. 

Those little red houses in snow 

similar to blood stains on a white sheet. 

I struggle to carve a path 

through the dense foliage of my depression forest 

adding colours to my melted dreams. 

Who can muffle the roar of the karhu inside me? 

Trains slither to nowhere 

and I am a passenger with a first class ticket! 

Here, on the frozen ground 

stuck in dark clay 

I have no time to mourn 

But only taste freedom 

from an opaque cup. 

Fire burns my bitter past… 

and warms my frozen faded fingers…. 

Do I dare to wake up what’s underneath? 

Claire Photini Karamouzis- Chalkias is a graduate of the School of Science in the sector of Special Education and Psychology. Owning also a Certificate of Specialization in ‘Special Research Account on Mental and Community Health Programs’ &”Emotional Intelligence”. Hence she holds the Official Acknowledgement in Tutoring Qualifications. What is more, she acquired a diploma in ‘Family Engagement & Education’ in Harvard University. She has been a facilitator and a trainer in youth exchange programmes and training courses funded by the European Union most of them on Human Rights, culture, civilization, tourism, volunteerism, creativity, sexual orientation, discrimination, disabilities and artistic techniques. She has been an Arts -Cultural Mediator in Performative Fine Arts & Creativity Associations. Photini is also the founder of the artistic union ‘Ulysses’ since 2006 and she has been the project manager organizing cultural events. For more than 15 years she has worked as a private tutor in English-speaking schools and as an Educational Psychologist on learning disabilities and mental disorders. Her poems and photographs are hosted in international publications and have been awarded with multiple prizes and honours. Last but not least, she loves sailing, playing the drums and exploring the world!

Photini – Claire Karamouzis Chalkias 

Educational Psychologist, Creative Publicity Consultant, Arts-Cultural Mediator, Private Language Tutor

Project Manager & Social Trainer in Artistic Union Ulysses- (Artistic Merits)