World Poetry Day 2023

Today is World Poetry Day! It is a day that I can celebrate one of my pastimes. I started writing poetry in an English course at the University of the Virgin Islands in 1996. Since then, I have compiled over 200 pieces, some of which I have published on this blog. I have performed in the USVI, BVI, and Guyana, and online with other poets from all over the world.

Poetry is one of the outlets that I use to harness my energy. I was one of the people duped by poetry.com, but it did help me to hone my talent. The site had haiku writing exercises that challenged writers to create poetry based on photos. I use that insight to participate in Visual Verse, which has published some of my poetry in 2022.

My journey includes rejection at events and from The Caribbean Writer. Interestingly, the rejection from The Caribbean Writer inspired Virgin Islands Callaloo: Poems from the Caribbean. I vividly remember performing original poetry at a competition that someone reading popular poetry won. However, I stand resilient and share my work. I have learned my audiences and share to suit.

After being encouraged, I published a small collection of poetry for Kindle titled, "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt." Publishing printed books is expensive. Sadly, support is often implied, but not always actualized. Therefore, for 2023 World Poetry Day, I want to encourage writers and artists to continue to hone their crafts and inspire others. I hope I have helped to pave the way for others to grow and develop.

Here are some poems from my overall collection!

This is one of my first poems, written for the English course.

For Real
Who am I that I want to be you
How to myself I am so untrue
To bleach and blush my beautiful face
Throw down my blackness for the next man’s race.
O how the lye has burned my head
Sobs, as hair morphs, then falls dead
The stress, money, the tears, the burns
Must raise my blackness. Oh when will I learn?
© Linette Rabsatt


I shared this poem on my blog on April 21, 2008.

My jeans tell the story of time
As we walk down the runway line
Bell-bottoms
Stone-wash
high waisted
and low rise
Pleated front
And faded
From back then to now
The fashion shows
That fashion comes
And goes
And comes back
And is unique
To each soul
© Linette Rabsatt


This piece was submitted to Visual Verse in December 2022.

Sight
I faded
like primary colors fade
when they are mixed with white
like the moon disappears
when the sun shines bright
not unlike my heart
when my mood is not right
I've got stains on my hand
because food security is the fight
complex and crazy
to sore eyes, I'm the sight
the key is a puzzle
to take you into the light
it has all the right colors
to get you ready for the flight
looking for your ticket?
it's turquoise, yellow, and green
with pink highlights
neatly packaged and
all enveloped in white
© Linette Rabsatt

Recorded Poem: One With Words

This is a Poetry Recording of "One With Words," one of my poems in my new Kindle book, "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcgsjxWpsQI

I usually share this poem when I visit schools to read poetry. Feedback always welcomed!

Book Review: Build Your Own House, Vol. 1 by Stephon Mactavious

Have you been thinking about building a home? What preparations have you made so far? I know you will ensure adequate space, a well-drawn plan, and a legitimate funding source before construction.

"Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success"
This ebook, "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success," is not about construction in the traditional sense. However, it is all about planning, construction, and enjoying the finished product. The author, Stephon Mactavious, created this inspirational book to assist readers in improving their outlook on life.

The first in a series, "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success," includes five chapters that lay the blueprint for helping you to achieve your goals:

1. Finding Your Inspiration
2. Making a Plan
3. Overcoming Challenges
4. Building Your House
5. Living in Your Dream House

This ebook contains valuable tools that you can use. Here are three quick takeaways:

Chapter 1 - "Don't be afraid to dream big, and to let your imagination run wild": I equate this to keeping your childlike tenacity and putting that energy into everything you do.

Chapter 3 - "I Got This" Motivation: Positively assure yourself that you can achieve your goals.
Chapter 4 - "Be flexible": We must adapt to this ever-changing world of surprises.

According to the Author
As a firm believer in the power of positive thinking and personal growth, I always gravitate to finding ways to help others achieve their full potential.

"Building a house" is a metaphor for building a foundation for one's life. Just as a house needs a solid foundation to withstand challenges, our lives also need a strong foundation to achieve success, love, and happiness. In my ebook, I provide practical tips and exercises to help readers build this foundation and create a life they love.

The inspiration for the ebook came from my own journey and the struggles I faced along the way. I realized that many people face similar challenges and often lack the motivation and direction to overcome them. I wanted to create a resource that would provide guidance and support to help people build the life they desire.

In short, my passion for personal growth and desire to help others inspired me to create this ebook. I believe everyone has the potential to build a fulfilling life, and I hope that "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success" will serve as a tool for those seeking to do just that.

Who is Stephon Mactavious
Stephon is a Virgin Islands author, entrepreneur, and Youth Parliamentarian, who is passionate about seeing positive change in the community. He is the CEO of Go Royal Events and Dream Big Group.

Did I mention that "Build Your Own House: Lay Your Foundation of Happiness, Love, and Success" is free of cost? Follow the link and get your copy today!

POEM: Sides by Linette Rabsatt

This is my latest recorded piece. It was written in 2018. I sometimes feel more of a connection with the earlier pieces than those written in this decade. 

Poetry is important to me because I can exceed normal boundaries by playing with the creativity of words. I think I was all over the place in this piece but in the end, it is simply saying that we need to take care of our business.

Ribbon

Book Review: 99 Types of Guys: A Humorous Collection of Dating Tips and Misadventures

I had the pleasure of reading "99 Types of Guys: A Humorous Collection of Dating Tips and Misadventures" by Stephanie Bailey. I enjoyed reading about the 99 types of men shared in the book because it made me reminisce, laugh, and ponder. I have seen many of these guys as family members, work colleagues, and friends.

Here are 6 of the 99 types:

#5 HIMship: Stephanie describes HIMship as a gentleman who is into himself. After going to extremes to woo you, he will leave you hanging to focus on himself.

#19 In-Between: The In-between is the hook-up guy after a breakup, but never a serious relationship. I guess you can call him the "no-strings-attached boo." When you find someone new, you move on with no emotion.

#31 Holiday Saboteur: The Holiday Saboteur that I am familiar with is one who breaks up just before your birthday, Valentine's Day, or Christmas to avoid buying a gift. In this book, Stephanie refers to a man that will break up with you during the holidays, leaving you with that lasting memory.

#59 Health Care: Not all men are bad! Mr. Health Care is one who will take care of you when you are ill. Stephanie's advice is to thank him and be there for him when he is unwell.

#66 Vapid: Mr. Vapid is boring. He may have great looks and success but does not keep you entertained. Stephanie encourages women who meet Mr. Vapid to keep themselves entertained and engaged if they want to keep the relationship going.

#85 Guy's Guy: The Guy's Guy is what it sounds like. Sadly, you will be the second fiddle to him hanging with his boys. Stephanie suggests you must manage your expectations if you meet a Guy's Guy or walk away.

The title of the book states that the dating tips and mishaps are humorous, but I find them insightful. The author has chronicled an extensive and descriptive listing of personalities we know or have met. The advice is practical and common sense. I also got some laughs at a few of them because the recounts brought back memories.

I commend Stephanie for compiling this book and sharing her experiences, ideas, and understanding of navigating dating. Grab a printed copy or the Kindle version to read about the misadventures and dating tips.

Stephanie Bailey is the Chief Executive Officer of Miss-Adventures, LLC, and a seasoned writer, podcaster, and relationship coach. She also wrote, "Miss-Adventures Guide to Ultimate Empowerment for Women: Harness Your Power and Thrive in Every Area of Your Life".

POEM: Shock Therapy by Linette Rabsatt

Polka Dots inspired my first recorded poem for 2023. This poem is one of my earlier pieces, "Shock Therapy." Do share and give me your feedback in the comments section.

https://youtu.be/Tr7pM4exBg0

POEM: A Refugee Where I Pay Taxes

I am my ancestors' seed
I have DNA from a strong breed
I am a Black Diamond in the blood I bleed
I work hard to give my children all they need
yet I stand today
where millions chill and relax

as a refugee where I pay taxes
© Linette Rabsatt

As a poet and writer, I struggle with what I want to say (I can deliver what I need). Certain tenets dictate that I should remain quiet about things that concern me. However, I will never quiet my poetic voice.

This poem forms part of my 30 Second Inspiration shares that I post on Facebook. I wasn't trying to be creative or innovative with my words. It's all true. At another phase in life, I will have the opportunity to chronicle this story in plain words.

I work hard every day. I give it my best shot. I have felt like a martyr, refugee, and fool in 2022. However, I would not change anything I did. During those tough times, I would think of my grandmother/surrogate mother and the things she would say. She would speak about praying for people who did her bad things. She would use a lot of fables and local sayings to describe karma.

It's funny because I still think a green grasshopper means money is coming. I'm not superstitious, but if I see a black bee buzzing by, I look out for news from overseas. She was wise.

I continue to learn and grow from those wiser than I am. The tenets will dictate as they should. I will write and act as I should. Karma will evolve as it should. I'll keep my path positive to derive what I need for my family.