Happy New Year 2026!

2025 had its ups and downs. We pray for better in 2026. Do your best. Invest in what grows you. Be a role model. Speak up. Choose someone to encourage/mentor. Be open to being mentored. Love yourself and your family.

2025 - My Year of Investing in What Grows Me

Views from the Virgin Islands

2025 was an interesting year for me. I enjoyed myself as an HR professional, farmer, poet and writer. I started my journey in SHRM certification and missed the exam because of logistic challenges. I ate my first sugarapple from my tree and started dabbling in growing two types of mint. I had the amazing opportunity to travel twice to share poetry at Pass the Word VI in St. Thomas, USVI and CARIFESTA XV in Barbados. I have been sharing monthly updates and weekly videos on my various social media pages. I've stepped back on some things and pushed harder on what I feel more energized about. I have been practicing my mantra, Invest in What Grows You!

Today is also special because it's my mom's birthday. I hope that I am living up to her legacy. May she continue to rest peacefully.

Thank You

Thank you to all the editors, Legendary Ink and everyone who supported me on this journey.

2025 Stats

• Published in 61 Publications
• 15 Photos
• 113 Poems
• 22 as a contributor
• 91 selected by editors
• 5 Short Stories
• Featured on this blog:
• 3 Books by Virgin Islands authors
• 1 Book by a Regional Author
• 7 Virgin Islands Artistes
• 1 Regional Artiste
• 192 Spoken Word Tracks inspired by Legendary Ink
• Tied as Winner in Read Yuh Ting III
• Won the BVI Lit Fest Prose Competition

I didn't count the performances, but I've had 2 feature performances - one online and the other in-person.

Visiting Cat

December Highlights

WATG Magazine

I have a photo, Standing Out in the Cracks and a drabble, The Tears that Told a Story, in the December 2025 Issue of Writing Against the Grain Magazine. https://watgpress.substack.com/p/watg-the-mag-test-issue-now-available

All Your Poems Anthology Christmas Issue

My poem, My Holiday Wish, was selected for the All Your Poems Anthology Christmas issue. I’m also excited to share that Toyer Fahie’s Christmas Time is also featured.
https://allyourstoriesandpoems.com/welcome-to-the-all-your-magazine-store/

Snowfall & Starlight: A Christmas Haiku Anthology

I have 3 haikus in the Snowfall & Starlight: A Christmas Haiku Anthology. You can purchase the paperback or download the e-edition.

• Paperback: https://www.lulu.com/shop/som/snowfall-starlight-a-christmas-haiku-anthology/paperback/product-45j42v4.html?page=1&pageSize=4
• E-edition: https://sites.google.com/view/freshwordsmagazine/special-anthologies?authuser=0

Micromance Magazine

People in the Virgin Islands know that I am on Team Pineapple in our Tart Wars. So of course, I had to write a short story titled, Pineapple Tart, which was published in Micromance Magazine.

https://micromancemagazine.substack.com/p/pineapple-tart

Calling All Poets Series Third Thursday

I performed during the CAPS Third Thursday online reading which featured Stephen Roberts. I shared My Therapist Gave Up, Bruised Stars and I Rise with the Sun from: 41:14 to 44:56.
https://youtu.be/u9At9vHAgo8?si=lU5yoGEyrH93ivLu

The Haiku Shack Magazine

I have two poems, I am Silence and New to Me, in The Haiku Shack Magazine: Issue 5. I am so pleased to be among the other 39 amazing poets. You can download the magazine here. We would appreciate your kind contribution to the cause. https://ko-fi.com/s/d57534e366

DoubleSpeak Magazine

I have 6 photographs featuring cats and 4 poems, Show Me Your Dreams, We Come in Packs, Lantern and Echo, in the 20th Issue of DoubleSpeak Magazine.

• Poems: https://dsmag.in/2025/12/28/linette-rabsatts-four-poems/
• Photos: https://dsmag.in/2025/12/30/linette-rabsatts-mini-album-cats-and-chicken/

Poetry on YouTube

1. The Instinct of Love: https://youtube.com/shorts/-nLAA8l4Vs8
2. It's Been a Rough Year: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SvQEPbTmEnY
3. Pages to be Fulfilled: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uHliLyOn-Jg
4. The Christmas Debate: https://youtube.com/shorts/TB4FhB4N2Kw
5. Living: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5MUtPxJrlTw

Basil and Tarragon from my garden

Spoken Word Tracks

1. Controlled by AI: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/controlled-by-ai-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
2. My Therapist Gave Up: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/my-therapist-gave-up-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
3. Draining Me: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/draining-me-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
4. Self Hate: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/give-me-the-night-c-double34-music-vocals
5. Shielded: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/shielded-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
6. Show Me Your Dreams: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/show-me-your-dreams-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
7. We Come in Packs: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/we-come-in-packs-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
8. What are You Thankful For: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/what-are-you-thankful-for-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
9. Good Side, Bad Side: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/good-side-bad-side-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
10. Watching You Watching Me: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/watching-you-watching-me-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
11. Tulips: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/tulips-two-lips-yours-against-mine-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
12. I Rise with the Sun: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/rise-with-sun-la-rabsatt-vocals
13. Bruised Stars: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/bruised-stars-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
14. I Gave to You: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/i-gave-to-you-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
15. Grief's Path: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/griefs-path-la-rabsatt-vocals

New Poem

Compelling Darkness

three bulbs

brighten the room

even when we consider

the impending doom

that lurks in the hallway

the darkness compels

as it slowly repels

the glare of the

incandescence

in its abated effort

no comfort

for the occupants

but a dismal moment

of impending anarchy

© Linette Rabsatt 12/31/2025

Merry Christmas 2025!

Poem: A Neatly Bound Book

consider your life as a neatly bound book

attractive cover
a jaw-dropping table of contents
enticing the reader to delve in
each chapter - a chronicle of your journey
how you were nurtured and loved
the bumpy roads, trials and temptations
the love and heartbreaks
all part of the growth equation
you saw the joy of triumph
and the agony of disappointment

a few chapters may cover your career
your first days – maybe timid and unsure
and as we dive into this beautiful book
we will see how you grew
aiming for success - always giving your best
never giving the less
we see the persons that made it great for you
and also the persons who tried your patience
the leaders who led and those who didn’t let go
nevertheless – I am sure that you did grow

and now, we’re moving towards a different stage
some thought-provoking pages
of contemplation about what’s next
ending one part of your life
that spanned a literal lifetime
and beginning a new phase
beginning a change
beginning a new page

the next pages are blank
but it’s not because you lack anything
your journey – the pages that were filled
with such intimate memories -
that people will still talk about
for years to come
are what define this time in your life
but doesn’t the future look brighter?

despite any trepidation to make the next move  

when you move forward with the figurative pen
to write your new story
because this journey is only just beginning
keep that spirit high
aim to always be winning
let your beautiful book inspire the next generation
because your words and actions
speak well of the impact you’ve made
are making
and will continue to contribute 

to the bettering the community we live in

© Linette Rabsatt 12/10/2025

November was LIT - Plenty Writing, Recording and Sharing

Produce from My Garden - Basil and Tarragon

November was a busy month. I've been studying for a certification exam, writing poems almost every day, recording every other day, taking care of my garden, recruiting new team members, solving complex problems, submitting poems to various magazines, publishers, and enjoying old and new music. I also shared poetry at two schools. Here's the literary snapshot for the month.

Steel Jackdaw
My poem, Lucky Star, was published in Edition 19 of Steel Jackdaw. You can purchase a copy here: https://www.steeljackdaw.com/edition-19.

Poem shared for Thanksgiving

Micromance Magazine
My poem, Got 2 Be There, was published by Micromance Magazine on November 4, 2025. This poem was written based on a prompt from Legendary Ink. Hear the spoken word track here.

Silver Birch Press
My poem, I am a Butterfly, was published by Silver Birch Press in the Bugs and Insects series. This piece was originally published in Voices Unbound.

Poem shared at the church harvest

BVI Book Highlight: The Frog in Prague
I encourage you to grab a copy of The Frog in Prague for your child!

BVI Litfest
I thoroughly enjoyed BVI Literary Arts Festival. Highlights included:

• seeing Kacy Garvey perform in the Virgin Islands and promote the work she does with Jaiku Poetry
• watching Michael Jefferson take the stage and share his poetry
• sitting on a panel with April Glasgow, Isabelle Baafi, Raven Kelly and Joanna Gibson
• sharing some poems during the poetry reading
• learning from a plethora of Virgin Islands talents including Patricia Turnbull, Kyra Douglas, Travi Rozae, Charles Wheatley, Tiphanie Yanique, Andria Flax, Alton Bertie, Killa Tooma, Elmore Stoutt and Dr. Arliene T Penn
• winning the prose competition for Long Story Short!

Poem shared for Culture Day

Read Yuh Ting 3
The 2025 Read Yuh Thing 3 was on October 30 2025. Tune in to see Kevin Grant, Michael Jefferson, Carlana Neverson, myself and other poets compete. Carlana and I tied for first place!

Highland Park Poetry
Thank you to Highland Park Poetry for featuring my poem, Face of the Desperate, which was inspired by Mario Strategythepoet Franklin and Clarence Ferguson Jr.!

Screaming: Beyond Borders (Woman Scream Collection)
My poem, Not Less, is featured in Screaming: Beyond Borders (Woman Scream Collection).

Orenaug Mountain Publishing

• Orenaug Mountain Publishing published A Blank Palette, which is one of my earlier pieces. It reminds us that while we may look different, we are the same - looking for belonging. 
• My Holiday Wish was published in Go, the Prayer Has Been Sent by Orenaug Mountain Publishing. 
• My poem, Another Year, is published in the anthology, Echoes, Whispers, and Shouts, published by Orenaug Mountain Publishing. 

Heart of Flesh Literary Journal
I have two poems published in Issue 14 of Heart of Flesh Literary Journal: Silent Prayer and The Pouring of My Prayer. 

Life in Limbo Magazine
My poem, Stages, was published in Life in Limbo Magazine. https://thelifeinlimbomag.com/the-magazine/

Poems on YouTube

• Puzzling: https://youtube.com/shorts/sYnKKtVFmck
• Roses in the Cracks of My Heart: https://youtube.com/shorts/-RDO0gGSrIs
• Navigation: https://youtube.com/shorts/a-5sejx79Zs
• Sounds of Love: https://youtube.com/shorts/p2YkV7x38QY
• Crime: https://youtube.com/shorts/XlwrkZAhnhg

Spoken Word Tracks

1. PTSD: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/ptsd-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals.
2. I'm Made Different: https://on.soundcloud.com/fl02ntoHQ39T99pR72
3. Old Fools: https://on.soundcloud.com/pfePtvdCH4ju4rhlOD
4. Too Many Strings Attached: https://on.soundcloud.com/A0HlBc0h5QOiVhO8CQ
5. Lost Connection: https://on.soundcloud.com/BCxr9SkxSlzjfvl850
6. Face Of The Desperate: https://on.soundcloud.com/9qKxmL7Hms4hjATSzW
7. All The Riches: https://on.soundcloud.com/dZrm7LyC1lvZUkCvVe
8. Battle Cry: https://on.soundcloud.com/63pBHNxPP1OfnCaSG4
9. Dangerous Zone: https://on.soundcloud.com/athK9olOCFGLWupGuZ
10. When Love Was Pure: https://on.soundcloud.com/B0ODutcDEdEQNra5Hs
11. Sheep Herder: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/sheep-herder-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
12. I Don't Wannabe Alone Tonight: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/i-dont-wannabe-alone-tonight-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
13. Devil’s Wine: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/devils-wine-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
14. Please Let Me Go: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/please-let-me-go-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
15. VI Culture: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/v-i-culture-la-rabsatt-vocals
16. Stay the Night: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/stay-the-night-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals

New Poem
Resilience

what word best describes a strong woman
who faces glass ceilings smiling
adversity makes her push
she stands strong with proud hope
mother, sister, friend
exuding much
resilience
passion
strength

© Linette Rabsatt 11-26-2025

Poem: What are You Thankful For

Poem: In a Field of Weeds

Virgin Islands Book Highlight: The Frog in Prague by Chantal Flax-Ward

Threshold Frog in Prague

I have shared book highlights that have featured siblings or different books from the same author. My author today is Chantal Flax-Ward and she is Andria Flax's daughter and Lincoln Ward's wife. Her book is The Frog in Prague. The title is uniquely crafted and inspired by events stemming from the family's trip to Prague.

The Frog in Prague is ideal for early readers because of the vivid imagery and layout. The story chronicles the family's travel to Prague and how the author's young son, Loucan kept saying frog for the word Prague. The author tells the story as a loving parent who showed patience and understanding to her son. Readers also get a snapshot of Prague's attractions and culture.

Here are some highlights:

• Dancing building
• Duck, pancakes and cooked cabbage - classic dinner
• Vlata River
• Prague Castle
• Changing of the castle guards

The family was unable to find a frog while they were on their journey until it was time to depart. Loucan met a lady at the airport who had drawing implements. Guess what happened next!

Dancing Building

A word from the author:

Parents have shared how much their children love journeying alongside the adventurous little traveler in the story, Loucan. 2026 holds much in store as I continue to build on his adventures, bringing new destinations to life in the series and sparking curiosity about the world.

Chantal Flax-Ward

Let us support our local authors, especially those who write for children. We must create literature that tells our Caribbean story, while appealing to our young readers.

October 2025: A Month of Writing and Performances

Our Beautiful Virgin Islands

I had fun in October with some local and online performances, and a few published poems. Of course, I am sharing a new poem. In November, I'll be participating in the BVI Lit Fest along with a plethora of talents. Invest in what grows you!

On another note, I was blessed to attend the CTO HR Conference this week. Many people wouldn't know that I was a recipient of a CTO Scholarship to attend Cornell University in 1999 for one year. It was amazing seeing the growth of the organization!

Pulse Poetry Magazine

My poems, Brought Up and Shattered Soul were included in the October issue of Pulse Poetry Magazine on pages 4-5. Other poets include Nelly Vee, Klassy Poet and Lisa ‘Lipps’ McCready. 

The Zest of the Lemon Volume 3 Autumn

The poems, Walls Speak and I Breathe You In have been published in The Zest of the Lemon Volume 3 Autumn. 

Poetry on YouTube

• Possibilities: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UdQEbciRi3M
• Even Superheroes Need a Hero: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yvTiNHYTCYw
• For So Many Reasons: https://youtube.com/shorts/VaZATOj6Spk
• indecision: https://youtube.com/shorts/Vyoj8Vvxe18

Sense and Sensibility Haiku Journal

The November theme for the Sense and Sensibility Haiku Journal is gratitude. Read haikus from Mike Jurkovic, Paul Callus, Thompson Emate, Boryana Boteva, me, and other poets in this series here:

WIWN Caribbean American Heritage Month Short Film 2025

I participated in the WIWN Caribbean American Heritage Month Short Film by sharing Granny Said A Lot. This film features Britton Wright, Kasi Senghor, Stephan Hughes and other Caribbean poets.

The Mocking Owl Roost

Domestic Violence is Real was published by The Mocking Owl Roost. 

Virgin Islands Book Highlight: Johnny the Great Rooster

I feature both authors and artistes on my blog. Johnny the Great Rooster was written by Jeffrey and Arona Forbes. I love a chicken story and this one is a good one! 

Tribute for Heroes and Foreparents Day

Monday, October 20 was Heroes and Foreparents Day in the Virgin Islands. I reshared my poem about my great grandmother, Christiana Freeman, because she is my hero! She was a midwife who delivered countless children and was also a stalwart Methodist. I celebrate her and will try my best to live up to her legacy. 

Performances

• I shared Success on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at the Opening Ceremony for Public Service Week 2025.
• On October 9, 2025, I was asked to give a response on behalf of the honorees at the Public Service Recognition Ceremony and I was excited to take my acrostic poem, GLOW, into meaningful remarks to inspire my colleagues. 
• I visited Ebenezer Thomas Primary School on October 10 for their Open Mic and shared Our Gem and journal. Toyer Fahie was also there sharing some inspiration with the children.
• I joined the LWG Poetry Meet on October 14 with Dr Anshu Sharma, Dr Lalit Mohan Sharma, Dr Rita Malhotra, Neelam Saxena - Moderator, and Rupa Rao - Tech Facilitator on October 14, 2025. I shared Through the Purple Portals of My Mind (Visual Verse) and The Answer is in the Trees (written at CARIFESTA XV).
• On October 17, I performed Hand in Hand at the World Food Day Ceremony.
• At the October 19, 2025 Fertile Brains Open Mic, I shared Heaven's Movie and Every Day. I'm on from 39:22. 

New Spoken Word Tracks:

1. Gone in the Head: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/gone-in-the-head-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
2. Never Alone: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/never-alone-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
3. Prisoners of the Streets: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/prisoners-of-the-streets-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
4. Everything You Are: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/everything-you-are-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
5. Butterfly Effect: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/butterfly-effect-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
6. Homewrecker: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/homewrecker-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
7. Hot Seat: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/hot-seat-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
8. Forgotten Treasure: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/forgotten-treasure-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
9. Sun and Earth: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/sun-the-earth-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
10. Still is the Heart that Finally Dropped Its Guard: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/still-is-the-heart-thats-finally-dropped-its-guard-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
11. Never-ending Eargasm: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/neverending-eargasm-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
12. Slipped Away: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/slipped-away-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
13. Everything: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/everything-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
14. On the Other Side of the Moon: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/on-the-other-side-of-the-moon
15. Sound of Love: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/sounds-of-love-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
16. Music from the Heart: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/music-from-the-heart-la-rabsatt-vocals
17. Roses in the Cracks of My Heart: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/roses-in-the-cracks-of-my-heart-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
18. Enchanted Fruit: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/enchanted-fruit-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
19. Following Voices that Lead to Poor Choices: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/following-voices-that-lead-to-poor-choices-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals

New Poem

Vacant

this spot is now occupied
because you said yes
this heart is indemnified
since you have me covered
I am no longer petrified
my soul’s vacancy is now closed
together we stand unified
as a neatly completed puzzle

© Linette Rabsatt 10-29-2025

I write to inspire the world with my words!

Virgin Islands Book Highlight: Johnny the Great Rooster

Johnny the Great Rooster

I first featured Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes on my blog with her book, Arona’s First Garden in 2020. I was very excited when I saw her at the 2025 World Food Day Market Event. She is one of the people who helped me in my public service career. She served as Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer and always displayed this passion for agriculture, young people and helping others.

When I passed by her booth, I noticed that she and her husband published Johnny the Great Rooster, which was illustrated by Delores Jones. Everyone who is close to me knows that I have a short story called, A Paltry Poultry Tale, about the chickens in my yard. Of course, I grabbed copy to write a review.

Johnny and Susan in the Garden

Johnny the Great Rooster is described by the authors as a “must read for all ages” because anyone can enjoy the contents. Honourable Julian Fraser, the 3rd District Representative and current Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, provided an on-point synopsis at the beginning of the book, reflecting on its educational value. He said, ‘even before I read the book, I sensed that there was a lesson worth learning from it ….”

A glossary is shared before the story so that young readers will have a better understanding of the terms used in the book. Johnny is the alpha male on the Forbes Farm in Josiah’s Bay. The story begins with Johnny being the sole chicken on the farm and how the Forbes took care of him. Johnny eventually meets Susan and they form a bond.

An excerpt from Johnny the Great Rooster

The story takes different turns to show readers how vulnerable these birds can be. A dog attacks Johnny and Susan, but there are rescued by Mr. Forbes. Johnny is also threatened by another rooster, that he is able to subdue.

Johnny and Susan eventually marry and have their brood of chicks. The authors speak to the joy of birth with the family producing 12 chicks of 6 males and 6 females.

Many authors use animals to show morals and values. Jeffrey and Arona brought this story to life with vivid illustrations, and a well-developed story relatable story for Caribbean children.