International Women's Day 2026

 

I wrote this short prose during an online writing workshop. I never thought much of it until I was looking for something to share for this commemoration. Women today carry many burdens. Pray for us.

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

Poem: The Garden Life by Linette Rabsatt

I originally shared this poem, The Garden Life, with The Bounty Brunch Podcast Episode: Spring Clean. I decided to close off March 2025 with this recording which has footage of my garden and produce in 2024 and 2025.

Poem: Indecision by Linette Rabsatt

I wrote my poem, Indecision, based on a photo prompt. It's a piece that I had some fun with based on the image. Feedback always welcomed!

Happy 2025!

I wrote this poem in December 2024. I don't do New Year's resolutions. I live and try to do the right thing daily - professionally, personally, and poetically. I plan but I am spontaneous too.

I'll share my usual encouragement: Invest in what grows you.

December and Year-end Review - Invest in What Grows You

My personal mantra is "Invest in what grows you."

My mom would have made 69 today. May she continue to rest in peace. I know she would be proud of my accomplishments.

My beautiful mom

I am very happy with my journey in 2024. I was interviewed four times and performed at numerous online and local readings and events. Also, I started a WhatsApp Channel. 

In addition to having a poem published in the CAPS 25th Anniversary Anthology, I have had the following published in 18 journals and magazines in 2024:

• two short stories, 
• three photos, and
• 39 poems.

Please visit my Facebook Page, Linette Inspire VI. 

I would like to say special thanks to my family, and other local writers, Toyer Fahie, Nikiesha McMaster, Jerome Joseph, Akin Chinnery, Anika Christopher, Dr. Dierdra Wheatley, Justin Hodge, and April Glasgow. 

Of course, this 2024 journey would not have been successful without these international poets and writers, who I have never seen in person: Nelly Vee of KVI Network Creations, Pawcram of the Louisiana Lyricists Louge, Ashley Edge of Poetic Edge Publishers, Papi Woodyard of Papi's Poetry Corner, Priscilla Ramcharan of the West Indian Women Network, Ashanti Taylor-Alexander of Pulse Poetry Magazine, Lisa Lipps, Nita Chase of Let's Poet, Blaq Ice, Mike Jurkovic of Calling All Poets Series, Kevin George of Tropical Literature Creatives, Sandy Yannone and Don Krieger of Cultivating Voices Live Poetry, Mark Fishbein of The Poetry Academy, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram of Quintessential Listening Poetry Online Radio, Kysha Blyden of Pulse of the Caribbean, She Barz, G. Lynn Brown of Micromance Magazine, Faye Roberts of Allographic, Write Reasons, William Douglas, Clive Oseman of Ooh Beehive, Barbara Leonhard of Feed the Holy, Patricia Carragon of Brownstone Poets, Walden Quinn Caesar, Allie Poetry, Hiram Larew of Poetry X Hunger, and many others.

Here are my December updates.

Pulse Poetry Magazine - December Issue
You can find my two pieces, My Holiday Wish and What I Have to Give, on pages 4 and 5 and Toyer Fahie's poems on pages 21 and 22 in Pulse Poetry Magazine.

Feed the Holy
My poem, Obstacle Course, was published by Feed The Holy on December 6, 2024. I do not usually write long pieces, but I wanted this piece to evoke our challenges and offer a word of encouragement.

Brownstone Poets
I shared my poem, Strong Woman, in the Brownstone Poets' live reading on December 7, 2024. I am on from 2:24:03 to 2:25:40.

Verse-Virtual
My poem, Anniversary, was published by Verse-Virtual in their December issue. I wrote this poem based on a photo prompt (ekphrastic) of colored chairs overlooking the ocean. 

Walden’s Poetry & Reviews
Walden’s Poetry & Reviews featured four of my poems on December 11, 2024: Gracious, Vivid Pictures, The Password, and Yellow Eyes.

Shortlisted for The Cupid Prize
My poem, Roses in Bloom, and very short story, Sweet Nothing, both published by Micromance Magazine, have been long-listed for The Cupid Prize.

Thank you to Micromance Magazine!

Ultramarine Literary Review
My poem, A Walk Inside, was published by the Ultramarine Literary Review on December 11, 2024. It is one of the older pieces I had tucked away in the archives.

Cultivating Voices Holiday Poetry Open House
I shared my piece, Another Year at the Cultivating Voices Holiday Poetry Open House online on December 15, 2024. It was great fun listening to the variety of work shared. I read from 00:36:10, but please listen to all the poets.

Calling All Poets Series Live Reading
I performed three pieces during this reading on December 19, 2024: Pack Mentality, Dark Snowman, and Another Year. I perform from 1:25:33 until 1:29:34, but I encourage you to listen to the entire reading. The CAPS family is talented and supportive.

Orenaug Mountain Poetry Journal
Writing My Story was published in the Orenaug Mountain Poetry Journal. It is a piece that I worked hard on and submitted to several places before it found its home.

The MockingOwl Roost
The MockingOwl Roost published The Christmas Debate. It is a piece where Pineapple Tart of course shines.

Sweet on YouTube
I wrote Sweet on October 30, 2024. I wrote this piece for the Promptober challenge hosted by Worcestershire Litfest & Fringe. Of course, the pineapple in the video is from my garden.
Important Reminder: Pineapple is the best tart filling!

Plenty Talent Feature
Please check my feature on Plenty Talent for winning the Read Yuh Ting TOO competition on October 24, 2024. I am still in awe! The competition was fierce. I am always proud to represent the Virgin Islands.

Office of the Premier's Christmas Poetry Video
Toyer Fahie, Nikiesha McMaster, and I shared Christmas poems for the Office of the Premier to spread holiday cheer. I shared my poem, My Holiday Wish.

Local Talent Featured

I featured two local talents:

1. December 26, 2024: Meet Celeb, CEO of Press Da Button
2. December 29, 2024: Meet the Mastermind Behind Don G Productions

December Let's Poet

I performed two pieces, Another Year and Who Is She, during Let's Poet hosted by Nita Chase.

December 30/31 Publications

• Spillwords: Indecision 
• Sense and Sensibility: Haiku 
• DoubleSpeak Magazine: 
• Poetry: One with Words, A Journey of Thoughts, Actions, Deny, Creative Fuel, and Built
• Photographs: HelpingHand, Pink Lightning, and Hand in the Sky

New Poem

Yellow

girl:

what does a yellow rose symbolize

because, based on my research

this relationship must have met its demise

there I was planning for commitment

being together until old age

a testimony for love and contentment

instead, you delivered yellow flowers

meant for friends and acquaintances

we all know red is for lovers

so what I am left to do

but run away burned and assuming

that my love is no more for you

boy:

this yellow rose is meant for love

I trust you and need you

our love is a perfectly fitted glove

I can’t live in peace when you’re not there

my poor heart is now broken

this stress will make me lose my hair

you need to listen to my pleas for you

you are my one and only

you know me best and what I’ve been through

this yellow rose - a symbol of forever

you’re my friend, lover, helping hand

your presence makes my life better

© Linette Rabsatt 12/22/2024

Coming soon!

Poem: Love Above the Label

Love above the label

Love above the label

is more than what you

see in shows on cable

it's more than what you've

read in the fables

love itself is just

unstable

and I am incapable of 

using labels to define anyone

there are times

when we are all unstable

when we feel like

jumping off the table

and that's okay

because love should

be the connection 

that tight-knit cable

that serves to disable

judgmental actions

criticisms and sanctions

we are all different

yet we are the same

all insane but some

are just more contained

so don't call anyone

by a defined label

else you'll be liable for libel

don't let anyone
classify you
because of your stance or style
because in time
you will be defiled
stand in your strength
and love above the label

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Seeing the Similarities

Light and dark

Contrasts with similarities

Open the passage to clarity

But without the vagueness of insanity

Or the vengeance of vanity

Because I’ve shifted focus

on building my capacity

while watching the earth in its entirety

because I can’t tune the opacity

and you never forgave my senility

My naivety and lack of sincerity

Development is risky

And with no vision, the ground is shaky

Do you see how the bird’s feathers are silky?

It is easy to sit in the contrast

When you don’t see the similarities

© Linette Rabsatt

Poem: Guardian of My Galaxy

I may not be "Brandy",

but I think I am a fine girl

and despite what you think,

"Ain't no mountain high enough"

that can keep me from reaching my goals

because I've got music and I've got soul

So even though I don't say

"Come and get your love" often

that doesn't mean I don't want to "Escape"

and drink some "Pina Colada"

We have to live in this moment so

"Come a little bit closer"

because I'm happiest when I see

the bright "Mr. Blue Sky"

because the "Spirit in the Sky"

has me "Hooked on a Feeling"

It's not like "I'm not in love"

it's just that

"I fooled around and fell in love"

and "Ooh Child",

"Bring it on home to me"

So don't change your mind

and don't leave me behind

because you are the Guardian of my Galaxy

 © Linette Rabsatt 2020

Poem: The Weeds

We often ask ourselves why 

About many things

Like how birds learn to sing 

Or how weeds take over a garden 

Instead we need to watch

The numerous happenings 

And the way nature keeps thriving 

How it replenishes and accommodates

And how the circle of life is displayed 

Look at how simply flora and fauna 

Coexist to provide our basic needs

Even though we act more like the weeds

and take over all the spaces

Choking all other beings

If we watch the simplicity 

Teamwork, survival and diligence 

We can mirror the behaviors 

To make the world a better place 

Poem: Navigation

I want to navigate
and elevate
but not just gravitate to the next thing
I have my eyes set on a goal
and this soul
doesn't give up that easily
so don't talk to me teasingly
because you don't know what I'm feeling
or if I am healing
don't assume what people are dealing with
because you don't know where they sit
or if they've been hit
or bitten
because what comes from within
is what lies beneath
so take a seat
and rest your feet
let me take my ride
let me confide with the Most High
as I navigate
resuscitate
and elevate

 © Linette Rabsatt 

Poem: An Unusual Fire

the fire in my heart

matches the eruption in my soul

and while my brain is ablaze 

and I go through different phases

and see the world at different stages

it's a steady heat like coals burning

in a haze of uncertainty, 

impossibility and curiosity

an uneasy velocity

and the smoke of a conspiracy theory

It's leery and you can only see the 

mist wisp but it's just hot and dreary

not scary or blurry

just a different type of energy

taking the heat and literal fire

the things we aspire

the things we should use to inspire

the things that should take us higher

to a temperature we can barely endure

yet it's so pure 

and we act like we're sure

but we're far from right

left or any insight

and this is not fight fire with fire time

but to remove the accelerant

and become tolerant

vigilant and consistent to 

treating each other right

and using the light not the fire

to ignite love around the world

© Linette Rabsatt

Recorded Poem: I Love You by Linette Rabsatt

Acrostic Poem: Emancipation

Every soul rejoiced
Minds and bodies calmed
All engaged in the fight
Never flailing, never relenting
Capacities imagined and envisioned
Invigorated energy
Purposeful intentions
Anticipation for the future generations
Tireless toiling ended
Inventive mindset to resume
Open minds and arms to a
New life in freedom

© Linette Rabsatt

Words of Ribbon 2019

Poem: One with Words

I write to become
One with words
To resuscitate
Not divide and conquer
To disseminate
What could be useful
Because I am hopeful
I remain an optimist
Not only to give you
A gist or a hint
But to tell it to you
Raw with details
To ensure that
You understand
My passionate chords
Of words
That I use to light
The fire to inspire
The desire
For you to want more
I write to become
One with words
And I share these thoughts
Free of cost

Ribbon

Poem: Sides

In these times
I struggle and worry
But in this grime
I can't hang on just being sorry
Possibilities
Are now my focus
Cause these games
Are just hocus pocus
Reality
Has long set in
And truthfully
I'm in it to win
My ideas
Are what I believe
So it's not fair
For you to disgrace me
My mission
Is to stay moving forward
And my decisions
Are not those of a coward
Don't hate
What you don't understand
Don't deflate
What you can't hold in your hand
Your lane
Is where you should ride
Cause it's insane
If you don't drive on your side

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Weird Poem

I try to be real, not fake
and I sometimes try to bake
cookies, not cake
but I can take
a walk by a lake
but for goodness sake
don't step on a rake
and don't run by the snake
because you'll turn into a flake
and start to shake
like a drum that quakes
You don't dare call me Jake
and don't try to wake
my spirit's insanity
cause vanity 
is not in my vocabulary
and bigotry
was deleted from my dictionary
so as I play with these words
I hope I struck a nerve
or made you smile
even just for a while
cause this style
is mine
and it's surely not fake
or a flake
it's just me
in my abstract poetry

ribbon

POEM: Rejection

When I wanted to hang with you
You rejected me
When I said I would be there for you
You ignored me
I never understood
why you thought that I was liar
I never meant to misrepresent
or have you resent
me for anything that I did
I just wanted to love you
just to be there to please you
but you always thought
that I was a bad person
with an ill mind
but just know
that I really did and do still
care for you
and love you

ribbon

POEM: Do You love What You Feel

Do you love what you feel?

Cause your feelings no one can steal
what's inside is what's real
you're you - that you can't conceal
your inner beauty - you must reveal
even if you feel a shade of teal
even when someone gives you a bad deal
take courage and grab the wheel
and let the negativity be peeled
because you've got natural appeal
erase the hurt and heal
and just Love what you feel!

Inspired by "Do You Love What You Feel" by Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
© Linette Rabsatt 2011

POEM: What I've Faced

I've been pinched
pricked and pummeled
but I feel great
With the kicks, knocks

and knuckles
I still stand strong
I've returned fire
fists and frustration
but I'm still ready
still waiting
still debating
and concentrating on
my next move
cause I can't cease
stop nor halt
until my destination
is right ahead

ribbon