Showing posts with label poem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poem. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

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:
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
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!

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

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

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

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

Monday, October 26, 2020

Poem: Guardian of My Galaxy

Guardians of the 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

Sunday, October 11, 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 

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

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 

Thursday, August 20, 2020

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 accerlerant
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

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Acrostic Poem: Emancipation

Freedom, poem

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

Monday, May 7, 2018

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

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Poem: Sides

poem

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

Thursday, August 16, 2012

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

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

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

Saturday, September 3, 2011

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

Friday, August 19, 2011

POEM: What I've Faced

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

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

POEM: Through the fire

Through the fire
Through the wire
I'm stepping up
and rising higher
cause you didn't hire
...thus you can't fire
cause digging that ditch
will be your own briar

I won't tire
I won't retire
I'll just watch out
for those who conspire
and yes the liars,
trying to burn me in the fryer
I got my tools
I got my wrench and my pliers

I don't have stylers
nor do I have spy-ers
but I've got faith
and I've got clean desires
 
© Linette Rabsatt

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

POEM: No Sight

It's always a blast
a hard word
or a push
when there is no foresight
hindsight
or insight
but until we act right
then there'll never be delight
just fright
blight
not a unite
but a fist fight
for both black and white
want their future to be bright
sigh
sight is blinded

ribbon

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

POEM: I have



I've seen the mighty fallen
and I've seen the fallen rise
I have travelled to the hilltops
as I asked God to open my eyes

I've roared like a mountain lion
I've risen to the mighty call
I have lived in the naked nature
I've sat in trees majestically tall

I've prayed with the downtrodden
I've given them a helping hand
I've seen the struggles of ten thousand
I walked with them on the black sand

I want to be among the mighty
I love nature's open call
I wish for peace among the nations
for us to all stand strong and tall

ribbon


Friday, March 18, 2011

Monday, March 21, 2011 is World Poetry Day!

Monday, March 21, 2011 is World Poetry Day!


Cultivation

my reach needs an extension
to make the connection in reaction
to the love in existence
and the brilliance of a million
smiles and reactions that produce
alive passion that fashions
inside and cultivates outside
lies trembling beside and stimulates
the fireside
on the bright side
a poem compiled
with the happy tears I
cried
a walk in the
countryside
a relaxing morning ride
fashions my inside
and cultivates my outside

© Linette Rabsatt

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Blog, oh Blog - I have not Forsaken You


I know I have not written in my blog for while. I am now writing for Suite 101 and I love it because it keeps me busy. My blog in recent posts has more become the poetry generator. I will admit that several more poems have been written since the last post here on Blogger.

Poetry seems easier for me to write. I play with words and it comes. I guess it's second nature now - maybe more first. It's like my singing - I do not sing as much as I used to and I think my voice has deteriorated but the more I write - the easier it is to share my poems.

These are my thoughts tonight (while listening to some Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Marvia Providence):

spirit
alive
passion
be free
smile
unhinged
in one look
it's me
feeling
so special
being
a new me
surrounded
by nature
this love
how it captures
with joy
it enlivens
with peace
it strengthens
YES
it's indirect
and YES
it protects
never rejects
shows respect
and in fact
I know know
that this
is the
only
love
that
I need
because
it comes
from
heaven

© ribbon 2010

Poem: Indecision by Linette Rabsatt