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: 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: Who am I?

I am:
kinky haired
bull headed
critical thinker
bush tea drinker
small in stature
big on structure
big on laughter
moving faster
unique
hard with critique
a problem solver
born evolver
a poet
a writer

ribbon
 

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

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

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: Taking Turns

Taking Turns

Only the Father can turn us around:
He heals our pain,
He forgives our sins,
and He gives us true joy within.

Our Father never turns us away;
instead, He leads us,
He keeps us safe,
and He makes our journeys easier.

He never turns us out:
our Father stays with us,
gives us love and strength,
and all we need to do is have faith.

Our Father turns a hard heart into soft matter:
Yes! Our Father builds bridges,
He solves our problems,
and all we have to do is to believe.

Turning us around - healing and forgiving,
Never turning us away - accepting us as we are,
Never turning us out - still loving and strengthening us...
Only our Father can do all these things and more.

© LR

Callaloo Poets ‘open mic’ on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Mellow Moods

Callaloo Poets ‘open mic’ on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Mellow Moods

Saturday, July 18, 2009 is the third Saturday of the month and on that evening, the Callaloo Poets invite you to an ‘open mic’ poetry reading themed ‘You and I bring U.N.I.T.Y.’ – a theme inspired by poet, Oren Hodge. The reading starts at 7:00pm at Mellow Moods Café in Road Town, Tortola. All writers are invited to share their inspiration and are kindly asked to arrive at 6:45pm for sign-up. For more information, please email vicallaloo@hotmail.com.

Callaloo Poets

Callaloo Poets 'open mic' on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Mellow Moods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness month, the Callaloo Poets and the Virgin Islands Improvement Association (VIIA) host an ‘open mic’ poetry event themed ‘ALL ABOARD: STOP OPPRESSING and START DEFENDING’ on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 7:00pm at Mellow Moods in Road Town, Tortola, The Virgin Islands. Poets, Dancers and Musicians are asked to arrive by 6:45pm for signup.

Copies of ‘V.I. Callaloo: Poems from the Caribbean’ will be on sale. For persons who have already purchased their copy and would like it signed, please walk with it to the reading.

Theme: ALL ABOARD: STOP OPPRESSING and START DEFENDING
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2008
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Mellow Moods

REAL TALK to feature Callaloo Poets on Channel 51 and CORE MAGAZINE 1st Anniversary Issue in BVI

Check out Callaloo Poets - Linette & Sowande on REAL TALK with Karia Christopher on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 7:30PM on Channel 51. Be sure to check it out!

Also, CORE Magazine has released its 1st Anniversary issue featuring our own Revelation, Ritical, Alton Bertie and Kamau Georges. Poetry by the Callaloo Poets is also featured in this FREE issue which has Rock City on the cover. Delve into this issue to read about Avalanche, Jam Tyme Band, CORE Fashion and much more.

The POET in ME

I took a week off from writing in my blog and I ended up wiriting more poetry. So I think I need a good balance in my writing. Check this out:

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


I have just been playing around with words a lot more and have been able to think of topics and compose. I feel like I have grown as a writer. I guess too that since I am the one coming up with the topics, there is no pressure to write in a certain way or to focus to a certain audience.

I typically don't like to write for competitions or when asked to perform at certain events unless I have a piece or pieces already written on that theme. What I hate more is when the persons asking you to perform request that you include certain ideas or issues in the poem. Excuse me, you should have written the poem yourself then. Let my inspiration flow and work in the theme. Anything else is forced and shows in the performance.

I wrote a piece for my sister's wedding and I did not even try to rhyme - I played with a concept and it worked and I was happy with it.

Of course, I love writing happy pieces but I have a piece to write for my great aunt's funeral and it does make me sad. I plan to word it not as a 'missing you' piece but as a higlight of her accomplishments. I may share that one with you.

I didn't create this blog to share poetry. I created it to improve my writing overall. I guess the poet in me must share a piece every now and then.

ribbon

My Name is.......

My name is simple. Someone said my name sounds old and boring and it suits me.

According to http://www.thinkbabynames.com/, the meaning is "idol; a small songbird". It may not be popular now but hey, I learned to spell it quickly and I love it.

These days, we play with combinations or parents names or we make them up and that is cool. What parents should be mindful of is Elementary and High School classmates who can be cruel and twist people's names around. I am very good at ignoring idiots so they can twist away. However, we should teach children the meaning and origin of their names so that they can appreciate it and defend it.

I am BLACK DIAMOND to the bone. I did not understand the name at first but it has inspired me and I wrote a poem about my grandfather, the original BLACK DIAMOND. See VI Callaloo: Poems from the Caribbean to read it. Actually everyone in my grandfather's lineage is proud to be a BLACK DIAMOND descendant. My children will be taught to appreciate it as well.

A nickname like BLACK DIAMOND is good but to call yourself Toilet Paper or Soot or Dirt is just ridiculous. I prefer not to use a nickname. People cut my name short and then it's like they are calling my dad since my name is a derivative of my dad's. When he comes by, he is quick to correct them. GO DAD!

Check yourself - check your name - don't let anyone call you down!

Callaloo Poets & VIIA nourish the Mind, Body & Soul on April 19, 2008

Callaloo Poets & VIIA nourish the Mind, Body & Soul on April 19, 2008

April 19, 2008 is the third Saturday of the month and the Callaloo Poets and the Virgin Islands Improvement Association (VIIA) will present 'Food 4 Thought: Nourish the Mind, Body, and Soul'. This 'open mic' event starts at 7:00pm at Mellow Moods in Road Town, Tortola. Performers are asked to arrive at Mellow Moods at 6:45PM for sign-up.

Poetry Readings are held every third Saturday of the month. For more information about the Callaloo Poets and the VIIA, please visit http://www.myspace.com/vicallaloo and http://www.viimprovement.org/.

World Poetry Day

Today is WORLD POETRY DAY!

Celebrate with all poets today and encourage them to keep crafting their talents.

Writing poetry is easy when you let the inspiration flow. When asked to write on specific topics, you have to brainstorm and craft according to the specific issue. It is still not hard for me - once my heart is in it and I have enough time to write and re-write.

Our poetry readings are themed and some poets do not like that at all. I like the themes but encourage poets to share what they wish. They may come with something fresh and new. We never want to stifle creativity. Themes are set as a guide and a way to push the poets to keep writing.

Past themes include:
Black Love
Honoring the Elders

They are simple and a little abstract, but you may be suprised at the detailed creativity that stems from simple themes. The poets and singers who attend the readings really work hard and get the message across.

To get more of a taste, you'll have to attend one of our 'open mic' sessions held every thrid Saturday of the month. Keep checking this blog for updates.

I am an aspiring writer so stay tuned for more articles.

Callaloo Poets & VIIA honor the elders on March 15, 2008

Callaloo Poets & VIIA honor the elders on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at Mellow Moods

Greetings,

The Callaloo Poets and the Virgin Islands Improvement Association will pay tribute to the elders on March 15, 2008 at 7:00PM at Mellow Moods, Road Town, Tortola in an 'open mic' poetry reading themed 'Honoring Our Elders'.

Poets, singers, drummers, musicians and dancers are asked to be at Mellow Moods by 6:45PM for sign-up.

Also note that we are featured on the updated CORE Magazine website, www.coremagazine.vi. For more information about us, visit http://www.myspace.com/vicallaloo or http://www.youtube.com/vicallaloo.

Thanks as always for your support.

Callaloo Poets