Poem: Hand in Hand for World Food Day 2025

 

GLOW: Taking GLOW from a Poem to Motivating Words

In my September recap blog post, I shared that I wanted to further develop the GLOW concept I wrote in my acrostic poem. I was further encouraged by the work and encouragement of Kacy Garvey, founder of Jaiku Poetry and our 2025 National Spoken Word Awards Best International Poet, and Kate Jenkinson, creator of the Poetry in Business Conference.

On October 9, I was able to share my thoughts in my response on behalf of fellow honorees at the 2025 Public Service Recognition Ceremony. Here is what I shared.

...................

I made my 15 year anniversary in the Public Service in June 2024. Today, whether you mark 15 hours, days, weeks, months or years, or 15x2 or 15x3 years - this message is for you!

I want us to GLOW! Yes, bright like the light bulb in our Transformation logo!

G is for Get up
L is for Let’s get going
O is for Open the door
W is for We’ve naught to see in the dark
Go Light Our Way

I wrote those words on December 11, 2024. I guess I was inspired. On June 8, 2009, I got up, got going and opened a new door. It was my re-entry into the Public Service after a 6-year break. I’ve been inspired but unhappy at times, helped though demotivated some days, happy yet frustrated here and there, ignored however tremendously supported throughout this journey. Each negative experience was always countered with something positive because of the people I have held close in my circle. I thank every person who has encouraged me in this journey.

Today, I want to challenge every Public Officer to GLOW – Go Light Our Way.

G is for Grow. Your future is your responsibility. Take every opportunity to learn – not just for essential learning hours but your development. The knowledge you gain makes you a better person overall. You can make a difference in the community.

L is for Love. Start with loving yourself. Take time to eat, rest and enjoy yourself. There is no better feeling than hearing my coworkers burst into laughter during the day. Be good to each other. Be your brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. Check in on your people – the ones who have had your back. To those of us with 10 years and more - we have to support the new officers coming in and guide them to be ready for leadership.

O is for Overcome. Life is full of challenges and our jobs can be stressful. Take time to pray. I must also remind you that we ought to check ourselves. Nothing is wrong with asking for help and showing your vulnerability. Utilize the services of the Employee Assistance Programme if you feel overwhelmed.

W is for Win. Winning means different things for each person. Don’t think that I’m living in the clouds – like I said, life is full of challenges. But, did you know that small wins count too? You may have a particular goal and sometimes, that’s not what God has in store for you. Count those small blessings and celebrate them.

So whether you have 15 hours, days, weeks, months or years or more left in your Public Service career, always give it your best shot.

Remember:

1. Your development and upward mobility start with your efforts and attitude
2. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow
3. Network and collaborate with other Public Officers
4. Always be honest with your feedback and be willing to accept the feedback when it comes to you. Feedback is not an attack
5. Have a positive attitude with a focus on finding solutions
6. Keep your customers at heart - we are here to serve the Public - treat them the way you expect to be treated
7. Be open to stretching yourself - your development sits in your hands

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Poem: Success

I shared this poem on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at the Opening Ceremony for Public Service Week 2025. 

A New Poem for National Poetry Day (UK)

Today is National Poetry Day in the UK. I am sharing a new poem, Weave, which was written based on a word prompt in the Inktober Challenge. This poem takes a slightly different on the word. Feedback always welcomed. 

A September to Remember: Poetry in Motion

Succulents in My Garden

September was a great month. It is my birthday month! I returned from CARIFESTA XV, motivated and ready for the next challenge. I had a few poems published and a couple of performances. Of course, I continue to have fun uploading videos and sharing the spoken word tracks produced by Legendary Ink. I wrote 16 poems this month. Here’s what happened in September 2025.

Verse-Virtual

My poem, The Beautiful Sunset, was published by Verse-Virtual. You can also listen to the spoken word track on SoundCloud.

Pulse Poetry Magazine

The September 2025 issue of Pulse Poetry Magazine features my poems, Growing Pains and sanity on pages 16 and 17. 

The Writers' Journal Vol. 2 Doors: Doorways to memories, adventures and imagination

Paradise is featured in The Writers' Journal Vol. 2 Doors: Doorways to memories, adventures and imagination. It's available on Amazon. 

Disturb the Universe Magazine

Indecision was published by Disturb the Universe Magazine. An excerpt of this poem was displayed at CARIFESTA XV.

Performance at Launch of the Law Enforcement Associate Degree Program

I performed Exist at the Launch of the Law Enforcement Associate Degree Program on September 22, 2025. It was reworked from the original version to suit the event.

Book Feature: Black Girls Soliloquy by Zenna Lewis

On Saturday, September 13, I featured Zenna Lewis’ book, Black Girls Soliloquy: An Anthology of Poems by Her, for Her, about Her on this blog. I met her at CARIFESTA XV. Her 16 poems speak to our souls with encouragement, challenge and passion.

Finding Poetry in Business Free 5 Day Challenge

I joined with Kate Jenkinson and participated in the Finding Poetry in Business Free 5 Day Challenge from September 22-26, 2025 . You may have seen my poem, GLOW, before, but I’m re-sharing it because I was inspired to GLOW. In October, I hope to have an opportunity to further develop this GLOW concept. I write to inspire the world with my worlds. May my words GLOW and inspire you!

GLOW

Virgin Islands Artiste Feature: LJ

On September 28, 2025. I featured LJ, a Virgin Islands artiste with a lot of enthusiasm. He is our reigning Soca Monarch (in both categories) and a member of U.T.B. Read about his inspiration and plans for his music. 

Stars Anthology

My poem, The Star's Tale, is featured in the Stars Anthology.

Stars Anthology

Poetry on YouTube

• Members: https://youtube.com/shorts/AF6Id0OuPo4
• Reciprocation: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t4I32r8nsWs
• Some Memories Fade: https://youtube.com/shorts/cEAJ8Crd3t4
• Honeybee: https://youtube.com/shorts/op0zRY7eN8Y
• Some Memories Fade: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cEAJ8Crd3t4
• Leave Me Alone: https://youtube.com/shorts/vBqOz-DeeBg

Spoken Word Tracks

1. Escape: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/escape-part-2-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
2. The Silent Grip: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/the-silent-grip-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
3. Nobody's Watching: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/nobodys-watching-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
4. Kiss Your Love Goodbye: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/kiss-your-love-goodbye-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
5. Long Way from Home: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/long-way-from-home-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
6. Rockabye Baby: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/rockabye-baby-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
7. Welcome to the Truth: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/welcome-to-the-truth-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
8. Talk Yo $#*%: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/talk-yo-shit-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
9. A New Life: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/a-new-life-la-rabsatt-vocals
10. How Easy We Forget: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/how-easy-we-forget-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
11. A Love Mashup: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/a-love-mashup-la-rabsatt-vocals
12. Misunderstood: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/misunderstood-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
13. Forbidden Desire: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/forbidden-desire-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
14. Lucky Star: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/lucky-star-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals

New Poem

BVI Monopoly Game

BVI has its own Monopoly Game
our little territory has its name
on this special box
that carries special cards
that feature our local sites
our history and our culture
just to whet your appetite
on what an adventure
we have to offer
if you visit our little gem for real

© Linette Rabsatt 9-27-2025

Virgin Islands Music Spotlight: LJ - 2025 BVI Soca Monarch

LJ

LJ is a Virgin Islands artiste who has been showcasing his talent for some time, but more recently on the soca scene. He took some time from his busy schedule to share some insights on his inspiration and plans for his music. These are his words.

Who is LJ?

LJ is a young artiste who is trying to push positive and good music out to the community. I’m just trying to bring back real music.

Who's the team behind you?

The team behind of me is UTB, Up Top Band, which is the band that I'm in, and Press Da Button aka PDB, who does all my mixing and beats. There’s also Nat, who has been pushing me for a long time. He is the reason why I even started doing Soca music. I can't forget Rennie who plays keyboard for UTB and is also my recording engineer. Shout out to my whole UTB team and PDB for sure.

What inspired you to get into music?

I’ve been around music my whole life. My father is a DJ who has been on the radio for as long as I know myself. He worked with Neil Blyden (RIP). My whole life has just been surrounded by music. Both of my parents sing as well. I started singing in church and then it just kind of went from there. Soca Monarch 2023 was my first time performing as a solo artiste.

What has been your greatest musical achievement thus far?

My greatest musical achievement has been making history this year in the Soca Monarch competition. I knew that I was capable, but winning still took me by surprise. I won the Soca Monarch Groovy Section last year, so winning the title two years back-to-back would be the greatest musical achievements so far.

LJ on the Stage

Who do you listen to?

I listen to a whole lot of different artistes. My musical selection is vast. I listen to R&B, Soca, Dancehall and Reggae. Once it's sound good, I listen to it. My list of artistes is too long to list - I listen to everybody, basically.

Which song of yours is your favorite?

My favorite song is Don't Stop, which was on the Tropic Fusion Riddim produced by PDB. It’s on Apple Music and Spotify.

Who have you collaborated with?

I recently had a performance with Jougo in St. Thomas this past weekend. I've performed with Boss, and I have a song with him called, Carjack. I've had the opportunity to hold a jam with the late Sasso from Karnage. Of course, I work with PDB. I’ve opened for Beres Hammond when he came to the BVI. I was also part of the HLSCC Stingrays (Band). I also have a song with Intrusive Band, called J.A.M (Just A Minute).

Which international artiste would you want to perform or write with?

I would really love to have a chance to work with Kes, whether I'm on the same card as him for the night or for a collaboration in the future. I would love for that to happen.

What are the plans for the rest of 2025 and heading into 2026?

For the rest of this year, I want to focus on writing music and also preparing to go to Saint Croix for their Soca Monarch competition. I performed in their 2025 competition and I'm going again for the next one.

"Don't worry about what people might have to say."

What advice do you have for young people who are interested in music?

My advice would be to just go for it. Don't worry about what people might have to say. I know we have this thing as locals where we like to say that, you know, the old generation won’t help but don't worry about all of that. Push yourself and once your music good, once your product is good, people will love it. Stay positive and do what you have to do.

LJ in Performance

Can you share something that most people would not know about you?

I guess most people probably don't know that I'm into boats and sailing. I’m working on becoming a captain.

Who would you like to shout out?

I want to shout on my team, PDB and UTB.

"Always keep a close connection with God and you will be straight."

Is there anything else that you'd want to share with the readers?

The last thing I would like to share is just a general message for everybody, whether you're into music or not: whatever you put your mind to, just know that you could do it for sure. Just stay positive, keep a good mindset, keep your head up and always keep a close connection with God and you will be straight.

LJ on Stage with Dancers

Continue to follow LJ and UTB as they produce music to keep up grooving.  

Poem: Exist

we all exist for a reason
because our lives are like a season
we’re here for a moment to do our part
our time aligns to the beating of our hearts
so within your time of existence
what are you going to do to show your brilliance?
it does not have to be a great big feat
you could be a great dancer who inspires with your feet
or someone who does a menial job
but still being the best at doing your job
maybe a Customs Officer who checks our goods
or a Police Officer who canvasses the hood
maybe an Immigration Officer safeguarding the borders
or a Prison Officer overseeing the prisoners
existing is more than having a big title
or leading an orchestra and recital
it’s about what you do to nurture your talents
because learning and growing are the real investments
the impact you make through your legacy
leaving a shining example for your family
so use your talents and time wisely
learning and growth from a seed to a mature tree
we all exist for a reason
and we know our lives are like the seasons
it starts with you believing in you
and not forgetting to invest in what grows you

© Linette Rabsatt 9-22-2025

This poem was shared at the Launch of the Law Enforcement Associate Degree Program on September 22, 2025. It's reworked from the original version to suit the event.

Let's Embrace Peace

Sunday, September 21, 2025 was the International Day of Peace. Here is an exercise for you to play with during the day. Thank you to Ixora Wong for inviting April Glasgow and I to share in the Peacefest.

Looking forward to next year!

Your assignment: Pick a word and create an acrostic poem that speaks to PEACE.

MILD
May I remain cool and collected
In my daily interactions with others
Let me be a beacon for peace
Doing unto to others as I would have them do to me

© Linette Rabsatt 9-22-2025

If you choose to post yours, use #peacemaker

Book Highlight: Black Girls Soliloquy by Zenna Lewis

Black Girls Soliloquy: An Anthology of Poems by Her, for Her, about Her

I was amazed at the scenery as I walked through the CARIFESTA XV Grand Market in Waterford, Barbados. I passed by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines booth and a book caught my eye. I picked it up and thumbed through. Black Girls Soliloquy: An Anthology of Poems by Her, for Her, about Her contained 16 poems and I was intrigued because my Kindle book has 14 poems. I asked the people in the booth about the author and they encouraged me to visit the next day to meet her. I was attending most of the workshops at Grand Market, so the next day, I met Zenna Lewis, the author. Of course, I purchased a copy and asked her to sign my book.

As I thumbed through the pages of Black Girls Soliloquy: An Anthology of Poems by Her, for Her, about Her, I got a better understanding of the title. Here are my thoughts on each poem.

1. Demon in Disguise speaks to how women struggle to be seen as more than objects. 

2. I am Human provides a testimony of the women affected by the Demon in Disguise.

3. In Cursed, Zenna expresses those feelings we all sometimes have:

Empty
but filled with fear, anger
and regrets that hurt my heart...

But how do I solve
the conflict and the confusion? Do I just let it
Hey! I may not be an amulet of perfection....

4. Madam Anxiety tells the story of how anxiety hold us captive. She ends the piece,

Nothing is good enough
nothing will ever be good enough nothing shall ever be good
enough for this lady called madame anxiety

5. Zenna calls out our obsession with social media in Social Monster, an ode to living for likes and hearts.

6. Blackish is an anthem that reminds us to embody our melanin and strength:

...Hence, they created and fattened

an ecosystem of the deceit

that being ebony is dreary sooty....

7. Every Bob Marley fan is familiar with the song, Rat Race. Zenna's Rat Race brings a different message. This poem takes the reader on a journey that touches on what and how we were taught, our goals and how corruptions impacts us.

8. Descendants of Eve is an ode to womanhood with scriptural references, and metaphorical and real-life analogies in relation to our journey as women.

9. In Blood Sisters, our familial links are highlighted with references to the ongoing crimes that affect our young people:

I echo the injustices

of our young gunned down in potholes

in the system of inequality

10. Seen and not Heard is the shortest poem in the book, but it provides a powerful message about how we are often behind the scenes but making big impact.

11. I love the way that Zena weaved her words in Panties on the Line. This is another short poem which packs a powerful message. The poem ends:

Our panties hang on the line connected to glass on top of

equality, barely holding on by a string.

12. Dear Njinga (Queen) is an inspirational piece that every woman should read because of the positive affirmations shared.

You take air and dominate

Even when your heels are on tight...

My signed copy

13. In Our Love Philosphy, Zenna offers an ode to love and the importance of unity in a relationship. It reads like a vow from one lover to the other.

14. Between clouds 8 and 10 play on the cloud nine cliché. It is a beautiful poem with sultry expressions.

And somewhere between cloud eight and ten

I landed peacefully

15. Zenna shares sensual sentiments in Curse 2, a debate about a love affair and the feelings evoked from it. 

16. The final poem is Serve and Protect, which begins and ends with a call to action:

Sir

Minister

Monster

Here are some lines from different stanzas that evoke thought:

Murdered by his hands raped in his sheets

no answers as to why our daughters are being held captive

and selling our daughter's virginity you raped their minds

in a world where my voice is silenced by those who are assigned

our scars are visible but covered with plasters of injustice

Your wives' silence speaks so much...

I am glad that I added this book to my collection. I am even more happy that I was able to connect with Zenna. I look forward to reading more work from her in the future.

Virgin Islands Book Highlight: In the Beehive by Andria D. Flax

Front Cover of In the Beehive published in 2024

Bees are essential to our lives! In the Beehive is a book that perfectly describes the importance of bees, how they work as a community, and how we use the liquid gold that they produce. 

The author is Mrs. Andria D. Flax from the Virgin Islands. She has published several books, including Sharing the Vision, A Walk through the Valley, and The Way We Were.

Back Cover of In the Beehive

In the Beehive provides a fresh approach for children to learn about bees. The text is written as a poem with each stanza prominently displayed on a page. Bee-inspired photographs also capture the reader, with many featuring the apiary activities of Virgin Gold, the Flax’s beekeeping and honey business in the Virgin Islands.

The book is ideal for early readers and teenagers because the content is easy to read while imparting knowledge. The book has showcased on the reading list for Grade 3 students in the Virgin Islands.

The book begins:

 

I hear loud, buzzing sounds

all around me

then I spot tiny insects

on a nearby tree.

The first stanza engages our senses of hearing and sight, and the poem continues with appeals to our senses of smell, taste, and touch. Readers get a clear description of the queen, drone, and worker bees, and their roles. It further describes where bees prefer to settle and the role and precautions of a beekeeper. Readers also learn how we consume honey in our homes.

An Excerpt from In the Beehive

The book ends with a reminder about the role of each bee and our love for honey.

I recommend this book and encourage you to visit Mrs. Flax’s website to order your copy: https://www.andriaflax.com/. 

If you’re in the Virgin Islands, please ensure that you order Virgin Gold honey!

Honey from Virgin Gold