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.

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

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

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