Poem: In a Field of Weeds

Virgin Islands Book Highlight: The Frog in Prague by Chantal Flax-Ward

Threshold Frog in Prague

I have shared book highlights that have featured siblings or different books from the same author. My author today is Chantal Flax-Ward and she is Andria Flax's daughter and Lincoln Ward's wife. Her book is The Frog in Prague. The title is uniquely crafted and inspired by events stemming from the family's trip to Prague.

The Frog in Prague is ideal for early readers because of the vivid imagery and layout. The story chronicles the family's travel to Prague and how the author's young son, Loucan kept saying frog for the word Prague. The author tells the story as a loving parent who showed patience and understanding to her son. Readers also get a snapshot of Prague's attractions and culture.

Here are some highlights:

• Dancing building
• Duck, pancakes and cooked cabbage - classic dinner
• Vlata River
• Prague Castle
• Changing of the castle guards

The family was unable to find a frog while they were on their journey until it was time to depart. Loucan met a lady at the airport who had drawing implements. Guess what happened next!

Dancing Building

A word from the author:

Parents have shared how much their children love journeying alongside the adventurous little traveler in the story, Loucan. 2026 holds much in store as I continue to build on his adventures, bringing new destinations to life in the series and sparking curiosity about the world.

Chantal Flax-Ward

Let us support our local authors, especially those who write for children. We must create literature that tells our Caribbean story, while appealing to our young readers.

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

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Poem: Success

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