Two Poems by Sumana Bhattacharjee

Beautiful Soul

Why to chase before the thing 

That never helped you to become 

A better human being! 

You can do it 

Yes! You can do better in life,

It's not merely the question of survival.

Just make yourself so bold 

That every effort of yours become gold 

You're that person that someone wants to hold.

You're that beautiful soul 

That shines bright,

In the dead dark night.

Yes! You're that aura 

That's full of energy, full of grace,

Your vibes can be the shelter to embrace. 

If you stumble, then just stand 

Then try to walk fast, then run 

One day, you'll have the power to face the Sun.

□

All About Mind

When you go through a tunnel 

Dense dark all around; bizzare sound,

Still there is a hope you'll 

See the light again.

The more you pass by 

The more you get empowered,

The sense of hope inside you 

Create within you more power .

When you increase the speed 

It seems you're unable to see 

You flip you eye lashes and enlarge 

Your very eye lid.

Then the light you see 

From far away like a oasis 

In a barren land that 

Made your mind full of glee.

The more you come close 

As if your hope open the door 

Now you're here 

Where you can overcome fear.

Keep boost your mind 

Until you see the light 

Darkness make you feel blind,

Until your thought become divine.

Copyright- Sumana Bhattacharjee

Kolkata, West Bengal, India 

Sumana Bhattacharjee is a talented English poetry and quote writer from India, hailing from the vibrant city of Kolkata, often referred to as the "City of Joy". Born and raised in this culturally rich metropolis, Sumana continues to reside there, drawing inspiration from its heritage and diversity.

With an academic background in English literature, having completed her Master's degree, and Honors in Bengali literature, Sumana's love for language and literature is evident in her work. As a published poetry writer, her poems have been featured in over twenty anthologies, ezines, and blogs, showcasing her talent and versatility.

Sumana is also a passionate community builder, having founded a poetry writing group that provides a platform for aspiring writers to share their work and grow. Additionally, she serves as an administrator for three other literary groups, fostering a sense of community and encouraging literary exploration.

Beyond her love for literature, Sumana is passionate about music, poetry, and drama, finding solace and inspiration in these art forms. She admires honesty and integrity in individuals, valuing authenticity and sincerity.

Through her writing, Sumana aims to create a peaceful ambiance, spreading positivity and joy. She strives to stay true to herself, using her words to uplift and inspire others. With her dedication to her craft and her commitment to fostering a sense of community, Sumana Bhattacharjee continues to make a meaningful impact in the literary world.

Some key highlights of Sumana's career include:

- Published poetry writer with over twenty anthologies, ezines, and blogs featuring her work

- Founder of a poetry writing group and administrator for three other literary groups

- Passionate about music, poetry, and drama

- Admirer of honest and authentic individuals

- Committed to creating a peaceful ambiance through her writing

Sumana Bhattacharjee's biography is a testament to her love for literature, her passion for community building, and her dedication to spreading positivity through her work.

Two Poems by Dr. Aziz Mountassir

I Walked Alone

I walked alone, a shattered wanderer,
Each step broke beneath the weight of soul.
My breath — a trembling ghost inside me,
Even my glances startled me whole.

A fugitive lost in the maze of nowhere,
Not knowing from where or where I must roam,
A shadow adrift on oceans of silence,
No path to follow, no place to call home.

Doubt hung heavy — a cloak made of gray,
Mist curled tightly around my chest.
Fragments of hope, like shattered glass,
Shards of a self I once possessed.

My pieces waged wars upon each other —
Some pulling forward, others pulling back.
A heart divided, a mind in ruin,
A compass broken, its needle cracked.

Silence grew sharp — it cut through thought.
The night, more a mirror than sky above.
I searched for answers in fractured reflections,
But found only questions, stripped of love.

The fog grew thicker, my steps turned numb,
The world dissolved in shades of despair.
And all I could feel was the ache of being,
And the cold, endless weight of air.

I walked alone, a shattered wanderer,
My own worst enemy in the night.
A puzzle unsolved, a name unspoken —
A flame lost long before the light.
□

Whispers of Winter and Water

The sky bends low with silver breath,
A hush beneath the hand of death.
The world lies still, a muted stage,
Where winter writes on nature’s page.

The river sleeps with crystal skin,
Yet underneath, the dreams begin.
It murmurs soft in icy veins,
A lullaby through frozen chains.

Snowflakes drift like falling lace,
Each one kissed with silent grace.
They paint the roofs, the trees, the air,
A masterpiece so cold, yet fair.

Water weeps from branches bare,
It clings to leaves no longer there.
It gathers strength in secret streams,
And speaks in frost and quiet dreams.

Winter is a patient guest,
It wraps the world in cold caress.
Its voice is in the sleet and rain,
A song of longing, loss, and gain.

And still the water flows below,
Beneath the ice, a steady glow.
A hidden fire, a quiet might,
That waits for spring to rise in light.

It teaches us, this winter song,
That silence too can still be strong.
That even when the world seems done,
The rivers run, the waters run.

So let the snow fall thick and wide,
Let cold winds wander far and wide.
For deep below, life waits in flow—
Where winter ends, the waters grow.
□

Biography:

Amb. Dr. Aziz Mountassir is a distinguished international figure, renowned for his tireless work as a poet, ambassador, and advocate for peace and humanity. Born on March 30, 1961, in Casablanca, Morocco, Dr. Mountassir has dedicated his life to promoting creativity, goodwill, and global understanding.

As a prolific poet, Dr. Mountassir's work has been translated into over 16 languages, allowing his message of love, peace, and unity to resonate with audiences worldwide. He has participated in more than 16 international poetry collections, showcasing his talent and commitment to the art form.

Dr. Mountassir's leadership roles are numerous and varied. He serves as the President of the International Forum of Creativity and Humanity, based in Morocco, and is also the President of OACG (Organization of Art, Creativity, and Goodwill) in Morocco. Additionally, he holds presidential roles in Ciesart Morocco Peru España Swiss and UTEF Türk in Morocco.

As an ambassador, Dr. Mountassir represents several organizations, including the International Peace Corps in Morocco, INISA, Virtual Libro Mexico, Inner Child Press USA in North Africa, and WIP (Nigeria) in Morocco. He is also the Director of America in Magazine in Morocco and the Director of Network Arabic in Morocco.

Dr. Mountassir's commitment to peace and humanity is evident in his attendance at numerous international seminars and conferences. He has participated in peace seminars in countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Egypt, America, Canada, Morocco, India, Jordan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Tunisia.

As a journalist, Dr. Mountassir is certified with Akhbar7, a Moroccan newspaper. He is also a member of the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) and holds a role as Regional Delegate of the Honorable Alawites Council in Morocco.

Dr. Mountassir's literary achievements include authoring 10 books, with his poems being sung by international artists after translation. His work continues to inspire audiences worldwide, promoting a message of peace, love, and unity.

Some key highlights of Dr. Mountassir's career include:

- Authoring 10 books and participating in over 16 international poetry collections
- Holding numerous leadership roles in organizations promoting creativity, goodwill, and peace
- Serving as an ambassador for several international organizations
- Participating in peace seminars and conferences worldwide
- Promoting a message of peace, love, and unity through his poetry and advocacy work

Dr. Aziz Mountassir's biography is a testament to his dedication to promoting peace, creativity, and goodwill globally. His work continues to inspire audiences worldwide, and his commitment to humanity is evident in all aspects of his career.

STAY WITH ME TONIGHT, a poem by Maria Teresa Liuzzo

Stopped in the tremor
some berries,
in the tattoo
bitter of the hours
to illuminate
the divine shadows.
Be still sea
of my shell,
silver cloud
on the pomegranate
and on the peach tree in celebration,
sea breeze
on every heart of water.
Ink rose arise
in the gaze and creates
flashes of sky.
In tired sailing 
some thoughts,
be a breeze spread with peace,
fantasy
of galaxies in love.
- Maria Teresa Liuzzo (Italy)

CROWN OF LIFE - A POEM BY IRIS CALIF

My body is carried as heaven worlds, 

kneels his spirit in front of the Wings of the land of death, 

the land of living and the land of love

And I am the human flower 

Iris draping my tears in the stone of death 

in Front of the living Grace Mountain of my purified broken soul 

that blowing Her Breaths in my Piot mysteries prayer of my dreaming Iris soul to the Living

The flower Iris a universe,

A girl, a woman, kneeling to wings of life, to my body

Death of lovers, Anorexia;

The kingdom of the life and death personification:

You the Anorexia

My spiritual soul friend grasping me,

And breathing me with infinity: Death

My soul, foe my escape from my destruction,

My flogging, my Awe

My dismantle of my faith, my trust my security, my purification

From rain instinct, of my own self, and from human Inclination.

I ask and look at my soul, my grief, my fear, my destruction,

Yet yearning to strength, of feminine power, a pour loving and longing of A girl,

Woman for life within her, a body healthy and sound,

To close my green living eyes, with rain, thunder in the lighting moon,

And the sun of the worlds. my body breathes deeply in my weeping Years.

And in my weeping years, I am dreaming the crown of life

The living dancing vitality that grows and sinks In my body and soul,

And me, the human Iris flower of the creation standing out healthy

Covering my spirit soul of my naked body to the

Crown of life

"All rights reserved to the poet Iris Calif" ©️

BIOGRAPHY OF IRIS CALIF-ISRAEL

Iris is an international writer, poet, dancer, editor and translator of poetry to Hebrew. She is in charge of foreign relations in the online culture, literature, art and poetry magazine "The Direction of the Holy Spirit Wind" ("Bekiovn Hroh") a translator and an editor of world-wide poetry in the magazine and editor of international anthologies at the magazine, as well as in the culture and lifestyle magazine "Mokasini" and in the "World Poetry" section on the literature website "Rooms" ("Hadarim"). She is also a member of the Composers' Association of Hebrew authors and publishers in Israel named "ACUM".

Iris is received of the International Prize for Literature Italy - Milan 2024: 'CITY OF GALATEO' Special award for excellence 'città del Galateo' in the category of foreign writers from around the world, poetry and fiction on a free topic, for the poem she wrote "Angel of Life".

Iris received the 2023 award for International Best Poets & POETS:

 THE JOURNAL OF RENDITION OF INTERNATIONAL POETRY- IPTRC [Multilingual] CHINA and she was selected- to be one of the "20 Top International Journalists for the year 2024 of Legacy Crown’s" -ASIA. She also holds a diploma from the "Russian Professional Writers Union" and the international magazine "Arina NN", registered in the Ministry of Culture of Russia, for her contribution to the culture world "International Poetic Community" 2022.

Iris is the head of the Israeli liaison department of the Hong Kong Literature and Arts Magazine and a member of the Association of artists and writers of the World SAPS. She takes part in the editorial board of the World Poetry Yearbook 2024 (English edition) and holds an honorary doctorate from the International Forum for Creativity, Humanity and Coexistence, Kingdom of Morocco.

Iris is a descendant of a lineage of Kabbalists, blessed with the prophecy of the spirit of the heart and the ability of communication and vision, which are expressed in her mystical and Kabbalistic writing, endowed with spiritual touches of holy upper and hidden worlds. For her, it is a blessing to shine with the spirit of the Jewish voice from the depths of love, life, and faith in the creator of the world- our father in heaven

"And as I soar with the flight of my spirit soul, I will carry the holy halo of the light of my Jewish loving voice, in the eternally world of the wings of the Dove of God spirit of the land-living peace"-Iris Calif

Three of Iris's books have already been published: "In a Mysterious magical path Lolita breathes" (2001), "A Pure Wild moon" (2017), and "The daughter of God" (2020), and she is currently working on her fourth book. Her poems have been published and read on the radio, on television, on the internet, in national and international magazines and newspapers and in anthologies around the world, and were translated by international poets into numerous languages such as Spanish, Bengali, Nepali, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish, Assamese, Russian, Albanian and Italian.

Iris's poems were presented in many prestigious and international exhibitions in Israel such as "Crowns of Winter" (January 2023), where a poem of hers translated into Bengali was displayed alongside poems by seven international poets, each translated and edited into Hebrew by her. Also the exhibition "Black-Red-White" displayed Iris's translated versions of poems written by five international poets. Most recently, Iris's poems, also translated into Chinese, Italian, Spanish and Arabic, were presented in the universal exhibition "Butterflies of Peace", which also included the poems of 21 poets from around the world, translated by Iris into Hebrew.

Iris's poetry reflects the inner journey of her soul, which looks through love, dreams of life and breathes holy and hidden worlds. Her poetry is a symbol and an expression of her victory over anorexia and her courageous decision to choose life and love.

"And in my living Iris soul, my spirit dances the living voice of the holy God life" -Iris Calif

Poem by Iman Yadawar

The city is a wound that language stitches
It's an era where even the sky cannot contain our restlessness
When flying has no place to embrace you, it becomes wandering
Nature is a museum when viewed with today's eyes,
It turns yellow
With this view flowers don't bloom
A century won't display a green painting for us
You see no letter of memory clings to the height of a willow tree!
No one is seen whose soul waves in the heights for a rendezvous
No one is seen who has laid out a prayer rug towards their heart
Everyone prays for their eyes
What's more frightening than
• A human staring at the sky?
Who doesn't say one day a cloud in its final cry
Will return life to the beginning!
Do you think caves will shelter us again?
What a sickness life is!
The earth in place of my heart,
Beats like a round ball inside my body
As if only I hear its cry and no one else cares.
I walk through the streets and no smile rebuilds my path
The streets here wet with beggars' tears
I walk and collect those songs that spill from drunkards' mouths
When they drunkenly [mourn] their lost age
Our city whitened the hair of those
Who wanted the city's heart not to blacken
Oh my God
Why don't you send a rainbow necklace
For the neck of these black streets of our silent city?
Oh my God, give me a planet
Let poets rebuild it
Give me a language
That no one can translate your name into the language of war
Give me a lamp from your light,
So the city won't get lost in darkness
Oh my God, give me a memory so the city won't forget its memories
So that the city will no longer fear you, nor be deceived by Satan, nor kill its poets.
- Iman Yadawar
Iraq

Iman Yadwar is a talented student and poet from Kirkuk, Kurdistan. Born in 2000 in the Karez village of Khalkhalan, she has made a name for herself in the literary world. Her achievements include winning the 2nd Prize at the 2022 Shan Poetry Festival, securing the first prize at the Malay Jabari Festival, and receiving the second Ruanga Award in Iraq. Iman has also been honored with 12 honorary degrees, a testament to her dedication and passion for poetry. Her poems have been translated into several languages, including Persian, English, and Arabic, allowing her work to reach a global audience. As a young poet, Iman's talent and accomplishments have earned her recognition and admiration in the literary community.

True Love, a Short Story by Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer

Ritu and Parvatesh had met again after years, their sudden reunion in the chilly Delhi winter feeling like a divine coincidence. It had been nearly eight years since they last saw each other.

"You here?" Ritu asked, surprised.

"After joining the Income Tax Department, I was appointed here...and you?" Parvatesh replied, curious.

"Just like that," Ritu said briefly, falling silent.

Both of them got lost in memories of their past, reminiscing about their college days, visits to parks and restaurants, and fun times together. However, their happiness was short-lived, as the painful memories of their separation resurfaced. They recalled the Bollywood-esque drama of their breakup and Ritu's subsequent marriage to Nitin, an engineer, as per her father's wishes.

Despite having a child, Parvatesh had never forgotten Ritu. Overwhelmed with emotions upon reuniting, he tried to hug her, but Ritu pushed him away, aware of her boundaries.

"What are you doing, Parvatesh? I belong to someone else, and you do too. Please respect our limits," she said.

Parvatesh looked crestfallen. "Didn't you truly love me? Have you forgotten me?" he asked.

Ritu's response was poignant. "I still love you truly, and I haven't forgotten you. However, Parvatesh, true love seeks intimacy of the soul, not just physical closeness. The Creator has bound me to someone else, and I must honor that commitment. Perhaps your love was tainted by worldly desires, which is why I couldn't be your life partner."

In that moment, Parvatesh grasped the true meaning of love.

© Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer

Fatehpur, UP, India 

editorsgveer@gmail.com

■

Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer is a celebrated author, storyteller, critic, reviewer, and editor. His captivating narratives have enthralled global readers, transcending borders and languages. As an accomplished editor, Dr. Veer has curated over two dozen literary books and magazines, shaping the literary landscape. He champions innovation through Micropoetry Cosmos and The Fatehpur Resolution. His stories feature rich imagery, emotional depth, and universal themes, showcasing his mastery of language and narrative craft. A literary icon, Dr. Veer's contributions have inspired new generations, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary literature. His dedication to storytelling cements his leading position.

Banished Dreams, a Poem by Rafia Bukhari

It was an everlasting impression.
Every lock was impacted by rust
Carrying a loss was a profession
All dreams were covered by dust. 

The dashed dreams were kept
The eyes remained wide-open
whenever broken being slept,
The interpretation was stolen.

It arrived early in the morning,
The letter containing the content    
The bond unbroken till the ending,
Banished dreams life to be meant.
- Rafia Bukhari 
Pakistan 

Rafia Bukhari is a Pakistani author and poet who writes in English. born in Larkana, Sindh, on June 15. "The Painful Payment" (2021) and "A Flight of Broken Wings" (2023), her two English poetry books, have already been released. Her books have been well received, even though there are not many English-speaking people in the area. Her poetry frequently finds inspiration in nature, especially in the setting sun. Her poems typically depict internal conflict that results in self-discovery.

She has also translated between forty and fifty sindhi short stories in English. A number of these translations have already been released, and more will be added shortly. At Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, she is currently working toward her MPhil in English with a focus on Shah Abdul Bhittai's Risalo into English.