Two Poems by Maki Starfield

My Beginning

I am the sea

I am the sun

I am the wind blowing across the world’s sky

I am the blue eyes

I am your blue eyes

Piercing the time that surrounds us,

a ray of light that connects us.

I want to go

to the far reaches of the universe.

And suddenly—

I become invisible.

And you become invisible.

And all that’s left

is sound.

When life and death meet,

with you,

I begin.

□

Morning Psalms of Bangkok

(Blessings of the Squall)

i) Already Here

Morning—

and Bangkok is already here.

We arrived together

at Asoke Station.

Two Japanese girls:

Namjai and Khamhon by name.

ii) Song of the Squall

Tirelessly,

it praises the morning’s chaos—

the squall’s sound

tears through the city’s sleep

as a blessing,

nature’s air conditioner.

iii) Simply

Simply,

the mane of the bodhi tree

softens the line

between light and shadow.

Simply,

the heart blurs the boundary

between mangosteen and durian.

iv) Faces

A quiet, hot wind

brushes the skin.

Dawn’s light

gently lies on the leaves.

Bangkok,

slowly,

begins to awaken.

Everywhere—

faces begin to appear.

v) Through

By the window,

a banana tree,

a notebook, a pen,

and sparks of light.

Through curtains

of flowers and green,

the sound of tuk-tuks,

and voices in the street

shouting, “Aroi!”

□

Maki Starfield is a Japanese poet, haiku poet, and translator known for her captivating works that blend traditional and contemporary styles. Self-taught in haiku since 2008, she holds a TESOL certification from St. George International College, Canada (2012). Her poetry has been showcased globally, with appearances in literary magazines across Italy, Greece, China, and more, and translations in over fifteen languages. Starfield's bilingual poetry works include collaborations like "Duet of Fireflies" and "Duet of Dawn". Her collections include "Oneness" (2019), "Bouquet of Roses" (2020), and "In Love A Sound" (2022). A member of the International Poets Society of Japan and Modern Haiku Association, she's received notable awards such as the JUNPA Newcomer Award (2020), Naji Naaman Literary Award (2020), and Pushcart Prize Nomination (2021), showcasing her impactful presence in global poetry.

I RISE FROM THE ASHES, A POEM BY XHULI SPAHUI

I rise from the ashes,

not as a miracle,

but as proof

that even falling

has a voice.

I walked on crumbs of hope,

with empty pockets

and a heart full of wounds that never spoke,

yet beat loudly

like drums of war.

Words burned me,

silence knocked me down,

I was forgotten by those

whose hands appeared

only when the light was on.

But I learned the darkness,

the way one learns an ancient language:

slowly,

with fear,

and with respect.

From the ashes I rise,

my back still warm from the fire,

yet my eyes forward.

Because now I know:

strength is not born from victory,

but from standing

when everything tells you “enough.”

I am a walking wound,

I am hope that refused to fade,

I am the small step

that challenges fear

every morning.

And if they ask me who I am,

I will simply say:

I am the one who burned,

but did not turn to ash —

I am the one who

rose from it.

Author: Xhuli Spahiu 

Kosovo 🇽🇰

Xhuli Spahiu is an Albanian poet from Kosovo, whose voice stands out for its sensitivity, deep reflection, and refined poetic language. Her poetry explores themes such as identity, love, inner experience, and the relationship between human beings, time, and memory. With a restrained style and carefully crafted imagery, she brings sincere emotions and universal experiences into her verses. Her work has been published in literary magazines and cultural platforms, establishing her as a distinctive voice in contemporary poetry.

Women, a Poem by Eva Petropoulou Lianou

I was wondering if I am free?
Do u feel free?
Nooo
Every day I walk in a street of possibilities and opportunities...
But nobody look at me
As I am a woman...
It is unspeakable how much a woman is used...
From day one
A woman needed to educate the child
To cook for a child
To learn him how to think...Speak...Act... 
A lot for a woman to do
But what happens after...
A woman need
A woman wish
A woman word
Inexistant person
Until one day
You will look at the mirror
You see your face
You will see your heart
You will see your body
And you will not recognize it
Because u will be so used
Used from the rejection
Used from the loneliness
Used from the fake people
Used from the bad decisions
Without faith!!!

© Eva Petropoulou Lianou

Two Poems by Vandana Sahai

The Bed of Pavement 

An evening in the metropolitan city-

Skyscrapers garlanded by lights;

pomp and show everywhere 

People are busy, chasing their dreams

Ready to buy happiness,through their riches

Neon-lights keep blinking like fireflies;

the night barely sleeps 

From the ocean of lights emerge three pairs of lifeless eyes 

belonging to silhouettes

Clad in rags, lying on the pavement 

under the boundless skies

Frail faces with expressionless eyes 

looked gloomier in darkness;

bigger pair of eyes looked morose

while the smallest appeared to be almost lifeless;

only the slightest movement in those little limbs

Made it possible to infer

"It actually was a toddler"

Vivid skies were conspicuously visible-

Yet, neither was El-Dorado in dreams 

Nor was there a future

in those tired set of eyes 

even when they were wide open.

□

The Faded Monsoon 

'O' God ! let it rain

I've nothing to fear

Neither am I a land-owner

Nor do I have a courtyard 

The only thing that worries me;

My plastic roofed, four-walled space

Trickles, just to keep us awake 

Whatever remains of my house 

Which is now flooded to its brim

Paradoxical irony of fate smiles

As there is no water to quench our thirst !

Rainy season or season of diseases?

Poverty stricken pockets: penniless 

Kalidasa's 'Meghdoota' does exist 

Indeed: in folklores and literature 

Prevailing miseries and the clouds 

Portray to perfection our dampened spirits

Souls loathe the rainbow 

Seven colors do not depict eternal bliss

But a dark spectrum of anxiety-filled tomorrow 

Compounded by sufferings of my children 

Absence of expensive medicines 

Only mother's night-vigil and sacred prayers

Even He fails to lullaby my atrocious fortune 

When my faded monsoon breaks into rainy season

□

Vandana Sahai, born on 29th November, holds an M. Sc. in Zoology. She is a versatile writer whose work spans stories, poems, ghazals, haiku, satire, articles, and children’s literature. Her notable publications include the haiku collection Boond Boond Pratibimb (over four hundred haikus) and the short‑story anthology Bhookh Ke Genes. Two further books are forthcoming. Her writing has appeared in prominent magazines such as Aajkal, Gagananchal, Bhasha Spandan and in national dailies like Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar, Hindustan, Jansatta. Many of her stories and poems have been translated into languages including Nepali, Bengali, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Maithili, Punjabi, and Marathi, and broadcast on All India Radio, Nagpur. Some ghazals have been performed by artists on YouTube. She has been honoured by literary bodies like Nirdaliya Publication Group, Vidarbh Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, and Laghukatha Shodh Kendra Samiti. Her book Bhookh Ke Genes received a literary grant from the Maharashtra State Hindi Sahitya Academy.

Finding My Way, a Poem by Ven Lyn A. Valdez

You walked away, and I found my way,
Discovered strength in the heartbreak's gray.
You didn't see the growth, the lessons I've gained,
The resilience that rose, as our love remained.

I learned to let go, to heal and to mend,
To find my own path, where love would transcend.
I'm not searching for blame, but for a brand new start,
A chance to rediscover, a brand new heart.

Why did you have to leave, and push me to grow?
Why did you have to walk away, and let me glow?
I'm finding my own light, my own inner fire,
Learning to love myself, and reach my highest desire.

I realize now, the heartache was real,
But it taught me to rise, to heal, and to feel.
I'm turning pain into power, darkness into light,
Finding my purpose, and making everything right.

Maybe it's not too late, maybe we've both won,
Maybe we'll find our way, to a brand new sun.
I'll hold on to the lessons, of what we used to be,
And use them to fuel my journey, to set my soul free.

© Ven Lyn A. Valdez
Philippines/Finland 

Ven-Lyn A. Valdez: A Literary Luminary

Hailing from the picturesque town of Namuac, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan Valley, Philippines, Ven-Lyn A. Valdez is a force to be reckoned with in the world of literature. As the Founder of Rhythm of the Heart Writers International Literary platform, she has been instrumental in promoting the art of writing and empowering aspiring writers globally.

A prolific poet, Ven-Lyn has authored several poetry books, including "Rhythm of the Heart", "Vicissitude Of Life", "Ritmo Ti Puso (Ilocano Dialect)", "Labyrinth of Life", "Canvas Of Bliss", and "Kiss Of Meadows". Her collaborative works include "Labyrinth of Life" with Adeyemi Kehinde and Adeyemi Taiwo, and "Kiss Of Meadows" with Engr Albert Onwuchekwa.

Her literary prowess has earned her numerous accolades, including the Poet Of The Year 2019 award in Poetry City, Nigeria, Golden Pen Award 2020 in United by Ink, Malaysia, and the Platinum Award in Literature Lovers Association, India. She has also received the Torch Bearer Award by School of Arts and Poetry, Nigeria, World Knowledge Nobel Awardee 2021, Global Peace Icon for World Writer's Union, and the Mahatma Gandhi Literary award.

Ven-Lyn's achievements extend beyond literature; she is the First Governor of World Writers Union, a position she won through nomination and election. She has received awards from countries such as Bhutan, Peru, Malaysia, USA, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Italy.

A versatile personality, Ven-Lyn is also an avid sports enthusiast and serves as the adviser of Ball Busters Vteam, a volleyball team for ladies. Her contributions to the literary world are invaluable, and her passion for writing continues to inspire aspiring writers worldwide.

Awards and Recognition:

- Poet Of The Year 2019, Poetry City, Nigeria
- Golden Pen Award 2020, United by Ink, Malaysia
- Platinum Award, Literature Lovers Association, India
- Torch Bearer Award, School of Arts and Poetry, Nigeria
- World Knowledge Nobel Awardee 2021
- Global Peace Icon, World Writer's Union
- Mahatma Gandhi Literary award
- First Governor, World Writers Union
□

Two Poems by Kujtim Hajdari

ME AND THE SEA

They dragged me away, as if they killed me,  
They left me alone on the shore, feeling sad
far from the sea I have always loved nearby,  
and when the waves have splashed me.  

The waves receded and left beyond,  
only the crests remained on the sand,  
my rainbow cries that extinguished,  
and some seagulls with a hoarse voice.  

The sea stretches out - endless,  
as if in bed, it seems to doze,  
and calmed in the ocean,  
still doesn’t part my eyes whispering.  

I know, this sudden separation,  
kills and pierces like silence in the heart,  
the tides have often robbed me,  
without giving a reason, without naming.

And this time they took it away,  
when we embraced on the shores,  
they don't know how much I suffer far from him,  
and the sea, from longing, how much it burns.  

How much I burn like a lonely soul,  
when I wait for the waves to come again,  
we are two inseparable good friends,  
without each other, who can remain?  
□

THE STRANGE DUSK

Tonight, the mist full of colors descended slowly,
and suddenly sweetly kissed my face,
then looked cheerfully and speechless,
my surprised eyes and bewildered face.

What should I do? I've forgotten the kisses over time,
in distant years, buried, in another age,
I am accustomed to living with and without them,
and when they spat on me and threw me in the trash.

But this enchanting mist approaches me like a friend,
puts its hand on my shoulder and speaks warmly:
(The confusion left me and a little fear)
"Call and shake, it tells me, the cold heart!

By time comes to descend like a corpse underground,
these rainbows and colors you will see no more,
the worms and vermin you will have as companions,
in the eternal kingdom down there, underground."

The dead songs start calling me aloud and aloud,
from the icy graves where they descend underground,
the remains of my memories are revived,
and the deafness of life begins to speak to me again.
□

Kujtim Hajdari, Albanian‑born multilingual poet, writer, translator, publisher and critic, writes in Albanian, Italian and English and now calls the USA home; his prolific output includes 18 poetry collections, three novellas, three novels and countless translations, and he is a finalist for Author of the Year 2025 (Hollywood Salon, Oct 4 2025) for _Through the Waves of Life_, following the International Impact Book Awards win in August 2024, with over 50 literary competitions, 230+ anthologies in three languages, and translations in 25+ countries, while also publishing the Amazon anthology “All Together” that showcases creators worldwide, appearing in literary magazines from Italy to India and in the Micropoetry Cosmos series, marking him as a restless literary force—mechanic‑turned‑teacher, exile‑turned‑storyteller, and a celebrated voice on the international stage, whose next wave is just getting started.

Võ Thị Như Mai in Hindi by Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer

तुम्हारी कविता

- वो थि न्यू माई

(अंग्रेजी से हिन्दी अनुवाद : डॉ. शैलेष गुप्त 'वीर')

आपकी अद्भुत कविता मेरी आत्मा में गूँजती है,

और मुझे बचपन की ख़ुशबू में वापस ले आती है।

एक रची हुई कविता प्रशंसा के लिए ही होती है,

आपकी सबसे सच्ची कविता मेरे लिए है, 

जिसे मैं महसूस करूँ और याद रखूँ।

एक छवि उभरती है, कोहरे में एक अकेली नाव,

यकायक आपका हृदय लिखने लगता है।

एक शब्द के पीछे प्रेम की भावना होती है,

प्रेम की भावना के पीछे हज़ार शब्द होते हैं।

कविता तब शुरू होती है, जब भावनाएँ एकाकार होती हैं,

और तभी समाप्त होती हैं, 

जब वह किसी अन्य आत्मा को स्पर्श करती है।

प्रियवर, तुम्हारी लिखी एक पंक्ति भी,

मेरे हृदय में जीवन भर की मिठास भर सकती है।

□

परिचय-

वियतनाम में जन्मीं वो थि न्यू माई ने ऑस्ट्रेलिया में उच्च शिक्षा ली। उन्होंने शिक्षा और साहित्य में दो मास्टर डिग्री हासिल की और बीस साल से पश्चिमी ऑस्ट्रेलिया में शिक्षक हैं। उन्होंने 'द रिद्म ऑफ वियतनाम' की स्थापना की और मल्टीकल्चरल प्रेस में रिपोर्टर बनीं। मई 2025 में ऑस्ट्रेलिया के कंसुलेट जनरल से उत्कृष्टता पुरस्कार मिला। वे अपनी भावपूर्ण और गहन कविताओं के लिए जानी जाती हैं।

YOUR POETRY

- Võ Thị Như Mai

your amazing poem ripples into my soul,

and brings me back to the scent of childhood.

a crafted verse is made to be applauded,

your truest poem is there for me to feel and remember.

an image appears, a lone boat in the fog,

suddenly, your heart begins to write.

 

behind a single word is an emotion of love,

behind the emotion of love is a thousand words.

poetry begins when feeling meets form,

and ends only when it moves another soul.

My dear, even a single line you wrote,

can hold a lifetime of sweetness in my heart.

□

[Original in English]