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Crossing au naturale We lose our parentsThen we loose each other, And I pray my childrenGo not before meAnd wait>Our grandparentsHave departedSo many years beforeAnd it has becomeIncreasingly difficultTo recall the VisionsOf their presence ...>Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and FriendsLike leaves in the autumnDrop to their resting placeOne by one....Sometimes aidedBy a strong wind, A pouring rainOr perhaps fatigue ...Or perhaps, >When I look backOver my shoulderAt what lies behind me, I am awareOf the Words...The words I spoke, And those I did not, Or could not, For I was busy and preoccupied.Doing things, >So now I find myselfRelegated to writing poems, Some contemplative, Some reflective, Some infused with my sorrows, Some my pains, Some my joys, Sone my hopes, And a myriad upon myriadOf dispositionsI wish to revisit, And those I never had a chance, Or never took the time>But considering how i was reared up, The thing more importantThat the cast aside dreams, The achievements and failuresIs the hope, The hope thatI will see you all once againFor that eternal embrac

Foreword Renowned Poets: Phillis Wheatley Phillis Wheatley was the first African American and the first woman to publish a book, the first woman, to make a living from her writing, and all was accomplished while being a slave. Through her work, Phillis Wheatley is credited with helping create the foundation of African American Literature and provide inspiration to African American emancipation of slavery. Phillis Wheatley was born in 1753 in Gambia. I couldn't find any information on her birth parents. When she was seven or eight years old, she was forcibly kidnapped and brought across the Atlantic (United States) on the ship called Phillis. Phillis was a small, sick child when she was sold as a slave to John Wheatley, (a wealthy Boston Merchant.) His wife, Susanna Wheatley, was in a search for a young female servant to help her and her daughter, Mary, in domestic duties. She was named after the ship, Phillis, that brought her across to the United States. Then she received her last name, Wheatley from her master. John and Susanna knew she was very intelligent. She was dismissed from her duties. Instead, Susanna and her daughter, Mary, taught her to read and to write. They encouraged her to write poetry. They also taught her religion, language, literature, and history. At the age of twelve, Phillis published her first poem, "On Messrs Hussey and Coffin," about sailors escaping disaster. Susanna Wheatley supported Phillis as she wrote her first book of poems, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" was published in London. She couldn't get her book published here in the United States because she was African American and a woman. But Nathaniel, the master's son, took her to London to get it published. Susanna's friend, Selina Hastings, funded her book publication. After her book was published, she was emancipated from slavery. She married John Peters, a free black man who was a shopkeeper. They had children but none survived infancy. Her husband was sent to prison for debt. Phillis had to work as a scullery maid at a boarding house, doing work she had never done before. She developed pneumonia and died on December 5, 1784 after giving birth to her daughter who died shortly after her. I am very impressed with Phillis Wheatley and her poetry. She's very talented and gifted poet. She stands for truth, honesty, hope, dreams, and freedom. She brings hope to the African American, women and to all the people. She has been through so much but still never gave up hope, she kept pushing on. Let us honor her and her poetry. Noreen Snyder

Preface by Jamal Al Salah From the depths of his heart, the author, Samih Masoud, pours his emotions and feelings into this powerful novel about Umm As'ad, whom he considers his second mother. The pain squeezes his heart with every drop that flows from his pen onto the paper as he passionately narrates her life tragedy, which the reader can effortlessly observe. This novel takes us on an unforgettable and painful journey through many places in the author's occupied homeland, Palestine. Feelings of bitterness and sorrow emerge from every word he writes about his hometown, Haifa. Haifa was the city the author loved and cherished, before it was cruelly ripped from his embrace by the Zionist forces with the assistance and betrayal of the British in their colonialistic endeavors, which constitutes one of the most massive raids on a homeland in the history of the world. Haifa, the city of my ancestors, was introduced to me by Samih Masoud through his breath, emotions, tears, and narratives he wrote down in his books. His Haifa collections continue to be highly cherished in his small yet majestic home museum. Each one of those extensive volumes evoked in me the memories of three of my departed ancestors who served as mayors of Haifa during the Ottoman rule of Palestine, as the author's series of books about Haifa portray. Many other members of my family also held prominent positions in various fields. The writer takes us on an emotion-laden adventure through the turbulent history of Palestine during that time, bearing the burdens of his conscience during the British occupation of his homeland. He carries with him memories of the great revolution of 1936 and its challenges. His thoughts and memories are deeply immersed in pain and nostalgia, especially when he mourns the martyrdom of As'ad Abu Dhiab, his father Hamad, and his friend Ra'id Kasabri. It appears as if he is renewing his loyalty to them through his narration, while he is honoring their history and struggles. Samih Masoud's voice rhymes with powerful melodies of revolution and resistance. Through vivid imagery, he has that voice playing the national anthem, calling for the inevitable liberation of every inch of Palestinian lands. The highly vocal images represent the restoration of Palestine's sovereignty and freedom. He ingrains in his imagery the scent of jasmine flowers and the soothing sounds of the sea waves on its shores. By evoking his memories, the author beautifully embodies his deep love for his homeland. The novel Umm As'ad is about a unique journey through the realms of the past, reconstructing places and events of the era before the Israeli occupation. It captures our hearts with overwhelming emotions, inviting us to contemplate and reflect on the history of a homeland that endures suffering and strives for freedom and dignity. It reminds us that hope still thrives, despite all the trials and challenges. This novel portrays the determination and resolve of Palestinians to achieve freedom and justice, instilling in us a strong sense of unity for our beloved homeland. So that our eyes, minds, and breath can once again rest peacefully as we have lost that tranquility since our homeland was violated. Despite my sincere efforts, my words fail to describe the depth of my feelings, the immense joy I felt during my initial reading of the novel, and the profound emotions I experienced while translating this literary offering. I genuinely hope that the reader will wholeheartedly embrace this pain-laden journey and gain a profound understanding of our cause from its intricately and masterfully articulated human perspective. Jamal Al Salah>FounderINTERACTION for Development ServicesFacilitator and Trainer, TOT, and E-Learning

ForewordChildren: Difference MakersMelati and Isabel Wijsen As I write down these words, children are being killed by war mongers in several parts of the world yet once again. The lives of our most precious are being cut abruptly and violently yet once again, only to count as numbers of "fatalities"-if at all. It is a no-brainer to imagine that some of those children could have become notable enough to be honored for their groundbreaking inventions, discoveries or services to humanity at large, had they been allowed to live the natural course of their times on Earth. Not unlike the focus of the issue in your hands-Melati and Isabel Wijsen. For the entire year of 2023, our monthly book's Poetry Posse and all featured poets had their eyes on children who made a difference on and to our planet. While calling attention to the humanitarian services of Melati Wijsen and Isabel Wijsen in 2023's final month, I cannot help but view the bigger picture: What if these Indonesian sisters, 10- and 12-years old respectively when they attained the consciousness to raise a much-needed awareness among their fellow humans, were born into one of our modern-day war-torn countries? What if one of the siblings or both then became "a casualty" in that world region? Two remarkably influential children, who made a difference of consequence in and for our earthly plane, would have been dismissed, or better yet, discarded at the same speed and with the same indifference as all the children killed in wars in so-called modern times. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child recently reported its ongoing data, stating that one out of every five children worldwide live within armed conflict zones. A total of 2,985 children were killed across 24 countries in 2022, 2,515 in 2021, 2,674 in 2020 across 22 countries, and 4,019 children in 2019-according to the last three Annual Reports of the UN Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict. How many of those who are anon counted among the dead could have or would have become significant contributors to our humanity's needs and for its development? So, as we through our poems celebrate the achievements of two sisters from Bali, I am reminded of the horrendous realities of all the children who presently are bound to those world zones where there is an armed conflict. We can only hope, as I desperately want to, that children in the likes of the Bali-natives Melati and Isabel Wijsen from Indonesia would one day survive the mindset of warmongering before it is birthed. hülya n. yılmaz, Ph.D. Penn State Professor Emerita, Liberal ArtsDirector of Editing Services, Inner Child Press International

Foreword Children: Difference Makers: Jean-Michel Basquiat Each month of 2023 a gifted, accomplished young person is featured in our monthly edition of The Year of the Poet. Our family of Poets 'The Poetry Posse 'dedicate a poem to that young person featured This month November, 2023 that young person is Jean-Michel Basquiat Born: 12/22/1960 Death: 08/22/1988 American artist born, raised in the Bronx, N.Y.C. Spoke 4 languages fluently, English, Spanish, French and Haitian Patwah. Basquiat was a native of N.Y.C. His mother was from Puerto Rico, father Haiti. Young Jean evolved from Street art graffiti doing it on the streets of New York City. On buildings, other structures, subway trains, etc. His art evolved started to develop a unique style of using abstract images to tell a story, project a message dealing with institutional racism, police brutality particularly against young black Americans and Latino's. Corruption, oppressive government policies etc. It also included historical events that impacted on quality of life. He style was categorized as 'Neo-Expressionism' a liberal approach that uses techniques of many styles of art. This included a generous use of colors, body parts, various structures, tools, shapes, forms that was consistent in conveying a message through his art. This was a departure of mainstream styles that consistently gave off a impression that it was meant to attract the elite thus to be embraced by the privileged. His departure from that was refreshing and soon started the public took notice including the well-known such as one Andy Warhol. Jean often stayed on the lower East side of Manhattan bordering the East Village. That area was known to include artists of every genre. Poets, Musicians. Painters, you name it. It also was infested with heroine. Even the local park Tompkins Sq. Park was known as 'Needle Park 'Many artists were addicted. Many artists died. Unfortunately, one such artist was Jean- Michel Basquiat. Please research more information about this gifted, special artist. Never underestimate what the youth can accomplish. Enjoy this enlightening edition of 'The year of the Poet' Love and peace to y'all.>Shareef Abdur-Rasheed Author, Poet, Activist

> Marvin Gunner The indigenous people are not distinguished by their bronze skin color or their prominent noses, but by their spiritual connection to their ancient ancestors, a feeling that is incomprehensible to others. From the sayings of Canada's indigenous people

Foreword What is remarkable about this collection of poetry from around the world is how seamlessly the variations weave together. The poets have given their voices in service of the same mandate: write inspirational poetry on flowers, butterflies or a topic that brings a feeling of warmth like a fireplace. The result is diverse. The interpretation of the theme comes in all sizes and feelings showing us that what brings happiness and warmth is not the same for everyone. We each seek a happy life in our own way. May this collection bring you warmth and happiness as you savor each word and distinct feeling. The first poem is a cento poem woven from each of the subsequent poems. A cento poem or a collage poem is a kind of poetry composed of various lines taken from different poems and poets. The word "cento" mean "patchwork garment" in Latin. Enjoy, Kimberly Burnham, Ph.D. (Integrative Medicine), Author of The Red Sunflower Diaries, Why Everyone Should Garden and Share Seeds. Spokane, Washington, August 2023

Introduction Many years ago two hearts from opposite sides of the racial track joined together to become one. Filling Gaps with Broken Pieces is a brief poetic expression of our forty year marital journey along life's thoroughfares peppered by roadblocks, detours, and the gridlock of city streets.In the spirit of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of piecing back broken pottery together with gold, Filling Gaps with Broken Pieces equally reflects on our admission that we are broken together and like broken pottery, people with cracks can be made whole and useful again.>Andrew 'Andy' & Carthornia Kouroupos

PrefaceThis is as much of my life as it's safe to remember, I think.My life probably began not unlike the majority of the black people in the US. It wasn't until my last years in high school that I began to notice some of the many disparities that we were confronted with as African Americans. There were brothers and sisters who went through school getting good grades with expectations to land jobs and careers that would make life easier for them than what their parents had.I had been writing since the seventh grade. When I look back over the years, I find what I wrote on was about separating myself from others. I was too young and unexposed to really understand how or when that would happen. In the meantime, I dealt with many things that kids did. Always being athletic, track and field, baseball and football were my pastime. That in itself limited my interaction with many other kids, and I found myself drawn to older girls and boys. At fifteen, I had girlfriends 18 and 19 years old. Most of them were in some way creative people. [...]