ringing--By Richard Carl Subber (Rick)--United States

ringing

children laughing

   and sounding their chimes of mirth…

      new peals of young joy

Richard Carl Subber (Rick) is a freelance editor, a writing coach and a historian. He lives with his family in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. He’s a former newspaper reporter/editor who now indulges his love of the right words.  Rick is a proud grandpa who is teaching his granddaughter to read and write, in case there is poetry in her future.  His poetry appears in The Australia Times Poetry Magazine, miller’s pond poetry magazine, The RavensPerch, Northern Stars, and elsewhere. His blog: http://barleyliterate.blogspot.com/  

Family Feature--Johann Wilhelm Rehbein--In Memory 1830-1909--Germany

(shared and authorized for publication by Gert Knop—a Whispers’ contributor since 2013)

Christmas Wishes (English)

Oh Christkind, come with your gifts

In every heart, in every house;

Give all what they need,

Do not exclude a single soul!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Weihnachtswünsche (German)

O Christkind, komm' mit deinen Gaben

In jedes Herz, in jedes Haus;

Gib Allen, was sie nötig haben,

Schließ' keine Menschenseele aus !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Johann Wilhelm Rehbein (listed as Wilhelm Rehbein) was born on October 28, 1830 at Mülheim/ Ruhr. He devoted himself to the profession of an elementary schoolteacher and worked as such for 43 years, of which he spent 37 years in Remscheid as head of a boys' school and as a conductor of the municipal advanced training school. In the fall of 1895, he retired due to throat problems, and lived since then in comfortable circumstances in Dusseldorf, he was able to celebrate his golden wedding here as well. He continued his literary career until old age. He died of a heart attack on a journey to Wermelskirchen on May 16, 1909.  His works were: Poems, 1870, Poems, 1872 and a second edition, 1875. Engelbert, Bishop of Cologne, a theater play, 1894 and Cecilia, an opera libretto, 1894.

Autumn Invitation--By Glenda Frazier--United States

Autumn Invitation

Mr. Autumn you are cordially invited to attend a winter fest

A change of seasons at its holiday best

We await your arrival before we light the firer place

The colors to wear are brown, orange or grey

If you bring a guest, please consider Mr. Snow Flakes

RSVP and please don't be late

(Previously published in Poems that Bleed)

Glenda Frazier and her husband Andre reside in Pace, Florida.  She has been writing poetry for over 20 years and has finally compiled some of them in her most recent book, Poems that Bleed.  She enjoys writing and spending time with her family and friends.  God has instructed her to share her book of poems as an inspirational tool to witness to the lives of her readers.

I Hear the Music--By Neil Creighton--Australia

I Hear the Music

When these limbs were strong,

when ears were young and clear,

when each day was unblinkingly bright,

much grand music I could not hear.

Now they hear a vast symphony

from stars traversing the night,

and these declining ears hear "alleluia"

from vast pinpricks of cosmic light;

hear a symphonic world

filled with the magic of sound,

hear it swell, rise, crescendo, fall,

echo, harmonise and resound;

hear it in a baby's cry,

hear it in each tiny cell,

hear in the twisted helix of DNA

a great song rise and swell,

hear it in rain and drop of dew,

in shining hair, in birds that throng

and raising my voice I cry aloud

"I hear the music! I sing the song!"

Neil Creighton is an Australian poet with a passion for social justice, a love of people and the natural world. His work as a teacher of Drama and English made him intensely aware of how opportunity is so unequally proportioned. His recent publications include Prosopisia, Poetry Quarterly, Praxis Online Mag, Silver Birch Press, Social Justice Poetry, Whispers  and Verse-Virtual, where he is a contributing editor. He blogs at windofflowers.blogspot.com.au 

let us...By ayaz daryl nielsen--United States

let us have the light left within 

awaken lifted and renewed 

clear eyes sight-smoothed 

hands full of loved ones 

amidst a simplified day 

bringing into our homes 

the churning genesis of 

purified, passionate beginnings 

amid stars that were always ours

ayaz daryl nielsen, veteran, former hospice nurse, ex-roughneck (as on oil rigs) lives in Longmont, Colorado.  Editor of bear creek haiku (26+ years/135+ issues) with poetry published worldwide, he also is online at:  bear creek haiku poetry, poems and info

What Fallen Apple Dare One Take Sweet Bite--By Robert Lindley--United States

What Fallen Apple Dare One Take Sweet Bite

What value an oracle that denies

Time and Fate both join to join, to create

rich dessert with man's miserable lies

and dish it all up on a dirty plate.

What steady course to set sail on if known

one that in the calm harbor remains safe

Or through stormy skies, there gaily blown

like upward drawn dregs of useless wheat chaff.

What fallen apple dare one take sweet bite

as if sweet happiness would thus be found

for nowhere in mankind's long, futile flight

is paradise sold by penny or pound.

What hope rewards seekers that blessed key

What Light shines, for any and all to see.

Robert Lindley is poet from the Southern USA. He has been writing poetry since 1969. Robert writes with the intent to offer others words to enjoy and with high hopes he may inspire and brighten lives in some way.

Family Feature--Arthur Rehbein (pseudonym Atz vom Rhyn)—In Memory 1867-1952—Germany

(shared and authorized for publication by Gert Knop—a Whispers’ contributor since 2013)

Autumn Joy (English)

Autumn moon - Mother of God spins

white silk threads.

At night time

practise yet the wind

at window shutters.

Laughing colorful flowering May

golden summer's glitter -

already past, already past,

passed like a dream.

But there is no place for woefulness;

every nice hour

rests like a saved treasure

deep in the bottom of heart,

friendly reminder

- even if the mouth is silent -

Eternally young, eternally young

still remains our own.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Herbstfreude (German)

Herbstmond. – Mutter Gottes spinnt
Weiße Seidenfäden.
Nächtens übt sich schon der Wind
An den Fensterläden.
Lachend bunter Blütenmai,
Gold'nen Sommers Prangen –
Schon vorbei, schon vorbei,
Wie ein Traum vergangen.

Doch für Wehmut ist kein Platz;
Jede schöne Stunde
Ruht wie ein gesparter Schatz
Tief im Herzensgrunde,
Freundliche Erinnerung
– Mag der Mund auch schweigen –
Ewig jung, ewig jung
Bleibt sie unser Eigen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arthur Rehbein, also known under his pseudonym Atz vom Rhyn, was one of Gert Knop’s grandfather's brothers. He was born on October 26, 1867 in Remscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany and died on February 29, 1952 in Berlin, Germany. His son Max H. Rehbei was a journalist, TV-editor and producer for the NDR (North German Radio).

Arthur Rehbein was a journalist and author. He did extensive travels around the world and published many books including three volumes of poetry. He started as a tradesman but became a jounalist in 1893. He moved to Arnstadt/Thuringia, Germany where he wrote articles for the'Arnstädter Tageblatt', an Arnstadt newspaper. In 1899, he left Arnstadt and became chief editor of the newspaper 'Krefelder Anzeiger'. In 1901, he moved to Cologne and wrote until 1903 for the Cologn nespaper 'Kölner Tageblatt'. But he wanted a change in 1904 and studied art history and natural sciences in Bonn, Germany, Strasbourg. In 1907, he moved to Stuttgart (Germany) and wrote for the 'Württemberger Zeitung), a Stuttgart newspaper. Later he moved to Berlin, Germany and wrote for the newspaper 'Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung'. He wrote stories, radio dramas, poetry and particularly narrations accounts of his travels to foreign countries with a vivid and humorous depiction. Arthur Rehbein was a member of the 'Erfurter Akademie gemeinnütziger Wissenschaften' in Thuringia (Erfurt Academy and was awarded the title 'Geheimer Hofrat' (Privy Counsellor).

Family Feature Submission Guidelines

Family Feature Submission Guidelines 

In an effort to increase opportunities for contributors and other writers, Whispers is offering an opportunity for sharing family poetry. The submission must come from a current contributor with permission from the contributor or family member to publish any poetry.  Parental consent is needed for any writers under the age of 18.

1. Submissions of unpublished and previously published work is acceptable. Please do not send quotes from others unless they are in the context of the piece submitted and that the original author is given credit. It is up to the authors to obtain permission if needed for reprints. By submitting to Whispers, the writers are assuring that the work is eligible for publication at our online journal. Whispers reserves the right to delete any work that has been copied from other writers without credit or authorization.

2. Send one poem 20 lines or less if submitting an individual family member’s poem. Thoughts from the current contributor are welcome.  Please also send a bio of the author written from the third person perspective if available.  After the initial feature, person featured is eligible for individual poem publication per the guidelines available at Whispers.

3. Current contributors are also eligible for collaborative poetry with family members, 30 lines or less.  This will be a onetime relationship, example father-daughter, uncle-niece, etc. A contributor can submit poems with different family members such as mother-daughter, mother-son. This is a new opportunity so even if poetry has been featured in a collaborative feature in the past, writers are eligible for this opportunity. 

4. These features will be in addition to the regular submission opportunities. Any writer submitting for a feature will still be able to submit a single author poem every other month.

5. No profanity, erotica, violence or other derogatory writing will be accepted.

6. Whispers reserves the right to select poetry based on the goal stated at the end of the guidelines.

7. Spiritual poetry is welcomed but the editor would like to have a variety of pieces that will uplift and inspire readers. Humor is appreciated.

8. Poetry will be published along the left margin for consistency. Please keep that in mind when submitting.

9. Preferred method of submission is to send poetry as a works document or in the body of an email with your name and country. Please email your submission to Karen O’Leary at karenoleary1956@gmail.com If you would rather submit by snail mail, please email Karen for her address. You may email her with any questions you may have.

10. I hope you also participate by commenting on others’ writing.

In this challenging time for many, it is the hope that Whispers will connect people in a way that is supportive, encouraging and inspiring to others. Thank you for considering being a part of this community.

Sincerely,

Karen O’Leary

Whispers’ Editor

Constellations--By Shannon Kelly--United States

Constellations

Once scarce constellations of freckles,

are placed delicately across pale cheeks,

forming a master plan,

flaws created into seamless stories.

Without hesitation,

Once scarce constellations blotch together,

obscuring the night sky.

Innocent fingers can no longer reach,

The purity buried underneath.

Concealed by over encumbered clouds of dust,

obligated to dictate what lies below,

are stars so starved for space they are consuming each other.

The sky ends here but the stars do not

Every flaw is burned into these links disguised as lights,

the night sky absorbed into an orchestra of thoughts.

These once scarce freckles and constellations have consumed me.

Shannon Kelly was born in Yokosuka, Japan and now lives in Florida attending high school as a senior. She enjoys writing poetry and short stories. She has traveled around the world with her family as a military child and draws her inspiration from her family and closest friends. 

Transformed--By Evelyn Splane--Canada

Transformed

I was walking in darkness, so lost in the night;
But there shined from above, God's marvelous light.
I dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Now abide in His sunshine and delight in His rest.

From darkness and bondage of Satan's grim power;
Now my King is God's Son in His glorious power;
From worshipping dead gods of wood and of stone
I serve now the true God, alive, on His throne.

I was doomed to the terror of God's wrath to come;
Now I'm washed, sanctified, and I wait for His Son.
My works were like rags, unclean in God's sight,
Now I'm clothed with salvation, my garments are white.

At her own expense Evelyn Splane traveled many times back and forth from Canada, her homeland, to India for the fifty years she was an active missionary.  She lived in a modest, one-bedroom suite in the basement of a church, in Toronto. In April of 2006, due to her advancing age, and deteriorating health, she moved West to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Hart and Helen Dowd.  Now, as her health does not permit, she can no longer travel about from place to place in her homeland to create and renew an interest in the Lord's work in her adopted land of India. However, she generously gives of her meager income to help others go. (If you want to read more of Evelyn’s stories, check out:http://occupytillicome.ca/missionary/     

Like Cleansing Rain--By Andrea Dietrich--United States

Like Cleansing Rain

Such contemplating that the poets do.

They sing of God, our spirits to renew.

With Mother Nature often they’re in tune

And offer up their verse to sun and moon.

They praise the sunset over a blue lake

While pondering man’s purpose, and they ache. . .

They ache for all that earth can never be,

For dreams they’ve lost, and for humanity.

And when they ache, their words are filled with pain

Which pour out from their soul like cleansing rain!

Andrea Dietrich grew up in Iowa and now resides in Utah with a spouse and two cats. She has two grown children and six grandchildren. Having graduated BYU with a Spanish major/ESL minor, she has spent most of her adult life teaching. It wasn't until 2000 that she began writing in earnest and discovering her "niche" as a writer of lyrical poetry. The internet opened up a new world for her, and she has spent nearly a decade now participating in poetry clubs, acting as a judge of poetry contests for various magazines and for the website Shadow Poetry.

Mad Woman of the public square--By Sunil Sharma--India

Mad Woman of the public square

Draped in cotton saree

the bent figure

doing what she did earlier

sweeping/mopping

own home, somewhere

expelled, maybe from there

now this lazy morning 

arms rotating

cleans the shop- fronts

and at the same time

talks to things companions

after finishing that portion of the plaza

moves on to another place, nearby

broom in hands

clearing it quickly of litter

she---

the old woman

babbling and working free

unnoticed, as always

by others.

Sunil Sharma is a writer based in Mumbai, India. A college principal, he has published four books of poetry, two books of shorts and a novel in English, apart from co-editing six literary anthologies.  He edits Episteme: http://www.episteme.net.in/  

Alberta Bound--By Michael Lee Johnson--United States

Alberta Bound

I own a gate to this prairie

that ends facing the Rocky Mountains.

They call it Alberta-

trail of endless blue sky

asylum of endless winters,

hermitage of indolent retracted sun.

Deep freeze drips haphazardly into spring.

Drumheller, dinosaur badlands, dried bones,

ancient hoodoos sculpt high, prairie toadstools.

Alberta highway 2 opens the gateway of endless miles.

Travel weary I stop by roadsides, ears open to whispering pines.

In harmony North to South

Gordon Lightfoot pitches out

a tone-

"Alberta Bound."

With independence in my veins,

I am long way from my home.

Michael Lee Johnson is a poet, editor, publisher, freelance writer, amateur photographer, small business owner in Itasca, Illinois.  He has been published in more than 880 small press magazines in 27 countries, and he edits 10 poetry sites.  Michael is the author of The Lost American:  From Exile to Freedom, several chapbooks of poetry, including From Which Place the Morning Rises and Challenge of Night and Day, and Chicago.  See his website for more about him http://poetryman.mysite.com/     

Stanislavsky's Unit--By Lois Greene Stone--United States

Stanislavsky's Unit

Oxygen tubes tickled tiny

hairs in my nostrils.

Monitored leads left doodle

lines on the overhead scope.

I stared at circular tracks

in the ceiling thinking they

looked like toy train rails,

only upside down.  Life doesn't

flash through the mind while

irregular beats blip on

rhythm strips; soap-opera

scene starring me is what my

brain believed.

(Previously published in 1988, The Writer, Inc.)

Lois Greene Stone, writer and poet, has been syndicated worldwide. Poetry and personal essays have been included in hard & softcover book anthologies. Collections of her personal items/ photos/ memorabilia are in major museums including twelve different divisions of The Smithsonian.

Fibonacci Poems--By Ralph Stott--England

Tourist Trap

I

stopped

and viewed,

the skyline

of Vesuvius.

Street dust settled on my sandals.

________________

The Recliner

I

felt,

viewing

on my back:

how ridiculous!

this upturned fly on the ceiling.

________________

The Ancient of Ways

We

walked

the stone

path. Before

and behind us, stretch

these random white trails of lichen.

________________

Ralph Stott was born in Kent, England in 1957. He is married and has two daughters.  He studied design at the Medway College of Design in the mid-70's. Expressing ideas through the written/visual media, has always interested him. Ralph began to dedicate more time to poetry with The Writers and Poetry Alliance, in particular the 'Stylists' forum, over the last 3 years. He has self published one book called Legends For Lunchtime; a collection of short stories and has a second book pending called The Sounding.

This Ring of Ours--By James Keane--United States

This Ring of Ours

that I wear everywhere
could slip from my finger
at the slightest pull. What
keeps it in place

is my love for you. May love
ever brighten your face.
Your love for me
I wear everywhere

for everyone to see. May it
radiate from me
at the slightest pull.
May it stay forever

in place, embraced
everywhere
by my love for you.

And anchored in love
for as long as we live

with this ring of ours.

(Previously published in Verse-Virtual)

James Keane lives in northern New Jersey USA with his wife and son and a menagerie of merry pets. In 2013, his first poetry chapbook, What Comes Next, was published by Finishing Line Press. His poems have appeared recently in the Indiana Voice Journal, Verse-Virtual, The Bond Street Review, the Wilderness House Literary Review, the Tipton Poetry Journal, the Blue Monday Review, the Firewords Quarterly, the  East Coast Literary Review, and Contemporary American Voices. In addition, he still can’t cook to save his life.

A Morning Tapestry--By Elizabeth Howard--United States

A Morning Tapestry

a smudge of gnats

beclouds the morning sky . . .

to paint the joy my soul craves

I write sunshine, a wren singing,

a violet by the wayside

Elizabeth Howard lives in Crossville, Tennessee. She writes poetry and fiction. Her poems have appeared in Comstock Review, Big Muddy, Appalachian Heritage, Cold Mountain Review, Poem, Still, Mobius, Now & Then, Slant, and other journals.

Seeds of Hope--By Allan Ball--England

Seeds  of  Hope

Sunsets  shadows
setting  still
scattered  seeds
in  hope  fulfill

Serendipitous
fate  unknown
colourful  hues
in  breezes  blown

Left  in  faithful
expectation
natures  capricious
fascination

Fleeting flights
of  fantasy
tranquil fields
silent  reverie

Sunlit  visions
wondrous  scene
verdant  meadows
forever  green.

Allan Ball is retired, most of career was spent in the fiscal and financial world. He has several poems published in anthologies. He finds writing relaxing and enjoyable. He feels that the

written word allows our hearts to speak.

Evolution Rising--Scott Thomas Outlar--United States

Evolution Rising

You have carved your initials

into the flesh of my heart

using words full of love

that cause my cup to overflow.

This ocean of emotions

that bursts in my chest

bleeds from a sacred wound

which I would never seek to close.

Come with me, sweet swan,

and swim in this sea of tears;

every drop from my eyes

is born of pure bliss.

Come with me, sweet swallow,

and soar in the sky toward the heavens;

every flap of my wings

is guided by your angelic breath.

Scott Thomas Outlar hosts the site 17Numa.wordpress.com where links to his published poetry, fiction, essays, and interviews can be found. He has three poetry collections currently available: Songs of a Dissident (Transcendent Zero Press, 2015), Happy Hour Hallelujah (CTU Publishing, 2016), and Chaos Songs (Weasel Press, 2016).

Cure--By Sheikha A.--Pakistan and U.A.E.

Cure

What is the best poetic way to reach

down into a well – no fallen graces – 

and come up with a light emitting

from the tip of the index finger,

showing the way to where camels rest

on their front knees, carriage on backs,

and a path uncomplicated: so simple

in following, leading straight to water:

so true in properties, quenching thirst:

so minimal in craving, ushering to land:

so vast in plainness. I have been 

like warm smoke from cooling wood,

knowing what never gets spoken

is the point of drop from the hand

that let go, leaving me to find the way – 

of no theorized routes – to your

ungripped nature.

Sheikha A. is from Pakistan and U.A.E. and often finds herself in a world of oscillation that most of the times motivates her writing too. She maintains a (or tries to) blog on sheikha82.wordpress.com. 

Haiku--By Kelley White--United States

Lion dance—

grandmother and littlest child

cover their ears.

~ ~ ~

little stray

I will name you

Plum Blossom

~ ~ ~

in dappled sunlight

grasses rise and fall

the fawn’s small breath

~ ~ ~ 

Pediatrician Kelley White worked in inner city Philadelphia and now works in rural New Hampshire. Her poems have appeared in journals including Exquisite Corpse, Rattle and JAMA. Her most recent books are Toxic Environment (Boston Poet Press) and Two Birds in Flame (Beech River Books.) She received a 2008 Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grant.

H and C--By Richard Sponaugle--United States

H and C

Halloween is about fright

Christmas is about hope

Halloween is about taking

Christmas is about giving

Halloween promotes dark

Christmas promotes light

Halloween is Satanic

Christmas is Angelic

Halloween should be abolished

Christmas should be enhanced

Richard Sponaugle was born 4-20-60 in Maryland and raised in Northern Virginia.  He received a BA from George Mason University. A prolific poet and songwriter, he has been published in many venues.  

Washed Away--By Lynn White--Wales

Washed Away

Cool cleansing water running over me,
washing away my sins, my impurities,
Cleaning me up, getting rid of the villainy
and lack of chastity.
Absolving me.

But who’s to say they should be washed away
like the scruffiness of childhood innocence.
Who should judge these scents and tastes and sweats
of a life cleanly and clearly remembered.
What sins, what villainy?

I wished they could remain unwashed and pure
retaining their essence within my reach.
Hanging about me in my lived in face.
A testament to my life, an affirmation.
It didn’t take much water to remove them.
But I was already clean.
I can remember.

First published in Snapdragon “Your Wild And Precious Life”, September 2015

Lynn White lives in north Wales. Her work is influenced by issues of social justice and events, places and people she has known or imagined. She is especially interested in exploring the boundaries of dream, fantasy and reality. Her poems have been widely published.

Dandelion Day--By Robert L. Porter, Jr.--United States

Dandelion Day

With lip-focused breath from a whiskerless face

A young boy blows dandelions into space.

Like snow they sweep over edged green blades,

Spreading o’er the yard’s undulating grades.

Thinking he’s an artist creating great art,

He pulls more dandelions to puff apart.

Nature’s patterns exhilarate our boy;

He sees his backyard as his personal toy.

Now nature is loved, and dandelions, too,

By kids ignoring their chores to do.

Our boy wishes to have just one more blow,

But again momma calls; so he’d better go.

Robert L. Porter, Jr. is a retired entrepreneur from several industries.  An early lover of poetry, he restarted his postponed writing of poetry a decade ago and has just begun seeking publication.  Primarily a rhymer, he writes on personal experience in life and love.  He is humbled by the wonderful works published in today’s contemporary free style journals.

Intermission--By Maricris Cabrera--Philippines

Intermission

Times like this, when I need to keep the faith
Silence speaks the truth, gust of wind whispers your name
Emptiness a reality, I can feel
It's like standing behind the curtains
Spotlight is waiting to shine before me
If I have learned anything about life
I have learned it from you
Life not only comprises tasks but happiness we pursue
If I was fifteen yesterday and sixty tomorrow
I have nothing to fear even when time stands still
It doesn't matter, I'll walk through this path
Skies could deem, a million dreams to fulfill
My footsteps in caesura, outstretched before me
A perpetual sunrise, a love that echoes you instill.

Maricris Cabrera is a wife and mother from the Philippines. She has been writing since 2009. Maricris joined Poems and Quotes, Poets and Poets Dream communities at Google Plus last year, where she started posting her poems.  She hopes you enjoy her poetry.

Parable--By David Palmer--United States

Parable

Passing by, I know you spied upon

My barren field, potential even I

Was unaware lay there. But from your heart

You cast one precious golden seed, watered

With your tear, one hope, that this could all be

So. From deep within my being, asleep,

The giant woke, full knowing, love had come.

Patience made you wait that seed’s quickening.

That which you gave lives on this day, alive,

Returning dividends; For never shall

I be again the man I was back then.

Without this, a man lies crumpled on

Dusty ochre banks, but to know one thing,

A Woman’s love, gives him grace to stand tall.

David Palmer makes his home in Renton, Washington, just outside Seattle.  As a former minister, and avid reader, he is a lover of poetry and has written 88 sonnets, mostly for the delight of his friends.  He currently works for Bloodworks Northwest in Bellevue, Washington, a blood center supplying whole blood, platelets and plasma for transfusion to patients in hospitals in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.

Adrift On an Amber Sea--By Lin Lane--United States

Adrift On an Amber Sea

In quest to find respite and solitude

I drift on the light of an amber sea

It's there I pray in words of gratitude

for a life that's blessed with serenity

Riding on waves where only peace prevails

gently lulled to sleep by swells as they crest

Tropic winds flirt with my billowing sails

I dream of feasting as Poseidon's guest

This peaceful voyage calms my heart and fears

Quiets the distress I've felt in the past

There's never a threat I will spill sad tears

while my anchor of burdens is not cast

I shall sail upon this sea in my heart

without the need for a compass or chart

Lin Lane is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She's been writing poetry since her teen years and majored in Literature in college. As an editor, she's been inspired by many of her clients' manuscripts, which has led her to share her poetry with others. She hopes that her poetry is enjoyed by many of you.

Artists--By Sandra Stefanowich--Canada

Artists

It was in how we couldn't turn and look away
in silence
we listened to what the courageous had to say

that when the deepest of cuts come to mind and blind
amid chaos
in truth, to others and ourselves; we can be unkind

but then heard are voices that can tear walls down
lessons of life
that we can all be kings and queens without the crown

and it's when the music captures and carries us away
soul seeking
our spirits have found the strength for yet another day

as the artists humbly stand before you, hearts on fire
for peace
and understanding, a better world they wish to inspire

it was in how we didn't turn and look away
in one voice
we stood and changed the world today

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Sandra Stefanowich is a self-taught writer. She has been writing off and on since an early age. Most of her writing revolves around what she sees in everyday life, nature and her concerns about mankind. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, animals and photography. 

DECEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES

NEW CONTRIBUTORS IN NOVEMBER—

                                   

                                                James Marshall Goff—United States

                                                Claudia Messelodi—Italy

                                                Howard Richard Debs—United States          

                                                Inge Wesdijk (Daginne Aignend)—Netherlands

                                                Daya Bhat—India

                                                r soos—United States

Please welcome them to our community. We now have representatives from the following countries—Albania, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Canary Islands, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Malawi, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, U.A.E., United Kingdom, United States, Wales and Zimbabwe. I look forward to expanding this list in the future. Thank you to everyone that has supported Whispers in any way.                                                                                                                   Sincerely, Karen

We have a worldwide audience. If you are currently reading Whispers, please consider submitting a poem for consideration for publication. Click on the bright blue “Submission Guidelines” on the right side of the main page for guidelines.  Email submissions to Karen at  karenoleary1956@gmail.com  Thank you.

Note--Ads due for the January column by December 25

ANNOUNCEMENTS—

Arthur Turfa's 2015 poetry book Places and Times came out from eLectio Publishing in 2015. He recently released Six Poems on Amazon's Kindle Desktop Publishing. His blog is at awturfa.blogspot.com Recently he became Co-Owner at POETS on Google+. 

Niranjan Navalgund's book, The Lively Library & An Unlikely Romance is all set to be launched on July 9. The book will be available on Amazon.com. You can follow the page here: www.facebook.com/thelivelylibrary

Langley Shazor is now a columnist for The Loafer Magazine, a local arts and events publication.  His column, The Casual Word, features his poetry and other original works. It can be found at theloaferonline.com. 

Raamesh Gowri Raghavan and other members of IN haiku Mumbai invite everyone to view their new blog https://cafehaiku.wordpress.com/. Your comments will be encouraging.

Cindy M. Hutchings’ chapbook, Tree Talk, written to a tree, published by MoonPath Press, includes 42 poems paired with 42 unique and beautiful tree images. A poem and photo from the book are at: http://moonpathpress.com/CindyHutchings.htm

Robert P. Hansen recently published 2015: A Year of Poetry and Exploitation and Other Stories ---Science Fiction and mystery short stories. Visit his blog rphansenauthorpoet.wordpress.com for samples of his work and links to online retailers.

Michael Lee Johnson chief editor and Ken Allan Dronsfield co-editor are excited about the release of a new poetry book shaking the poetry world apart, 53 professional poets on the rise, Moonlight Dreamers of Yellow Haze, now available on Amazon.com and Europe.  Buy now: 

https://www.createspace.com/6126977
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1530456762

Marcus E. Omer has published his 3rd Poetry Book entitled Facing the World With Chuckles & Sighs. The book has 132 pages, and as the title indicates, has two distinct sections. The humor we find in this life and the more serious side. The Poetry Book may be found at Lulu.com.  

Jack Horne announces the release of his second poetry collection, Living, Loving & Legends. This book is currently available from eTreasuresPublishing.com or Amazon, price £2.10/$2.99 http://jackhorne.blogspot.co.uk

John W. Williams has a new chapbook called A Cup of Warm Words for your enjoyment.  The book includes 82 poems on love, the art of living, nature, spiritual verse, and philosophy.  An autographed issue is available for $8 including postage and handling by contacting him at PO Box 326, Martin, GA 30557

Angelee Deodhar's, Journeys 2015, An Anthology of International Haibun, with 145 haibun by 31 poets of international repute, is available from Amazon.com.

For ordering details, here: http://www.amazon.com/Journeys-2015-Anthology-International-Haibun/dp/1515359875 or contact Angelee at angeleedeodhar@gmail.com

Scott Thomas Outlar runs the site 17Numa where links to his published poetry, essays, and fiction can be found. The site also features a page devoted to literary publications which currently has nearly 150 venues listed. The blog’s page at 17Numa has links to the personal sites of other writers and artists, and has been designed with the hope that artists from all fields will check out and be inspired by the work of their contemporaries.

Paul Callus published his first ebook of poetry called Meander in December 2014. It is a collection of 86 poems and songs which should appeal to those who read poetry for pleasure and relaxation. It is available at Amazon.

Marianne Szlyk has released a new chapbook, Listening to Electric Cambodia Looking Up at Trees at Heaven, through Kind of a Hurricane Press' Barometric Pressures Authors Series. You may download the chapbook for free at this site: http://barometricpressures.blogspot.com/2014/10/listening-to-electric-cambodia-looking.html Thank you.

Lisa DeVinney has a website for her devotional poetry called Lifting My Eyes, at liftingmyeyes.com

Karen O’Leary released Whispers, her first book of poetry in 2011, published by APF Publisher. It has been getting good reviews and is available at online at www.lulu.com (Search Whispers under Karen O'Leary) or contact Karen at karenoleary1956@gmail.com

PUBLICATION/CONTEST OPPORTUNITIES—

Peggy Dugan French’s print publication, Shemom, is always looking for new writers.  Please send poems or haiku to pdfrench@cox.net for consideration. 

Marianne Szlyk is always looking for poems and flash fiction inspired by music, art, and nature for her blog-zine, The Song Is....  Any length is fine, and previously published poems are as well.  Just be sure that you have the rights to your poem.  Please send your work to thesongis@gmail.com .  For more information, see this link: http://thesongis.blogspot.com/

Maurice J. Reynolds would like to share that Creative Inspirations, an email poetry publication, is accepting poetry submissions for publication. This publication offers an interview column, creative activities, information and advertisement, writer’s comments, good poetry, and more. Guidelines and subscription information for two first class postage stamps (To God be the Glory! Publications P.O. Box 19051 Kalamazoo, MI 49019). You can also go to: www.tgbtgpublictions.com for more information.

ayaz daryl nielsen's print publication bear creek haiku is always open for postal submissions, mail poetry to bear creek haiku, PO Box 596, Longmont, CO 80502, USA, 11 lines and less, include SASE. Can be contacted at darylayaz@me.com, blog site is bearcreekhaiku.blogspot.com.

David Fox, editor of The Poet's Art, is looking for family-friendly poems.  U.S. and foreign contributors can send as many poems that will fit on one page.  Send poems to: David Fox, 171 Silverleaf Lane, Islandia NY 11749 or contact him by email for any questions ipoetdavid2@gmail.com  I can only put out my print journal twice a year, $8 one issue, $22 for a 3 issue subscription. A high price to pay, I know, but am still mostly a not-for-profit magazine. I am keeping the price for $10 an issue for international subscribers.

Tom Davis, publisher of Old Mountain Press, invites all to review his eBook site (Kindle and NOOK) where numerous Old Mountain Press Anthologies of poetry and prose are listed see: Self-publish an electronic book e-book with Old Mountain Press. Visit Old Mountain Press' eBook site at http://www.oldmp.com/e-book

Whispers is always looking for new writers to join our community.  Please send family friendly poems 20 lines or less karenoleary1956@gmail.com  Complete guidelines posted at the end of each month.  Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the site.