Submission Guidelines

Thank you for considering Whispers for a place to share your writing.  The guidelines follow:

1.  Submissions of unpublished and previously published work are acceptable.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 author to obtain permission if needed for reprints.  By submitting to Whispers, the writer is assuring that the work is his or her own.  Whispers reserves the right to delete any work that has been copied from another writer without credit or authorization.

2.  Send one of the three following:

    ---1 poem 20 lines or less

    ---up to 5 haiku/senryu (please make sure to clearly identify that separate poems are being submitted)

    ---up to 3 tanka (see above)

    ---for people that are not poets, 1 short paragraph of encouragement will be considered

Writers are eligible for publication every other month.

3.  You may include a bio of 4-5 lines written in third person style.  See “Living Wings” published January 15, 2013 for an example.  A bio is not necessary for publication.

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

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

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

7.  Children’s poetry is appreciated.  Parent permission is required.  Please email gksm@cableone.net before sending.

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 gksm@cableone.net  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.

Time to Reflect--By Charlene McCutcheon--United States

Time to Reflect

It's silent except for the ticking of the clock in the hall.
Quite late, but with time to myself, I can reflect on it all.
What could I have done better or what more can I do?
Stop! Remember you're only human, so try not to stew.

Yes, it is distressing to watch children suffer reverses,
But God's in control and uses the bad for his purposes
Financial and relationship difficulties of their own making,
Just cannot help but wish their sins they'd be forsaking.

Then words coming from above so lovingly enter in.
Alas, tis high to be a judge, forsake your doubting sin
It’s not your work and glory to change another being
With work enough to do on self, stop your worrying.

Let go, let God: a work in progress seemingly so slow
But unless I do, I’ll lose my ever loving mind, I know.
Opening my scriptures, knowing I can trust in His word,
Peace enters in and once again I give it all to the Lord.

Charlene McCutcheon is a 73 year old, wife, mother of seven, grandmother of thirty and great-grandmother of 14. She has just discovered her voice through poetry within the last few years. Her former ways of expression have been through the media of arts and crafts. Her desire to share herself with others for their benefit has been the motivating factor in all her endeavors. She loves life, work, play and most of all people.

This Day--By Maureen Sudlow--New Zealand

This Day

Red berries on the deck
among the rattling swords
of the Nikau.

Sun-warmed wind
soft on my skin.

The shifting Paulownia leaves
painting shadow patterns
over the pebbles
with gentle hand claps.

Sound of birds
and a distant truck
winding up the hill.
Somewhere a dog barks.

In this sun, this wind, this day
I remember you.

Maureen and her husband Rod live in Dargaville in the Kaipara (New Zealand). Maureen has had poetry published both on-line and in magazines such as A Fine Line, and has recently published her first poetry collection Antipodes. She has a Diploma in Creative Writing from Whitireia, and was short-listed for the 2012 Joy Cowley Award for her children’s picture book Fearless Fred and the Dragon.

P s a l m 7 3--By Colan Hiatt--United States

P s a l m  7 3

The merchant seemed to prosper
Although his ethics were not good
He took advantage of the poor
Overcharging them, each time he could

Often we see the ungodly prosper
Great riches they accumulate
While the clean in heart struggle on
Seeking refuge from their fate

We question why the corrupt reign
That chastisement has passed them by
While those who adhere to noble deeds
Are often left to weep and cry

Why should atrocities rule the day
And evil prosper in our midst
The finite mind can't understand
Why these conditions should exist

But there is solace to be found
When I study Psalm seventy three
In God's sanctuary the answer lies
Only temporary, - is their liberty

Colan Hiatt resides in Mt. Airy, NC. with his wife. A retired electronic technician, he has been writing for several years. Most all the poetry, is derived from observing "down-to-earth" events that occur around us. A personal "mini-story" is often associated with the majority of compositions. Usually a metaphor is found with spiritual implications that portray God as the ultimate solution to life's problems. To direct the reader to this "Source", is the desired goal.

The Elves--By David Fox--United States

The Elves

Once upon a starry night
Some elves came out to play
It really was quite a sight
It was more than words can say.
The frolicked in the moonlight,
They danced around with glee,
To see them was a great delight,
They were such fun to see.
They partied until sunrise,
Until it was dawn,
For at that moment, to my surprise,
I blinked and they were gone.
Elves are just pretend, that's what others say,
But I know they're for real, for I saw them at play.

David has been published most recently in Smile, Poet's Digest, The Pink Chameleon, Creative Inspirations, Pancakes in Heaven, The Shine Journal, The Jokester, Weekly Avocet, Aphelion, Poet’s Expresso and Forte Green Literary Review. He publishes and edits The Poet's Art, a print journal that accepts family-friendly poetry.  Contact him at ipoetdavid@gmail.com for more information.

Limerick--By Jack Horne--England

A tiger cub coloured his head
In zigzags of turquoise and red.
He had a complaint:
Allergic to paint -
And now he is spotty instead...

Jack Horne enjoys reading and writing poetry.

IT IS TIME--By Sandra K. Smith--United States

IT IS TIME

IT IS TIME December 9th, 2009.
IT IS TIME for our family to gather one by one.
IT IS TIME the Doctors, Nurses, Specialist, and Staff at the Hospital tell us.
IT IS TIME to let him go.
IT IS TIME they kept saying as our family members continue to arrive
December 9th, 2009.
IT IS TIME to stop, to turn off all the life support measures and let him go.
IT IS TIME for us to stand by his side, my Mother, my brother, my sister
and I to say our goodbyes.
IT IS TIME for us to watch and wait as Doctors, Nurses and staff move 
Slowly yet steady administering medications through his veins 
To help him relax and rest.
IT IS TIME for him to leave us and his earthly home.
IT IS TIME for him to be greeted into his heavenly home by his heavenly 
Father, his Father, Mother, Brothers Melvin, W.C., Kenneth, and James.
IT IS TIME for his family left here on earth to grieve.
IT IS TIME one year later for his family to remember, heal, rejoice
In his life with us, as one day he will greet us.
IT IS TIME until we meet again.

Loving Memory Of Clovis W. Henderson 12/27/1931 to 12/09/2009

Sandra K. Smith is from Delight, Arkansas. This is the first poem she has written. Sandra is the sister of Shirley Smothers.

Late Winter--By Elizabeth Kral--United States

Late Winter

hungry sparrows
snow on seed pods
chimneys gush smoke

quilt-wrapped silhouette 
behind frosted window glass

sun-sparkled snow,
icicles drip—
promising spring

Elizabeth Kral resides with her husband in Surprise, Arizona. She is published in the 2013 Inkslingers Anthology, Memoirs of the Southwest, the 2014 Inkslingers Anthology, GLOBAL VOICES, and at Whispers . . . an international poetry magazine.

Calling the Lord--By Sunil Uniyal--India

Calling the Lord (a Bhajan in English)

As comes the spring to a barren hill
or rain to a thirsty tree,
So Thou come to me, O my Lord,
so Thou come to me.

As comes the eve to a weary sun
or calm to a troubled sea,
So Thou come to me, O my Lord,
so Thou come to me.

As comes a poem to the poet,
or goal to a journey,
So Thou come to me, O my Lord,
so Thou come to me.

Sunil Uniyal ( born 1953-) is a poet and translator based in New Delhi, India. He has been writing haiku and poems for over thirty years and many of these have appeared in e-journals like Muse India, Kritya, AHA Poetry, Poetica Magazine, Sketch Book, Notes From the Gean, A Hundred Gourds and Haiku Dreaming Australia. His work in translation includes, The Target is Behind the Sky -Fifty Poems of Kabir, brought out by the Low Price Publications, Delhi in February 2012.

Special Feature Collaborative Poem--By Lainey--Canada and Michael Todd--United States

Smile Catcher

By Lainey & Michael Todd

Comic relief class clown, what I aspire to be.
No pratfall too hard to take, stumble the aisle.
Take it to the limit? No limitations for me.
My chief purpose, that I might bring you a smile.

It's a challenge of sorts, at my risk and expense.
To find that funny bone, you must tickle and tease.
I will flop, jump and fall, to build sheer suspense,
Just securing your laugh, requires true expertise.

Some are receptive, even take me for granted at times.
While others pose a challenge, I can walk the extra mile.
Should I tell a funny story, anecdotes, perhaps rhymes?
Whatever it takes, I'm up to task, quite versatile.

The formula for making funny, is not easy, I admit.
If you overcook it, no laughs rise, you will just fall.
For comedy I stand up. If that's not funny, I just sit.
And when I'm sad, my humor is a mask that hides it all.

The reason for this road map? Simply a reminder to self,
As opposed to being a "how to do it" for the rank and file.
While I can't always be funny, I do my best to be top shelf.
Not in the mood today? Okay. Tomorrow, I'm still on the dial.

While I don't have great wealth, I want so much to amuse.
A gift of laughter makes me feel much more worthwhile.
At the end of the day, I proudly ponder on each bruise...
Especially ones gotten, as I tripped over a smile.

Spring at Last--By David Austin--United States

Spring at Last

spring
with snow
on the ground
what shall i wear
it’s fifty outside
not a cloud anywhere
the sky is two shades brighter
i feel just short of wonderful
and the forecast is “continued fair”
what shall i wear      why a big smile of course

David Austin is professional violinist and teacher, who communicates through poetry. He has played with the Cincinnati Symphony, taught at Colorado College and various public schools. He is a published author, who has been writing poetry and novels for over 40 years. His pride and joy is a shelter in which he feeds and cares for animals.  David is a member of Poetry Soup.

Tanka--By Elizabeth Howard--United States

clusters of red poppies
climb the hills
from Rome to Florence
prelude to other chefs-d’oeuvre
the David and the Pietà

a bunny clown hopping
on a pogo stick
his big ears flopping . . .
the sick children laugh
for the first time today

those towering hills
gray and silent--
once periwinkle blue
they rang morn and e'en
with your yodeling joy

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.

Haiku/Senryu--By Shloka Shankar--India

job listings
swatting flies above
my head
_______________

face mask
mother peels years
off her skin
_______________

sleepless I whistle through my nose
_______________

hanging
from a gossamer...
moth wing
_______________

one-third of my past soars on Garuda's wing
_______________

Shloka Shankar is a freelance writer residing in India. Her work appears in over two dozen international anthologies including publications by Paragram, Silver Birch Press, Minor Arcana Press, Harbinger Asylum, Kind of a Hurricane Press and Writing Knights Press among others. Her poems, erasures, haiku & tanka have appeared in numerous print and online journals. She is also the editor of the literary and arts journal, Sonic Boom.

Summer Sunset--By Robert L. Hinshaw--United States

Summer Sunset

Summer sunsets o'er majestic Pikes Peak are a wonder to behold.
Unequaled hues gild the western sky in flaming red and gold!
Mere artists will never portray on canvas such a glorious sight.
Magnificent ivory clouds enhance the scene much to my delight!
Embellishing this exquisite panorama with colors all aglow,
Reminds me of the bright hues in paintings by van Gogh!

Soon the sun will sink beyond the towering tors of Pikes Peak.
Ushered in is a mellow moon to make the ebon night less bleak!
Nary a sunset gracing the elegant form of Mount Kilimanjaro,
Shall compare to the painting in the sky that I'll view tomorrow!
Even though famed artists have created masterpieces in the past,
The brush strokes of The Master Artist will never be surpassed!

Robert L. Hinshaw served 30 years in the Air Force retiring in 1978 in the grade of Chief Master Sergeant. He began writing poetry in 2002 at age 72 and has composed over 1100 poems.

Imagination--Suzanne Delaney--United States

Imagination

This page of botanical images
in sepia, depict the petals, veins, leaves
of exotic plants. Listed alphabetically are illustrations
with a reader's favorites marked with string;
carefully indexed, scientific, dun-drab
they conceal the dream of translucent petals,
leaves that reflect light, adaptive roots. In idle fancy
an apparition of beauty unfolds
upright from the page.

Suzanne Delaney is a retired Registered Nurse. A resident of Hawaii, USA she was born in Tasmania. She now has time to pursue her passion for writing poetry, creating collages and for traveling.

Musically Speaking--By d. n. simmers--Canada

Musically Speaking
After Wallace Stevens

This is not about a blue guitar.
But a blues guitar.
Where hands of my brother's friend
were on it in his basement suite playing Angie.
And his wife to be up here from California.
It is ebony and pearl inlaid.
But like Wallace and his 13 blackbirds.
this is another view after Steve moved away and
sold his guitar to my brother.
Blues licks for years
playing the sounds from my brother's home.
And as the years fast forward into the mist--
My brother's ghost is still with me as I pick
up his guitar and move down the frets.
As if his hands and the people
before him are playing.
Playing for me again
against the cold days and nights
that fade into memories.

d. n. simmers is an on line editor with Fine Lines. He is in will be in Poetry Salzburg Review, the Storyteller, Iconoclast, Plainsongs, California Quarterly, Poets Touchstone, Bluestem, and  Nomad's Choir. He is on line in poetrymag.com, red river review, new american digital, storyacious, and word press. He is in an newly launched anthology Royal City Poets ( 4) and was in Van Gogh's Ear, Paris France.

Haiku--By Robert Epstein--United States

through the night
and into New Year’s
their baby talk
_______________

winter
fog
how
old
the
new
car
looks
_______________

bedridden
my niece wants her own
Milky Way
_______________

January wind
listening for
cherry blossoms
_______________

not a peep
from the cricket hopping
through my bedroom
_______________

Robert Epstein is a licensed psychologist who lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has edited several anthologies: The Breath of Surrender: A Collection of Recovery-Oriented Haiku; Dreams Wander On: Contemporary Poems of Death Awareness; and The Temple Bell Stops: Contemporary Poems of Grief, Loss and Change; as well as two books of haiku: Checkout Time is Noon: Death Awareness Haiku; and A Walk Around Spring Lake: Haiku.  His most current anthology, The Sacred in Contemporary Haiku, was released in 2014.

Thy Kingdom Come--By Marcus Omer--United States

Thy Kingdom Come

Hasten that day when I no longer sigh,
about a world gone terribly awry.

Bring forth that day when there's true peace within;
when man no more wonders what might have been.

All will be cleansed from dishonor and stains,
for evil is bound in darkness and chains.

From country to country is found no hate,
each city then stands with an open gate.

The vanities of man erased from the soul,
for egos and lust no longer control.

Each home will contain a husband and wife;
the child not witness to fighting and strife.

Joy replaces sorrow; no one will cry,
for only then, will I no longer sigh.....

Marcus Omer got serious about writing after he retired in 1997. He draws his inspiration from the many emotions we experience in life. He has published Of Sunshine and Clouds with iUniverse and The Winding Road with Shadow Poetry. He’s also published in Snippets, The Magic of Words and several issues of Golden Words.

An Ascending Ambition--By Patricia Ann Farnsworth-Simpson--Canary Islands

An Ascending Ambition
(Take a Letter)

Almighty Father you’re the one
Above whom I worship and adore
Always I pray that you will be
Amid my family in complete
Adoration

Assurance please give them
Aide them everyday so they
Adjust to things around them
As they make walking to you their
Ambition

Accomplishing the things in life
Admirably as they learn to be
Attentive to others needs
Agreeing if they disagree
Acceptance

Activate love in their hearts
Affection for all on Earth
Animals on land and sea
Adorable birds that fly in the air
Ascending

Patricia Ann Farnsworth-Simpson is a coal miner’s daughter, the only girl among 6 lads.
A young mother to a son, she became a widow before she turned 18.  Patricia, then, married her childhood sweetheart who fathered her lovely son and two wonderful daughters.  Her children encouraged her to pursue her own talents.  After 51 years of marriage, she became a widow again recently.  She fills her time with poetry, helping others whenever she can.

Considerations--By Joann Grisetti--United States

Considerations

the laughter and joys of childhood,
ancient and distantly met
what does it take to remember?
what does it take to forget?

all of the trials of childhood
become lamented regrets.
how long before I remember?
how long before I forget?

little hands searching for safety
tiny lungs grasping for air
when can I never remember?
when can I ever forget?

small bare feet running and running
asea in deception’s lair
where does one go to remember?
where does one go to forget?

Joann Grisetti has been writing for 45 years. She is a retired teacher from Florida. She receives encouragement from her daughter and has recently enrolled in a creative writing workshop. She is a member of Poetry Soup. You can read more of her poetry there.

WHISPERS' SPECIAL ACITIVITY--FORM--THE BREVETTE

The Brevette is a minimalist poem composed of only three words developed by Emily Romano. Shadow Poetry defines the form as one that “consists of a subject (noun), verb, and object (noun), in this exact order. The verb should show ongoing action. This is done by spacing out the letters in the verb… Each of the three words may have any number of syllables, but it is desirable that the poem have balance…”

Though it may seem simple on the surface, the Brevette is not just three words tossed together. For me, the verb is the key in that it should convey some outgrowth or process reaching beyond just a moment. 

Thank you to all the writers that contributed to this collection.  You are truly talented artists.  It was a joy working with you.

                                                         --Karen O'Leary, Whispers' Editor

kindness                                                                     charity
i n s p i r e s                                                                b r i n g s
love                                                                             peace

By Sheri Stanley                                                        By Charlene McCutcheon

              __________________________                                 

                  

coffee                                                                         poet
b e g i n s                                                                   { c a p t u r i n g }
mornings                                                                   silence

By Joan McNerney                                                   By Robert P. Hansen      
                                      __________________________           

                                

barns                                                                         flowers
s h e l t e r                                                                 f o l d
horses                                                                       fragrance

By Barbara Tate                                                       By Ranu Uniyal
                                      __________________________

                 

laughter                                                                   conscience
d r i e s                                                                     s e e k i n g
tears                                                                         solace

By Jack Horne                                                         By Ralph Stott
                                      __________________________

                                                 

courage                                                                   cold
b r e e d s                                                                p e n e t r a t e s
admiration                                                              clothing

By Beth Winchcombe                                            By Jean Calkins                                        __________________________

                                                 

friends                                                                     faucets
c e l e b r a t e                                                        d r i p p i n g
friends                                                                    droplets

By Peggy Dugan French                                        By Robert A. Dufresne
                                       __________________________ 

                                

angles                                                                   ice-storms
s t r e t c h                                                            t o p p l e
circles                                                                   cedars

By David Williams                                               By Elizabeth Howard    
                                       __________________________ 

                              
birds                                                                     evil
s i n g                                                                    h a s
spring!                                                                  choices

By Kelley J. White                                               By Arthur C. Ford, Sr.                                      __________________________              
    

faith                                                                      Jesus
i n s p i r e s                                                          g i v e s
life                                                                         life

By Karen O’Leary                                                By Sara Kendrick
                                      __________________________

peace                                                                   Buds
b r i n g s                                                             B e c o m i n g
harmony                                                             Blooms

By David Fox                                                      By Maralee Gerke 
                                     __________________________
 
hands                                                                  lava
e n c i r c l e                                                        s e a r i n g
hearts                                                                 valleys

By Peggy Dugan French                                   By Robert A. Dufresne                                       __________________________
 
language                                                             flowers
bre                                                                       l i n e
     aks                                                                  highways
barriers

By Robert P. Hansen                                          By Joan McNerney

                                     __________________________

 
whispers                                                            injection
d i s c l o s e                                                       s t a r t l e s
secrets                                                                eyeball

By Barbara Tate                                                By Jean Calkins                                                                                __________________________                                                       

letters                                                                 trees
r a d i a t e                                                         r e a c h i n g
warmth                                                              birds

By Ranu Uniyal                                                 By Ralph Stott                                                                                   __________________________
 
love                                                                    glaciers
s m o t h e r s                                                    e t c h i n g
hate                                                                   landscapes

By Sheri Stanley                                               By Robert A. Dufresne
                                      __________________________

adversity                                                           mammograms
p r o d u c e s                                                    s a v e
challenges                                                         lives

By Elizabeth Howard                                       By Sara Kendrick                                                                                  __________________________
 
puppy                                                                children
b r e a t h e s                                                     d e v o u r
love                                                                    cookies

By Barbara Tate                                                By Joan McNerney

                                       __________________________

firing-squad                                                      hammocks
e x t i n g u i s h e s                                           a c c o m o d a t e
cigarette                                                            lazybones

By Ralph Stott                                                  By Elizabeth Howard
                                        __________________________
 
friendship                                                           sadness
                 s                                                          b u i l d s
                   e                                                        soul
                     e
                       k                                                    By Sheri Stanley
                         i
                          n
                            g
                              love

By Robert P. Hansen

 

Optimist Prime--By Cristine A. Gruber--United States

Optimist Prime
The Ultimate Transformer

She stilled
the baby’s tears,
got the toddler to smile,
and the parents to laugh out loud.
I watched
enthralled as she transformed the room
with her positive view
on life, living,
and love.

Cristine A. Gruber writes from sunny, Southern California. She has had work featured in numerous magazines, including: North American Review, Writer’s Digest, California Quarterly, The Homestead Review, Red River Review, and The Write Place at the Write Time. Her first full-length collection of poetry, Lifeline, is available from http://buybooksontheweb.com. More of Cristine’s work can be found and enjoyed at http://sierraviewjournal.blogspot.com/

Insignificant--By Peter Dome--United Kingdom

Insignificant

A tiny grain of sand in a endless desert
A single tear drop in a vast deep sea
A speck of dust in a whirlwind
A small candle flickering in a large city
A star so faraway in an unknown galaxy
A single second gone by in a thousand years
Symbolizes the loneliness I feel
Within me.

Hi, my name is Pete. I live in Sheffield, U.K. I hope you enjoy my poems. I look forward to reading yours. My best wishes. Pete.

Hidden Beauty--By Andrea Dietrich--United States

Hidden Beauty
(a rondeau)

Hidden beauty I know can dwell
within a body worn and frail.
I think of one who had been doled
great miseries, so once grown old,
his body seemed a dismal shell. .

Although he’d lived on earth his hell,
grown nearly crippled and unwell,
his inner fortitude was gold -
                     Hidden beauty!

Life’s many hardships could not quell
his positivity, nor fell
That strength - his fire against the cold -
a virtue that should be extolled!
In knowing him, I well could tell
                     hidden beauty.

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.

Material or Spiritual?--By Lanette Kissel--United States

Material or Spiritual?

We can choose to live in a material world
where we’re all about acquiring more stuff.
Such a choice will leave us feeling empty,
for that life will never be enough.

We could spend our money on the trappings
created to entice every woman and man.
Or we can help to extend God’s borders
and choose to offer Him the required ten.

Life shouldn’t be about what we’ve got,
but more about what we can give
that will help to further the cause for Christ,
so others can learn how to joyfully live.

We can choose to live in the spiritual world
with God the Father as our center,
and live according to His will,
having His Son, Jesus, as our Mentor.

Lanette Kissel lives in southern Indiana with her adopted Yorkie-Poo, Benjy. She enjoys writing Inspirational poetry, essays, articles, and some secular fiction. Her work has been published in small print publications and in online magazines. Some of her fiction has been published as e-books at Red Rose Publishing.

Swells that Compel--By Olive Eloisa D. Guillermo--Philippines

Swells that Compel

the fall moon's lull shows
mystique silence across skies
branches shadow dance

rice seedling patch strewn
upon well-plough watered fields--
globular tummies

from my bikini
to quilted silk evening wraps--
chrysanthemum blooms

rainbow processions
passing through cities thru-fare--
church bells count the mass

Olive Eloisa D. Guillermo, 28 year-old from The Philippines, is a nurse by profession. Poetry writing is her new found hobby, since 2012. She is a member of Poetry Soup where she submits most of her poems. Her writing inspiration is driven by God, experiences and nature. She dreams of publishing a book someday.

Special Feature Collaborative Poem--By Barbara Tate with Karen O’Leary--United States

Tan Renga

By Barbara Tate and Karen O’Leary

moment of truth
lost in transition...
a puzzled look

the wind blows
only one way

Always…--By Richard Carl Subber--United States

Always…

I
will
be your
trusted friend,
always care for you.

I
will
walk your
path in life,
always there for you.

I
will
feel your
joys and hurts,
always share with you.

Richard Carl Subber (Rick) is a freelance editor, a writing coach and an amateur  historian. He’s a former newspaper reporter/editor who transferred his love of language to more satisfying expressions. Rick is a proud grandpa who is patiently teaching his granddaughter how to write, in case there is poetry in her future. His blogs are: http://barleyliterate.blogspot.com/ and http://historybottomlines.blogspot.com/

Excerpt from The Gift of You, The Gift of Me--By Nila J. Webster--United States

Excerpt from The Gift of You, The Gift of Me

Thank you for
The color of joy
And the shape of love
For the shadows as dusk
For the mourning dove

Who coos in hours of gray
When life is sad
And we've lost our way

Thank you for life
And death
And life again

For the seed of hope
Born of each sad end
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This excerpt is from Nila J. Webster's picture book The Gift of You, The Gift of Me. She wrote the book in one sitting as a response in an incident of bullying, with the hope that honoring the beauty in nature, and in ourselves, will create a beautiful space where bullying will dissolve and be replaced by love and acceptance.
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Nila J. Webster has been writing since a young age, thanks to the encouragement and support of her beloved mother, poet jani johe webster. In the last six months, Nila has donated over 41,000 picture books in her mother's honor, with more to come. If anyone knows of schools or hospitals that would like to receive a picture book donation, please let her know at nila.webster@comcast.net.

Haiku--By Kelley White--United States

crickets
wind in a dozen kind of trees
the meeting house bell
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fragrance of pine cones
spilled beneath the waterfall
darkening stones
_______________

grasshoppers buzzing
deep in the hay
song of a bird I do not know
_______________

leash tugging
as I stop to scrawl a poem
my little dog
_______________

leaves falling:
maple, birch, oak
the pine boughs rattling
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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.

Abendbild/Evening Image--By Gert W. Knop--Germany

Abendbild (German)

Losgelöst,
im Schein der Abendsonne
ein purpurnes Band

Die Stille,
zeitlos,
nur Amselgeflüster
im nahem Gebüsch

Dann zaghaft
aus kleinen Wolken
ein sanfter Regen
und zartes Plätschern vom Fluss

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

Evening Image (English)

Detached,
in the glow of the evening sun
a crimson ribbon

Silence,
timeless,
only the whisper of a Blackbird
in nearby bushes

Then timidly
out of small clouds
a tender rain
and gentle purling from the river

Gert W. Knop, born in 1943, studies art and tropical agriculture in Germany and Scotland (University of Edinburgh). He has lived in many different countries and writes mainly in German, English and Spanish. He currently resides in Zittau (Saxony), Germany.

Sunday Morning After the Carnival…--By Marianne Szlyk--United States

Sunday Morning After the Carnival…

Thelma remembers
flying beside her husband
on the swing ride,
feeling like a jewel
in the night,
his jewel that she will place
around her neck
before she leaves alone.

Marianne Szlyk recently published her first chapbook, Listening to Electric Cambodia, Looking Up at Trees of Heaven, at Kind of a Hurricane Press: http://barometricpressures.blogspot.com/2014/10/listening-to-electric-cambodia-looking.html. Her poem "Walking Past Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Winter" was nominated for the 2014 Best of the Net. Her poems have appeared in print and online, most recently in Poppy Road Review, bird's thumb, Black Poppy Review, Of/with, Walking is Still Honest, and Literature Today as well as Kind of a Hurricane's anthologies. She edits a poetry blog-zine at http://thesongis.blogspot.com/ and hopes that you will consider submitting a poem there or voting in one of its contests.

Pains Don't Rhyme--By Wabweka--Malawi

Pains Don't Rhyme

If I were a cheery choiceless poet
I would put my pen to paper
With sickening scrawls rhyming
Oozing with an arresting rhythm
Stanzas a feast for iron-fisted royals
Nourishing the hungry with fistfuls of nothing
Oiling lips of the dying with wet kisses
That none of them may ask why they suffer
But lose themselves in orgasmic sonnets, lullabies, limericks
Snoring in iambic pentameter of life towards dirges

Being a voiceless voice in a valley of wants
I put my pain to paper
Vent verses in ears sealed by seething sirens
Cry like those crushed by supersonic presidential motorcades
Wait like clappers dancing to roaring whirls in helipads
Thirsting for rhymes and chimes of torrid times?

Like silence, this pain does not rhyme

Wabweka is a Malawian journalist and protest poet writing to express himself differently. He holds a BA (Journalism) from the University of Malawi. He has worked with leading newspapers in the country that prides itself as ‘the warm heart of Africa. He believes poetry does not only mirror our world as it is today but also as we want it to be when his daughter Tiwonge grows up to think about her children and their children.

Poet of the Month--ayaz daryl nielsen

Otiose 

By ayaz daryl nielsen

Often I go to the mountain
and lean against
quiet rock
quiet rocks that
rose from the earth
millions of years ago

Again, a black brim hat
for damp morning mist
a quiet rock
to lean against
beneath aspen leaves
among aster, columbine,
pasque and penstemon

Maybe there’s more I can do
beyond what I have willed
and may have accomplished

Resting beside quiet rock
that rose from the earth
millions of years ago
Plenty enough for this fine day.
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From the editor--It is an honor to announce that ayaz daryl nielsen is March’s Poet of the Month.  A talented writer and the editor of bear creek haiku, ayaz’s poems are enjoyed by Whispers’ readers.  He is an uplifting voice in our poetry community, leaving thoughtful comments that contributors appreciate.  ayaz has promoted our online journal by advertising it at his website.  He has also written collaborative poems and participated in  Whispers’ activities.  It is a pleasure to present him with this award.
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Thoughts on “Otiose ”--The poem starts out with an intriguing title that captured my interest.  Titles are important as they have the ability to lure readers in.  The relationship between the title and the repeated use of rock paces this poem in a cohesive way.  The creative use of imagery adds life and unites the narrator to the place he or she finds rest.  It is also interesting to ponder that this person is delving into thoughts and feels connected to events a million years ago.  This is a fascinating piece.
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Congratulations and thank you ayaz!  I appreciate all you do and have done for Whispers.

Sincerely,

Karen O’Leary, Editor

Waiting for Spring--By Lisa DeVinney--United States

Waiting for Spring

The wind blows cold this mid-March day.
The birds have tucked their wings away
To wait until the signs of spring
Encourage them again to sing.

This winter’s grip seems strong and fierce,
With cold that bites and winds that pierce
Through bundled layers. Yet I know
That sun will long outlast the snow.

And soon enough the winds will change,
The atmosphere will rearrange.
Then on the wings of robins borne,
Spring will arrive, both wet and warm.

For God’s ordained the seasons, too.
Each one will come as it is due.
So as I wait for warmer days,
I’ll bundle up, and give God praise.

Lisa DeVinney is a homemaker and mother of six in upstate New York. She enjoys photography and writing devotional poetry in her spare time. Lisa is the author of several books, including a devotional entitled I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes. She also maintains her own website at liftingmyeyes.com

Loved Ones--By Isha Wagner--New Zealand

Loved Ones

I see them walking around the streets
Disguised in simulated faces
Sometimes a bemused expression
Or rarely a thrusting laugh
And seldom quizzical eyes

I say hello to them in a whisper
They are unaware I know we are
All of each other.
In a hurry now as I see my
dead daughter's beautiful, happy look
her lips open as she smiles
to the man holding her arm.

Oh, it's all here, everywhere
In the office my son's gleaming intelligence
shimmering in the neon
just a flicker then it's gone

No need to wonder any more.

Isha Wagner is a New Zealand poet. She has resided in many countries including Iceland, Libya, India, and Australia.  She read some of her work at the VIII International Poetry Festival held in Granada, Nicaragua, in February 2012. She has had three collections of poetry published.

Snow--By Rhoda Galgiani--United States

Snow

Warmth within one's heart
is precious when the snow
flakes drift into the wind -
beauty over takes the other
wise drab winter state as
the snow glistens when
stirred by the motion of
one's footsteps...

Rhoda Galgiani is a published Poet and Author of two books, Expressions from the Inside Out and No Snow for Johnny - a Child’s Story listed at LuLu.com or Amazon.com. Rhoda is a retired senior that delights in maintaining her own website entitled Expressions Poetry Journal which is dedicated to the world of poetry. Come visit her at - chesakat1.blogspot.com