Haiku & Senryu--By Shloka Shankar--India

alzheimer's...

a goldfish circles
the same spot

_______________

between shadows the uncertainty of death

_______________

resting in the arc of a white lie

_______________

rain check
my planner comes up
empty

_______________

Shloka Shankar is a freelance writer from Bangalore, India. She loves experimenting with all forms of the written word, and has found her niche in Japanese short-forms such as haiku, tanka, and haibun, as well as found/remixed poetry. She is also the founding editor of the literary & arts journal, Sonic Boom. You can read more of her work here. 

A Christmas Prayer--By Connie Marcum Wong--United States

A Christmas Prayer

A glowing Yuletide candle light

Is burning very, very bright

For all our soldiers far away

Spending Christmas a soldier’s way.

Dreaming of home and holiday cheer,

Wishing that their loved ones were near.

We are at home dreaming dreams too,

While thinking of and praying for you.

Look for some gifts to let you know

That the great sacrifices you bestow

In blessing us with freedom and care

Is especially returned in loving prayer.

Please know that the Lord is with you,

Giving you courage in all that you do.

Merry Christmas to our soldiers so dear,

May you share it safe at home next year!

Connie Marcum Wong has been the Web Mistress of a private poetry forum Poetry for Thought since October 1999. Her poetry has been in many publications, anthologies, magazines, and e-zines over the years. She published her first poetry chapbook, Island Creations in 2005. In 2007, Heart Blossoms was published. In January 2010, an anthology, A Poetry Bridge to All Nations, was published by Lulu Enterprises, Inc.

Connie created the 'Constanza' poetry form in 2007 and Con-Verse form in 2010. She has resided with her husband in Hawaii since 1980.

Poetry…By Eleanor Michael--United States

Poetry…

comes to us

through

sight, sound

smell, taste

and touch

all processed

by the mind

whether into

mellow state

or charged

with pain

and fear

we put

onto paper

and share

what we hold

most dear

Eleanor Michael has published poetry and short stories in a variety of venues.

Frosted Panes--By Elaine George--Canada

Frosted Panes

When winter paints those frosty ferns on my windowpane
I find myself a little girl up on your lap again
In that old house, where you wove that coloured tapestry
With all the glorious memories of your life upon the sea

With weathered palm so deeply etched with every season past
You rubbed a porthole in the centre of the frosted glass
Where outside in splendour lie a winter­wonderland
As halos rose above your head from a pipe bowl in your hand

And there upon a rocking chair as smoke rings filled the air
We rocked across a sea of dreams wind tangled in our hair
To lands I’d never been before we stepped upon those shores
And through your eyes I saw each one and still I wanted more

The morning passed in dreams between two pairs of eyes of green
As the world outside held its breath in a sea of snowy cream
And when the chill of winter melted from the windowpane
The whistling kettle on the stove brought us home again

You held my hand and looked at me with that twinkle in your eyes
And told me you would be my Captain 'til the day I died
So when winter paints those frosty ferns on my windowpane
I find myself a little girl up on your lap again

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

In loving memory of my Dear Papa 'Captain James George'

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

Authors Note:

When I was a child of three, I went to live for a year with my Grandparents in Nova

Scotia. At that time, my Grandfather was a retired Sea Captain of a Three Mast

Schooner. He had spent most of his life at sea, taking lumber and coal to New

Brunswick and various ports in the U.S. and in the winter months, would carry on to

pick-up and deliver cargo in the West Indies. Although my time with him was short,

the memories we shared have comforted me through-out the years.

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

Born in New Brunswick, Elaine George spent the early years of her life living in Lorneville (a small fishing village along the Bay of Funday) still inhabited by many of her family members.  Much of her writing is inspired by the memories of that place and those wonderful people.  She has published two volumes of poetry and is currently writing a novel entitled Out of the Darkness.  Many of her poems and short stories have appeared in magazines in both Canada and the United States. Currently she lives with her husband in Wainfleet, Ontario.

To Us God’s Son is Given!--By Suzanne Clement--United States

To Us God’s Son is Given!

Let us now rejoice and sing.

Praise the Lord of earth and heaven.

Praise to Jesus Christ, the King.

Praise to God for He gave us

Jesus Christ, His only Son,

The Messiah, to save us.

Praises to the Three in One.

In a manger poor He lies

Sleeping in an ox’s stall.

News of His birth fills the skies.

Let us now come one and all

To see Jesus, the newborn King,

God’s only begotten Son.

Our glad praises sing

For the Messiah has come!

Suzanne Clement is a writer from Dover, New Hampshire.

Poet of the Month--Angelee Deodhar

Double Helix

By Angelee Deodhar

Now a housewife, once a surgeon
a template for the DNA chain
like the double helix of her being
she’s reduced to wearing latex gloves
only while housecleaning every week
meticulously she dons cap, mask, apron

on a trolley arranged with surgical precision
lie her gloves, brushes, dusters, solutions
she drapes furniture with sheets of cotton
then pulls on her gloves tightens them
her size a neat seven

she prepares the area to be cleaned
with a weak Savlon solution
swabs it as she would an abdomen
in précis deft strokes
from above below left to right
never using an extra movement

and just as she had once done in the OR
she keeps soft music on – Strauss, Vivaldi
she wonders if now her DNA double helix
carries two genes
one for housewife one for surgeon

squeeze-drying the mop each time
she scrubs the floor surgically clean
removes the trolley
absently counting her instruments
removes gloves, cap, mask, apron
the overshoes

washes off the excess powder
from her hands and creams them
looking at them critically thrombosed
blue-veined yet soft supple
she warms them with her mug of coffee
and then takes up her pen
to write a poem.

______________

From the editor--It is an honor to announce that Angelee Deodhar is December’s Poet of the Month. Dr. Deodhar is an award winning writer who has been published in a variety of venues. Angelee is a gifted eye surgeon, editor, translator and artist as well.  Readers at Whispers relate to her powerful and creative poetry. She has been an encouraging voice at our online journal and regularly enhances contributors’ poetry with artwork which are such gifts to receive. Angelee promotes Whispers, which has led to new writers joining our poetry community. She has collaborated with another writer on a poem that was featured at Whispers. It is a pleasure to present Angelee with this honor!

_______________

Thoughts on “Double Helix”—Intrigued by the title, this poem captured my attention right away. It was a privilege to share in this powerful journey of loss and transition. Having to give up my own nursing career, I found aspects of myself in her words. This is such a heartfelt piece. Angelee’s multi-sense imagery and actions forward her message in a dynamic way. In the end we are given the gift of hope, as she begins a new avenue to share her gifts.

______________

Congratulations and thank you Angelee!  I appreciate all you do and have done for Whispers.

Sincerely,

Karen O’Leary, Editor

The Solitary Reaper--By Raamesh Gowri Raghavan--India

The Solitary Reaper

I recited a poem by Wordsworth once.
The one about the solitary reaper
Singing all by herself
of "battles long ago", perhaps
"some natural sorrow, loss, or pain."
or even "familiar matters of to-day".

I will say the audience was moved.
They asked for his Twitter handle,
And what his latest status message,
is on Facebook, our is it Instagram?
Surely something deep.
Do I have his email address?
And hey, is he on Tinder?

Raamesh Gowri Raghavan moonlights as an award-winning copywriter by day and daylights as an award-wanting poet by night. He thinks he is funny, but his friends vehemently disagree.

footprinted snow--By jani johe webster--(In Memory-May 2013)--United States

jani johe’s unique style and insight continues to leave readers in awe. Her daughter, Nila Webster, has distributed over 30,000 of her books, free of charge, to schools and fellow writers. The work of a talented writer lives on continuing to be a bright light. It is a joy to share another one of her wonderful poems this holiday season.  I am glad to have been able to call her my friend.

                                         Sincerely, Karen O’Leary--Editor

footprinted snow

all my thoughts
are melting now
like footprinted snow
on a gray day

bones ashes
whisper the name
that once was us

while another us
is in a timeless season
of music that laughs

and speaks
with the language
of peace

Thoughts from Nila Webster--I found this poem by my beloved mother, jani johe webster, over two years after her passing. I could see from the paper it was typed on that the poem had been written long ago, yet I felt its transcendent message: there is "another us" that is there, in a mystical and beautiful realm. In reading the poem, I felt my mother's essence and knew this poem was like a message in a bottle, a message of hope. 

See You Later ....--By Alan McAlpine Douglas--United Kingdom

See You Later ....

A kiss curl moulded on his head,
the King of rock, now sadly dead
manipulated candy kids with ease,
they worshipped him on bended knees;

this mighty cupid morphed from jive,
whose music was the most alive
and catapulted up the charts,
with lyrics that were good - in parts;

he marked our card, made Rock’n’Roll,
thus easily wins “The Fifties” poll,
with Comets in the Hall of Fame :
Bill Haley his immortal name !

Alan McAlpine Douglas, father to 5 and grandfather to 3, has been writing poetry since 1993. His idiosyncratic voice has produced thousands of poems in this time, and he finds it quite hard to stay serious, even when he means to. He also enjoys writing spoofs, using well-known poems or songs like Clementine or In the Ghetto as his models.

Rover Dream--By Robert Hewett Sr.--United States

Rover Dream

I’m a Rover from the cliffs of Dover,

My red-haired true-love I am bound to see.

I’ve traveled this land and sailed the Ocean,

Wild adventure has a strong hold on me.

Oh, wish me well lads, drink to my true-love,

Skipping through Heather waiting there for me.

I’ll find me a way to be by her side

Before it snows us in on Christmas Eve.

Robert Hewett Sr. was born in 1933 on a Texas cotton farm. He moved to Oklahoma City at Age 14 and entered the U. S Army from there in 1953. Robert has been writing poetry and short stories for his family and himself since his teen years, but is just now publishing his collection of works. His hobbies include writing poetry and stories; clock and watch collections; gardening and growing flowers and shrubs from cuttings. Most of his poetry tells a story, a gift from his father who was a master story teller. He has received numerous awards for his work in his professional life and for his writing. You can find some of his writings at "roberthewettsr.hubpages.com"

Rainbow--By Constance Escobar--United States

Rainbow

Standing closer to the rainbow
Now where did the rain go

I'm feeling better than ever
Not thinking about the weather

Love and tenderness
Now wearing a flowing dress

Shining through sun and rain
Loving through happiness and pain

Forever, wherever we go
Let's take our rainbow

Constance Escobar is a writer of everything and anything that strikes her fancy. From wedding books to historical fiction and from Poetry to Romance. She writes as she is inspired and has work published in the Ink Slingers' Anthology 2014 & 2015.

Three Kuhlman Poems--By Brian Strand--England

DESPAIR

From night: dark, black, dawns: the light.

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

SPRING

Come day: warmth, white, blossoms: at play.

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

PASSION

From love: lust, pride, nothing : can hide.

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

3 ‘kuhlman's is a form I derived from the sonnets of Quirinus Kuhlmann (1651-1689) famous sonnet Love-Kisses XL1.The 'kuhlmann' is a short verse form of two phrases, interspersed by three related monosyllabic 'stem words'(nouns,adjectives etc) , separated by commas, between the 'colons ' to form a phrase therefrom.It has One word integral title. Here are my 3 'kuhlmann' for your consideration.

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

Brian Strand has created short poetic forms including 'broken monoku' (a haiku variation) and 'footle' (a trochaic monometer with witty, topical, etc themes) and Captioned Cartoon, an Ekphrasis combining his art and poetic interests. He has published a seven kindle ebook series Poetic forms; A Strand of Verse; My Choice Strand Verse; A Strand Guide; Christianity Explained; A Strand critique; and Captioned Cartoon Ekphrasis. Brian has written nearly 200 Amazon reviews and is a Wiki poetry and art editor.

Seven Layers--By Sara Kendrick--United States

Seven Layers

To taste your tender essence once again

Springy, warm, lovely vanilla infused

Once more to travel the road to attain

A delightful thin slice of fudge suffused

Memories how they cling to your presence

Maybe create sweet impressions of my own

Lasting through time, problems, awesome pleasance

Could my life continue through a subtle sweet tone

Seven layer fudge frosted cake still draws

A picture in the mind's eye of mother

In the kitchen cooking without a pause

My life, her presence did surely color

Memories of seven layer fudge iced cake

To my humble grave assuredly take

Sara Kendrick married young and had a family soon after. After her last child went to school, she decided to pursue her GED. A gentlemen who worked with the GED program encouraged her to enroll in college.  She worked part time and cared for her family in addition to her studies. She graduated from Mercer University. Several years ago, after a health crisis, she started writing poetry.  

Brevettes--By Robert P. Hansen--United States

money

O V E R W H E L M $

morality

________________

            expectations

           g

          n

         i

        s

       i

       a

       r

   sunset

________________

Robert P. Hansen teaches philosophy courses at a community college. In addition to poetry, he also writes genre fiction. His recent eBook publications include a free Story Sampler (14 stories from his collections), The Golden Key (Book 3 of his Angus the Mage fantasy series), and 2014: A Year of Poetry. For more information on his writing and where to find what he has published, visit his blog at: http://rphansenauthorpoet.wordpress.com/.

Haiku--By John McDonald--Scotland

the old man

leans on his brush -

one last leaf to fall

_______________

a little mouse -

scratching scratching

a hole in my sleep

_______________

snowman -

for crow a gift:

carrot eyes

_______________

stealing

squirrel's nuts

...homeless and hungry

_______________

surely seen

from space:

Earth's candles for the dead

_______________

John McDonald is a retired stone-mason who came to haiku in the mid-nineties. He fell in love with the genre immediately. Being a writer in the Scots language this genre fitted so well with Scots: a language steeped in rural life and having a natural succinctness to it. John has his own blog in Scots, with English versions: http://zenspeug.blogspot.com  He enjoys being involved in translations, working with the very fine Irish poet Gabriel Rosenstock on various ventures, the most recent being translations into Irish and Scots of the great haiku poet Buson: Moon over Tagoto and has appeared in many anthologies.

We Die With Our Eyes Open--By Gerald Heyder--United States

We Die With Our Eyes Open

“When you pay your nickel,

you stay on the carousel

until the ride is over.”

As the world perpetually turns

so does the carousel of life,

rife with joy to strife, but how

much do we really see, though

our eyes are closed when we sleep,

how much do we learn and keep

when our lids are raised like

shades, are our windows clean

or murky with tinted haze?

We are a kaleidoscope turning,

yearning for everything good

with only pretty colors understood.

We dream with our eyes closed

but we die with our eyes open.

I wonder if our hearts are cameras

taking pictures for our souls

recorded for the album of eternity?

Gerald Heyder is a published poet from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Moment of Winter Twilight--By Michael Escoubas--United States

Moment of Winter Twilight

Spread your arms mighty oak,

like my father and his before him.

In you, I’m in their arms wrapped

warm in a shawl of blue-cream

fringed in white powder. Amber-glow

softens the rough-edged tree-line.

In the seam of time between night
and day, this twilight moment unveils

a vacancy long denied: the embrace

I never knew, like a puzzle-piece

put in place by nature’s sleight-of-hand,

a timely fit; this grown man now complete.
 

Ekphrastic poem read at Lemont Art Center, March 2015.

After retiring from a 48-year career in the printing industry in 2013, Michael Escoubas began writing poetry for publication. His study of and interest in poetry goes back some 30 years. During this time he studied classical and modern poets learning from their works and from critics who comment about them. Michael writes poetry in part because his mother once said, “You have a gift for words; you should do something with that gift.”

Metamorphosis III--By Ajise Vincent--Nigeria

Metamorphosis III

Like a connoisseur
revamping a Bard's manuscript,
Let me edit
the scribbles of your he(art),
the riddles of your inactions,
the incoherence of your trust,
with the staunch elements of love.
let me modify you
with metaphors of commitment,
symbols of credence,
punctuations of passion,
till you evolve into a poem
spurring forth meaning.

Ajise Vincent is a Nigerian poet who derives maximum utility from the smell of coffee . He is a contributor to various print and online platforms. He writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

Scar Tissue--By Tim Ryerson--United States

Scar Tissue

Oh, the wounds, the gaping wounds

The wounds that never truly heal

Merely self-sutured, leaving jagged scars

left to swell, ooze and re-infect

A temporary stop-gap, a leaking dam

built to hold back the raging river of pain...

Would that the scars would explode,

burst open and gush out

gush out in primal fury,

leaving me helpless and drained

helpless and drained before the Almighty

who is able not to simply close and smooth them over

but who is able to brutally and lovingly rip them loose

Oh yes, He is able and willing; if I am willing...

*Based on events spanning the last 14 years

Tim Ryerson is a published poet from Ponchatoula, Louisiana who retired from the printing business in 2011. He began writing in the 80’s but did not take it seriously until 2001 after the untimely death of his then 21 year old son. He does not have a ‘signature style’ but prefers writing different forms of poetry. Many of his poems use southern slang and Cajun dialect. He also enjoys writing humorous poems, especially limericks and senryu and was among the winners in the latest Humor Press writing contest with his entry “Emergency Rooms Just KILL me.”

Barefoot--By Paul Callus--Malta

Barefoot

I walk on the deserted beach
listening to the ocean song;
the breeze holds my hand.
Is this where I belong?

I leave my footprints in the sand
and feel the grains between my toes.
Is it too late to dream,
I ask. Only God knows!

Paul Callus is a Maltese author who writes both in Maltese and English. He has contributed to several anthologies. Apart from poetry he writes lyrics for songs and has published two books, one a story book aimed at children (related to his experience as a teacher) and a historical book based on research.

Sitting Outside Late One Summer Night--By J. T. Milford--United States

Sitting Outside Late One Summer Night

On a warm August evening
Fomalhaut hangs on the south horizon
Like a lamp steadily giving off a dull yellow light
Presiding over darkness without emotion
A late stillness has set in with only
An occasional barking dog to interrupt the solitude
A time to search for faint Andromeda

After midnight there descends a silent night song
The music of light from our galaxy
Arching across the deep sky near a region
Of sparse lonely planet's and solar winds
Suddenly there appears a bright streak of light
Across the sky like a capricious roman candle
A fusion of fire and song
Sitting outside late we search the heavens
One warm summer night

J. T. Milford is a retired CPA who has just completed his first book of poetry.

Lost Remembrance--By Edilson Afonso Ferreira--Brazil

Lost Remembrance

We crossed over deserts, meadows, mountains,
travelled by rivers and seas, Arctics and Antarctics,
planted vines, bridges and ports, raised sheep and sons.
We built churches, cathedrals, palaces and poor hovels.
We lit fire into dark nights and hope into sore souls,
but also have made mad things we prefer never to remember.
We threw roads and rails, telegraphs, cities, skyscrapers,
yet an audacious tower, at Babel, when, our history tells,
You promptly restrained us.
Your sons became grandsons, great-grandsons, at last, us,
adoptive sons who every day attempt remember
what was like one face that has been said
we are patterned to.

Edilson Afonso Ferreira is a Brazilian poet who writes in English rather than Portuguese, in order to reach more people. Has been published in four printed British Anthologies, online or printed venues like Cyclamens and Swords, Right Hand Pointing, Boston Poetry Magazine, West Ward Quarterly, TWJ Magazine, The Lake, The Stare’s Net, The Provo Canyon, Amomancies, Snapdragon, The Gambler and some others. Short listed in four American Poetry Contests, lives in a small town with wife, three sons and a granddaughter and began writing after retirement as a Bank Manager. See more of his poetry in www.edilsonmeloferreira.wordpress.com.

Pink Flower (A Requiem for Death)--By Ken Allan Dronsfield--United States

Pink Flower (A Requiem for Death)

"Please take me home,
where the Pink Flower's grow.
Brush my cheek,
and inspire virtuous desire.
Cast the dark away,
allow the light's after-glow.
Meld my spirit back,
to life's internal fire.
Here I lie entombed
deep in this hallowed ground.
Listening for the sounds,
of the shovels infernal digging.
The soul's awaiting its journey;
but the Sun's so warm and forgiving.
Yes, please carry me home,
where the Pink Flowers grow.

Previously published at The Poetry Community 

Ken Allan Dronsfield is a published poet from Oklahoma.  He has written for many years and recently started submitting his poems for publication.  Ken enjoys spending time with his cats, Merlin and Willa.  Some of his published work can be viewed at: http://electricinthesun.blogspot.com/

Silent Spinners--By Linda Hurdwell--England

Silent Spinners

On a misty and moist morning
A damp and dreary day
Yet clutching rows of heather
Gossamer lace will sway.

Like ethereal patterns from heaven
They enhance the world with delight
All among nature’s autumn crowd
Cobwebs seem an incredible sight.

When the sun decides to visit
Casting her positive rays
Turning the view from grey to light
These jewels show magical days.

I want to warn the bugs and flies
Before they are caught in a snare
The fragile lace of beauty
Has fingers to wrap round her ware.

Spiders spin their silver web
Of intricate work and zest
She knows her food will soon arrive
Because she has done her best.

Linda Hurdwell has been a widow for 5 years.  She has two adult sons. Living in the English countryside, she takes her dog, Bessie, for a daily walks and that's where many of her poems and stories are born.  She has always loved writing and has a few short stories published.  Although now a pensioner,  she enjoys working with adults with learning disabilities and running a mencap social club once a week.  Her hobbies are writing, tap dancing, and going to the theatre or cinema with my friends.

From the Sidelines--By Peggy Dugan French--United States

From the Sidelines

infant smiles
all grown up
now charming someone else

first formal
picking the perfect tux
teenage transformation

chasing new dreams
tag & hide and go seek
a distant memory

leaving home
embracing a new town
an unfamiliar silence

“hi mom”
long distance now
loving you from the sidelines

Peggy Dugan French is a California girl with Minnesota roots. She has enjoyed being the editor of Shemom since 1997. She has worn many hats over the years, but being a Mom has been one of her greatest adventures; she’s had the pleasure of sharing that journey with her best friend.

Haibun : Optical Illusion--By Angelee Deodhar--India

Haibun : Optical Illusion

My paternal grandmother, a generous, large hearted lady and the mother of many sons was well regarded in our village. Since she died when I was only two years old I never knew her. Her philanthropic sons decided to give the village its first school, its first hospital, a temple and also a community centre which had electricity.

Several decades later, my uncles decided to get their mother’s portrait painted. so that it could be duly hung in the school building.

In Gran’s days there were no photographs, so nobody really knew what she looked like. Somehow a tiny, sepia print of her was found, and a famous local artist commissioned to paint the portrait. He took almost a year to complete it and finally, amidst much fanfare, the beautiful portrait was unveiled, garlanded, and placed reverently on the credenza of the principal’s office. My uncles, were pleased and I got several pats on the back until a dissident voice from the back of the crowd called out, “Who is that woman?” and when my uncles replied, “Why, that is our venerable mother, the benefactress who has given you all this school.”

There was a slight pause before the old man, a contemporary of gran’s came forward to peer closely at the portrait and said, “That looks nothing like her. Your grandmother had a terrible squint!”
 

pinhole camera-
a blur from the past
transforms the present

Angelee Deodhar, an eye surgeon by profession is a haiku poet, translator, and artist. She lives and works in Chandigarh, India. Her haiku/haibun/haiga have been published internationally in various books and journals, and her work can be viewed on many websites. To promote haiku in India, she has translated six books of haiku from English to Hindi, which she distributed for free. These bilingual books include: If Someone Asks: Masaoka Shiki's Life and Haiku (2005), Classic Haiku: A Master's Selection, edited by Miura Yuzuru (2006), Ogura Hyakunin Isshu: 100 Poems by 100 Poets (2007), Children’s Haiku from Around the World–A Haiku Primer (2007), Indian Haiku (2008), and The Distant Mountain: The Life and Haiku of Kobayashi Issa (2009).

"Care-giving"--By Cindy Hutchings--United States

"Care-giving"

Taking care of my Dad
I’ve realized the difference
from caring for my children

when my children were little
I took care of them
helped them with all their needs

all the while knowing
they would learn how
to take care of themselves

now that my Dad is elderly
and I’ve taken care of him
helped him with his needs

all the while I know
he no longer can
take care of himself

this is a knowing
that is quite tender
while full of love.

Cindy Hutchings is a member of Northwest Renaissance & Striped Water Poets in Auburn, WA, USA. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in English and Women Studies. She writes with passion about nature, events, and social causes. Her poetry is shared online at QuillandParchment.com and http://artwithaheart-forum.tumblr.com. Cindy’s first poetry chapbook, Tree Talk, was published by MoonPath Press in 2015.

The Haunting Sea--By Leokadia Durmaj--Australia

The Haunting Sea

I love the allure of the ocean
It heals my mind heart and soul
Drowning my thoughts with its sound
Imposing a rhythm within

Feeling the breeze embrace my body
Casting a spell sending shivers
Bringing back the spirit that knows ~
The love that evolves inside of me

Voices from the sea speak to my soul
Quieting my thoughts I hear angels sing
Uniting all spirits giving birth to wisdom
I hear cries from the ocean beneath.

Leokadia Durmaj is a published writer from Australia.

"where traveled"--By Ann Marie Mazzarella--United States

"where traveled"

travel where music continuously plays
let melodies heal any sadness or pain
just be part of the movement craze

follow each bird as they fly and glide
for they have found the rainbow
travel where the sun and moon shine

travel where the ocean resides
come to know her whispered secrets
hear them within low and high tides

follow your heart to make you happy
for until then the light remains hidden
travel where desire and you become one

Ann Marie Mazzarella is a poet who resides in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  She began to write in 2000 while working in shelters for abused women and children.  She would leave inspirational messages for encouragement.  Since 2005, Ann Marie has been associated with several international poetry sites where she has posted her entries and reviewed the works of others and has created several new poetry forms.

DECEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES

NEW CONTRIBUTORS IN NOVEMBER--

            Suzanne Webb--United States
            Marilyn Fleming--United States
            Constance LaFrance--Canada

Please welcome them to our community.  We now have representatives from the following countries--Australia, Brazil, Botswana, Canada, Canary Islands, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Malawi, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Tunisia, Turkey, U.A.E., United Kingdom, United States and Wales.  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 world wide audience. If you are currently reading Whispers, please consider submitting a poem for consideration. You may contact Karen at karenoleary1956@gmail.com  for guidelines. Thank you.

Note--Ads due for January column by December 25

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Vasanthi Swetha runs a page on facebook called 'A Dreamer's Destination' and it primarily deals with micro poetry and musings. She welcomes discussions on poetry and sharing of poetry pieces . The link to the website is as under: https://www.facebook.com/A-Dreamers-Destination-1492636884388408/timeline/?ref=bookmarks

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.

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

Beth Winchcombe announces her novel, For LOVE of Maria: A compelling love story. This is currently available in paperback on Amazon.co.uk, also Amazon.com priced at £7-99p. Kindle version to download for just £2-00p. Published by Diadem Books, Author name Beth Richards.

Russell Sivey has published a poetry book called Halloween Horrors II. This book can be purchased at lulu.com, search Halloween Horrors II. Please be sure you select the Halloween Horrors II as that one is the correct book.

Robert P. Hansen's forthcoming novel Angst (Book 4 of the Angus the Mage fantasy series) will become available in June or early July. In anticipation of this event, he has made the first book of the series free as an eBook through several retailers. For more on this and his other books, visit his blog at: https://rphansenauthorpoet.wordpress.com/.

Jack Horne announces the release of his second novel, Cyber Vamps: a paranormal-fantasy romance. This book is currently available from eTreasuresPublishing.com, price $3.99 http://jackhorne.blogspot.co.uk

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.

Pijush Kanti Deb released a poetry collection, Beneath the Shadow of a White Pigeon, published by The Hollow Publishing. More information about the book is available at, http://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Shadow-White-Pigeon-Pijush/dp/1505854113/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422829526&sr=8-1&keywords=beneath+the+shadow+of+a+white+pigeon

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.

Celine Rose Mariotti has a new mystery/detective book called Minister’s Shoes in which Rev. Castle helps Sada Sampson find her husband and he also proves that Trevor is innocent of killing Cartwright. The story involves casino deals, infidelity, gambling and some big town gossips who are knee deep in the casino deals.  Price of book is: $11.00. If you live in CT, sales tax is 6.35 so price would be $11.70.  Postage is $2.70.  You can order from Amazon or you can order from me: celinem@aol.com

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

Please consider supporting The Jokester and Creative Inspirations by sending stamps or other small donations to help with postage.  Thank you for considering this.                                                                                                  ---Karen

Robert Epstein is Seeking Haiku, senryu, tanka and monochrome haiga related to the themes of animal rights for Save Every Chicken, Free Every Cow: Animal Rights Haiku. Please send poems to Robert Epstein/Miriam Wald at taylorepstein@earthlink.net or SASE to: Robert Epstein, 1343 Navellier Street, El Cerrito, CA 94530. No compensation for inclusion in anthology. Deadline: 2/1/16.

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.

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

Jean Calkins, editor: The Jokester, 2 pages of clean jokes free by email monthly, a forever stamp by snail mail (monthly or quarterly). Help bring smiles to shut-ins by contributing forever stamps. Even one stamp helps. Jean Calkins, 260 4th St., Waynesville, NC 28786-3762. joker31277@yahoo.com

David Fox is seeking family-friendly poems for his magazine, The Poet's Art. Rates for the publication are $7 an issue or $25 for a 4 issue subscription. Checks should be made to cash.  Foreign contributors should pay $10 an issue or $35 for a subscription by international money order or American cash only.  Send submissions and  money for subscriptions to David Fox,171 Silverleaf Lane, Islandia, NY 11749 USA.

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.

Ads are placed by the underlined names.  Whispers has not verified the accuracy of all the information.