Wounds I Healed, The Poetry of Strong Women
Published by EIF
Edited by Gabriela Marie Milton
Category: Publication
Once upon a time
I get to know Alana
she wears leopard print dress
and flaming red nails
she plays the keyboard
in broad daylight
to fight off the blues
We talk about girly stuff
skin exfoliation
hydration mask
hair tossing
and stiletto heels
She tells me about Alan
in corroboree
he wore coloured feathers
and ornamental coverings
he painted white and red bands
across his chest
Alana doesn’t go to corroboree anymore
she cannot bear to see herself
in Alan’s persona with
bare chest and hairy body
she misses her mob
and the land
It is easier to talk about
the Summer makeup trend
balayage hairstyle
slimming corset
and hot pink toes
Writer’s note: This poem was published in Australian Poetry Journal. It highlighted the struggle of being a transgender Aboriginal Australian. They are up against the disapproval of their mobs and elders. The constant feeling of the need to live a double life often adds the stress and mental strain, and subsequently has a negative impact on their mental health.
Wounds I Healed
If you are free, come join Gabriela and Ingrid on Twitter Space for a lively discussion and updates on our anthology Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women.
When? Saturday June 4, at 9 am CT – 10 am ET (USA)
#Publication- Social Justice Inks
Come join us for the launch of Social Justice Inks – Anthology !
Support us by purchasing this incredible timely and close to my heart anthology: Amazon or Lulu
Greensleeves
This poem made it to Lisa’s Anthology of Poetry Heart Beats and was published by Prolific Pulse Press in March 2021. I was honoured to be included in this anthology along with other very talented poets. Purchase link here
The ocean looks extra boisterous in the middle of a heatwave A sea of vibrant tents, umbrellas and cabanas scattering along the long stretch of beach line Children are screeching in the cascades of white foams Everything is intensifying the scorching sand beneath our feet I pray silently for a break of cool breeze The sound of Greensleeves is approaching like happy footsteps I pause instantly and join in with others swarming towards the ice cream van A new found joy springs up with the anticipation of cool relief The familiar melody reminds me of the forever happy place
Her Last Heart Beat
This poem made it to Lisa’s Anthology of Poetry Heart Beats and was published by Prolific Pulse Press in March 2021. I was honoured to be included in this anthology along with other very talented poets. Purchase link here
I saw grandma lying in the palliative unit
She was the last plum hanging on the branch
Although she survived the summer sun
Her overly ripen skin was purple and blue
We gathered around her like a flock of sheep
We retold the funny family stories
Turning our tears into laughter
We kissed her clammy forehead and cool hands
We told her we loved her
And promised to see her in heaven
Her last heartbeat gave in
While the new born birds chirping outside the window to welcome the golden sun
#Publication – Creation and the Cosmos
Ben’s Chapbook “A Certain Sadness”
A real honour to be part of Ben Thornberry’s 1st chapbook “A Certain Sadness”.
You may read more of Ben’s talented poetry on Instagram @remedy.poems
#Publication – Australian Poetry Anthology
One of my poems: Once Upon A Time has been published in the Australian Poetry Anthology Volume 8 2020.
I get to know Alana
she wears leopard print dress
and flaming red nails
she plays the keyboard
in broad daylight
to fight off the blues
We talk about girly stuff
skin exfoliation
hydration mask
hair tossing
and stiletto heels
She tells me about Alan
in corroboree …
Purchase click here
#Publication – The Poets Symphony
Dear Readers,
Two of my poems Cello and This Used to be My Playground made it into The Poets Symphony collection
“Lovingly composed by thirty-one artists and writers from around the world, The Poets Symphony delivers the seduction of music in the form of poetry, lyrics, rhyme, digital art, photography and more.”
Thank you Tara Caribou for putting this collection out. I look forward to reading the pieces from my fellow bloggers Mike Ennenbach and River Dixon
Here are snips of my 2 poems:
Cello
… She exhibits as the most porcelain icy celestial body on the Kuiper belt
The divine tone of cello is escalating from mellow to vibrant,
lustrous to transcendental to dark…
This Used to be My Playground
…I dream of you still in black and white
Your linen shirt flying on the swing
Your manic laughter on the seesaw
This used to be my playground
This used to be my childhood dream
This used to be the place I ran to whenever I was in need of a friend
Why did it have to end…
The Poets Symphony: Verses, Melodies, and Lyrical Poems is releasing on the 15th of May. You will find it anywhere that sells books online: lulu, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.
Flicker of Thoughts 