The dVerse Anthology: Voices of Comtemporary World Poetry

I'm so happy to announce that a poet friend has published his anthology, a celebration of work from writers around the world. Some of us are known to each other and others are strangers but for their shared love of the poetic word. It was a brave and ambitious project and I'm thrilled to say that two of my poems are featured. One is the first poem in the anthology...! "The Poet Cad"  To say "Thank you " to Frank Watson, whose idea this collection was, only hints at the excitement I feel.

 

"From America to Nigeria, Germany to Malaysia, and all around the world. One voice in the dark joins another, then another. Soon there is a chorus of voices and the night comes alive. No two voices are the same and each adds depth to the song. Soon it spreads and people in the next town are singing, then in the next country, and then in all the continents of the world. Different languages where the words don’t sound the same, but the heart unites as one. The song is not just the one you hear, but the one that plays “connect the dots” along the veins in your arm—as you inhale and—join in.

 

Explore the world of contemporary poetry through the eyes and words of over ninety poets from around the world. Drawn primarily from the poets contributing to dVersePoets.com, The dVerse Anthology features the unique voices and styles of poets as they delve into topics as varied as love, family, travel, conflict, loss, and much more. Take a peek and see what the poets have to offer about the pulse of life in modern society."

 

Here's how you can buy this wonderful collection...

 

Paperback & Kindle Availability:

The dVerse Anthology: Voices of Contemporary World Poetry (Amazon US)
The dVerse Anthology: Voices of Contemporary World Poetry (Amazon UK)
The dVerse Anthology: Voices of Contemporary World Poetry (Amazon France)
The dVerse Anthology: Voices of Contemporary World Poetry (Amazon Germany)
The dVerse Anthology: Voices of Contemporary World Poetry (Amazon Spain)
The dVerse Anthology: Voices of Contemporary World Poetry (Amazon Italy)

As for me, the words either do or don't do but don't try couldn't be more pertinent. Da do, do do.

 

Happy reading! 

 

 

Suzy Rigg

Elephant Highway

listen to ‘Elephant Highway’ on Audioboo

Unbalanced carts spilled sun ripe fruit

on the dust strewn road

splitting colours, splashing seed

to meet the market dawn.

Spindly children tried to run

alongside heavy traps

some were strong and long of limb

and barely caught their breath.

Bicycles too, took their own road

and weaved their wheels about

the death they cheated,

although in jest, made

villagers shout out loud.

The noise grew low

for something strong

had taken up this path

a silver grey bull elephant

was on this very route!

Without a sound

the track was cleared

of children, wheels and fruit

whilst 'mister majestic' walked

~ in no par-tic-u-lar hurry ~

Without a backward glance.

Copyright Suzy Rigg 2012

This poem was inspired by the artwork of Borg de Nobel, browse her wonderous artwork here: http://borgeous.wordpress.com courtesy of the ever innovative dVerse Poets crew: http://dversepoets.com/

Relationship 2

Realising your thoughts are permeated with thoughts of your lover,

Elevated feelings create sensations that make you wonder at creation itself

Love.

Amazingly unique and 

Thankfully a recurring theme on the human landscape

In spite of the complexity of human emotions,

Our spirit is trained on expansion and

Nothing expands the human

Soul as much as the

Heady

Intimate and loyal embrace of the

Person you love, who loves you back.

All rights reserved.

To be read in partnership with 'Relationship 1'

Mother Light

The light of a new mother’s moonlight

which bathes her infant in protective beams

fades each passing year as the infant matures.
This rite of passage stimulates umbilical cords 

of independence to unravel, snaking their way to freedom.

When the infant finds its first voice, not the weeping

but the lyrical turns of ‘yes’ and ‘no’
there is in this, the defining of the ego;
not something the mother dreamed of

whilst flicking through pastel coloured baby magazines.

The desire to walk and run soon 
transmutes into dark steps of danger:

the unseen car, the ferocious dog, the reversing swing

lying in wait to hurt you,
your freedom comes at a high price.

Time rushes forward like wind 

baby's evolution into adult is complete.

Dancing to the beats of hormonal heaven

emitting sighs of longing
mother has long forgotten.

Reminders of the heights of desire you touched 

before the babies arrived:
your cheeky baby-snatchers

stealing passion,
in return for muted contentment.

Copyright Suzy R 2012

Find out more about this beautiful Kelley MacDonald artwork here:
http://tinyurl.com/cw458yo

Look of Love

Neither of them were conventionally beautiful

His spine curved at the top, into a small hunchback,
Dense ape-like hair poked out of the top of his jumper

He was about thirty, but looked older 
As he smiled warmly at his beau, eyes crinkling.

Her glasses were very think indeed.

She was shorter than him and could have passed for his mother

With her lank, greying hair,

But as he draped his arm protectively around hers and went in for several

Passionate kisses, it was clear they were lovers.

As they waited patiently in the queue for the bus,

He eyed the road anxiously, hoping for a traffic delay 

to extend the time with his loved one.

When the bus eventually came, they discussed their plans for the evening

What the weather may hold, the time for parting was near.

“See you tomorrow!” she said brightly watching as he got on the bus.

Fully-loaded with weary passengers, 
She waited as the bus pulled out into the traffic,
Her eyes locked on his as she blew kisses to her lover,

With the most girlish and beautiful face.

All rights reserved.

Wild Boy

Bottled mischief escaped him like fresh lemonade

After pretending to sleep 

And listening to mama’s sweet bedtime song,

Watching her through closed eyes he’d wanted to  

Sing too, but howling at the moon

Might have caused her to scream.

Falling out of the window was no big deal

It didn't hurt anyway,

Landing on concrete would have really hurt

But as wolf-boy-a handsome one at that-

He was invincible.

Drunk on the freedom of night air and no sleep

The was no particular plan

Maybe pull the tale off next door’s cat?

Throw stones at squirrels! he giggled 
As he smoothed down his baby soft fur.

All rights reserved.