Friday, September 1, 2017

STACIA LYNN REYNOLDS


WELCOME
TO
OUR POETRY ARCHIVE

“A road not traveled; is only a wasted dream:
The journey begins from within.”
~Stacia Lynn Reynolds~

Our Poetry Archive’s dedication is to pursue every avenue; a journey of sowing the seeds of greatness among poets around the world. Poets, along with readers of Our Poetry Archive, have expressed inner emotions of peace, racism, collaborated the voices of poetess’ from around the world, along with continental focus of cultural literature, through words. All throughout the world, humanity is facing heartache and hardships; whether it be violence, famine, hate, and/or individual torment. On a positive note, Our Poetry Archive’s Online Poetry Blog, have come together, throughout the years of live blogging, with one purpose; appreciation of expression from every poet who submits their penned work. We have found that no matter what is going on in the world, there are those of us who unite, through poetry, together, to make an impact in the literary community. The amount of response to Our Poetry Archive is appreciated beyond words. Poets from around the globe have put personal effort in the success of Our Poetry Archive, and it does not go unrecognized. We all share the same passion for words and the expression of those words. Every poet express individual artist meanings, through symbolism and allegory, stirring the emotion of inner thought and meaning of perception. Our Poetry Archive strives Month after Month to grow and advance in the peace that comes from each penned word through our General Editions, Continental Editions, and Anthologies. Our Poetry Archive strives, in every monthly blog, to highlight and focus various talents, from every individual’s penned talent.

“Words that live within are expressions upon a page”
~Stacia Lynn Reynolds~

May all our dreams live on and stars shine bright through every edition of Our Poetry Archive, along with the monthly spotlight shining upon, “The Poet of the Month.”

In the September 2017 General Edition of OPA, we are pleased to introduce the beautiful and inspirational Poetess, Toni Lovric, in her own words. We appreciate every participant who has agreed to our interview, and respond to Our Poetry Archive’s personalized questionnaire. It has been an exciting adventure, and pleasure, reading the responses from every poet’s personal interviews throughout the years. Also, please take time and enjoy the talent Our Poetry Archive has added to the September 2017 General Edition, along with the Poet of the Month, Toni Lovric’s personal interview and five penned moving words of poetry.

Those who would like to take part in our upcoming editions, please send three poems and a profile picture, along with the explicit confirmation, of your permission, for publication of your copy righted materials in Our Poetry Archive, well before the 20th of every month. If you write in another language, please send your 3 poems both in English and your native language. Also, please specify, in the subject line of your email, which edition you are submitting to, to avoid any confusion, and to assure your poems publication in the correct edition. Finally, please state your country of origin, mother language, nationality, and where you reside. Thank you! Our Poetry Archive’s email address is: ourpoetryarchive@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving and reading your poems!

Author Stacia Lynn Reynolds, editor, sincerely thanks each poet and reader who is actively involved in this wonderful monthly web journal and continued thier support of Our Poetry Archive.
From The Editorial Desk
OPA

A
WORLDWIDE WRITERS’ WEB
PRESENTATION!

PUBLISHED BY

OPA

OUR
POETRY ARCHIVE
ONLINE MONTHLY POETRY JOURNAL

email us to:

******************************************

TONI LOVRIC

OUR POETRY ARCHVE FEATURED
POET OF THE MONTH
TONI
LOVRIC
SEPTEMBER 2017


OPA: How long have you been writing Poetry? We would like to know the early stories about your growing up as a poet or writer in general. Who are your favorite Poets? What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write? Had they inspired you a lot, do you believe in inspiration as a guiding force behind writings at all?

TONI LOVRIC: As a young teenager l started to write poetry with my best friend. We exchanged these letters and poems to each other! Sometimes they were funny and silly.... other times expressive and sentimental! Although l loved reading and writing l didn't really get back into writing poetry until only three years ago when my friend introduced me to the internet poetry sites! I was inspired by my friend Jess Will and we became great friends! Along the way l developed my poetry with the influence and inspiration of other talented artists whom l had found their works to be original and inspiring! It was during my darkest days of trials in my life that l had started to write! There l found my voice to express my sadness, grief of loss of my parents and other challenges along the path! As an oil painting artist and photographer l find creative expression to be very important to me! During my time of depression l could not find the inspiration to paint! Writing helped heal my soul and along the journey l connected with some very beautiful and soulful poets! I'm grateful to these people being placed in my life! I enjoy writing and see it as an outlet and a way to stimulate the mind and imagination. I also enjoy writing poetry using photo Challenges in different poetry sites...they are refreshing and a lot of fun!

My favorite genres to write about are quite various depending on my moods and state of mind! I like to experience and experiment with different subject matters and push the boundaries!  I enjoy free verse and narrative! I have also explored writing fantasy poetry and can be at times quite Metaphoric! I usually just go with the flow, depending on the topic, mood or whatever it is that's inspiring me at the time! This could be in the form of a person, photo, or a personal experience or situation, or sometimes a memory that's been triggered.

I always thought that William Blake was a beautiful poet...Pablo Neruda, Emily Dickson  and Maya Angelou would have to be some of my favorite of all time!


OPA: What has been the toughest criticism given to you as a writer? What was the biggest compliment?

TONI LOVRIC: I think the best constructive criticism that a fellow poet friend once gave me was when he thought that some of my poems were perhaps sometimes a bit too long! I made a note of this and have made a conscious decision to keep them shorter! Quality is more important than quantity!

The biggest compliment was when l was asked by the very talented Deborah Brooks Langford who had asked me to write and publish a book of poetry dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ.


OPA: Did that change how or what you write? 

TONI LOVRIC: Not really... however It made me aware of the power of the word of God and how we can creatively and positively spiritually influence each other!


OPA: What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you?

TONI LOVRIC: to be honest l don't think anyone has ever asked me anything strange.


OPA:  What is your favorite poem you have ever written?

TONI LOVRIC: I have many favorite poems but l think my most favorite would have to be dedicated to my husband."You're my forever after"


OPA: Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?

TONI LOVRIC:  I hope that l have evolved and improved with my writing through practice. I have mostly written from the heart and soul with my creative imagination. I hope that it can bring joy to other people and positive encouragement.


OPA:   What has been your favorite part of being a poet or and author? What has been your least favorite?

TONI LOVRIC: My most favorite part of being a poet is that even when you think you are in your darkest hour you can pick up the pen and write with your heart and soul and find your voice. It doesn't matter if it's good or bad or wonderful but if it gets you over the edge...and releases your thoughts and has helped you in some way... then it's been worthwhile! People write for different reasons... some need to vent or make a serious point of view, others for attention, some for a creative outlet...! It really doesn't matter what other people or other poets think... because at the end of the day you should first be writing for yourself....! I don't think there is anything less favorite about being a poet really because l love to be able to freely express myself and writing is a soulful and creative outlet for myself!


OPA: Did you get to quit your day job and become a writer and/or author, or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?

TONI LOVRIC: I personally write for fun and for therapeutic reasons! I just get a lot of satisfaction in writing! I still work as an artist and graphic designer and a portrait photographer depending on the requirements! As far as l can see this is just another element and tool that l can creatively use to express and explore my thoughts feelings and imagination!


OPA:  Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?

TONI LOVRIC: I have 5 passions. Photography. Painting. Poetry. People. Prayers. Those five things constantly over lap one another and if l can throw in my family and enjoying traveling and horseback riding and living life to the fullest then that just about sums up everything!


OPA: What genre are you most looking forward to explore during your writing career? Why?

TONI LOVRIC: I enjoy free style and metaphorical but l also enjoy rhythm and looking forward to in the future combining my artwork with my poetry


OPA: Do you think literature or poetry is essential in our life? If so why? How does it relate to the general history of mankind?

TONI LOVRIC: Literature has always been an integral part of general history across the globe of humanity. It's essential to mankind in the ability to express and communicate and be able to explore and experience different levels of learning!


OPA: Our readers would like to know your own personal experience regarding the importance of literature and poetry in your life.

TONI LOVRIC: Literature has expanded my knowledge and ability to explore other avenues through various forms of communication!


OPA: Do you think people in general bother about literature in general?  Do you think this consumerist world is turning the average man away from serious literature?

TONI LOVRIC:  It depends how one chooses to view things. I hope that consumerism doesn't affect and damage humanitarian culture.


OPA: If humanity tries to understand tradition and modernism; do you think literature can play a pivotal role in obtaining understanding?  If so, how? Again, how can an individual writer relate himself or herself with the tradition and modernism?

TONI LOVRIC: Of course literature is a vital source for the ongoing development of our society and it can be encouraged through schools and the workplace through various media. As children reading books from early infancy is quite integral and an enjoyable bonding experience when parents read to their children. I have fond memories of my mother reading to me and my older sister!


OPA: Do you think society is a factor in shaping you as a poet, or your poetry altogether?

TONI LOVRIC: I believe that education was a big factor in shaping me as a creative poet even though l was not aware of it at the time! I had the resources and capacity l just needed to tap into it at a crucial time in my life!


OPA: We would like to know about any influences that has inspired your poetry and writings.

TONI LOVRIC:  My faith, my marriage, my friendships and my passions in life have been the biggest inspiration in my poetry.


OPA: We would also like to know; how do you relate the present literary trends with the literary heritage of your country? 

TONI LOVRIC: As an Australian with a European background l think that the world is overflowing and overlapping these days with the social media and internet being a bridge of all cultures! Australians are made up of various cultures and therefore there are multiple styles and trends.


OPA: Do you believe that all writers are the product of their nationality? Is it an incentive or an obstacle in becoming an international writer?

TONI LOVRIC: I don't think that my nationality has had any influence or obstacle to becoming an international writer since my first language is English and l have grown up with diverse cultures. The media is an excellent means to allow one to become an international writer.


OPA: What 7 words would you use to describe yourself?

TONI LOVRIC:  Creative, reflective, passionate, sensitive, soulful, inspiring and imaginative!


OPA:   Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?

TONI LOVRIC: I feel very honored to be interviewed and l am very grateful for this wonderful opportunity! Thank you

TONI ZVONKA LOVRIC is a Portrait photographer /Graphic Designer/Artist /Poetess 2015.   Currently runs her own wedding and portrait studio as a photographer, iDeZign Photography. Free-lances as a Photographer and Graphic Designer and currently enjoys working on commissioned oil paintings, enjoys writing creative poetry. 2014 – 2009 Commissioned to paint numerous oil paintings. 2004 Photography exhibition with various other photographers. 2003 Sole art Exhibition at the Croatian Consulate in Melbourne Australia. 2004 Art Exhibition at the Northcote Public Library Vic, Australia. 2002 - 2010 Worked as a freelance photographer for various photography wedding studios. 2001-2004 Diploma of Applied Photography College of TAFE Preston, Vic, Australia. 2002 Commissioned to paint Divine Mercy oil painting for St Francis of Assisi in Mill Park, Australia. 2001 Commissioned to paint The Last Supper for St Augustine's Catholic Church in Canberra Australia. 2000 Commissioned to paint The Holy Trinity Muriel for St Augustine's C. Toni, co – Authored and created the book covers. Divined Tender Moments. Deepest Obsession Anthology Book. Poetic Souls Anthology Book. Women Of Substance. Now United Global Sisterhood

The editorial staff of this project: Stacia Lynn Reynolds and Deborah Brooks Langford; sincerely thank you for your time and hope we shall have your continued support.

TONI LOVRIC


TONI LOVRIC

OCEAN OF LOVE

I basque in your love
Absorbing the serenity
With your oceans
of awesomeness
Completely immersed
I feel weightless
As the buoyancy
Of emerald waves
Rock my gently
To  a soulful place
Of your peaceful
tranquility
Knowing your love
Is endless
Angel Bell 😇(c) 2017





ENCHANTED DREAMS

The lapping sound
of the waves crashing
against the water edge
Lulled her soundly to sleep
Gently drifting her mind
to the magical memories
Creating a curl upon her lips
Reminiscing her childhood days
Whilst the suns rays
wisp's across the
Deep blue waves tips
Into a glistened shimmering gold
Right across the horizon
Waiting to greet
the edge of the world
Where a new day begins
to syncrematically unfold
She inhales the sea air
Her curvaceous body boyanty
Enveloped by the soft waters
velvet touch
As each wave gently caresses
against her golden sunkissed skin
Rhythmic waves
of hypnotic peacefulness
Fills Her Heart beating within
Creating A sea bed lullaby
Of the salted twinkling dew
Transforming her to a
Dancing mermaid
As her torquise tail grew
Thrilled and delighted
She swam excited
Towards the moonlight beams
Where wishes come true
Under secret rainbows
Of Enchanted dreams
Angel Bell (c) 2017





MERMAIDS KISS

Darkness fell before his eyes
The waves crashed and tossed
The sailors limp body
under the sapphire skies
Debris of the sunken ship
Floated along the shores
His solemn soul began to leave
Yet the mermaids kiss implored
To please come back to her
Alive and strong
Whilst she flapped her fin
As she Held him in her arms
All night long
Caressing his pale skin
Kissing him softly on his lips
Breathing life back into him
With her longing wish
She flapped rhythmically
As she gave her tail
One last long swish
Thus he felt
the inner strength within
he opened his eyes
Amazed as she drew him in
And swept him down bellow
To the bottom of the reef
To her hidden marine world
Where dreams come true
in neptunes kingdom of make belief
Angel Bell (c) 2017





TIME QUICKLY FLIES

Do you try to shake off
The reality
Whilst The hour glass of life
Is beginning to get full
Like a thief in the night
Has stolen yesterday
Your joy and your youth
day's turn into months
Season pass onto decades
Green leaves turning
to rusty brown
Weaving shades of greys
Plaited into your hidden tears
Slowly rolling down your cheeks
As you become aware
Your youth is
suddenly sailing away
Week by week
there is nothing you can do
Chasing clouds of yesterday
Once the spring in your feet
Lept from your heart
Bouncing to the beat
The world was yours to grab
Dreams to fulfill
Spinning the yarn of optimism
songs sung of falling
in and out of love
Desires ignite of longing
To waking up in lovers arms
Where did the years flow
Where are the days
You were once so eager to grow
Bearing the wrinkles of laughter
Deeply engraved into your skin
Yet the youth of fun and adventure
Still move rivers of youth within
You embrace the time of aging
When you see yourself
In your children's eyes
And accept the fact
How really time quickly flies
Angel Bell (c) 2017





YOU'RE MY FOREVER AFTER

I know
............loving can hurt
Rip into you sharp and hard
Tear you deeply inside
No where to run
No where to hide

I know
...........loving can burn
Scorch and scar
The best of hearts
However near, however far

I know
.............loving can test
Every emotion every vow
Humble you to your knees
Bend you down to bow

I know
............that fairytales
Are for dreamers and romantics
Which rarely do come true
But you're my happily forever after
That l'm so in love with you

Angel Bell (c) 2016
TONI LOVRIC





ALICJA KUBERSKA


ALICJA KUBERSKA

SMALL TEMPTATIONS

The lures  appear out of nowhere and weigh next to nothing.
Light and airy - they sneak quietly through life,
They are translucent, barely visible and noticeably weak.

They do not have a specific gravity of serious sins.
Quickly, in ad- hoc mode, they  justify the offenses.
They do not leave  the marks of their stay in memory
and conscience.

They abandon responsibilities, forget the dates on the calendar
They sit comfortably in a chair
and fly to the blue realm of dreams,
where  the aromas of coffee are entangled in the whiff  of the cheesecake or apple pie.

No regard for calories ,
they add cream and delicacies to the ice- cream,
They melt in the mouth the sweetness of stuffed chocolates,
In the evening they serve a glass of champagne with strawberries.

On the sunny and warm days they invite one to walk to the park
to buy from a florist  the bouquets of violets
with their last few pennies.
The blameworthy and reckless, they do not worry about finances.

Small enticements and small fibs know each other  vey well.
They together discount the extraordinary beautiful handbags, dresses and shoes.
Sometimes they occasionally purchase  the colorful
scarves and  the beads.

Innocent sins are full of irresistible charm and grace,
And as water droplets falling on stone systematically,
They crush the monolith of serious standards and steadfast rules.






THE DRAWER WITH MEMORIES

In the modern world,
full of rush and brilliant inventions,
I am a living relic of a bygone age.
I keep some strange treasures
and a sheaf of yellowed letters
inside a sentimental drawer.
I impart colours to the faded memories
and I allow the past moments to return.

Just for me
the lilacs bloom again in a long-gone garden.
The dried four-leaf clover foretells good luck.
Someone, who is no more, worries about my health.
Love spells, from many years ago, return to me
and the withered petals of red roses smell intense.

From the position of an omniscient being
I read the sentences from the old correspondence.
I carefully study the art of life
and gain respect for these by-gone events.





TREE AND I

with my body, I am near to the roots
with my thoughts, I reach the longest branches
I soar towards the sun
I caress the green canopy

the tree records years in its rings
warm-cold, dry-wet
and I record emotions on a piece of paper
sadness-joy, love-loneliness

we are dear to each other
often, I embrace its trunk
maybe it will remember the touch of my hands
rustle with memories.

ALICJA KUBERSKA



ANA-LUCRETIA NEDELCU

ANA-LUCRETIA NEDELCU

BLOOMING ORCHARDS

Sweet effusion hidden
Under blooming orchards…
It is YOU in my soul`s mirror
The one I`m looking at
Each time… every time…
The flowers go mad… and it`s so fine…
…with each glimmer occurred
…with each stimulus of my smile
Among thousands of fields and faces
With each breath of my eye`s glance
…I find YOU…
...
Amongst the sunflower yellow lawns
At sunrise when they fall into the sky
While looking up…
And into the mirror of my soul.
And here… again, they find YOU.

The fragrance of the sun
Lies in each open sunflower
With their each glimmer occurred…
And they always mirror into my eyes...
The eyes that are searching YOU
The eyes that find YOU
The eyes that are now looking at YOU
And the YOU I`m looking at… my Sun risen
Underneath blooming orchards…

©LiterAnART- 09/08/2017





IMPERIAL ENCOUNTERS

Wings of a million kisses
Arise from the petals
Of my lips.
I`m letting them go
To fly straight to you
And collapse
Onto your sweet Full Moon…
And then the cosmos
Will joyfully fall into place!
…and the Light of the Day
Will meet the Black of the Night
And travel hand in hand
…in petals glued
And stuck in magic mainland…
While their wide open wings…
Emanate the fragrance
Of an imperial encounter…
…and will speak of all things…

©LiterAnART-31/07/2017




STARS COLLIDE

we sit by the sun
we sit by the moon
we enjoy the sunrise
and bath in the sunset
we enchant each other
in words and many other...
lovely encounters...
your whispers are so warm
like the sand tickling the skin
your voice is the chant of the universe
...
we`re like two stars in collision
attached to the earth
and still poetizing in the clouds
the verses of a cosmic bound
...
there`s no love
more pure than ours,
my darling,
thank you in million ways
...for this story
...so charming

©LiterAnART-28/07/2017




EXPANDED

The thought of you
Thunders the earth I step on
The mountains speak to me out loud
Along with the oceans…
That roar at your precious kiss
On my blushing cheeks...
One by one, stars collide
Onto the earth I step on
And they grow trees…
Expanding their roots
Into my very heart…
They speak of love…and its chart.

The thought of you
Sends thunders
Way `till my very soul
Where he starts to grow…again and again
Expand from the flow of your vibe…

Million hearts are born
From the thought of you
With one heart our own…
That`s so beautifully true…

©LiterAnART -10/03/2017





TEARS OF JOY

At daybreak
I woke up in tears of joy…
Falling upon my cheeks…
Once again
I got overwhelmed
By this Love…
The bliss of its wild scent
The genuine of its childish play
The maturity of its evolution
Its incredible…
At daybreak
I woke up in tears of joy…
You were there…

©
LiterAnART-05/03/2017
ANA-LUCRETIA NEDELCU

ANA (PEN NAME LITERANART) is from Ploiesti city, Romania country. Her native language is Romanian. She has been writing for ten years and she has widely published in her country and abroad, having multiple international collaborations. She is a writer, poetess, journalist, researcher, book editor and translator. She also teaches creative writing workshops and represents the World Poetry Canada association in her country. Together with the association, she is about to publish the textbook “Creative writing 10”- a series of workshops dedicated to literary and journalistic creation and implemented in her country of origin in 2016.