Indie Shine – Ranjeeta Nath Ghai

In our February edition of Indie Shine, a place for @rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome poet Ranjeeta Nath Ghai.

Bio:

©Ranjeeta Nath Ghai used with permission

Born to a Gujarati mother, Assamese father in MH Agra Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, brought up in New Delhi and married to a Punjabi… I have a rich cultural background. “Mann Ki आरज़ू” is my debut attempt at publishing a few of my poems which I have been writing since 1985 to date. Being an army BRAT(Born Raised And Transferred) and Army Officer’s wife I have had the golden opportunity denied to many(and mine by birth)… to have covered the length and breadth of India, and seeing it in its splendor. Hardly have I ever lived in any state for more than a period of 2 years. Giving up my promising career as a graphic designer I build a parallel career as an educationist, to spend more time with my expanding family. My life has been enriched by my seven furry buddies who with their unconditional love have always been a de-stressing factor of my life teaching me to value and love all HIS creations unconditionally. From being a daughter to being a mother, from a caregiver to being loved back in return, being a friend and having friends worth dying for, life has come a full circle. “Life has treated me good and God has been kind to me. Looking back today I feel no regret as I have lived and celebrated each moment of my life with passion, on my own terms and conditions.” You can follow her blog: http://atrangizindagieksafar.wordpress.com

Q & A:

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I am a mentor. Teaching is my passion and I love to express my feelings through poetry.

Tell us about your most recent work

My most recent work is a collection of poems of the past 35 years called Mann Ki Aarzoo, an Amalgamation of Sentiments. It is my maiden venture in book publishing.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by LIFE. what i see, how i perceive, and what goes on around me… all are converted into poems.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

My best is yet to come… but for beginners… its my book Mann Ki Aarzoo

What is your motto in life?

Live and let life

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

My wildest dream would be my books breaking all records.

What is your favorite quote?

It is a Bengali quote by Rabindranath Tagore:

“Jodi tor daak shune keu na aashe tobe ekla cholo re. Ekla cholo ekla cholo ekla cholo ekla cholo re.” (“IF THEY ANSWER not to thy call walk alone, If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall, O thou of evil luck, Open thy mind and speak out alone.”)

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

When it is all said and done, I want to be remembered for standing up for truth and justice; be it towards humans or animals.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

My next book will be Chandramauli, A Ray of Hope. It should be available by April 2018.

Where can fans purchase your work?

It’s available on Notion Press, Amazon.in, Amazon.UK., Flipkart… all you have to do is type the name 🙂 For US Amazon Click Here.

There you have it Lovies. I hope you will not only purchase Ranjeeta’s inspirational poetry, but also follow her on social media.

Social Media Links:

Ranjeeta and her Mother at the World Book Fair

Twitter: @ghainath

Facebook: ranjeetanath.ghai

Blog: atrangizindagieksafar 

 

Wise Words Wednesday – Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was a man of few minced words. He was well known in the Harlem Renaissance for speaking his mind. This poem he wrote in 1935 is no exception. They say what is old is new again. I’ll let you make the determination:

Let America Be America Again

Langston Hughes, 1902 – 1967

Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.

(America never was America to me.)

Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed—
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
That any man be crushed by one above.

(It never was America to me.)

O, let my land be a land where Liberty
Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,
But opportunity is real, and life is free,
Equality is in the air we breathe.

(There’s never been equality for me,
Nor freedom in this “homeland of the free.”)

Say, who are you that mumbles in the dark? 
And who are you that draws your veil across the stars?

I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,
I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars.
I am the red man driven from the land,
I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek—
And finding only the same old stupid plan
Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.

I am the young man, full of strength and hope,
Tangled in that ancient endless chain
Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land!
Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need!
Of work the men! Of take the pay!
Of owning everything for one’s own greed!

I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil.
I am the worker sold to the machine.
I am the Negro, servant to you all.
I am the people, humble, hungry, mean—
Hungry yet today despite the dream.
Beaten yet today—O, Pioneers!
I am the man who never got ahead,
The poorest worker bartered through the years.

Yet I’m the one who dreamt our basic dream
In the Old World while still a serf of kings,
Who dreamt a dream so strong, so brave, so true,
That even yet its mighty daring sings
In every brick and stone, in every furrow turned
That’s made America the land it has become.
O, I’m the man who sailed those early seas
In search of what I meant to be my home—
For I’m the one who left dark Ireland’s shore,
And Poland’s plain, and England’s grassy lea,
And torn from Black Africa’s strand I came
To build a “homeland of the free.”

The free?

Who said the free?  Not me?
Surely not me?  The millions on relief today?
The millions shot down when we strike?
The millions who have nothing for our pay?
For all the dreams we’ve dreamed
And all the songs we’ve sung
And all the hopes we’ve held
And all the flags we’ve hung,
The millions who have nothing for our pay—
Except the dream that’s almost dead today.

O, let America be America again—
The land that never has been yet—
And yet must be—the land where every man is free.
The land that’s mine—the poor man’s, Indian’s, Negro’s, ME—
Who made America,
Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain,
Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain,
Must bring back our mighty dream again.

Sure, call me any ugly name you choose—
The steel of freedom does not stain.
From those who live like leeches on the people’s lives,
We must take back our land again,
America!

O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath—
America will be!

Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death,
The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies,
We, the people, must redeem
The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.
The mountains and the endless plain—
All, all the stretch of these great green states—
And make America again!

Indie Shine – LaDonna Marie

In our premier edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome International Award winning poet, LaDonna Marie!

Bio:

© LaDonna Marie – Used with Permission

Hailed by American and European literary review experts as one the greatest up and coming act provoking writers, is LaDonna Marie. The literary artist is an award-winning, international and best-selling author. She also is a motivational speaker and founder of Planting Positive Seeds. Having earned some of the industry’s most glowing reviews, the critically acclaimed writer will be the first to tell you that she traveled a long way to the remarkable destination she now enjoys. LaDonna published her first poem in an anthology, “Whispers with The League of American Poets,” in 2007, and went on to self-publish her freshman book, “Expressions of the Mind, Body & Soul,” three years later. Without any effort on her part, she was recognized and received a Certificate of Congratulations from Congressman Bennie Thompson, 2nd district of Mississippi. There’s nothing minimalist about her accomplishments which include wide-ranging collaborations and associations ranging from a U. S. Representative, to Australia, London, South Africa, and Italy hosts. In addition to her extraordinary and unprecedented impact upon the literary industry, she’s also a vibrant keynote and motivational speaker for several youth groups. LaDonna has a penchant for inspiring entrepreneurs, children, artists, writers and politicians, alike. The world-renowned writer can be inspirational and melancholy. At one moment she’s vulnerable; the next, she’s conveying a display of empowerment. Her astonishing talent and proverbial delivery paints portraits in vivid detail for secular and spiritual audiences alike. LaDonna Marie says that “Becoming a writer and my love for words are my passions and greatest gifts from God. They franhelp me maintain a humble spirit.” She loves creating an atmosphere for learning and growth. She’s often quoted by a variety of publications such as The Glory Journal, ASU Alumni Magazine, and Sibella Poetry Magazine. Her book titles such as, “Until Tomorrow Comes,” “Lessons: Shattered Pieces Being Restored 2014,” and “Quiet Moments with God,” and have all yielded world-wide attention. She is the recipient of more than a dozen awards including a 2012, Humanitarian Award, and the 2014 DJ Gatsby Book Club Literary Award in Poetry. LaDonna Marie received her B. A., in Social Work from Alcorn State University in 2005. She earned a M. S., in Counseling Studies from Capella University; and a M. A., from South University in Professional Counseling, respectively. In addition to consulting, Marie delivers keynotes, trainings, writer insights, networking and strategy sessions. Her book titles are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. “Until Tomorrow Comes” received a Five Star Literary Book Review from Readers’ Favorite, and a Four Star Professional Literary Book award from Red City Review. Originally from Mississippi, she now makes her home in Georgia with her two wonderful children Landon and Lathan Cook. For additional information including features on the author, visit www.ladonnamarie.org

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I am an Award winning Inspirational Author, Writer and Poet. I have been writing all my life to help to empower and uplift others along the path. My books help to meet individuals where they are and encourage them to keep moving forward. When God gave me the gift, his charge to me was to help to heal others as he healed me. From that day forward that has been my purpose, mission and writing my passion.

Tell us about your most recent work

My most recent poetry book is Lessons II: Mirror Conversations. A poetic tale of the life of Abby, as she discusses her love, life, and her journey in front of the mirror. The book entails a closer look at how Abby faces the giants in her life and overcomes through awareness and restoration.

Who inspires you?

God and also the late Dr. Maya Angelou. God has helped me to find inspiration in all of my life experiences. These life lessons have turned into writings that heal the heart and nurture the soul.

What do you consider your

“Masterpiece” at this time? 

I consider all of my poetry books and devotionals a Masterpiece. I believe each book serves a purpose and were set out to come out at the right time. Each work provides healing, awareness, growth , resiliency , and restoration needed to be able to continue the journey in life.

What is your motto in life?

Think positive, and positive things will happen.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

My wildest dream is to win a Pulitzer prize and the Nobel Prize in literature.

What is your favorite quote?

“Determination, Dedication, and hard-work will feed life into your dreams”

~ LaDonna M. Cook

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

When it is all said and done, I would like to be known as the person who contributed to  society by Empowering others to be the best version of themselves through my writings.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

My next project will be a children’s book ‘Larry the Alligator Make Friends’. The book should be available before the end of January. (fingers crossed)

Where can fans purchase your work?

My work is available on Amazon.com. (Click Here to purchase.)

They can also stop by my website www.ladonnamarie.org for autographed books.

There you have it Lovies. I hope you will not only purchase LaDonna’s inspirational poetry, but also follow her on social media.

Social Media Contact Information:

© LaDonna Marie Used with Permission

Facebook Fan page https://www.facebook.com/LaDonnaMC/

Twitter www.twitter.com/lmb_poetry

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8058344.LaDonna_Marie

Google + https://plus.google.com/103059141752294431903

Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/lmb_poetry

YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/user/Dajaze1lmc 

The Stella Spring Giveaway Starts Today!

Today’s The Day! The Stella Spring Giveaway is Under Way! So …..I have a surprise. I told you we were starting this exciting Spring Giveaway and that there will be 3 winners. What I didn’t tell you is that I have thrown in another prize! 2nd and 3rd Place winners will receive The Stella Trilogy […]

https://thepbsblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/the-stella-spring-giveaway-starts-today/

Love Poems Challenge Week #4 – Undying Love

© 2015 Lisa W. Tetting

Dance with me,

In the middle of the street,

In the pouring rain.

Whisper in my ear,

Those hidden fears

You want nobody else to know,

Your deepest, darkest secrets.

Walk up behind me,

Put your arms around my waist,

Kiss my neck

With warm breath lingering.

Look into my eyes,

Show me your soul,

Reveal your insecurities.

Take my hand,

Promise to never leave me,

Make me feel safe with you.

Tell me the truth

Don’t ever lie

Even when I don’t want to hear it.

Be true to yourself,

Show me the real you,

Don’t try to be anyone else.

When you complete these tasks…

Come to me,

I will LOVE you forever

And will reciprocate

In all you have done for me.

I will lift you up

And support you

In everything you do

Because you have earned my undying

LOVE!

© 2015 Lisa W. Tetting

Love Poems Challenge Wk 3 – Reunited Souls

The day you walked into my store
Was a day I can’t forget
You see…
I knew we knew each other;
We were as familiar as you can get.

Your shy smile and adorable face
Told me God had sent you to me
And by His grace…
We found each other once again.

Our souls recognized each other
You see we… Knew one another in the past Long before that day in another place and time,
But somehow we did not last…
But God sent you back to me.

When we spoke you finished my sentences
And I finished yours
You see we…
Vibed off of each other’s spirit
I knew you to the core.

I disregarded your mild stutter and
Did not see the color of your skin.
SO I defied my upbringing and
Decided to let you in.

Your soul spoke to mine
In a language I have never known
Yet it…
Sounded so familiar that
My soul responded in its own tone.

Time and space may have separated us
But the yearning was too strong
For me to…
Live another lifetime without you
Because with you is where I belong.

So I look into your eyes
That change from blue to green with flecks of brown
And I…
Was told they only do that when I am around
So you only have eyes for me!
When you kiss me, my heart
Hemorrhages a love song
And I….
Know how grateful I am
That you came along.

I know one day we’ll
Have to say goodbye
And I…
Know it will hurt like hell
When one of us dies.
But know we will find each other next lifetime!

© 2015 Lisa W. Tetting

Love Poems Challenge Week #3

Happy Friday! It’s week 3 in our Love Poem Challenge here on Rebirthoflisa. For those who missed the first two weeks, we are celebrating National Poetry Month by sharing Love Poems! I chose this theme to work in conjunction with my One Word Challenge for the year. To participate, simply compose a LOVE Poem, create a post and ping back to my weekly post. You also need to use #Rebirthpoems.

Take a look at poems submitted from last week:

My entry on Rebirthoflisa

Ladyleemanila

Pearls Before Swine

Feel free to join the challenge!

Love Poems Challenge – Zora’s Blues

I wrote this poem with the protagonist from my novel, The Mistreatment of Zora Langston in mind. It’s called “Zora’s Blues”

Zora’s Blues
By Lisa W. Tetting

I love you but I don’t dare
Take you in my arms and tell you I care
But that’s what I want more than anything
Every time I see you, my heart sings. (but I turn your stomach)

You look at me with ice cold eyes
Sometimes I wish you’d tell me lies
Say you love me and never let me go
These precious words I will never know. (because you hate me)

But I love you more each day
Just tell me what to do or say
To make you love me back
And stop treating me like a welcome mat? (but you enjoy it)

You gave birth to me so I don’t know why
Every time you see me you make me cry
I try my best to no avail
I feel like I’m living in Hell. (because I really am)

“Why Don’t You Love Me” is my theme song
I often wonder why we can’t get along
Moms are supposed to value their daughters
My only love came from my father (and you killed him)

I cry for him and I long for you
What’s a nine year old child to do?
When Daddy’s dead and Mommy is the killer
And she beats me like Ali in Manila (but I will survive)

So Mommy I pray you will change
Just think of all the LOVE you’ll gain
Stop beating me and hug me tight
I need to know everything will be alright. (because it will)

Don’t turn your back and walk away
It’s not to late to change today
Just say the thing I most want you to
And that is simply I LOVE YOU! (and God will fix us)

A Special Thanks to Pearls Before Swine for sharing her wonderful tribute to her husband for last week’s challenge. If you missed it listen to it here.

Want to join the fun? Click the pic below to see how it’s done:

LOVE Poems Challenge – I LOVE It

Here is my first contribution to my LOVE Poem Challenge. I hope you enjoy…

Want to join the fun? Click the pic below to see how it’s done:

The Dance

Eyes Watching Me Dance
Hands Touching Me All Over
Bodies Moving Close!