Invitation to Poetry
Allan Briesmaster is a literary editor and publisher. He has been active in the Toronto poetry community for over 20 years, and is a member of several writers' groups, including the League of Canadian Poets. His most recent book of poetry, Confluences, is published by Seraphim Editions.
Allan explained why the poems were selected. "All five of the poems I have selected moved and touched me. Each, in its own special way, engages the music and rhythm of language as only good poetry can, to express thoughts and feelings that are otherwise inexpressible. Each shows the capacity of this art form to be affirming, energizing, and enabling, and to connect one heart with another. Each has the right shape and size, and tone of voice, for its subject - an achievement worthy of commendation."
Scarlet Tote
Margaret Code
Her use was to fill her days
mystery, biography, history
together, she and her son
would ferry a carry-all.
Book bulging
back to the library
for another fill
sustenance for the week ahead.
But the hands on the clock of life
have rotated past her hour and
the scarlet tote slumps against
the wheel of her empty chair.
Today her son meditates
on sides creased as first her face,
now his, corners worn like hands
strap-handles limp as were her legs.
He recalls red oilcloth walls stretched
to embrace the awkward shapes of larger tomes
the way a mother holds a son
who's strayed or failed her.
Pictures the scarlet tote before
its fade - bridge, upright, brimful
with images from around the globe
tales of struggle, hope, pain, love.
The Second
Marcia Cummings
Please, give me back the second!
The second it takes to hear the traffic move at the beginning of a cycle -
why should I trust you more than traffic patterns?
The second it takes to hear where the nearest subway door is -
yes, I can hear them open and would rather make my own choice!
The second it takes to verify the direction of an escalator -
there is a convenient way to do this - it's not rocket science!
The second it takes to find the beginning of a staircase -
that's what my white cane is for!
The second it takes to turn around after passing that landmark -
then again, maybe I was enjoying the walk!
The second it takes to find the door -
it's often easier if I open my own doors - then I know where the door actually is!
The second it takes to avoid your groping hands -
I often wish I could return the favour and grope you, too!
The second it takes to avoid the probing questions -
just why do you need to know where I am going?
The second it takes to be independent -
unless that's too much to ask?
One Way
Brandon W. Hahn
Love is not a two way street
The only way for now actually has that sign.
It's always black and white
One Way
I crawl down that road
Paved. Construction. Pylons. Potholes.
Your way wasn't this detour
A detour that leads to the unknown
Your way seems cleaner. Polished.
One Way this street of Heart
One Way this Love for you. Us. The memory of a former we.
Help from strangers the Roadside Assistance
Love's one road. One lane
Love is a test
It doesn't have to Love you back
As long as you know that
The meaning of Love as a union that doesn't fade
Doesn't fade with the depth of rejection
Make your love deep but harmless
And
Enjoy the scenery and always smile at the pit stops
Sometimes a lonely haul but never separate for we all must take this road
At some point or another.
I Can Dance!
Rebecca Beayni
Me dance?
Me?
Who, me?
Yes...
Freely, whirling, with grace.
And a teacher too
Teacher of life
Teacher of joy
Spreading laughter in the midst of
Bombs clashing and words which strike us.
Advocate of strong will and continued hope.
I am a voice
Sometimes fun, silly
Sometimes certain, firm
Working for justice
Working for peace.
A strong spirit, a woman of faith.
I live my faith
I dance it.
And I dance...
I dance for joy in life's gifts
I dance in sorrow for friends lost.
I am a friend
The bonds I make are rooted
Deep within.
These bonds weaving a web,
a network,
a heart network.
I am a connector
Bringing people together
Bringing people to encounter
A way of just being
People transforming
Ideas
Bodies
Hearts
When I dance
Yes
I dance.
Epilepsy (The Fight)
Lazzelle Gelias
As I sit all alone in a hospital room,
Wondering if my life has been doomed ...
Robbed by this illness, that has shattered my head,
Saying to myself "I'd be better off dead".
Asking, "Why has this happened to me?
Still growing in life, now cut down like a tree."
Looking to my father in heaven above,
Praying for help, guidance and love.
Then ... what do my eyes suddenly see,
A vision of others, much worse off than me.
Suffering in pain, sorrow and grief,
Fighting to survive everyday of the week.
"How can they do that," I say to myself
As I watched them return back to life itself.
Still sitting alone in a hospital room,
Still praying for God to answer me soon.
Then realized that he just did,
He sent me a message of how not to give in.
He showed me to be grateful indeed,
Because life is too short to complain of ones needs.
To enjoy what he gave me and be thankful instead,
There are others worse off and are reaching their end.
So, I've learned never to give up on this fight,
By this illness I've claimed to have shattered my life.
Instead, it has opened my eyes wider to see,
The true beauty I still have deep down inside me.
Theo Selles, Master of Ceremonies
Theo Selles is the president and owner of Integrity Works, a service dedicated to helping organizations develop inspired teams through living values. Theo earned his Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Guelph University in 1993, and has close to 20 years of clinical experience offering counselling and support to people and their families. His professional career includes a specific focus on offering management and leadership consultation in the areas of team building, values development, conflict resolution, and work place harassment prevention.
Theo is the former Director of Community Development and Family Services for Epilepsy Toronto. It was during that time that he particularly became passionate about advocating for people with disabilities. Theo is a strong promoter of equal rights and inclusion and an avid believer in celebrating diversity.
