Devour: Art & Lit Canada - Issue 9 - Panku Special Issue #4

Devour: Art & Lit Canada is dedicated to the Canadian voice.

www.HiddenBrookPress.com

ISSN 2561-1321 Issue 009

Devour Art & Lit Canada

Find some of Canada’s finest authors, photographers and artists featured in every issue.

The front cover is a detail of this photograph by Ann Di Nardo

The mission of Devour Art and Lit Canada is to promote the Canadian art world by bringing world-wide readers some of the best Canadian literature, art and photography.

ISSN 2561-1321 Special Issue 009 September 2020 Devour: Art and Lit Canada 5 Greystone Walk Drive Unit 408 Toronto, Ontario M1K 5J5

DevourArtAndLitCanada@gmail.com Cover Photograph – Ann Di Nardo

Editor-in-Chief – Richard M. Grove Layout and Design – Richard M. Grove

This is the 4th and last of the special Panku issues for The Poetry Pandemic Project.

We have had a lot of fun with this project. As you will remember for this project the name “Panku” comes from a cross between the words “Pandemic” and “Haiku” = Panku. It is meant to be a humourous play on words. In these strange pandemic days, I thought it was time that we lighten the mood a bit so I s t a r t e d “The Poetry Pandemic Project”. We hope you find them uplifting, fun, light, amusing, pandemic poems in the form of Panku.

Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

Devour Content Special Feature Profiles: – Photographer – (all photographs) – Ann Di Nardo – List of Authors – p. 8 – An Intro from the Editor‐in‐chief – p. 11 – An Intro from Keith Inman – p. 14 – Panku Poems – p. 19 – Three new HBP books, all part of the John B. Lee Signature Series and a new John B. Lee book. – p. 108 – Photographer, Anna Di Nardo, Bio – p. 131 In this special issue we have more countries represented than ever before.

16 Countries Argentina Australia Austria Canada

China Cuba Germany Gran Canaria-Islas Canarias India Ireland

Israel Peru Philippines Romania UK USA

Devo ur : Ar t and L i t C anada www.HiddenBrookPress.com

48 Authors in this Special Issue: – Agustin Delgado Santana – Gran Canaria‐Islas Canarias – Aju Mukhopadhyay – Pondicherry, India – Albert Russo – Tel Aviv, Israel – Alexander Raju – Kerala, India – Anna Keiko – Shanghai, China – April Bulmer – Ontario, Canada – Carl Schwartz – California, United States – Christian Loid Valenzuela – Olongapo City, Philippines – Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello – Trelew ‐Chubut. Argentina – D. C. Chambial – Himachal Pradesh, India – Daniela Kozak – Ontario, Canada – Danilo Dinoy ‐ Zamboanga City, Philippines – Diana Leyva – Vienna, Austria – Donna Wootton – Ontario, Canada – Dr Pragya suman – Bihar, India – Ed Woods – Ontario, Canada – Elizabeth Hill – Ontario, Canada – Frank Joussen – North‐Rhine Westphalia, Germany – Giti Tyagi – Karnal, India – Hal C Clark – Texas, USA – Henry Beissel – Ottawa, Canada – Jim Landwehr – Wisconsin, USA – John B. Lee – Ontario, Canada – Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández ‐ Cuba

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– K.V. Skene – Ontario, Canada – Keith Inman – Ontario, Canada – Laura Swart – Alberta, Canada – Lisa Hazelwood – Ontario, Canada – Loa Winter – New Hampshire, USA – Manuel Malaver – Lima, Peru – Marius Chelaru, Romania – Mark Tovey – Ontario, Canada – Miguel Ángel Olivé Iglesias – Holguín, Cuba – Miriam Vera – Holguin, Cuba – Nicola Wilson – Edinburgh, Scotland, UK – Nicole Joyce Teves – Zamboanga City, Philippines – Novelette Burke – Ontario, Canada – Nuard Tadevosyan – Ontario, Canada – Olive Murray Power – Wicklow, Ireland – Pat Connors – Ontario, Canada – Paul Sanderson – Ontario, Canada – Raeesa Usmani – Gujarat, India – Raul Vera – Havana‐Cuba – Richard Stevenson – BC, Canada – Shireen Huq – Bangladesh – Stefanie Bennett – Sydney, Australia – Syed Ali Hamid – Uttarakhand, India – Teresa Hall – Ontario, Canada

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Dear Pandemic Survivors, Panku Writers and Readers: One of the wonderful things that has come out of this four issue Poetry Pandemic Project is that we poets have reached around the world like any pandemic should and touched the hearts of so many people. I have almost lost track of how many countries have sent submissions or how many countries have read the poems but it is in the dozens. One of the many countries that we have heard from is India. The award winning poet Aju Mukhopadhyay sent me this Panku: rolled balls of fear the scaly pangolin man’s covid victim hides behind anthills The reason that I am sharing this particular Panku in the preface of the magazine is because I found it so interesting after I finally understood the context of what a Pangolin is. Here in North America we don’t have any Pangolin, a scaly anteater that roles into a ball, so I had to do the famous Google search. Then after a comment from the author I discovered that not only was the bat being blamed for the start of the covid virus and its jump to humans but also the Pangolin was sharing the blamed. Hence it was the victim of man. The poet was brilliant in telling us that the Pangolin was hiding behind the anthill a place where it would normally plunder for its whip�tongue dinner. It

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would have been too easy for a reader to dismiss an excel‐ lent poem simply because they do not know all of the facts. So I hope you enjoyed it and learned something at the same time.

The Ups and Downs of Covid Two months ago five of us congregated in the mirrored elevator smiling about keeping our six foot distance now only two allowed in at one time.

Some smile and ignore jumping in before door closes Some, masked and holding their breathe all the way to the twentieth floor.

Masked, I got on with a masked woman She gasped off before the door could close.

I have no idea who she was.

Today is a glorious day of spring‐warm sun. I stand under brilliant sky on city pavement drinking in the cordiality of social distancing – a long line – on my way into the Bulk Barn, chatting for twenty very short minutes with strangers, basking in the 19oc morning sun hoping summer will stick until December. We lament that we are allowed to stand on the sterile warm pavement, lean on the painted steel post but they have closed the Cobourg beech to all. No one in our wildest imaginations can fathom why they don’t open the gate to 100 at a time. I jokingly said, well of course you can’t enter a quiet beech area because the

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covid is actually alive and hiding under the sand and it will leap into your lap and suck your blood like a fang‐toothed vampire. I told my new covid‐companion that I live in Presqu’ile Provincial Park – in the resi‐ dential area that backs on to the park and yes they had closed the park for a couple of months in the name of fear. Another person said they have closed Sandbanks Provincial Park at the same time – they are both open now – thank heavens. My sarcastic reply said – Well of course, the covid hangs in the trees and lives in the sand and has been waiting all winter for you to take off your shoes and press your toes into the warm sand of dread and infect you with the worst case of anxiety that you have ever had. The tree virus won’t kill you, it will just make you so fearful that you will wish you were dead.

Don’t get me wrong. I keep my six foot distance, I wear my mask and sanitize my hands when entering a store. I stay on the city pavement where apparently there is no covid lurking in trimmed bushes like the wilds of a provincial park. It is not likely that a stranger, if I did happen to come across one on the path in the Provincial Park, would leap out and hug me and kiss me on the mouth. I am more afraid of the bank teller handing me cash than I am of a fellow nature lover walking the trails.

A Panku Email to Friends: We are well and safe.

I trust you are not hugging strangers in the streets.

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Are they still painting white circles on the grass? Are you supposed to use or not use the space in the white circle?

Hmmmm if a covid infected person was using the circle just before you should you use that circle or not. Hmmmm they keep telling us to disinfect. I didn’t see anyone disinfect the grass after that family vacated. They disinfected the grocery cart before I used it – or at least they sometimes do. They still won’t let me use the change room at Walmart.

Maybe they have installed an underground disinfection system in the park for covid stained grass.

Social Distancing Gone Crazy Please stay within the white circles on what might be covid stained grass There is a new type of detritus strewn across our land‐ scape. The mask, lost, forgotten, thrown, blown, discarded, escaped from your pocket, flown on a breeze as it hug from one ear as you gasped for cool air to surround you paleing face that gets only glimpses of sun. My smile is almost as pale as the Birkenstock stripes across the rise of my foot.

Even with a mask your eyes never lie your furrowed brow even your mask tethered ears will tell the truth We hope you enjoyed this Poetry Pandemic Project – all four of the special Panku issues. We hope you pass the word far and wide to your family, friends and lit lovers.

All the best, Richard M. Grove / Tai Editor‐in‐chief

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Keith Inman – Ontario, Canada Panku You: Panku are fun to write. I’m glad Tai requested a humorous side to these little reflections that make me think of washed glass on a beach. They’re so enjoyable to pick up and marvel at. Their wave‐worn edges; bright remnants in the palm of the hand like shards of remembered dreams.

Turn them over. Read them. Toss them back into the inter‐ net sea, to shine under its sparkling surface.

That’s how we will remember this pandemic, too, no matter what it’s called. The last one, which started in Kansas, ended up being named after the country that provided the cure: The Spanish Flu. I hope that doesn’t hamper any government with the roll out of a new vaccine…not wanting that curse.

It was brilliant, though, to not name the place of origin of the 1918 pandemic. Who wants that stigma? Toronto surely didn’t with SARS, even though it didn’t start there.

Wuhan seems to be bouncing back just fine with their massive pool parties. Nobody wants to be remembered for some‐ thing as bad as a pandemic. I mean, the only thing I really know about Kansas from the Flu era was a great catastrophe of unexplained wind that took Dorothy and Todo on a wild journey of death and perseverance to a land of Oz and back. I have no idea if that was planned; the story telling.

If it was, it was brilliant. Besides, how do we know where and how these events start. Is it lifestyle? I don’t think so.

Not entirely, at least. Most societies have literature about these super natural events. One of the most famous

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represented in Albert Camus ‘Plague’. There is the biblical story of Egypt, which to some extent coincided with natural events in earth history (both volcanic and tidal). Lesser known were small occasions of whole villages being wiped out; native tribes in Niagara via drinking water; the Inca just before the Conquistadors arrived; to name a few.

But coming back to the last bout that ravaged our grand‐ parents one hundred years ago, think of what the era after that tragedy was called? It wasn’t the ‘boring’ twenties.

Many things roared back. Perhaps our post Covid decade will do the same. We can call it the ‘Soaring Twenties’.

Though much will depend on the world populace and their Democracies and Mocrocies, Communities and Tyrannies, Tsarships and Apprenticeships. After all, it won’t be world leaders who will solve this. They’re more like sale items a store can’t get rid of, or a monument or mausoleum. They fade and crumble in time. Society is what endures.

Anyhoot, if you’re worried about what will happen in the immediate future, look to the resilience of youth. They will be eager to get things going again. While the rest of us can be there to help out, guide and encourage them with strength, knowledge and experi‐ ence. We will survive, and thrive. Write about it. Tell the story. Paint a picture with words. yours truly, ki Keith Inman

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Shireen Huq Bangladesh

New Normal Sundrenched heat outside, inside, a Newborn wails hard born in a New World

Anna Keiko Singapore, China

our poetry can open the small window, let the beauty and the wind blow in

Miriam Vera Holguin, Cuba

All dressed up I take a picture of myself and sit on the porch

Jorge Alberto PĂŠrez HernĂĄndez Gibara, Cuba

Lovers sitting in passionate silence close their eyes their lips meet tenderly disobeying distancing rules

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Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

God protects us Together everything is possible We are the word.

April Bulmer Ontario, Canada

Women of the cloth pray: Planet anointed Bandaged as moon: God salves her every wound.

Ed Woods Ontario Canada

I had it all employment and great debt now isolated time and cash to spare

Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Hugs Baby hugs mother Sweet smiles greet Tensions melt away

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Teresa Hall Ontario, Canada

Unfolding leaves outside my window remind me of other springs.

Nicole Joyce Teves Zamboanga City, Philippines

Dear future husband, Our meeting will be delayed for a while, Stay safe please.

Richard Stevenson BC, Canada

remember when safe distance meant six inches from dress seam to oor?

Laura Swart Alberta, Canada

Fog Quiet, still Will it be like this forever?

But the wind is rattling the branches.

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Shireen Huq Bangladesh

social distancing blue eyes meet black eyes over masks, across backyard, When will this space close?

Novelette Burke Ontario, Canada

This fall virtual fashion models will be donning colourful designer masks on the runway

Henry Beissel Ottawa, Canada

queue outside the butcher’s like a line of poetry: enter open‐eyed to find fulfilment inside.

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Keith Inman Ontario, Canada

RETRO MASK a thin piece of stamped tin strapped over gauze, he draws (the bat signal)

Aju Mukhopadhyay Pondicherry, India

child looks at his crumpled hands resents their repeated wash� cries

S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India.

Talking about nothing for hours, like Jean Paul Sartre, but on the cell phone.

Anna Keiko Shanghai , Chinese

If you have never been in love you can’t imagine the pain while in covid lockdown.

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Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba

Sitting at the edge of the canteen supplies aren´t sold cool are your lips.

Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Sunshine At daybreak Sunshine reflects A new beginning Light at the tunnel’s end

Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

We leave the sun like embittered lovers, waiting at her threshold in the morning.

Mark Tovey Ontario, Canada

Venus nestled in the Pleiades appreciated with binoculars on an empty street

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Frank Joussen North�Rhine Westphalia, Germany

Shutdown Dancing my wife in my arms we slowly start to dance to our teacher´s video

Ed Woods Ontario Canada

hateful virus created retrospective time viewed lack of fashion closet feel lack of ambitious goals

Shireen Huq Bangladesh

Vaccine Putin or Trump? The race is on, a vaccine, a maskless life Who promises? When?

Albert Russo Tel Aviv, Israel

he found a hand mirror and, looking at himself, got a fright

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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D. C. Chambial Himachal Pradesh, India

no honking horns, blaring ’speakers roads, highways open to animals wild thanks covid

Richard Stevenson BC, Canada

wiping down the buggies fifty shoppers at a time could gas jockeys be far behind?

Laura Swart Alberta, Canada

Balcony Songs Gongs and drums, banners and flags to honour frontline workers— Heavenly prayer bowls are filling.

Nicole Joyce Teves Zamboanga City, Philippines

tv shows goes on, My eyes on the screen, far too long Dark bags incoming.

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Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Bag‐Less Children learn comfortably at home Knowledge abundant Bag‐less schools

Loa Winter New Hampshire, USA

When this is over We will be more grateful Frugal, careful Focused and friendly

Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

The world is ours United faith Moves frontiers.

Henry Beissel Ottawa, Canada

a coronation is a joyful event we all want to go viral.

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Teresa Hall Ontario, Canada

Do you think me rude for wanting to ride the elevator, alone?

Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba

Few golden Canadian leaves dancing in the sun summer is coming despite covid lockdown.

Novelette Burke Ontario, Canada

Neither UV rays nor disinfectants has not been approved by the FDA for internal use

Jim Landwehr Wisconsin, USA

Our days were once twenty‐four hours filled with activities now, just day and night

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Shireen Huq Bangladesh

Space a bright red mask blue eyes promise paradise together across 6 feet space

Anna Keiko Shanghai , Chinese

Although the sun has risen and chased away the night I’m still waiting for the light.

If the world is my sanctuary give me a window and let in the light.

Ed Woods Ontario Canada

stuck at home too many mirrors constant chubby reection I caress youthful pictures

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Albert Russo Tel Aviv, Israel

from my window the Dead Sea never looked more alive

Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Nectar Butterflies brightly colored Fearlessly flying around Sucking nectar from flowers abound

Loa Winter New Hampshire, USA

Children of the world Will know more From the teachers Of the pandemic

Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

Truth adorns mirrors; sometimes, vague windowpanes.

Now, when she feeds me, I bite her palm.

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S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India

The mask cannot hide her beauty or my wrinkles, and hers too.

Richard Stevenson BC, Canada

Departure Bay – crow attacks an eagle chases it away

Keith Inman Ontario, Canada

WELLAND CANAL* tankers groan their empty sides against the concrete locks ~ a flight of singing whales *Spring 2020: large number of empty tankers head up the Canal.

Nicole Joyce Teves Zamboanga City, Philippines

twenty five books on pile, all these plots at once, repetitive vampires and toxic relationships.

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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K.V. Skene Ontario, Canada

Must read The Testaments’ Middlemarch ‘ ‘The Poetry Pharmacy’ ‘Don Quixote’ and ‘Surviving the 21st Century’

Miriam Vera Holguin, Cuba

A glass of wine… toasting alone to the future, and watching tv!

Frank Joussen North‐Rhine Westphalia, Germany

Corona in Venice no cruise ships galore jelly fish, whole schools of fish frolic in the lagoon

Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba

I hear the voice of your soul a different sound coming from your naked beauty.

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Laura Swart Alberta, Canada

First Responder Long line to get in but they step aside and I do my shopping unmolested.

Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

Coronavirus You will be trapped With no way out.

Aju Mukhopadhyay Pondicherry, India

child looks at his crumpled hands resents their repeated wash – cries

Elizabeth Hill Ontario, Canada

Peace in these covid times is not a brown eyed dog looking at you when you are eating.

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Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Distant Love Glances rare, hearts closer Yearning for fragrant touch Soaked in distant love

Albert Russo Tel Aviv, Israel

the city that never sleeps now only whispers lullabies reviving your childhood

Ed Woods Ontario Canada

billboard gorgeous woman met kisses intimated a dream comes true stops at 6 feet apart

Novelette Burke Ontario, Canada

The new normal for some a new concept for others a lifestyle a rude awakening

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Richard Stevenson BC, Canada

stopped for speeding cop doesn’t ask what’s the rush but are you room mates friends fined a grand each not for speeding, but for being in the same car

Carl Bernard Schwartz California, USA

Met by brisk air and plentiful signs posted for that first hour senior shopping

Henry Beissel Ottawa, Canada

If your face is a mask Air Canada will fly you anywhere.

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S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India

She sends a smiley I send four including a heart Daring, in lock�down.

Nicole Joyce Teves Zamboanga City, Philippines

A new assignment incoming, Motivation hunting, Deadline is coming I should cram and cry.

Aju Mukhopadhyay Pondicherry, India

bats watch human activities, alarmed – hang as usual

Teresa Hall Ontario Canada

Are you smiling beneath your mask?

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Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Walls Lines not to be crossed Walls not to be scaled Safety ensured, vision unmasked

Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

My nose lies buried in your second‐hand scent, your hand‐me‐down sweat.

Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba

The our world is slowly coming alive the wind moves like a horse the voice of people around.

Loa Winter New Hampshire, USA

Caregivers are our heroes Teaching us their education Sacrifices, humor, stamina, Focus on unselfish dedication

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Paul Sanderson Ontario, Canada

In the car driving alone at night to get away from the madness

Albert Russo Tel Aviv, Israel

cocorico, as the French say, co�co�co, corona ouste !

Keith Inman Ontario, Canada

in a pandemic we are all rookies ~ lacing up

Laura Swart Alberta, Canada

diversion we constructed a backyard zipline we ride suspended between present and future

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Jim Landwehr Wisconsin, USA

It used to be when I walked I avoided encountering other walkers now it’s acceptable

Richard Stevenson BC, Canada

shopping in Safeway a masked customer barks, “you’re going the wrong way!

S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India

Let’s write sanitized poems, free of passion.

Boiled words, no chance of infection.

Mark Tovey Ontario, Canada

Reading a novel ‘til dawn book‐lagged but happy

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Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

Together Men share intelligence There will be a vaccine.

Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Hopscotch Albums out of closets Childhood memories, games revived Children busy playing hopscotch

Carl Bernard Schwartz California, USA

Restore those sagging lipstick sales paint one on mask maybe that will catch on

Novelette Burke Ontario, Canada

Best to stay clear of me until further notice For spit sake keep your distance

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Nicole Joyce Teves Zamboanga City, Philippines

human interaction I once hated, now became a thirst, I need an interaction not e‐nteraction.

Henry Beissel Ottawa, Canada

If foot‐washing is an act of humility, is hand‐washing an act of pride?

Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

Feed each other books, minds growing fat in eager decadence.

Shelves fill your walls.

Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba

Swirls and foam cover ancient rocks in this luminous water palace where no covid lurks.

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Marius Chelaru Romania

Lockdown 1 a flock of red flowers singing about love – my first dream of the day Lockdown 2 your shoes full of red flowers ‐ the bird of the happiness Lockdown 3 wonderful summer day and no man – the stones are running crying on the empty streets

Miriam Vera Holguin, Cuba

Real heroes now doctors, nurses… those who fight for life!

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Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Self Life coming to a halt Time to contemplate Reaching to the inner self

Ed Woods Ontario Canada

my ďŹ rst emergency cheque credited to my account cash to spend favorite places closed

Laura Swart Alberta, Canada

Cup of Joy Chef passes fettuccine through an open window then turns, takes a long drink. It’s working.

Aju Mukhopadhyay Pondicherry, India

man, a master of treachery defeats corona virus

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Richard Stevenson BC, Canada

think of the gas we’re not burning while parking our butts and flattening the curve

Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia

Going forward: written by those who have never been there

Teresa Hall Ontario, Canada

The little things in life are now so important.

Frank Joussen North‐Rhine Westphalia, Germany

Casinos Shutdown leaving Las Vegas we find the true world beyond this unplugged glitter

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Albert Russo Tel Aviv, Israel

my dog, my cat and my parrot have never entertained me with such gusto

S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India

Many poems in Urdu on beautiful, veiled women Let’s write some on masked men too.

Keith Inman Ontario, Canada

the world is dark and falling into chaos; time for a Three Stooges film fest

Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

Invincible The power of love Becomes stronger.

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Nicole Joyce Teves Zamboanga City, Philippines

It’s 3am, eyes wide open, energy through the roof, at 4pm, its bedtime.

Jorge Alberto Pérez Hernández Gibara, Cuba

The raspy voice of the mountains the harsh throbbing of branches keeps the fear of covid away.

Novelette Burke Ontario, Canada

Praying and praising Washing and waiting Those Zen moments My anchor now

Paul Sanderson Canada, Ontario

More time with family more time to learn guitar, languages learning to slow down

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Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

Who needs outside with breath happy between our cavities, the hollow recesses of our bodies.

Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia

As short as life is long – the bandicoot

Ed Woods Ontario Canada

gasoline cheaper than water ďŹ nally revenge upon gouging oil cartel CEO tears nowhere to drive

Henry Beissel Ottawa, Canada

How come social distancing brings families closer together?

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Raul Vera Havana‐Cuba

In my room time stops I see stars on the ceiling

John B. Lee Ontario, Canada

the startled informer with his telescope trained on the sky steps back from the man on the moon

Dr Pragya suman Bihar, India

I seek chrysalism in Corona calamity Balzac’s Coffee.

Donna Wootton Ontario, Canada

In my new condo I cannot compost So I eat everything

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Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Nature Nature heals, breathes, smiles Safer habitats, creatures ashore Higher in the skies, eagles soar

Laura Swart Alberta, Canada

swallow nest dangling in my lilac tree just above the gate to remind me that gateways still exist

S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India

Can I y, if not go for a walk?

The bird on my windowsill invites, chirping.

Jim Landwehr Wisconsin, USA

More than ever my days are divided between coee and beer

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Albert Russo Tel Aviv, Israel

with you, corona chil’ baby, every day becomes a holiday, did we miss Easter?

Teresa Hall Ontario, Canada

How did I not see your funny, quirky ways, before those pre�corona days?

Donna Wootton Ontario, Canada

I declare internet An essential service Let the technician in

Mark Tovey Ontario, Canada

sleeping in: a pleasure best enjoyed when one is least aware of it

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Nicole Joyce Teves Zamboanga City, Philippines

I’m going out! finally, gonna interact, but 6 feet apart.

Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia

So frail. Land and sky sleep side by side

Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

At dinner‐time, my mouth against a pillow, the feathers eat my secrets.

Novelette Burke Ontario, Canada

So little time for poetry So many distractions Caught up with hobbies Indulging in aromatherapy

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Ed Woods Ontario Canada

some misfit neighbors avoided over the years now present in my space imitation smiles prevail

Henry Beissel Ottawa, Canada

Wash your hands before and after – we’ve run out of toilet‐paper.

Manuel Malaver Lima, Peru

The Amazon Free and strong Our green lung and shelter Unaffected in our lockdown

S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India

Can I go wherever my fancy takes me?

Yes, on the worldwide web.

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Paul Sanderson Canada, Ontario

Time to read poetry and books binge watch favourite TV programs

Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

Stay at home It’s the best vaccine To conquer.

Keith Inman Ontario, Canada

Marx my word brother wear the peepee‐e: big nose, fake glasses

Raeesa Usmani Gujarat, India

The starry night seemed empty to the quarantined mind struggling to move on.

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Donna Wootton Ontario, Canada

Like a dancing doll My used mask hangs On the car’s rearview mirror

Carl Bernard Schwartz California, USA

Got five aces that must be a winning hand well don’t that beat all?

Laura Swart Alberta, Canada

Metaphysics Are matter and mind like you and I never crossing parallel lines?

Miriam Vera Holguin, Cuba

My biggest new adventure… going out for fresh bread!

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Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia

Hail�stones pending wearing the world out

Aju Mukhopadhyay Pondicherry, India

she let alone her boyfriend – tested corona positive

Hal C Clark Texas, USA

stealthily she stalks me aiming her thermometer

Raeesa Usmani Gujarat, India

Eat, pray, sleep and work An interesting combination to be adapted In quarantine.

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Ed Woods Ontario Canada

squirrels pounding my window in view of breakfast fare I reply “What?” they want half

Nicole Joyce Teves Zamboanga City, Philippines

wait what I have friends? oh yeah, when everything was normal. really miss them now.

Raul Vera Havana‐Cuba I hear music around It is the sound of the Future

Albert Russo Tel Aviv, Israel

my partner cooks better, what’s more, he has discovered the art of painting

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Novelette Burke Ontario, Canada

Daily walks rain or shine salsa dancing some of the times Pilates sounds fine

Nicola Wilson Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

I listen to the bird song longing to go outside as I sit alone on my sofa

Teresa Hall Ontario, Canada

One day this will be far behind and we’ll complain again about the daily grind.

Raeesa Usmani Gujarat, India

Watching a film at 3 am offers solace To my perplexed soul When sleep refuses to embrace me.

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Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

My hand is cold in yours.

With the other, I slip haiku in your pockets.

Henry Beissel Ottawa, Canada

Covid�19 is no excuse for armed robbery.

Really. Just because you’re masked?

Jim Landwehr Wisconsin, USA

As a creative my precious mind space is wasted worrying about toilet paper

Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia

First, the caw of the crow, and there you are

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K.V. Skene Ontario, Canada

family visits will still be beautiful when we all learn to embrace virtual hugs

Hal C. Clark Texas, USA

Ever try eating a hamburger while wearing a mask?

Ed Woods Ontario Canada

isolation routine same old same old funny, it’s no different than before isolation

Aju Mukhopadhyay Pondicherry, India

gossipers aren’t sure god or man made virus – gossip spreads faster than virus

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Diana Leyva Vienna, Austria

A sea of masks modern armor thousands of heroes on the streets

S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India

First gear then reverse, for twenty meters inside the garage I imagine the highway.

Christian Loid Valenzuela Olongapo City, Philippines

Ode to Remember In this strange crisis all kneel down and all pray now— reach its ďŹ nale.

Raeesa Usmani Gujarat, India

I have been meaning to write something But the hollow silence bothers me a lot.

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Nicole Joyce Teves Zamboanga City, Philippines

It’s ironic how the tables have turned, i sleep when I hear the hen’s cockadoodle.

Laura Swart Alberta, Canada

old man in a hospital bed the earth takes back its Sabbath rests.

Carl Bernard Schwartz California, USA

Heaven and Earth what better place to shelter?

Novelette Burke Ontario, Canada

The forsythia thrives in No Man’s land Oblivious to current events A scent of springtime

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Raul Vera Havana‐Cuba

Through my window I saw a big smile on the sky Tomorrow will be better

Daniela Kozak Ontario, Canada

Experiences are stitches in time So I slowly create my quilt Forever to be mine

Olive Murray Power Wicklow Ireland

Seek inspiration From nature’s great creation In hibernation.

Stefanie Bennett Sydney, Australia

Covid‐19’s put another book on the Pyre

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Nicola Wilson Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

buzz buzz went the busy bees flying so free oh how I wish right now that I was a busy buzzy bee

Ed Woods Ontario Canada

since isolation I use my computer more now keyboard clicks sound of thunder storms

John B. Lee Ontario, Canada

five‐thousand year old Egyptian sourdough remembers this day

Raeesa Usmani Gujarat, India

Talking can be an excellent remedy As is laughter Both are badly missed during pandemic.

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Paul Sanderson Canada, Ontario

Playing piano with headphones on in the dark at midnight

Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

Existentialist The power of life Will win.

Christian Loid Valenzuela Olongapo City, Philippines

O, Corona The crown is all yours, but we wait for your descent.

Your regime ends now.

Hal C. Clark Texas, USA

early morning line grocery parking lot today’s Olympic event toilet paper dash

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Alexander Raju Kerala, India

thanks to lockdown, we’re imprisoned in our houses; and still you keep people in prisons!

Manuel Malaver Lima, Peru

Even in hard times Ancient cultures The Pachamama embraces all

Danilo Dinoy Zamboanga City, Philippines

Felicity circulates in my vein Hope showers like a rain

Olive Murray Power Wicklow Ireland

Moment by moment Let unfold like a ower Cherish the present

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Teresa Hall Ontario, Canada

Birds returning on wing mean everything, especially now...

Daniela Kozak Ontario, Canada

My life is changing I am no longer still A new life has begun!

Loa Winter New Hampshire, USA

New growth Springs forward In a different Kinder way

Jim Landwehr Wisconsin, USA

Last night’s socially distant birthday party for a friend was as satisfying as decaffeinated coffee

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Pat Connors Canada, Ontario

Apocalypse Not Sour taste of boredom the pure sweetness of knowing this is not the end

Agustin Delgado Santana Gran Canaria�Islas Canarias

Finally the virus is defeated after ferocious battle.

Novelette Burke Ontario, Canada This past weekend the crowds in the park looked like a scene from Woodstock

Christian Loid Valenzuela Olongapo City, Philippines

Quarantine The streets are quiet, less pollution and toxic.

I’ll have good night sleep.

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India

Trekking, now like medieval romances.

Chivalry?

At home.

K.V. Skene Ontario, Canada

Shush Listen to the hushed rush hour as Yonge and Eglinton test�drive the new normal

Diana Leyva Vienna, Austria

Dark shadows came Hope lights the darkness the sand clock has been turned

Olive Murray Power Wicklow Ireland

For those who need it Sourdough bread is rising Buy it and knead it

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Raul Vera Havana‐Cuba

Spring is coming cleaning the air New life is here

Dr Pragya suman Bihar, India

The silver fish Covid 19 puddle pounding Lurking for breath.

Agustin Delgado Santana Gran Canaria‐Islas Canarias

Sanitary workers Exposing their lives Fight against it.

Hal C. Clark Texas, USA

public servants come bearing gifts of love and caring some give all

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Paul Sanderson Canada, Ontario

Getting more chores done house cleaned no telemarketing calls throughout the day

Daniela Kozak Ontario, Canada

My world is my creation Forever I am changed!

Danilo Dinoy Zamboanga City, Philippines

I sip a cup of tea In the new morning, no more mourning.

Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

Loneliness soaks up the ocean salt, but still we have tender dreams.

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Henry Beissel Ottawa, Canada

A pandemic is a strategy to manipulate the stock market and sell you short.

Aju Mukhopadhyay Pondicherry, India

man, a master of treachery defeats corona virus

Christian Loid Valenzuela Olongapo City, Philippines

Panku Writing about this— hard, emotional, but need; haiku, pandemic.

Miguel Ángel Olivé Iglesias Holguín, Cuba

behind masks beauty shines bringing hope

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Loa Winter New Hampshire, USA

We learn and Adapt to new normal Carefully stepping out Into the changed world

Olive Murray Power Wicklow Ireland

Inside and outside We give high ďŹ ves through windows And virtual hugs

Manuel Malaver Lima, Peru

Machu Picchu among clouds Intihuatana watches so silent‌

D. C. Chambial Himachal Pradesh, India

leisure with family joy and cheerfulness centuries of harried hurry gone thank you corona

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Agustin Delgado Santana Gran Canaria‐Islas Canarias

The world is alert Against the virus It cuts its way.

Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

Coronavirus Men embraces life Triumph is his.

Hal C. Clark Texas, USA

The pandemic separates some families unites others Stay Strong

Alexander Raju Kerala, India

how many masks you wear, a teacher’s, poet’s, novelist’s?

‘Sorry, I lost my human mask!’

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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S. A. Hamid Uttarakhand, India

Man is a social animal, they say.

Social distancing.

The animal laughs.

Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Blessings The Divine blessings showered, The path shown bright Hope, love, cheer, Steers the humankind.

Mark Tovey Ontario, Canada

itemizing childhood dreams I found them all fulďŹ lled when needed I can die content

K.V. Skene Ontario, Canada

walking out along David A. Balfour trail we cheered to ďŹ nd the wooded ravine greening

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Danilo Dinoy Zamboanga City, Philippines

Gloomy clouds of melancholy are gone Bright arrays of hope and light have come.

Miguel Ángel Olivé Iglesias Holguín, Cuba

the mask you wear wards off the corona yet shows your caring and your love

Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

My hair: tangled, not tousled.

My nightgown: business casual.

Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Mother Earth Sans human activity, Heaving a sigh of relief, Mother Earth heals, Cleaner oceans, clearer skies.

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D. C. Chambial Himachal Pradesh, India

locked down to contain corona living like ďŹ rst family boon of covidâ€?19

Olive Murray Power Wicklow Ireland

My mind is dreaming Of Covid disappearing Cocooning ending

Lisa Hazelwood Ontario, Canada

I wish I had A blue bow to match my mask Just like you do

John B. Lee Ontario, Canada

what is the name of the street you are lost on

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Agustin Delgado Santana Gran Canaria‐Islas Canarias

Born in China Covid nineteen Invades the world

Hal C. Clark Texas, USA

as the world turns a new day dawns wanna make something of it?

Loa Winter New Hampshire, USA

Birds sing same songs Do they know?

What’s different?

Is water and air the same?

Frank Joussen North‐Rhine Westphalia, Germany

Not Guilty Saint Corona can´t be blamed for Covid‐19 it´s just an old name (Saint Corona is the patron saint against plague and epidemics.)

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Carl Bernard Schwartz California, USA

Imagine all that wine just patiently aging while patrons and guests stay home

D. C. Chambial Himachal Pradesh, India

harried hurry left behind ďŹ ll lungs with air clean thanks to lock down

Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

Dust sticks to cupboards, and the walls turn while the seasons shed.

My heart blooms.

Hal C Clark Texas, USA

After two months of home schooling moms declare teacher appreciation day!

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Miguel Ángel Olivé Iglesias Holguín, Cuba

masks for protection meds for prevention hearts for affection

Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

With hope The power of love Ends victorious.

Lisa Hazelwood Ontario, Canada

My son dyed his hair Purple because he didn’t Want to feel so blue

Alexander Raju Kerala, India

my students asked: you had a teacher’s mask, and what’s this new mask for?

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Diana Leyva Vienna, Austria

Swings shriek children sing the silence is broken

Danilo Dinoy Zamboanga City, Philippines

Sketch a smile on your face Live with compassion, love and grace.

Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Journey Spending time with friends, family, A new journey begins, Towards the inner self.

Manuel Malaver Lima, Peru Nazca desert in Peru No tourists Once again deserted.

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Raul Vera Havana�Cuba

today is raining Washing the Earth Smile, please

K.V. Skene Ontario, Canada

Hello Spring Queue Here we’re (temporarily) closed practice social distancing and please wash your hands

D. C. Chambial Himachal Pradesh, India

lock down a moment for the earth to refresh murkied by egoists

Loa Winter New Hampshire, USA

The eyes show The questions The fear and pain The loneliness of isolation

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Dan Wood California, USA

get thee six feet behind me satan

Giti Tyagi Karnal, India

Books Delighted are the pages, Of the books read, re‐read, At leisure, amidst lockdown.

Aju Mukhopadhyay Pondicherry, India

she left alone her boyfriend tested corona positive

Miguel Ángel Olivé Iglesias Holguín, Cuba

never before had being socially apart been so intimately bonding

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Frank Joussen North�Rhine Westphalia, Germany

In Moderation must fans of German Corona beer hang their heads in shame now, really?

Hal C Clark Texas, USA

my mask is my pledge to you safe practices

Lisa Hazelwood Ontario, Canada

Social distancing In Canada – Stand one Hockey stick apart From the next person in line

Diana Leyva Vienna, Austria

The clocks melt the creator is watching the time of elephants and swans is here

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Clotilde Soriani Tinnirello Trelew –Chubut, Argentina

Covid came Men battle against it And is banished.

Alexander Raju Kerala, India

once crazy for making money, now crazy for finding food, and realized money isn’t edible.

Nuard Tadevosyan Ontario, Canada

We leave the sun like embittered lovers, waiting at her threshold in the morning.

Danilo Dinoy Zamboanga City, Philippines

The pandemic strengthens our faith Down on bended knees, we ask for God’s grace.

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Miguel Ángel Olivé Iglesias Holguín, Cuba

stay home have faith live on

John B. Lee Ontario, Canada

these days it seems I look more like myself in a mask

Dan Wood California, USA

Prayer at 3 a.m.

I said, “God, tell me how to pray more effectively about this pandemic.

The answer came quickly “I don’t know anything about a pandemic.”

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Three new HBP books, all part of the

John B . L e e S i g n a t ure Se rie s and a new John B. Lee book.

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You can find any of these titles at the HBP website at:

www.hiddenbrookpress.com.

Order from your local bookstore, from your favorite estore, from the author or from HBP.

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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Thank you Anna for all of your magical photographs.

A Selfie by Ann Di Nardo

Ann Di Nardo trained as a visual artist at The Ontario College of Art and Bishop’s University. She is a passionate gardener who frequently carries her camera along with the rest of her gardening tools and most often the camera does the brunt of the work. She divides her time between Cobourg, Ontario and her garden in Sutton, Quebec.

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Photograph by Ann Di Nardo

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