During the week of February 4th, poets were asked to write a 7-verse poem in rhyming couplet form for each of the seven days of the week. They were also asked to fill in the blank to complete the title: "A Week of_". The twist required, to write their chosen words from the title in non-rhyming Acrostic form. For people not celebrating Valentine's Day, poets had the option to write in some way related to love, as in familial, friendship, universal, nature or passion for a cause. From our entries, ILA Magazine chose three lovely poetesses and their works of art.
A WEEK OF "HAPPINESS"
(Dedicated to my family)
On MONDAY, we start the week flashing each other a sunny smile Getting ready to enjoy life and go the extra mile
On TUESDAY, after a hard day's work, we enjoy each other's company
On a beautiful meadow outside the city, listening to nature's symphony
On WEDNESDAY, love gives us the comfort we needed
God's advice about togetherness is what we heeded
On THURSDAY, we all have fun together as a family
Adding the paintings of the memories we make into our gallery
On FRIDAY, we are grateful to our mother for the motherly affection
She gave us and to our father, for his fatherly attention.
On SATURDAY, our parents happily reminisce of the day they became husband and wife
And how they didn't let their relationship be torn apart by strife
SUNDAY is the day of spending quality time together
The feeling of joy that we all share is reflected in the lovely weather
Heavenly music comes from the heart of the gentle souls,
Affection is an important ingredient in a healthy relationship
Positive thinking keeps the mind safe from negative emotions
Paradise is the home of the close-knit family that respects itself
Inner peace reigns over us while wisdom keeps the balance between mind and soul,
Nature's songs bring tears into our eyes, penetrating deeper into our hearts
Elated our parents were by the birth of my brother and I,
Seeing eye to eye with each other takes thinking and courage
Solace can be found in your family's warm hugs.
© Gheorghe Laura
Romania
A WEEK OF "DEFERRED DREAM"
Serendipity on a Monday
We bumped in a crowded subway.
Had dinner after work on Tuesday
Forgot the passing time, we were so gay.
Wednesday, he confessed feelings for me
I said, we need to wait and see.
But Thursday found me dreaming of him
Chance of hiding my emotion was slim.
Our Friday date climaxed in kisses and hugs
Both of us were like addicts high on drugs.
But Saturday brought a disagreement
We failed to settle our argument.
On Sunday, I nursed a deferred dream
Of a love that melted as fast as ice cream.
**
Dreams are illusions
Ephemeral as shooting stars
Flowers of the night
Echoes of unsung songs
Remains of unspoken thoughts
River flooded with desires
Extinguished embers of whims
Debris of expectations
Dying fires of ambitions
Recurring through the years
Ending in respite
Absconded by sunlight
Must live again somehow
© Myrtle Eve Reyes Tejada
Philippines
A WEEK OF "EUPHORIA"
When Sunday was the best
For my legs to rest
Monday came out of the blue
Without any clue
Tuesday didn't dampen my spirit
As my energy was within a limit
Wednesday somehow got me active
Mirror applauding me as attractive
Thursday became a friendly phase
As the next day became my craze
Friday was the day to dance and sing
Where my soul was ready to swing
Saturday became the boon of ecstasy
For my heart to sing a melody.
**
Excited to be in this moment with
Unforgettable memories
Painted with loving hues of a
Heart with unconditional
Ocean of emotions
Reconciled with an
Intense look from the
Aroma in and of those beats!
© Sonal Rao
India
Thank you so much for publishing my poem on your magazine!
Congratulations everyone! Your poems are lovely 😍