Poets Against Inequality Read online

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  Sergio Jaime, México

  — I am Sergio Alberto Martínez Jaime. I was born in 1987 in Monterrey, México, where I still live. I am a passionate amateur writer. I have a B.A. in International Relations and currently a graduate student of a M.A. in Education. I'm just a simple individual who enjoys writing, drawing and dreaming. To read more about my work, visit https://www.poemhunter.com/sergio-jaime/

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  Seema Jayaraman, India

  — I was born in 1972 in Kannur (Cannanore), Kerala – God's own country – and now live in Mumbai. I did my post-graduation in Science with a few additional degrees in Management to assist my job functions. I juggle multiple roles, a full time working Mom of two little boys, working in Information Technology domain for a multinational Bank. Constantly struggling to balance various demands, I find myself trying to record the creative thoughts constantly churning in my mind. These days I write my muse mostly on my cell, while stuck in Mumbai traffic. As an Airforce child, I have travelled extensively within India, absorbing India's myriad hues and cultures. Thanks to my IT career, I gained exposures to varied international cultures, mainly in USA, experiencing the splendor of their vast countryside and snowcapped mountains. My roots are from the ancient land of 'Naura' or Malabar, now known as Kannur (Cannanore), the land of lores and looms. The seeds for Poetry were sown in early childhood, with practice of reciting Hindu shlokas supervised by elders, later by encouragements of my school teachers. My first poem, as a 12 year old, got published in my school magazine. However, eventually life caught up and my writings became sporadic, thanks to long working hours. In September 2015, the images of a little boy washed up ashore the Aegean sea, a victim of the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis, brought the world to its knees. In anguish, I found myself penning verses along with tears, and my poem ‘A Father's Grief’ emerged. I was writing after a hiatus of 20 years. UK based Leavener's Poet's Corner chose me as the Showcased poet of the month, December 2015, and hosted my poems on their site.

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  Srijana KC Neupane, Nepal

  I was born in 1990, in a middle class Hindu family, in Kathmandu, where I live. I have two siblings. Being my father a Captain in Nepal army, recently retired, I went to the army school. I am a doctor by profession. I write both to express myself and for my love for Art and Creativity. Besides I like painting, reading books, visiting places, trekking at times. Yet, sleeping is what I'd like the most, if only I could.. I listen keenly to Buddha's words and therefore pursue peace since childhood. My name, Srijana, in Nepali means ‘Creation’. It is only recently that I started sharing poems and tried to continue writing. I only had 7-8 poems written in almost 9 yrs since my very first poem. I even realized that I barely wrote on social issues – human nature at times coincides with the guild. This is also my first experience writing on a provided theme and within word limits. As a citizen of a developing country with a low income economy, ranking 145th out of 187 countries (‘Human Development Index’, 2014), further devastated by a major earthquake in April 2015, I have seen it struggle with chronic political unrest and land-lockedness. It now faces the critical fuel crisis due to blockade at the entry points. I have first-hand experience of living with power cuts for 12-16 hours per day and in these past months, waiting for hours at bus stations, retrograde replacement of cooking gas with fuel woods, schools closing, hospitals running out of basic medications and crippling effects on all the sectors, whilst the humanitarian crisis and extreme inequalities in the rural areas, both in my country and in those ranking below it, in HDI list, only proves the degeneration of mankind (you can read here).

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  Phumla Xuza Khanyile, South Africa

  — I am a 39 years old mother of three, a grandmother, a daughter, and a sister. I am from a place called Soshanguve, located in a town called Pretoria, in South Africa. I was born on one cold winter morning of the 17th June 1977. I studied Journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria; looking back, this was my then misdirected heed to the love I always had for writing. Later on in life it became apparent though that I was never really head over heels with the news world but rather with creative writing of the fictions of my head. My ventures into writing poetry are recent. I have since realized that poetry is a better way of self-release from emotions of things experienced personally or observed. My poems are aimed at appealing to other emotional souls out there, talking healing, and preaching understanding to those who are going through highs and lows of life. Most of my work features in a number of poetry groups on Facebook and, in 2015, I have been published in three poetry anthologies: ‘Cupid’ (published in Zimbabwe in February); ‘Letters from Africa’ (published in Uganda in May) and ‘Out of the Storm – Love should not hurt’, published in the US. In September 2015, my book ‘Love Notes’ hit the shores of Mzansi (South Africa). Why poetry? Besides the love of shortened lines and stanzas, poetry has proven to be most comforting and offering an immediate release to any given emotions arising from any situation.

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  Sofia Kioroglou, Greece

  — I was born in 1974 in Athens, where I live. I am a published poet, writer, iconographer of saints and prolific blogger. I remember myself born with a quill in my hand writing poems and painting beautiful pictures. My poems have appeared in Verse-Virtual Journal, Writink Page, Blue Big, SilverBirchPress, Poet's Corner, and Bonsaistories among others. I am a regular contributor to SilverBirchPress and Writink page. I also work as a copywriter for Matadog Design. Last July, my poem 'You won’t come' was singled out in the 4th Ceasar Dapontes Poetry Competition, winning a commendation award, and in March my haiku "Beyond this life" has been published in the 'Haiku Anthology of Spiritual Horizons' in Cyprus. To read more about my work, visit sofiakioroglou.wordpress.com

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  Varghese Kuncheria, India (currently in Oman)

  — I'm an Indian national working in Muscat, Oman, since 2004. I was born on February 14, 1953, in India. I did my M.A. in English literature from Christ Church College, Kanpur (Kanpur University, India). I'm a senior Lecturer, teaching British and American literature to the undergraduate students in a college in Oman. I started writing poems while I was working as a teacher in Ethiopia (1978–1985) and have continued to write, after a long gap, from 2009 onwards. I'm very passionate about the peaceful co-existence of the people anywhere in this planet, and cherish to see such a world order. I'm a good chess player too.

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  Kelly Kurt, USA

  — Kelly Kurt (born 1958) doesn’t refer to himself as a poet or anything else other than a father of six children. During his life he has explored many avocations. He has been a competitive athlete, singer, gardener, woodworker, ravenous reader, experimenter and philosopher. He will beam, and prattle on when asked about his personal high energy accelerator lab, his time as a bodybuilder, his green thumb, days in his band or the buildings he helped to restore, but gets the most joy from talking about his children. Divorced for many years, he now lives in Polo (Illinois), in a 160 year old church building that he helped friends restore nearly a decade ago. Taking care of the church and its grounds is his daily occupation now and he draws from this passion for much of his current poetry. In his early teens, his mother instilled a love of writing in him. Unfortunately, in his senior year of high school, his beloved mother died. But Kelly continued to write and his words often portrayed the unfairness and pain of life. But the wonder of nature, the beauty of friendship and mystery of life in general, would alter his poetic direction. Some universal themes would still work their way into his writing, but the day to day, seemingly mundane aspects of existence began to be explored as in depth topics. The spider, trapped in a sink by slippery, stainless steel walls, fruit, falling over-ripe to the ground and rotting and even just observations of the back of his own hand. Until 2015, he had written almost exclusively for his own eyes. But with some encouragement he sought out a publisher for a humor book, inspired by his children. After many r
ejections, a contract was obtained. The thought of being published for humor alone sparked a desire to have his poetry seen as well, and he became a member of an online poetry site. This renewed his enthusiasm for verse and led to a new burst of creativity. Kelly promotes the joys and benefits of writing to almost everyone he meets and encourages new poets to find their voice. He still wishes to be remembered as a loving father above everything else, even a poet. Title of Kelly's book: ‘Good Night, Sleep Tight: Dos & Don'ts for Bedbugs’ – Facebook-page

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  Agatha-Eliza Laposi, Romania

  — I was born on the 30th of July 1988, in Dej (County Cluj), Romania. In 2010 I graduated from Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, owning a Bachelor Degree in "Library and Information Science". I'm also pursuing a Master Degree in "Irish Studies". Currently I live in Cluj-Napoca, one of the most beautiful city in Transylvania, and work as a librarian at "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In my opinion, poetry is a powerful tool that can save the world.. each word is a glimpse that reflects the soul, each poem completed is a mark of the poet's passing in this world, and each page read is a blessed gift, a shared experience and, of course, a life lesson. For the time being, I'm working hard on fulfilling one of my dreams, namely to have my first poetry collection published. A poetry book pointing out all sorts of inequalities is a brilliant idea. I read some articles on Oxfam site, and I was shocked to see this 'unseen face of the world' they are revealing. It felt incredible, nightmarish and unreal. So many people are thrown in such poverty and degradation on one hand, and that handful of people who bask in their wealth, and yet do not bother to do anything to help, on the other. This contrast is so staggering. I realized that we're placed in such situations daily, and it happens so often that we become immune to it, and we ignore it, as 'that's the way of the world, and we have to move on'. Things shouldn’t be like this. I believe it is an experience most people go through.. but putting this into words, creating new meanings, raising a flag and delivering a message is the most important factor.

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  Natchai Leenders, The Netherlands

  — Born in 1987 in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, where I currently live. I'm a 'Mad Scientist' with a Master's Degree in American Studies, specializing in literature and culture. I've written poetry since 2007 and improved my craft ever since thanks to a Creative Writing Workshop I attended from 2008 till 2011. I've performed at several open-mics from 2009 to 2013. I've decided to take my poetry to the next level. Since September 2015, I've been trying to organize my own poetry course to inspire kids, the youth and everyone else. The course is called 'Riordan' (Irish for 'King of the Bards / Bard of the Kings'). At the moment, I teach young, local rap talents about poetical techniques to improve their lyrics.

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  Edward Kofi Louis, Ghana (living in Germany)

  — Born (1961) and raised in Accra, Ghana, West Africa, I currently live in Germany. A Pen-Artist and a Poet, I am the innovator of "Pen-Painting Graphic Abstracts".

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  Tapera Makadho, Zimbabwe

  — I was born on the 18th of February 1974 in the communal lands of Zaka District on the periphery of Masvingo in Zimbabwe. I attended Mafuratidze Primary School from 1982-88 before enrolling at Machingambi Secondary School where I attained my GCE 'O' Level in 1992. I lost my father in 1988 and grew up under the care of my grandmother as such advancing with my education became difficult. Pursuing higher learning was a luxury they couldn't afford hence I had to contend with my GCE certificate. In 1997 I trained as a Policeman with the Zimbabwe Republic Police whereupon completion of training I was posted to the quasi military wing of the Organization; Support Unit. Subsequent to my posting to this Unit, I found the duties there challenging, at times dictate that I preoccupy myself with writing especially when deployed in the scary game parks. Spanning to over 18 years, these gruelling experiences undoubtedly carved both my character and the manner in which I perceive life issues. I then started writing poetry sometime in 2005 after a former colleague and close friend, Elvis Nikisi who was already into poetry had invited me to write a poem which I did and have been writing ever since. I'm married to Caroline and we are blessed with a daughter Kudzai aged 6 years.

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  Kenneth Maswabi, Botswana

  — I am a Motswana born on 14th November 1977 in Maun, Botswana. A Motswana means a native of Botswana. I am currently living in Francistown, Botswana. I studied Medicine and Surgery at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Poetry to me is a way of communication (to myself and others) beyond the normal physical reality/connections. Poetry nourishes the senses, grooming them to perceive even the slightest physical/emotional/spiritual imbalances in environment or myself. Inequality affects us all, the rich, the poor, the West and the Rest.

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  Wilfred Mellers, USA

  — I am a Jamaican living in the USA; currently in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I was born in 1962 in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. At the age of 5 we moved to Buff Bay in the parish of Portland where I went to school. Immigrated to the USA to the state of Connecticut where I have lived ever since. I was a member of the Garfield Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in the drum line. Graduate from Stamford High School and went into the United States Army as a musician. Attended the US Army Element School Of Music in Little Creek, Norfolk, VA. I was in the 33rd Army Band Europe, and the 283rd AG Band Fort Benning, GA. Went to Norwalk State Technical College where I received an Associate degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology. I also went to Gibbs College and got a certificate in Networking Technology. Worked for several fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Kodak, ASML. I've worked in Thailand, China, Indonesia. I have been all over the world and back again. I have done many recording sessions and backed many reggae artist. I have been writing since I was 21.

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  Aphrodite-Anastasia Menegaki, Greece

  — Born in Athens in 1994, I grew up with an almost instinctive love for music, poetry and fine arts. Started reading at the age of four, and soon enough I was constantly found searching the pages of some old books, either to read a story of pirates and knights or a poem. Instead of dolls and fancy toys, I wanted notebooks to write down my thoughts. Whilst in school I started studying foreign languages, Greek traditional folk dances and tango Argentino, I joined the local women’s swimming and water polo team, started horse riding and also unfolded my love for music by taking piano lessons – a love that accompanies my life ever since, just like my love for kids, animals and nature. At the age of 18, I graduated from the Hellenic Firefighting Academy, becoming the youngest female certified Volunteer Firefighter in Greece. I also became a scuba diver, certified by PADI. Though my studies are focused on Shipping and Maritime Law, it wasn’t until College that I truly discovered myself, becoming interested more than ever before in writing and poetry, music and photography. Writing down my travelling adventures, my feelings, my thoughts & opinion or simply everything, is essential to me as much as trying to depict all that I see and love through the lens of my camera. I believe that where there’s a will, there’s a way for a better world, as life is a constant evolution through knowledge. I follow my heart. I am myself; cannot lie and will not pretend.

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  Mallika Menon, India

  — I hail from Kerala’s capital city, Trivandrum, on India’s southern tip, but I enjoyed my life in Mumbai. Lover of music and literature, I sing songs and poems. One day, I started singing my own poems! I offer collection of poems in mother tongue Malayalam as well as English. Simple emotions, gentle feelings and shades of empathy reflect in my poetry. I like reading philosophy. I enjoy interior decoration. I’m travel-savvy, keen to explore cultures and cuisines world-over.

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  Leloudia Migdali, Greece

  — My name is Leloudia Migdali. I was born in 1959 in Itea, a nice little city close to Delphi, 'the center of world'. Attended school there till 1979, then followed a course in the English Literature Department of Aris
totle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Back to Itea, where I still live, ran my own English institute till I was appointed at the public sector. I have been teaching English for the past 29 years, in Primary, Secondary and High school as well as in the Maritime College in Galaxidi city. Meanwhile I got a postgraduate degree on Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Patras University. Poetry and writing has always been my favorite hobbies. After my retirement from public sector, I have been devoting more time in writing poetry. Currently writing poems on life and the way I see it. I also write contemporary articles on online sites. Happily married and mother of two children

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  Asoke Kumar Mitra, India

  — Born in 1950 in India, Kolkata, where I live. I've been writing poems for last 45 years. Though I am a financial journalist, poetry is my passion. Some of my poems have been published in Calcutta Canvas, Indus Chronicle, The Statesman. Other poems are posted in a number of websites. You can visit my blog Asokeblog.wordpress.com

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  Istvan Dan Molnar Uriel, Sweden

  — I live in Sweden, in a place called Nykroppa, Varmland, but I was born in Hungary in 1950, in a small community close to Budapest, called Fot, where I grew up. Time and expectation was always greater than what a simple life could offer: my dreams always went to the sky.. I've seen lot of falling stars all my life, even in my dreams. My life changed after military services; got married, moved to Budapest, began to study at the technical college. Before last year’s ending, moved to Sweden with my wife.. A new life again, studying Swedish, even French, later English, and more languages.. I began reading a lot of books, most of them in Swedish and English. I've always liked Science, but Psychology and Philosophy were my passion: Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Maimonides, Friedrich Hegel... After 3 children my wife wanted a divorce.. A new life again, but the details were more painful. I went to Paris for a short time. I've been a legionary, but found no consolation. Back to Sweden, I was later asked to move to Israel.. Another language to learn, again. After 13 years there I got enough, so I came back to Sweden as a retired man. Now I live in solitude, with my dreams.. mostly reading and writing poetry. Sometimes I dream about words: I like seeing words in pictures and I've begun to find connections between words and pictures..