Author: Hannah Williams
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Blessing the Journey (Poetry)
Blessing The Journey, after Lucille Clifton. may barren journeyscradle you into new purpose.as the stillness of the shores,soothe and cease from upswelling.and you find serenity in stillness.as the tide now becomes subdued. may fear be arid;droughted and dearth.as an oasis of confidence upsurge around you;dousing all you seek.and the veil of anxiety lay bare.as certitude […]
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Psalm 20 | Christian Meditation | 5 Minutes Prayer| Devotional | BUD & BLOOM Series
1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.[b]4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.5 May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up […]
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Psalm 100 | Christian Meditation | 3 Minutes Prayer| Devotional | BUD & BLOOM SERIES
Psalm 100 (KJV) 1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his […]
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Book Review: Power Skills by Juliet Erickson
WHAT IS POWER? Power Skills (A Masterclass for Women in Body Language and Communication) puts the concept of power into the best perspective. It is ‘confidence (that) at the same time (creates) feeling of ease and calm. The objective of the book is to help women communicate through their body language. It teaches us that […]
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Book Review: Change Your Life in 5: Practical Steps To Making Meaningful Changes in Your Life by Sue Belton
Normally, I do not read self help books. After all, we all have the answers to solving our life problems. Why do I need a book to tell me something I already know or can figure out myself. Right? Wrong. Self help books save you the time so you can channel the effort to make […]
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My Taste For Rain Has Changed (Poetry)
WORDS (My Taste For Rain Has Changed): my taste for rain has changedI no longer cry storms.my taste for thunder begun,when my feet vowed to return. my taste for rain on arid soil,the dawn begunand with the weather I was overi vowed my storm will return. Under the faint sky,my taste for rain evolved.Grew into […]
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Psalm One | Christian Meditation | 5 Minutes Prayer| Devotional | BUD & BLOOM Series
hello and welcome to the bud and bloom meditation series. today we meditate on psalm one which encourages us to meditate on the word of the lord day and night. to start meditation, let’s begin with opening prayer in three parts which is to give thanks, pray for forgiveness and the pray with the Lord’s […]
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4 Bullet Journal Tips for Beginners: How To Start A Bullet Journal +BuJo Spread Ideas
What is Bullet Journalling? Bullet Journalling is a fun, therapeutic way to customise how you organise your time and interests. For those who do not know, it is a diary/ journal that you build for yourself using your own unique themes and keys. What do you need for Bullet Journalling? To start a bullet journal, […]
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The Art of Happiness (How to be Happy)
There is always a negative connotation attached to unhappiness. Yet, unhappiness that warrants reflection can often lead to change. Does that mean that unhappiness can be changed always? Not neccessarily, however, the mindset can be transformed. The secret to transforming your mindset resides in the acronym of happiness. Here is how to use ‘HAPPINESS’ to […]
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Black Sheep (Poetry)
WORDS:clearing out the truths in my closeti find another.amidst the chaos and the calm,there drapes the dark woollen coat.persistently promising to always be in vogue.its length smiles at my older selfits warmth laughs at my latter daysits style larks at the former selfits size beams in my early agetelling me its elegance is graspedat a […]
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Ask (Poetry)
she asks herself and asks again. as her voice breaks like floral porcelains, she picks up the pieces. it hurts, it takes time. for the little pieces perforates and sinks into the hands like the painful memories. there she pulls the shards and plaster the wound. silence reminds her that she has been here before […]
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Haiku Poetry: On Dreams and Memories
WORDS:A lucid mirageFaint elusive memoriesReason redundant.
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Haiku Poetry: A Wasted Potential
WORDS:A book never used,Left untouched gathering dust.Potential wasted.
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2020 Vision and Goal Planner
Hello all, As 2020 is now approaching, we begin to think more about our goals and our accomplishment. For those of us who loves vision boards and planning resources, I have designed a simple package for us to reflect, plan and record our goals for 2020.
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Haiku Poetry: Poverty
WORDS:A hand that neverlabour. Yet clings to prayer,asks for starvation.
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Arson (Poetry)
WORDS:at the dark red dusk, the monsoon flooded raining kerosene and paraffin trickles of oil lashed like lightning leaving imprint on wooden windowsthe flames upraising like an anthem and we asked our bloodshot eyes to stop chantingwith smoke engraved in our parched coughingwe watch the arid commodities burn with the heat.red spices and brown sugar […]
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Haiku Poetry: Stolen Laughter
WORDS: A stolen laughter, Becomes broken bitternessSeized from sincere souls.
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Haiku Poetry: Language
WORDS:Echoed voice dancing,On the tepid mouth of speech.Borders are now mute.
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Shame (Poetry)
WORDS: a shame is coming, lurking over the horizon. it hisses, coughs and laughs.wanting its presence known. brewing in hatred for reputation refusing to revere character. on its arrival they tried to fleebillowing into the distance
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Poetry Analysis: When We Two Parted by Lord Bryon (1788–1824)
Poem When we two partedIn silence and tears,Half broken-heartedTo sever for years,Pale grew thy cheek and cold,Colder thy kiss;Truly that hour foretoldSorrow to this. The dew of the morningSunk chill on my brow –It felt like the warningOf what I feel now.Thy vows are all broken,And light is thy fame;I hear thy name spoken,And share […]
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Lesson From A Paper Crane (Poetry)
WORDS: Examine the flailing weeks fold itself like paper;as it cuts the days, tucks in the minutes and creases the seconds.cocooning into an origami of the things it strives fortill it calls into the calmest crane.forgetting a thousand cranes brings luckbut this one is troubled; creased by a thousandyet it doesn’t sink in its despondence
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A Simple Tool To Track Creative Writing Opportunities
This blog post will provide you with a free Excel worksheet that allows you to organise your creative opportunities in one place. You can see the status, deadline, priority, level of progress, requirements and notes all in one place. This fully functional worksheet is a free download. This worksheet has four main tabs which are: […]
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Haiku Poetry: Soil
A split in the soil. Drought across the Saharan. Silence the nomads.
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Prose/Short Story: Goodbye Magazine By Hannah Williams
****Trigger Warning: Contains themes of suicide**** We’ve been doing this for the past four years, ever since we read it in Goodbye magazine. It was the ‘7 Pacts You Should Make To Honour Your Friendship’ article which suggested that friends should allocate the time to see each other regularly. So, we decided that every last […]
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The Heron Across The Black Lake (Poetry)
i. my word is a heron trying to swallow its fishbut the bare bones spike against the bitter bills. across the hill over the black lake drowns the words that i cannot say. ii. so i find solace in echoes of the skybut do not seek the lineage callfor the clouds swallow softlywhen they bellow […]
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Haiku Poetry: Flames
Callous feet walked through Fire. A searing flame steaming Souls. Flames of desire
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3 AM (Poetry)
the opulent ivory door laments for the two pulsating hearts denying rational thoughts as silence slays the hopeof going back to sleep whole. no longer wadingits presence satiates the room and consciously it slices the truthleaving scratches on the marble tops with residues of tea in the porcelain cups
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Haiku Poetry: Silver Lining
A sombre season Where light fades and dark brightens There silver strands align. Please like, comment and subscribe to my YouTube Channel
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How to Start a Skincare Routine: ft Procoal London | AD
Investing in my skin used to be something I thought of as vain or shallow, not because of the benefits and the healthiness of the skin but because of the ways products are promoted to make us feel younger and prettier. It wasn’t until recently that I started to see skincare as part of wellbeing. […]
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Haiku Poetry: Waterfall
Waterfall (Haiku) A soft staccato Smoothly singing southwards Rapid droplets dance.
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Book Review: In Search of Equilibrium by Theresa Lola
Theresa Lola’s effortless ability to weave family and faith and explore the nexus of the familiar and distant in the Nigerian culture makes this collection one that I can resonate with . In Search of Equilibrium transpires its names from an almost circle-of-life likeness where when one life passes on, another is ‘wailed’ into existence. […]
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An Analysis of Maps by Doug Hoekstra
Carrying maps we movethrough battlegrounds and trails,roadways, displays andmuseums built of alabasteron swamps in cities marked withEuropean names Following blue lines, red circlesstreet signs and highway markerscompass points and scalemeasuring distance between placesand distant constellationsthat will one day disappear Slipping into another formcatching glimpses of the futurecherished and held inour collective past, pressedbetween magnetic pagesreframed […]
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How to Use Your Phone to Save Time and Make the Most Out of Your Productivity
For some people, smartphones are more like a distraction than a blessing. If you are running a business, you might find yourself trying to update your social media accounts and spending hours every day viewing videos that are not even related to your industry. There are, however, some positive aspects of using smartphones and technology […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Fifty Five: For Me by Hannah Williams
if i could change a thoughtand have clarity transparent like a brook i would think for me. if i could contemplate a dreamand have a labour that dawns it into realityi would dream for me. if i could say a word and have courage that never relents i would speak for me. if i could […]
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Haiku Poetry: Seaside
Seaside (Haiku) When the weeping waves Hides its tears in bitter sands Pebbles mediate. Please like, comment and subscribe to my YouTube Channel Thank you for watching!
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Fifty Four: A Land of Honey and Milk by Hannah Williams
a silhouette shawled in titanium with footsteps soft as silk. a graceless poise pierces the back promising a land of honey and milk a shadow tattered in light with sight dark as void a sinister compassionate misled the feet promising a land of honey and milk a shape stirred in sorrow with tears dripping as […]
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An Analysis of ‘On the Black Canal’ by Helen Tookey
Your boat is moored on the black canal and the woman is playing the cello for you, long low notes the colour of crows’ wings. You are a sound-box, air vibrates inside your bones as each note elongates, a dark expanse –are you under her protection, or is it a baffle she draws around you, […]
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Haiku Poetry: Sunrise
Sunrise (Haiku) The silent sunrise Sits softly on the lake’s ripples, Without permission. Please like, comment and subscribe to my YouTube Channel Thank you for watching!
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Fifty Three-Journey By Hannah Williams
When the sight glazed across the journey, the lips let out a prayer so swift like the years of the youth. The feet walks casually imprinting its mark. Yet, no one remembers the hand that adorned the feet nor the language that taught it how to walk. An inscription stronger than titanium and more permanent […]
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Mind, Body and Soul: A Brief Guide to Self Care
The mind, body and soul are key areas of focus when it comes to self care. This is because they intersect. I find self-care to be an important message that people need to remind themselves each day. It cannot be shared enough. I see a lot of inspirational content on Instagram, Twitter and even here […]
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Book Review: Eye Level by Jenny Xie
Eye Level is a short poetry collection written by Jenny Xie published this year. When reading any poetry collection, I am always curious to find out how the title formalised and look for links between the poetry and the title. This intersection was revealed in the poem Ongoing which states “She had trained herself to look […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Fifty Two-Lament By Hannah Williams
building hands bristled and bruised turns heaviness into light and the ugly tears streaming from the broken but beautiful hearts ask the fragmented hope to forget thy not and rejoice to remember thee not as a song, not as prayer but it rises in that similitude above the firmament and encircling the sky it asks […]
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Haiku Poetry: Rain
Rain (Haiku) When the clouds are crying, Land absorbs with apathy. Whilst the sea dances. Please like, comment and subscribe to my YouTube Channel Thank you for watching!
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Fifty One-Chandelier By Hannah Williams
When emotions are excessive and the mind cannot cope. Close the eyes and imagine each strand. Dangling like chandelier pieces. A glistening ray of hope beacons. A festivity of light dances in the mind. Hold the light. Hold the hope. Let it fizzle the fear. Can you hear the crystals chorus and the diamond note. […]
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Haiku Poetry: Autumn
Autumn (Haiku) Autumn sings golden, eulogy probing summer , |on its stolen leaves. Please like, comment and subscribe to my YouTube Channel Thank you for watching!
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Fifty- Daughter Of A Yellow Sun By Hannah Williams
The shards of bottles and debris on the road sinks into the bare feet. The crimson liquid trickles upward. The scarlet paints on the clear canvas of the skin, forming across the ankle a cerise daisy chain. When the red soil sticks to skin, the potency of the sun burns the cut deep within. With […]
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Haiku Poetry: Grass
Grass (Haiku) Blades of emerald, Sway to the wind’s lullaby. A sad futile tune. Please like, comment and subscribe to my YouTube Channel Thank you for watching!
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty Nine- Frown Lines
When the voice was stolen and she could sing no more, the frown formed and the lines found solace on her face. In her silence, it defended her. A world where hostility determines if you’re victimised and she’d rather be the victor. So she put it on each morning. After all, you cannot report expressions […]
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Haiku Poetry: Daisy Chains
Daisy Chains (Haiku) A honey centred, Milky petaled woven crown Youthful hands designs. Thank you for watching and listening. I would appreciate it if you can like, comment and subscribe on YouTube
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty Eight- Why Did You Follow Me?
Before deciding to walk in her shoes let her show you her feet. The callous blisters tarnished by the stones who decided to dance on her soles. Yet she walking barefoot across the equator with the red soil tarnishing the pigments of her skin. When she crossed the ocean, borders poured cold water which began […]
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What Origami Taught Me
To the sceptic, origami is folding paper. To the rational, origami is full of instructions. To the idealist, origami is a movement. But to the creative, origami is the vision that is created by diligent hands. – Hannah Williams This Thursday, I had the opportunity to participate in an Origami class hosted by Toshiko called […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty Seven: Echoes By Hannah Williams
As the television transmits the news unable to peel the callous layers of her mind. She owns a seared conscience which no longer flinch at the vivid violent paintings on her screen. When the hunger of little children hums- she no longer feels guilty. When the injustice harmonises with the defenceless- it no longer warrants […]
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Haiku Poetry: Lavender
Lavender (Haiku) A soft scent soothes us. Through healing in its aura, A therapy tale. You can also find the previously recorded audio version here Thank you for watching and listening. I would appreciate it if you can like, comment and subscribe on YouTube
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty Six: There Will Always Be A Rainbow By Hannah Williams
A rainbow formed after the raindrops and the sunlight kissed the vapour. Melting the chaos and illuminating the future. A reminder that when the storm becomes frightening and the sky thunders with lightning and the rays no longer shining and my fears become frightening. There will always be a rainbow. A rainbow formed after the […]
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Haiku Poetry: Cherry Blossom
Cherry Blossom (Haiku) A bold infusion, bleeds fuchsia deeply. A petal falls eastward. Please like, comment and subscribe to my YouTube Channel Thank you for watching!
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty Five: No Longer Collecting Thank You By Hannah Williams
I am collecting all the thank you I have ever received. I’m gathering them up to burn it and have it cremated. From here on hence, I don’t use them anymore. Or rather I’m not allowing people to use it on me. I have crossed the ocean for you and seared my feet amongst volcanoes. […]
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Prose/Short Story: Too Late By Hannah Williams (Microfiction)
When memories become distant, the mind strives to hold onto whatever remains. Yet, I was determined not to forget. Especially when I began to think and dream about her. I saw her frail, distant and almost elusive. But still, I was conflicted by the thought of how she could live a life without me. Why […]
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Book Review: Don’t Call Us Dead By Danez Smith
Don’t Call Us Dead is a poetry collection which I found quite heavy to read due to the depth and intensity of the topics. It varies from a range of issues such as the police brutality, what it means to be black in America and discusses the endemic of HIV. What do you think of […]
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An Analysis of Bitter Waters Translated By Shash Trevett
Bitter Waters (Translated by Shash Trevett) See these lines on my upturned palm. They are the rivers of tears that have washed my face. They are the rivers of blood that have washed my land. Flowing first in trickles, then streams and then in torrents: they are the swells of voices that have cried out […]
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Why I Write Haikus?
Writing haikus has been a simple yet complex process because I am aware that the English form of haikus is very different to what constitutes as a haiku in Japan. This is because sentence structures and syllables are quite different in these two cultures. Yet, the universal essence of nature as the topic of an […]
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An Analysis of ‘The Silver Swan’ by Anon
The silver swan, who living had no note, When death approached unlocked her silent throat, Leaning her breast against the reedy shore, Thus sung her first and last, and sung no more: Farewell all joys, O death come close mine eyes, More geese than swans now live, more fools than wise. […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty Four: Of Who We Are By Hannah Williams
What do you say to me? When you’re done selling broken dreams? Whilst tears fall down my cheeks like bitter streams. In my search to redeem what could not be fixed. Instead of the tepid truth, You make promises on rainbows that didn’t form after the rain. Your deception got me dancing on clouds. It […]
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Prose/Short Story: Red Soil (Micro Fiction)
The footpath leading to the lake where she walked barefoot with the red soil discolouring her bronze skin. As the dust rises, she hopes to emerge as its daughter waiting to be uplifted by the wind. She looked back at her footsteps imprinted in the sand wondering if her ancestors had embossed their footprints too. […]
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Prose/Short Story: The Telling Gaze Of A Caged Bird
Solitary is bitter to starving souls searching for freedom but freedom is what I have always dreamt of. A world where I can sing with the wind and join the chorus of flocking birds singing in the dawn. A life far greater than being a caged bird. I am having the serenity to accept the […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty Three: Imagine By Hannah Williams
Imagine a garden An elusive garden. You walk past the willow tree It reflects your silenced state. Yet you do not cry nor smile. You did that on your first visit. I did both on my second. This is together is our third. The wind knows our names. Yet it dares not trouble. Petals fall […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty Two- The Seed By Hannah Williams
A seed seeking sunlight swells and sweats. Through its seed coat. Shooting taproot in the soil. Submerged it pokes its head through the earth. Until it blooms, Soothed by the serene song of photosynthesis.
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The Children’s Society Writing Competition- What Does It Mean To Be Awkward?- (Character Ideas And Writing Prompts)
The Children’s Society has launched a campaign known as Seriously Awkward.This competition seeks short stories inspired by the awkward stage most sixteen and seventeen years old experience. But what exactly does it mean to be awkward? When I searched for the synonyms of awkward, the dictionary gave definitions such as difficult, stubborn and obstinate. These […]
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An Analysis Of ‘A Guest May Come’ By Vojka Djikic
A Guest May Come by Vojka Djikic (Translated by Chris Agee) Hold on tight to me And we’ll find the way home. There the fire’s still burning And in the corners Book lie open That ought to be read And the garden’s there to dig The roses to prune. Thus it was said When we […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty One- Broken Tears By Hannah Williams
A droplet of despair Dripping from once-dried tear ducts. Flowing frequently A flimsy attempt to hold them Piece it together Patchwork the pain. Sew it silently. With the excess crochet it Turn it into a commodity Then sell the once broken tears to the tradesmen at the stall. Tell them you’ve got an ocean you’ll […]
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Book Review: You Took The Last Bus Home by Brian Bilston
This collection titled ‘You Took The Last Bus Home’ by Brian Bilston is a funny collection of poems. Although this style of humour is quite distinct. Its almost based on punch lines and borderline dry jokes/ mixed with office humour. Nonetheless, I found the irony and the goofiness of the poems amusing because it did […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Forty- Peace Stood Still Like A Tree By Hannah Williams
Peace stood still like a tree Asking the wind to call all nations both bond and free. A valley of freedom we use to know Now drenched in yesterdays cold crimson conflict which overflows Blood became thicker than the lake’s water. Nobody is their brother’s keeper. Peace stood still like a tree Asking the wind […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty Nine- Dear You By Hannah Williams
Sunset and sunrise can be as beautiful as hellos and goodbyes. At each instance, it doesn’t matter if your heart skips a beat or your stomach gets butterflies. Each sleepless nights invites days which will bring you closer to the sweetest lullabies. You may have been chained but know your ankles have power to break […]
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Book Review: Between Clay and Star (Various Writers and Translators)
Between Clay and Star is the first major poetry translation book I have read and much to my surprise, it was quite pleasurable to read. The title is taken from a line of Liliana Ursu ‘Harmonia Mundi’ which reads’At the border between Clay and Star…’ The variety in this book was amazing. We had a […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty Eight- Accent (Haiku) By Hannah Williams
Speech tangled in tone. A vivid sociolect. Culture chants deeply.
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty Seven- Lavender (Haiku) By Hannah Williams
A soft scent soothes us, Through healing in its aura. A therapy tale.
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My Week At Tŷ Newydd (Writer’s Retreat In Wales)
Last week, I attended the Tŷ Newydd Emerging Writers Programme. This took place from the 4-9th June 2018. This experience has really shaped my perceptions on writing and if anything it has encouraged me to keep writing. Without further ado, here is my reflection on the experience. What did I learn on this course? I […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty Six- Illusions By Hannah Williams
When the moonlight reflects a mirage Wait for the sun to say it’s an illusion. Don’t rely on the mind which makes a faint figure Yet sight and sound tells us its called perception. Once materialised where do illusions go? Maybe above and beyond the fading rainbow.
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty Five- Not So Toxic By Hannah Williams
A song of poison spewed on the silent lips. She gathered it and let it salsa on her tongue. Then she showed her fangs slyly. To ignite fear in me. A warning sign that she is ready to sink deep within, Deep into my skin, she bites. The bite is not the worst, As she […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty Four- The Kiss By Hannah Williams
I expected the earth to shift And oceans to be set adrift. At the spark of our lips Under this lunar eclipse. A soft song fluttered in my tongue Which birthed a love so young. It still makes my heart skip. To think of how your mouth danced on my lips.
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Book Review: The White Book by Han Kang
The White Book is a short collection of prose which exudes the writers meditation on the topic matter of all things white. Throughout the book, we get a consistent imagery of white such as paper, snow and flowers. Although the book is well written, I did not enjoy the book and developed a love-hate […]
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5 Real and Honest Quotes Written By Me
I‘ve always loved quotes and find inspiration and wisdom in them. So this afternoon, I have decided to sit down and reflect on some of the quotes that I have written and would like to share with the readers of my blog. I hope you like them or find it thought-provoking. 1. There is no […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty Three- Acceptance Will Be My Duty By Hannah Williams
Like a peacock spreading its feathers, I span out my feelings. Like hands holding each other, I long for this meaning. Like petals to a flower, I seek my purpose and beauty. In this very hour, Acceptance will be by duty.
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23 Things I Learnt In My Twenties
It can be very difficult going through your twenties because you are becoming a young adult. It involves figuring out your likes and dislikes and navigating through the world with your identity. This can often result in mistakes. However, I realise not everyone’s twenties can be this way. Although, I must confess that mine are […]
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Five Activities You Can Incorporate In Your Alone Time
In my teenage years, I have certainly underestimated the importance of alone time as I thought it was cooler to be around people. However, the older I get, the more I realise how important alone time is. After all, if you are not spending time with yourself, who will spend time with you? In the […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty Two- The Glass House By Hannah Williams
Look at my glass house but don’t throw stones For sticks and stones may break my home. This fragile abode with a transparent gaze, Often leaves people amazed. So you see my in’s and out. A glass house is like a vase. Prized. Fragile. Ornamented. Look deeper and you’ll see my fears. For I was […]
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An Analysis of ‘Harlem Hopscotch’ by Dr Maya Angelou
One foot down, then hop! It’s hot. Good things for the ones that’s got. Another jump, now to the left. Everybody for hisself. In the air, now both feet down. Since you black, don’t stick around. Food is gone, the rent is due. Curse and cry and then jump two. All the people out of […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty One- I Am Abstract By Hannah Williams
I am abstract. So you’d need to extract, What I mean with songs, paintings, words and emotions. My mind works in creative notions. Some days I ask- Am I a circle or a square? Or am I a shape that’s not even there? Could I be right and wrong at the same time? Black and […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirty- Dear Daughter By Hannah Williams
I will not be able to calm the storm Nor promise you that I’d walk on water. Yet if you find yourself sinking. Remember like mother like daughter. I have had my share of drowning But you will not suffer. I have made my sacrifices for you, Because I want to be your mother.
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Book Review: Helium By Rudy Francisco
Helium is a short poetry collection written by Rudy Francisco. It explores various facets of life such as love, mental health, race, acceptance and people. Although I came across the book on the Button Poetry website through their mailing list, my attitude towards the collection was very blasé. I didn’t give it a chance until […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty Nine- Limbo In A Promise By Hannah Williams
At a cross way with a cold chorus, Promise was left to be pious. On the right hand of promise was the infallible good. On the left hand of promise was the infallible bad. For Promise has the power to snap your decisions into two. So be benign when you, Cross your heart and hope […]
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Prose/Short Story: Why She Left You
The lunar light shone bright on her under that icy winter moonlight. She felt the light. She felt it. It warmed her heart and seared away the sorrow. In that moment, she felt peace. The breeze blew her hair and the cold caressed her lips. The lips too stiff to speak up for herself. She […]
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Book Review: Kingdom of Gravity by Nick Makoha
Kingdom of Gravity is a poetry collection written by Nick Makoha. This collection explores a range of topics such as war, poverty, the effects of guerrilla leaders on Uganda. Through the writer’s deep and poignant imagery, the reader gets to understand the dark aspect of Ugandan history. What aspect of the poetry collection did you […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty Eight- The Financial Crisis By Hannah Williams
The world has felt your wrath before. We felt your violent shake and your ravenous storm. We give new names to old gods. You were once the Latin American Sovereign debt. Then you reincarnated as the Asian crisis. Before you plagued us in all hemispheres and revealed your self as the Global Financial Crisis. We […]
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Prose/Short Story: The Reflected Lamplight By Hannah Williams
The reflected lamplight shone on. It shone directly on me. It provided a simple illumination in this dark hour. In my deep darkness, I waded by the lamplight wondering how far humans have strayed from God’s light. Yet, I wondered if this light will illuminate my path home. It did. In fact, several reflected lamplights […]
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An Analysis of ‘Beatitude’ By Nick Makoha
Beatitude By Nick Makoha (2017) When a rebel leader promises you the world seen in commercials, he will hold a shotgun to the radio announcer’s mouth, and use a quilt of bristling static to muffle the tears. When the bodies disappear, discarded like husks of mangos, he will weep with you in the hours of […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty Seven: Consent by Hannah Williams
I say it with her. I say it for her. Then I let her say it with and for herself. We both learnt to say it. Before we are reduced. For you saw her innocence. What was it made of? It was laced with naivety Intricately woven with virtue. Hemmed with impeccability. You took each […]
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Prose/Short Story: I Bought Death Instead of Beauty By Hannah Williams
Iknew society was absorbed with beauty and I learnt that from a young age. On this youthful summer day, I learnt one detrimental life lesson. I discovered the bias in beauty. I remember it so vividly. I was sitting in the playground and Amelia knocked the lunchbox from my hands. My food dropped and I […]
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Book Review: Animal Farm By George Orwell
Animal Farm is a political fable which highlights the downfalls of some political and economic systems. Specifically in the book, it talks of a system known as Animalism. It is considered as one of Britain’s most classical stories and post- war novel. The themes explored in this book are mainly dictatorship, power and politics. In […]
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An Analysis of ‘Death Ain’t Nothing But A Song’ By Donte Collins
my mother moved out of her body decided it was no longer worthy it couldn’t contain her laughter she couldn’t obey the house rules of human her spirit that young & fresh fever wanted to call the night her dance club wanted to try new clothes stay out later my mother now wears the […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty Six- Name Power By Hannah Williams
An unjustifiable criteria Determined by a crooked line Spewed out to split the equator into two. I’ve heard the names one half calls the other. To make it better the cunning half changed the terms. Less economically developed replaced poor. Regulation replaced corruption Grass root movements replaced unemployment. Parallels living in contradiction. So the oppressed […]
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An Analysis of ‘One Continent to Another’By Grace Nichols
Like the yesterday of creation morning she had imagined this new world to be bereft of fecundity No she wasn’t prepared for the sea that lashed fire that seared solid earth that delivered her up birds that flew not wanting to see the utter rawness of life everywhere and the men who seed the children […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty Five- Take Me By Hannah Williams
Take me to the river To wade by the water in the winter moonlight. In the depths of the river reflects a woman who drowned trying to grasp freedom. A man whose hopes of emancipation dangles around his neck. At the river bank lies children whose bodies are rooted in the ground as if they’re […]
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Book Review: The Sun And Her Flowers By Rupi Kaur
The Sun And Her Flowers is a poetry collection written by Rupi Kaur. This collection deals with a range of topics such as love, migration, self esteem, beauty and more importantly nature. These themes are discussed in an open, vulnerable and candid manner. We discover the reason the collection is titled ‘The Sun and Her […]
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An Analysis Of ‘What The Dead Know By Heart’ By Donte Collins
What The Dead Know By Donte Collins (2017) lately, when asked how are you, i respond with a name no longer living Rekia, Jamal, Sandra, Philando i am alive by luck at this point, i wonder often: if the gun will unmake me is yet made, what white birth will bury me, how many bullets, like […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty Four- The State Of Mind By Hannah Williams
I looked into her eyes and smiled. But what could smiling prove. When I could see me in her eyes. So my smiles were just lucid lies. Even though I could recognise her in me. My misconceptions were flying free. The hums of her cry is my lullaby, that wakes me up at night. But […]
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An Analysis of ‘What Were They Like?’ By Denise Levertov
What Were They Like By Denise Levertov 1. Did the people of Viet Nam use lanterns of stone? 2. Did they hold ceremonies to reverence the opening of buds? 3.Were they inclined to quiet laughter? 4.Did they use bone and ivory jade and silver, for ornament? 5.Had they an epic poem? 6.Did they distinguish between […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty Three- The Great Silence By Hannah Williams
My mind is awake My mouth is numb. My soul a lake, I’m deaf and dumb. My mind is awake. My ears are dead. My senses fake, The great silence is fed. My mind is awake. My voice is gone. My soul a lake, Silence within me is done. My mind is awake. But I […]
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An Analysis of ‘ You Will Hear Thunder And Remember Me’ By Anna Akhmatova
You will hear thunder and remember me, And think she wanted storms. The rim Of the sky will be the color of hard crimson, And your heart, as it was then, will be on fire. That day in Moscow, it will all come true. When, for the last time, I take my leave, And hasten […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty Two- The Stages of Negativity By Hannah Williams
Lost. In the deep sea of my own desire. In the fortitude of peace my soul longs to retire. Hope is the song my voice wants to acquire. Inhaling the laziness of my acts as I respire. Toxic To the progression around me. The doubtful thoughts of my mind roam free. Let my thoughts just […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty One- The Dreamers Song By Hannah Williams
Dreams soar high on the mountain top. Holding onto hope so it never drops. Liberty flowing in harmony with the river bed. Calling courage to forget what the valley said. This is the hopes and dreams of men. Forever, now and even then. Waiting for the fortitude of the unspoken. Healing the sorrows of the […]
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An Analysis Of ‘In My Name’ By Grace Nichols
Heavy with child belly an arc of black moon I squat over dry plantain leaves and command the earth to receive you in my name in my blood to receive you my curled bean my tainted perfect child my bastard fruit my seedling my sea grape my strange mullato my little bloodling Let the snake […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twenty- What The Dream Taught Me By Hannah Williams
A dream is a living legacy which cannot be killed by death. Transcends emancipation. It transcends liberty. In fact, it transcend freedom. That I can hope for freedom within my constraints. He taught me. In the content of your character lies the change. That after death your legacy can live on. The man with a […]
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An Analysis of ‘Along The Road’ By Robert Browning Hamilton
I walked a mile with Pleasure; She chattered all the way, But left me none the wiser For all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow And ne’er a word said she; But oh, the things I learned from her When Sorrow walked with me! Robert Browning Hamilton In the first stanza, […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Nineteen- Stages Of Denial By Hannah Williams
Stage one is characterised by fear. The entity that floats to a mind. Inviting itself in and out like a comfortable family friend. It tells you what cripples you. Debilitating your ability to trust yourself. Once fear has marinated in your mind. Then you can progress to the next stage. Welcome to projecting your fear […]
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An Analysis Of ‘Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep’ By Anon
Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush. I am the swift uplifting […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Eighteen- Why Live In Denial By Hannah Williams
Why live in denial? When you could be free. Why live in denial? When you could just let situations be. Why live in denial? When you could focus your attention on more. Why live in denial? When you could see what the world has in store. Why live in denial? When you could transcend? Why […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Seventeen- Dreaming In Denial By Hannah Williams
Denial is saying yes when you mean no. Whilst the choice rests with you. The choice lies peacefully as you watch it sleep. You dare not wake it up. You dare not make a noise. You leave it as it is. Even though you know what to do. Even though the power lies in your […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Sixteen– Community Observations By Hannah Williams
We sit on benches As the words in my throat clenches Some on the field. Where daisies and dandelions have yield. We inhale the breeze Our problems we release Gone with the wind. Because we sat on a field. Music blaring loudly Birds singing proudly. Not that they know all the words But their […]
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An Analysis of ‘Ask Me’ By William Stafford
Some time when the river is ice ask me mistakes I have made. Ask me whether what I have done is my life. Others have come in their slow way into my thought, and some have tried to help or to hurt: ask me what difference their strongest love or hate has made. I will […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Fifteen- I Know Even Though I Don’t Live On The Estate By Hannah Williams
I know even though I don’t live on the estate. Devolution is the politician’s word for recreate… Rebrand and make the surrounding more upstate. The only thing they’ll do is paint the gate. I know even though I don’t live on the estate Crime usually rises when it’s late You’ve been hearing the sirens since […]
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An Analysis of ‘On My First Sonne’ By Ben Jonson
This blog post will analyse the poem ‘On My First Sonne’ by Ben Jonson which is written below: On My First Sonne Farewell, thou child of my right hand, and joy; My sinne was too much hope of thee, lov’d boy. Seven yeeres tho’ wert lent to me, and I thee pay, Exacted by thy […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Fourteen– No Job For Jack By Hannah Williams
Defying the estate stereotype, Jack decided to be the perfect prototype. He went to university. Just to face employment adversity. He worked too hard. But the economy is bad. He gave education all he had. First class university grad. Unemployment makes him sad. Whilst Brad just asked his dad. A myriad of applications sent. Interviews […]
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How To Prepare For Success
Preparing for success is one of the best things you can do for yourself . Why? Because if you prepare for success, you are building the foundations of maintaining it. So here are three aspects in which you need to be mindful of when preparing for success: 1. Reputation: The term reputation refers to how others […]
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An Analysis of ‘My Father Is A Retired Magician’ By Dr. Ntozake Shange
In this blog post, an analysis of the poem ‘My Father Is A Retired Magician’ will be made. The poem commence with this: my father is a retired magician which accounts for my irregular behavior everythin comes outta magic hats or bottles wit no bottoms & parakeets are as easy to get as a couple a rabbits […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Thirteen – If The Community Had Spoken By Hannah Williams
Our people are broken; But what would happen if the community had spoken? If it had said we are here for the mental, Our hearts won’t be judgemental. Our people are broken; But what would happen if the community had spoken? And said we are here for single mums. We saw your journey we know […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Twelve- Important Nothings By Hannah Williams
I remember putting so much effort into childhood and youth. For I perceived it as the core of my root. Especially if I wanted to live a life worth remembering. My efforts had to be enduring. I needed to stand the test of time. So that adulthood would turn out fine.
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Eleven- Stones By Hannah Williams
I rested calmly by the sea shore. Content with where I am I dare not ask for more. Until the day I was picked up from the beach floor. To skid upon the water like one, two, three and four. So I discovered life anew.
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Ten- The Elements By Hannah Williams
The Elements By Hannah Williams© What is beneath the soil? Is it gold? Is it minerals? Is it oil? To which the locals under the sun toil. For the rich man to gather his spoil. What is above the air? Is it justice? Is it equity? Is it fair? Does everybody get an equal […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Nine-Mars and Venus By Hannah Williams
Men are from Mars. Women are from Venus. So who lives on earth? Men are from Mars. Women are from Venus. So tell me, who or what lives in Uranus? Men are from Mars. Women are from Venus. When will all the planet relieve us?
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Eight-Small But Mighty By Hannah Williams
A grain in the Sahara is me. Take a handful to see. That I am distinct. But me and the sand dune are linked. For a heap of sand forms the sand dune. Ready to dance to the wind’s tune.
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Seven- Empire State Of London (An Interlude To Society) By Hannah Williams
A city where dreams can be snatched. Even when your ambition is matched. Your dreams mean nothing in the city. And from the people don’t expect pity. Knife crime and teen violence are on the rise. When will we learn to stop acting surprise. For the kids imitate role models from the street. Because they […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Six- The English Dream By Hannah Williams
I walk by Aylestone meadow. Where birds sing and the tree’s follow. The woodland’s air I breathe The canal bed walks like me. I meander with each bend For the crevasses and cracks on the path like me need a mend. Me and nature are at one. Till the trail is dead and gone.
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Five- Until We Killed Me By Hannah Williams
At this hour I learnt to weep silently. Sitting in the silence. Speaking with my darkness. My remedy for a broken heart. A heart that had nothing but love to give. It bleeds… now. Has a rhythm of your rejection. A symptom of neglection.
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Four- Moodiness (I Wore It As A Dress) By Hannah Williams
I wore moodiness as a dress. With a matching headband called stress, My handbag conceals my emotions which are a mess. But my shoes point me to a road which reads confess. You’d be surprised to hear what the world sell. And how many people fell For buying this dress called moodiness is expensive. The […]
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Three- Love (Within Me) By Hannah Williams
I know there is love within me. I know its there but others cannot see. For this love is an entity. That transforms my identity. I know there is love within me. I know it’s there but others cannot see. For this love knows my history. So it knows how to silence my minds […]
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Project Two and Three: A Tablet Cover and Phone Cover
The next project in my art and craft series is the matching tablet cover and phone cover. To create your own, you will need a sewing machine, scissors, fabric, iron and pins. STEP ONE: Cut your fabric into two separate squares. (Make sure they are large enough to fit your tablet)
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Sunday Stanza: Poem Two- Lonely Ocean By Hannah Williams
I’m a lonely ocean. Kissing the shore. Moving with its motions. Longing for more. I’m a lonely ocean. Looking for the sea. To carry away my emotion. Till I discover me.
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A Critique Of ‘My Guilt’ Poem By Dr. Maya Angelou
My Guilt By Dr. Maya Angelou My guilt is “slavery’s chains,” too long the clang of iron falls down the years. This brother’s sold, this sister’s gone, is bitter wax, lining my ears. My guilt made music with the tears. My crime is “heroes, dead and gone,” dead Vesey, Turner, Gabriel, dead Malcolm, Marcus, Martin […]
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Project One: Creating A Bookmark
Today I decided to embark on a creative process by creating an over-the-book bookmark. To create your own, you will need: A sewing machine, a piece of fabric, scissors, elastic band and an iron. The process of creating your own is written below in these six easy steps. STEP ONE: Fold and Iron the First […]
Hannah 