December 2019 – michnavs

Peace (for 2020)

they say peace is the absence of war
when no nation is task
to risk its citizen’s life,
when guns are a thing of the past
and soldiers are but your friendly neighbors marching.

they say peace is understanding one another
when no man debates
or no family disagrees
when an argument is only a political thing
and politicians
are but your friendly neighbors
making common decisions.

they say peace is being friends
with everyone
when no one is ostracizing someone
when prejudice is a thing
of centuries ago,
and racial discrimination
is but a neighborhood’s friendly conversation idea.

but peace is not just the absence of war
nor simply the need to understand
each other
or being friends with everyone
we can maintain inner peace and balance
in the presence of war,
conflict and misunderstanding.

our world is but a reflection
of the inner state of humanity
on a collective level
If there were peace within humanity,
our world would be at peace.

Have a PEACEFUL and BLESSED 2020 everyone!!!

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Photos are of Bali Aroma Exclusive Villas

These villas offering guests a perfect ‘home’ for a family vacation, for those who seek a natural Balinese feel, style with privacy, and comfort all together.

Breakfast of your choice is being delivered and arranged in your open kitchen area every morning, or you can opt for a floating breakfast in your private pool or better yet request for a chef who will cook and prepare your food right in the comfort of your own private kitchen

It is peace amidst the chaos of Island living

P.S.

A corner spot in the outdoor living room offers a sanctuary to write beautiful prose and poetry; and you can as well kick off your first draft for your first novel here (I just did😊😊😊)

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My book is still available for sale at

The PWW Centre
15 Market Street
30000 Ipoh
Tel : 05-2469715

Or you can visit their website:

https://www.facebook.com/PerakWomenforWomen/

https://www.facebook.com/1MillionStars/

Ode to the Sunset (in Bali)

Ode To The Sunset (in Bali)

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oh, sun so beautiful
when you set
you silenced
everyone
in a place so crowded
they gaze and marvel at you
with intense in all its glory
while I stood quietly
in awe
in amazement
in wonder
you make my heartbeat
one with the waves splashing
and for the first time in a long while
you calm the storm raging in me
my heart that was once in fury
is now tempered.

oh, sun so beautiful when you set
you bring the magic back in me.

Photos are of beautiful (beautiful is not even enough to describe it) sunset in Bali.

Bali has long been a popular travel destination, known for its beautiful beaches, great food, and incredibly welcoming ( and I meant it with all my heart) people.

Another big Bali draw is the sunset and the plethora of stunning locations to watch them from. No visit to the island is complete without gazing from a beach, a cliff, or jungle as the sun disappears into a colorful haze.

Apart from the magnificent sunset, I noticed that though the beach is crowded, yet not a noise was made as we all wait for the sun to set. The world stops for a moment. It was so quiet; so quiet we only hear the wind blowing and the waves splashing.

P.S.

You can now add writing poetry to your “must-do list in Bali”. Find a spot amidst the crowd and write.

Distance

Between heaven and earth
a story is unearth
Between past and present
a sailing is sent
Between here and there
a distance is clear
Between a moment and forever
a struggle so clear

Sometimes heaven and earth met
when a story is broken and lit
Sometimes past and present collide
when the sailing subside
Sometimes here and there is near
when the view is clearer
Sometimes a moment and forever is eternity
when the struggles become infinity

So move heaven and earth boldly
for your story to be told oddly
So hold the past and present sincerely
for your sailing to be done completely
So break the here and there completely
for your distance to be moved effortlessly
So create a moment and forever lovingly
for your struggles to be over definitely

The photos are the spectacular view of Uluwatu Temple, in Bali.

It has a remarkable high setting at the edge of a cliff and overlooking the waves of the Indian Ocean.

It gives you a great sense of spiritual renewal regardless of your religious affinity. The sound of the splashing waves makes you in closer contact with the unknown.

It is without a doubt a manifestation of the wonders of nature.

One attraction not to miss in Uluwatu Temple is the traditional Balinese dance call Kecak dance which is scheduled after the sunset.

These performances are obviously for tourist benefit only and are not spiritually significant to the temple.

It is worthy to note that there’s no public transportation to get to Uluwatu Temple and going back into town will be difficult without any prearranged ride or taxi. A guide is not necessary but can be helpful.

P.S.

It is a beautiful place to find a quiet spot and write poetry

After – Rain Skies: A Million Stars [Update]

Here is another excerpt from my book “After – Rain Skies: A Million Stars’

In Memory

In memory of the woman

Who screams silently

The secrets of her soul

May she rest in peace

With her lost words

And intimate beauty

Kayla would have been just a manufactured memory to her family, friends, and children, had she not taken the courage to walk away from her abusive husband.

Kayla’s husband portrayed her as the best thing on the planet to ever happen to him, that he loved and adored her, and they had the perfect family. And she was outspoken as a child, so people believed that if something was wrong, she would definitely speak up.

They were married for five years, and though he was very controlling from the moment they met, the abuse really started after she had their first baby, and her husband never left her alone with anyone, so she couldn’t speak about what was being done to her.

Kayla had no idea that it is possible to get help and even leave her abusive husband. She was a young bride when they got married. She was never allowed to find a job herself so that her husband provided everything for her.

She had no idea police would get involved and care, or that anybody else would care. That had been one of the main reasons she did not attempt leaving him. If she had known that she had the option, she would have left a long time ago.

She found out she could leave only after he tried to kill her.

Her mother, brother, and uncle went to the hospital and spoke with a hospital social worker, who told them the story her then husband was telling them about how she was burned. He told hospital staff that Kayla’s scarf had caught on fire while she was warming herself, as she is a Muslim.

But her family thought something wasn’t right.

What he actually did was pour turpentine on her and set her on fire.

It was that same fire that ignited the flame inside Kayla to leave her abusive husband for good. It wasn’t easy though, as her husband had long been prepared for the day she would finally have the courage to fight back. He had prepared his own supposed truthful and almost believable version of the story to cover up the abuse. But it didn’t stop her from getting help and finally seeking for a restraining order.

P.S.

I want to say “A MILLION THANK YOU” to all those who purchased the book and helped in our advocacy.

Special thanks to Mal Das and to Mei Kuan of Ipoh Echo