Iris Calif – European Recognition of a Unique Israeli Poetic Voice

The first Israeli poet to receive the European Excellence Award "Between Words and Infinity" in Italy

An outstanding international achievement for Israeli literature — Israeli poet and author Iris Calif has been honored with the prestigious European Excellence Award in Italy, in recognition of her unique poetic voice and her outstanding contribution to culture and intercultural dialogue.

The Grand Award to Excellence – "Tra le parole e l’infinito"
Premio alle Eccellenze Europee · Gran Premio al Merito Internazionale

An important international achievement for Israeli culture and literature: Israeli poet and author Iris Calif has been officially announced as the recipient of the European Excellence Award – The Grand Award to Excellence, as part of the prestigious international award "Tra le parole e l’infinito" ("Between Words and Infinity"), held in Italy.

The official announcement of the winners of the 27th edition of the award places Iris Calif alongside leading creators, writers, and cultural figures from around the world, in recognition of her unique poetic creation, her literary and cultural activities, and her contribution to promoting dialogue between cultures through poetry and artistic expression.

Iris Calif is the first Israeli poet to officially receive this award during its 27-year history since its establishment in 2000. Her achievement represents a significant milestone for Israeli culture, bringing exceptional international recognition to Hebrew poetry and strengthening the presence of Israeli literature in the global cultural dialogue.

The founder of the award, Cav. Nicola Paone, stated:

"Iris Calif, you are the first Israeli writer in the history of the Prize to receive such a prestigious award."

This achievement joins the international cultural tradition of the award, which is dedicated to honoring exceptional creators and cultural figures whose work contributes to enriching human culture and strengthening connections between peoples and cultures.

The award ceremony will take place on October 31, 2026, as part of a prestigious gala evening at the historic Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri in Naples, Italy — one of the city’s most important cultural institutions.

The museum is located in the Renaissance palace Palazzo Como, a building of exceptional architectural and historical value, preserving rare art collections, books, manuscripts, and cultural artifacts reflecting centuries of European heritage. The choice of this location as the venue for the award ceremony highlights the connection between contemporary creativity and a rich cultural legacy.

The international award Premio alle Eccellenze Europee · Gran Premio al Merito Internazionale, with its deep cultural tradition, was 

founded in 2000 by Cav. Nicola Paone and operates in the Campania region of Italy.

Since its establishment, the award has been dedicated to honoring outstanding figures in literature, art, and culture who, through their work and achievements, contribute to enriching human culture and strengthening connections between nations and cultures.

Through the vision of its founder, Cav. Nicola Paone, the award has become an international cultural platform that provides recognition and a stage for creators from around the world — creators who bring through their art messages of humanity, creativity, dialogue, and cooperation between cultures.

The 27th edition of the event carries the title:

"Tra le parole e l’infinito" – "Between Words and Infinity"

The title expresses the spirit of the award — a belief in the power of words to touch the human soul, connect cultures, and inspire universal dialogue through literature and art.

The central theme of the 27th edition focuses on the relationship between technological innovation and classical tradition, creating a space for reflection on cultural identity and the future of artistic expression in a changing era.

The event will take place under the patronage of the Grand Lodge of Italy of the Scottish Rite, in collaboration with Area Arte di Napoli, and with the support of additional non-profit cultural institutions and organizations in the Campania region, at national and international levels.

The gala evening will be hosted by journalist Artilla Giordano (Il Sole 24 Ore). The event will also feature talented young musicians, led by artistic director Ms. Rosa Montano and musical director Ms. Laura Francesca Mastrominico.

The 2026 edition will bring together leading figures from the worlds of culture and society, alongside writers, poets, and artists from around the world, in an international celebration of literature, art, and cultural exchange.

The event continues to establish itself as a unique platform connecting tradition and innovation, bringing together creators from diverse artistic fields and cultural voices from across the globe.

International Recognition of Iris Calif’s Unique Poetic Voice

Iris Calif’s achievement in receiving the European Excellence Award "Between Words and Infinity" represents international recognition of her unique poetic voice and exceptional literary creation, as well as a significant achievement for Israeli poetry, strengthening the place of Hebrew literature in the global cultural dialogue.

Her poetry is characterized by emotional and spiritual depth, an original poetic language, and an exceptional ability to create connections between humanity, the divine, nature, and creation. Her work carries values of love, harmony, hope, and humanity, and has the power to build bridges between people, nations, languages, and cultures.

Through her poetry, translations, and international cultural activities, Iris Calif continues to bring a distinctive Israeli voice to the world, promote dialogue between cultures, and present the strength and beauty of Hebrew poetry on the international cultural stage.

Iris Calif- ISRAEL 

Iris Calif-Israel is an Israeli author, poet, journalist, editor, poetry translator, and dancer whose work has received broad international recognition. Her poetry combines spirituality, art, and culture, creating a poetic space that connects humanity, the divine, nature, and creation. Her writing expresses a humanistic and universal voice, seeking to build bridges of peace, love, and dialogue among peoples, cultures, and languages.

Calif-Israel is a member of the Hebrew Writers Association in Israel and ACUM. She serves as a poetry editor and translator for the literary, cultural, and artistic magazine "BaKivun HaRuach", where she is responsible for international relations and the editing of international poetry anthologies. She also edits and translates world poetry for MOKASINI and for the "World Poetry" section of the literary website "Chadarim". She serves as Head of the Israeli Liaison Department of CHINH Magazine of Arts and Literature (Hong Kong–China), is a member of the World Association of Artists and Writers SAPS, and a member of the editorial team of the English edition of World Poetry Yearbook.

Alongside her original writing, Iris Calif-Israel translates the works of international poets into Hebrew, bringing poetic voices from diverse cultures to Israeli readers. Her poems and translations have been presented in art and literary exhibitions in Israel, including the exhibition "Butterflies of Peace", presented in June 2024 at the Air Force House Gallery in Herzliya. Her translation work reflects her commitment to promoting international cultural dialogue, connecting languages, and creating a shared space of creativity and understanding among peoples and cultures.

Among her international honors and awards are:

Grand Prize of Excellence – "Tra le parole e l'infinito" International Award (Italy, 2026) – the sole recipient from Israel.

Special Award for Excellence – City of Galateo – Antonio De Ferraris (Italy, 2024) for the poem "Angel of Life."

Best International Poet of the Year 2023, awarded by IPTRC–CHINH (China).

Israel's winning entry in the Friedrich Schiller International Literary Competition (Germany, 2025) for the poem "The Desert Bride."

The International Literary Award "The Greatest Poets of the World" (Greece–Mexico, 2026).

Iris Calif-Israel holds an Honorary Doctorate from the International Forum for Creativity, Humanity and Coexistence in the Kingdom of Morocco. In 2024, she was selected among the 20 leading international journalists of Legacy Crown's – Crown of Heritage (Asia), and received honorary diplomas from the Professional Writers' Union of Russia and the international magazine Arina NN, in recognition of her contribution to world culture, the promotion of friendship among peoples, and her international literary activity.

Her poems have been published and presented on radio and television, in journals, newspapers, anthologies, and numerous literary platforms in Israel and worldwide. Her work has been translated into many languages, including Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Bengali, Turkish, Nepali, Assamese, and Albanian. Articles and literary reviews about her work have been published by international literary critics and researchers, who have highlighted the uniqueness of her creation and its artistic and spiritual depth.

To date, three poetry books by her have been published: "On a Magical "Path, Lolita Breathes" (2001), "A Pure Wild Moon" (2017), and "Daughter of God" (2020), and she is currently working on her fourth and fifth poetry collections.

Her work continues to represent a unique Israeli voice in the international literary world and to endow poetry with dimensions of love, harmony, and humanity, illuminating the spirit of humankind, the sacred, and the profound connection between humanity, God, and creation, while carrying with it a dream of universal peace among peoples and cultures

Her poems have been published and presented on radio and television, in journals, newspapers, anthologies, and numerous literary platforms in Israel and worldwide. Her work has been translated into many languages, including Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Bengali, Turkish, Nepali, Assamese, and Albanian. Articles and literary reviews about her work have been published by international literary critics and researchers, who have highlighted the uniqueness of her creation and its artistic and spiritual depth

About the Founder of the Award 

 Cav. Nicola Paone– ITALY

Cav. Nicola Paone, born in Casoria, in the province of Naples (1955), is a cultural figure, entrepreneur, painter, founder and president of the "Tra le parole e l'infinito" ("Between Words and Infinity") Awards, considered among the most important international recognition initiatives in the fields of literature, culture, and excellence.

After his academic studies in art and his specialization in publishing, leadership, and communication, Paone dedicated his life to promoting culture, literature, and humanistic values. In 2000, he founded the literary award "Tra le parole e l'infinito", which in 2003 expanded into an international framework, becoming a platform that recognizes creators and cultural figures from around the world.

Over the years, Paone has founded additional major cultural initiatives and awards, including Premio Letterario Internazionale "Tra le parole e l'infinito" – the International Literary Award; Ad Haustum Doctrinarum – a Lifetime Achievement Award founded in 2006 and officially named in 2007, dedicated to individuals who have contributed to the dissemination of knowledge, culture, and justice; Labore Civitatis – a Lifetime Achievement Award established in 2010 in recognition of individuals who have acted with dedication, responsibility, and commitment for society and the community; The Grand Award to Excellence – Tra le parole e l'infinito – launched in 2020 and developed into a broad international framework honoring excellence in culture, art, and literature; and Premio alla Carriera Letteraria – Tra le parole e l'infinito – a Literary Lifetime Achievement Award founded in 2020 and dedicated to writers and poets from Italy and around the world.

For his cultural and international activities, Paone has received dozens of honors, titles, and distinctions, including the title of Knight of Merit of the Order of Knights of Saint George of Antioch (2001); the Silver Representative Medal awarded by the President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano (2008); the Gold Representative Medal awarded by the President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano (2011); appointment as Honorary Member of the National Association of the Italian State Police (A.N.P.S.) (2013); the title of Honorary Ambassador for Culture in Europe awarded by O.I.R.D. and C.I.C.S. (2017); the title of Knight – Guardian of Peace awarded by the International Confederation of Crusader Knights Assisi–Malta (2018); official patronage of the General Staff of the Italian Air Force on the occasion of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the award (2019); patronage of A.N.C.R.I. – Association of Recipients of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2021); the Excellent Diploma awarded by ACTIBE and SUD Magazine in Romania (2021); the Kosovo Mission emblem in recognition of his international activities (2021); appointment as Honorary Member of the N.O.S. Association and Certificate of Excellence from C.O.N.I.T.A. (2022); and the title Accademico di Merito ("Academic of Merit") awarded by Norman Academy in Rome (2023).

Over more than two decades, Nicola Paone has established himself as one of Italy’s prominent cultural figures, creating a bridge between literature, art, human values, and cultural diplomacy.

Through the awards he has founded, he continues to honor leading figures in

literature, art, science, law, culture, and public service, while promoting his vision that knowledge, culture, and excellence are universal assets to be shared with the world.

 

Autor:Maria Esther Zanatta

Autor:Maria Esther Zanatta

Pais: Estados Unidos 

Lo que me quede de vida*

Con lo que me quede de vida quiero hacer una fiesta

Hacer una que otra locura 

Cuando nadie se de cuenta

Soltar algun desatino

Para ver sus caras de asombro

( mientras yo por dentro me rio)

Quiero confesar que vivi

Preocupándome por todo

Hoy que abrazo mis años tranquilos

Le bajo al apuro

Pero jamas al brio

Siempre caminare rapido por calles y avenidas, asi no lleve prisa 

Todavia tengo el salero

De mis años mozos

Y aunque te asombren mis canas

Seguire riendome de la vida

De las caras mustias

De los que viven aferrados a sus vicios

Al dinero que ganan

A la casa que exhiben

Yo no tengo nada que ostentar

Soy dueña temporal incluso de mi cuerpo

Mi aguerrido avatar que me sostuvo tantos años

Y aunque muestre cansancio o desgano

Yo le recuerdo que mis veranos no se agotan

Que aun me quedan ganas de bailar bajo la lluvia

Cantar por las mañanas 

Escribir una poesia

O pintar un cuadro al medio dia

No soy de las que se quedan quietas

Ni calladas

Aprendi a ser combatiente

Y de tanto aprender de mala forma

Aprendi a caer con mucho estilo

Nada me llevare asi que tomen todo lo mio

Solo administre lo que la vida me dio

Jamas me aferre a nada ni a nadie

Las cosas se desgastan 

Las personas se marchan 

Los afectos cambian 

Algo permanece intocable

El alma que te habita

Como testigo inmutable

De tu viaje por el mundo

De tus victorias inigualables

De tus caidas inevitables

Nunca te lamentes de tu paso por la vida

Puedes tener mas de una herida

Pero un gran corazon resistentes

Asi es vivir con bajadas y subidas

Pero sin miedo a la muerte

Que vendra por ti sin previo aviso

!!! Vive por lo que mas quieras porque el tiempo vuela y a nadie espera !!

Ahora te quiero dejar la mejor lección aprendida, ama, abraza mas, porque no sabes cual sera tu ultimo dia

Autor: Maria Esther Zanatta

Pais: Estados Unidos 

Los momentos que me despertaron*

Fue en aquellos momentos de crisis, cuando descubrí que no soy irrompible, que puedo quebrarme en mil pedazos parada en medio de la calle, sin que nadie se de cuenta y seguir caminando. 

Fue en aquellos momentos de crisis cuando aprendí a nadar en el lodo, sola, completamente sola y aún así seguir confiando en mí. Fueron aquellos momentos de crisis los que me

obligaron a parirme desde el dolor más profundo. 

Fingiendo que no pasa nada tomar mis maletas y partir con el corazón destrozado ... mientras escondía con gran esfuerzo mi propio llanto para no dejarlo salir 

Gracias a las crisis entendí que puedo morir y seguir respirando, que la tristeza lejos de ser mi enemiga es mi gran maestra, la que me estaca en el momento presente para hacerme entender que no se puede ser la misma por mucho tiempo, que la vida es fluidez, dejar ir, soltar. 

Fue en los momentos de crisis que me sentí muy sola, muchas veces queriendo escapar para entender luego que a donde quiera que vaya iba a cargar con las circunstancias que me ocasionaban temor. 

En esos momentos de intensa soledad sentí que me encontraba en el desierto, que no había nada que hacer más que permanecer sin desesperar, porque más allá de toda desolación estaba yo misma para rescatarme. 

Y allí al fin comprendí, que no dejarme sola era mi cura, que ver las sombras de cerca me hacían más verdadera, que podía quedarme sin palabras y que todo eso estaba bien...

Porque podía llevar el dolor en la espalda y salir caminando ...

Fue en aquellos momentos de crisis cuando me hice más sabia, porque experimenté en carne propia la mas grande ilusión que es el aparentar, para luego decidirme a ser. Fue durante las crisis que comprendí que atreverme a ser vulnerable, fue mi mayor bendición. 

Y me crecieron flores en las heridas, para perfumarme el alma y nunca más alejarme de mí....

Autor: Maria Zanatta 

Pais: Estados Unidos 

Muéstrame 

Muéstrame esa mujer que nadie a visto

Esa mujer de pechos marchitos 

 De primaveras que se han ido 

Y de sueños que se han roto

Muéstrame esa mujer vulnerable 

Que después de llorar sola a mares 

Enguaja sus lágrimas 

Y sale sonriente frente a la vida

Muéstrame esa mujer a la que le hicieron daños de amores 

A quienes su propia familia le lanzó piedras 

A la que dejaron completamente sola cuando tenía mil y un problema 

Muéstrame esa mujer frágil 

Que se rompió mil veces y mil veces de reinvento para seguir adelante con su vida 

Muéstrame esa mujer que aparenta tranquilidad y dicha 

Cuando su barco se estrelló y tuvo que capear a nado la tormenta en mares embravecidos 

Muéstrame esa mujer valiente hasta la médula del hueso

Amorosa con todos 

Esplendida en su trato 

Muéstrame esa mujer que no conoce nadie 

Porque detrás de su sonrisa 

Guardo sus penas y desilusiones para que nadie se entere

Muéstrame esa mujer que después de mil penurias 

Se yergue altiva 

Y nadie sabe que lo que tiene se lo gano a pulso

Entre llantos y desvelos

Muéstrame esa mujer poderosa como nadie 

Porque esa mujer vive en cada una de nosotros 

Callando su verdadera historia 

Y mostrándole a los demás 

Que brilla por encima del dolor, del esfuerzo y la incomprensión 

Muéstrame a esa mujer que nadie conoce tanto 

Como yo misma

Esa mujer eres tú y soy yo 

Una guerrera noble, magnificente 

Luminosa e infinita

Autor Maria Esther Zanatta

Pais: Estados Unidos 

Tu 

Si la dulce salida

Es fijar mi guarida

Solo en tus brazos

Buscare mis amaneceres

Mirándote solo a ti mi amado 

Tu la promesa que no expira 

Como rio que busca el mar atravesando ciudades, bosques, y mil lugares

Así yo te he buscado 

En las noches solitarias deseando ser amada

Con la fuerza de un volcán en erupción

Y la ternura de una brisa suave 

Que acaricia y se desliza suavemente por mis cabellos

Tu la emoción dormida de mis mas profundos anhelos 

Así te quiero con pasión infinita

Con la calma serena cuando te amo y me amas

Tu ese ser que me completo

De los pies a la cabeza 

Amor como el nuestro es un regalo bendito

Yo soy parte tuya y tu eres parte mia

Alma que me arrulla

Silencio que me acompaña

Tu la verdad que siempre busque 

Nada puede definir este amor tan inmenso

Que el cielo sostiene 

En un vaivén infinito

De dos almas enamoradas

Sin egoísmos

Procurando el bien del otro

Como se procura el bien de uno mismo

Tu mi eterna alegría 

!! Oh pedazo de mi corazón que late en otro cuerpo !!

Alma mia que me abraza y me acuna en sus brazos serenos

! Eso eres tu una parte de mi !

Viviendo en tu alma y en tu cuerpo

Infinitos como el universo

Tu mi territorio sagrado 

Como jamas nadie lo ha siquiera imaginado

Tu ese que toco mi corazón

Y se quedo para siempre conmigo

Tu el principio, final y gloria

De mi ser…. que te ama y adora

Con total desprendimiento 

Amándote como nadie 

Con un amor inmenso

Infinito como el universo

.

 Poem Yatti Sadeli 

THE VEIL OF THE HORIZON 

Look! It's getting dark. The dark horizon isn't a threat. But a blanket for souls who know how to surrender. 

The sky turns red with blood. The night that's about to descend takes me to the throne of the moon and towards the stars, wandering around the world toward the veil of secret magic. 

I'm trapped in a narrow silence. Silence hangs between breath and time. Memories come like shadows dancing on the gloomy curtain of light. 

Let me be a cloud heavy with rain, falling on the barren plains that await. 

I whisper upward until the starlight softens. 

The night gathers me and her in hues of gold and silver, Covered by the beautiful cityscape. 

And between her and me, there's a charm that makes me close my eyes for a moment. Unconsciously, I smile. Her beauty always stirs my heart. Like the darkness and blackness filled with twinkling stars at night. 

One day, it will stop for a moment so the stars can continue to shine and I can be with her forever. But I don't think that's possible, because she's already in another realm that can't be disturbed. And I can only meet her in my dreams. 

******

 

🎸 SIX STRINGS – THE MUSIC OF LIFE 

Author:  Rev. Dr.Jintender Singh, India

Date: 17 May 2026 

When the strings of a guitar softly play,

The heart finds words it could not say.

A simple instrument, calm and bright,

Turns silent feelings into light.

Six strings… six tones… each one unique,

Some are strong, some soft and meek.

Yet when they join in perfect art,

They form one song that heals the heart.

Just like this world, so rich, so wide,

With different faces side by side,

Different languages, faiths, and ways—

Yet one deep longing fills our days.

The first string whispers, calm and clear,

“Pause for a moment… draw yourself near.

Listen within, where silence grows,

And quiet the storm no one else knows.”

The second string gently says,

“Hold on to truth in all your ways.

In darkest nights, let honesty shine,

A guiding lamp through space and time.”

The third string teaches, firm and wise,

“Walk the path where integrity lies.

Though hard it seems, choose what is right,

And live your truth with all your might.”

The fourth string calls with a gentle tone,

“Keep your heart pure, let kindness be known.

Cleanse the shadows, let light remain,

And free your soul from hidden stain.”

The fifth string reaches, hand in hand,

“You are not alone—together we stand.

In every crowd, in every place,

Build bonds of love, embrace each face.”

The sixth string sings the sweetest song,

“Love is the place where we belong.

Without love, all sounds depart,

Just empty noise, not from the heart.”

When all six strings in harmony rise,

They paint one song across the skies.

No race, no creed, no walls remain,

Just hearts united in one refrain.

But if one string falls out of tune,

The music fades away too soon.

So does life when parts are lost,

Leaving behind a silent cost.

So every day, take time to restore,

Tune your heart to something more.

As strings are tuned with patient art,

So must we tune the human heart.

And when life flows in perfect sound,

A deeper meaning will be found.

A melody pure, both strong and kind,

That gently touches every mind.

Then none will ask, “Where do you belong?”

They’ll simply smile and hear your song—

“You carry a music, pure and true…

The same that lives in me and you.” 

✍️ Author & Copyright

Author: H.E. Prof. Amb. Rev. Dr. Jitender Singh

© Copyright Reserved: 2026

All Rights Reserved | Unauthorized reproduction prohibited 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

BIOGRAPHY : 

Rev. Dr. Jitender Singh

(Priest | International Poet & Author | Social Activist | Peace Ambassador | World Record Holder)

Rev. Dr. Jitender Singh is a distinguished spiritual leader, poet, and author from India, widely recognized for his profound spiritual insight and inspirational writings on the international stage.

As a devoted servant of God, he plays an active role in church leadership, biblical teaching, and spiritual training. His work is especially focused on practical Christian living, youth development, and strengthening families through spiritual principles.

As a social activist and peace ambassador, he is deeply committed to promoting humanity, unity, and moral values. His poetry and writings reflect deep spiritual understanding and present life’s truths in a simple yet powerful manner, impacting people from all walks of life.

Dr. Singh has received numerous national and international honors for his contributions to literature, peace initiatives, and humanitarian service. Through his ministry and creative work, he continues to spread messages of love, peace, and unity across the world.

I am also attaching a high-resolution photograph along with this email.

Kindly confirm the receipt of my submission. I look forward to your positive response.

Thank you.

Warm regards,

Rev. Dr. Jitender Singh

Priest | International Poet & Author

India

 To you, my life!!!

Fatima Gameiro

THANK YOU

For the perfect moments we’ve shared, despite the distance (online).

THANK YOU for being such an important man in my life—a life that was once so empty and meaningless—and for filling my days with joy and pleasure...

THANK YOU for understanding me on days when I can't even understand myself, and for always being by my side when I need to hear your voice, even though we often communicate through our thoughts...

THANK YOU for your patience regarding the fact that I don't speak English yet... I feel so embarrassed and sad about it, yet you are always there for me...

THANK YOU to GOD for allowing us to meet through poetry, for your existence and for your presence in my life, and for accepting me with all my imperfections and limitations. I wish the distance between us didn't exist, and that time would stand still whenever you call me...

THANK YOU

for making me smile when I am sad...

THANK YOU

especially for teaching me about the customs and cultures of other countries—they are always such beautiful, meaningful stories with a moral...

THANK YOU for often sacrificing sleep to spend mornings 🌄, afternoons, and nights with me when I feel lonely; for fulfilling my boldest desires and advising me not to trust social media; and for the way you care for me...

THANK YOU for listening when I most need friendly advice, and for calling me *sweet wife*...

THANK YOU for your supportive shoulder, where I feel safe in the warmth of your embrace... and for the sweetness of your lips, longing to kiss me...

Perhaps one day I will give you a kiss unlike any you’ve ever known; I will invent a new way to love you so that you stay with me and never forget me... Thank you!!!

*You are with me*

@Fatima Gameiro  ❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹

June 28, 2026 - 12:30 PM - Brazil 🇧🇷

  

Joanna Svensson

HABIBI HABIBI - MY LOVE

I Was awakened by the words

That someone whispered in my dream

It was a comforting dream

That I remember

I remembered the loving

Voice as soft as satin

That Whispered time and time again

Habibi Habibi - my love

I didn't know

The meaning of the words

But They felt so comfort sweet

So sweet, so soft

Like the fragrance of jasmine

All around in my bedroom

My bedroom was filled with words

With words and with song

In a language that I didn't understand

But it didn't matter

It was so comforting to hear

Habibi Habibi

Habibi - my love

I heard it time and time again

The voice as sweet as satin

It was so comforting and soft

I But still it was a dream

©® Joanna Svensson

© Picture Joanna Svensson

Danijela Ćuk

 LET PEACE LIVE — EXTINGUISH THE WARS

Let us all stand for peace across the earth,

let every shadow cast by war lose worth,

let every child enjoy a childhood bright,

let every soul both give and feel love's light.

Must darkness triumph through another's spite?

Must goodness fade and yield without a fight?

Do not touch peace, let it forever thrive;

why should the innocent pay so others' hate survives?

No war has ever brought true good to humankind,

not in the past, nor now, nor in the days we'll find;

nor will it bring a better dawn tomorrow's way,

so let us guard the sun that lights each newborn day.

The innocent were never meant to bear the cost,

nor shed blood-stained tears for ambitions dark and lost;

this weary world is thirsty, hungry still for peace,

while people wage their wars and life's brief moments cease.

People, cease creating wars that choke the human soul,

for they can tear down walls of love that once stood whole;

you entered this world with empty hands, unclothed and free,

and empty-handed you shall leave,why sow such misery?

Do not strike against one another,

do not become servants of the dark and suffer;

serve love and peace throughout the earth instead,

and never steal a single child's bright years ahead.

Let peace live on, extinguish every war,

do not hate, do not judge, do not wound anymore;

be truly human,what is power worth in the end?

Without it you arrived, without it you shall transcend.

Danijela Ćuk

Croatia

 Danijela Ćuk 

Hrvatska

NAŠ ŽIVOTNI KUTAK 

Ne mogu ti obećati sva blaga svijeta,

ne mogu ti materijalno ništa dati,

ali mogu ti pružiti ruku svoju,

i osmijeh u trenucima kad tvoj prestane sjati.

Ne mogu riješiti sve tvoje probleme,

niti učiniti čuda da nestanu lako,

ali mogu ih ublažiti prisustvom svojim,

i zagrliti te čvrsto i jako.

Ne želim ti davati lažnu nadu,

da tvoje tegobe sutra će proći,

ali želim da znaš da biti ću tu,

kad zasuze tvoje predivne oči.

Ne želim biti uz tebe samo,

kad sunce na nebu sja,

već i u trenutku kad stigne oluja,

i to ona orkanska.

Kad te iznutra stisne kao da te guši,

ne želim da preda mnom glumiš sreću,

zaplači,i ja ću zaplakati s tobom,

jer prijatelji leđa ne okreću.

Nisam od onih čije usne se otvore,

samo za protok praznih riječi,

radije ću u tišini s tobom,

potražiti kutak koji dušu liječi.

S rukom u ruci,biti ćemo tu jedna za drugu,

smijati se a i zaplakati kad treba,

i kad nam se život nasmiješi,

i kad bol iza ugla negdje vreba.

Danijela Ćuk 

Hrvatska

 Poet -Mamoni Sharma

Translator -Rajeshri Senapati Gogoi 

Grasp 

In every face-to-face encounter,

A breeze of collective happiness flows,

In every pause, there grows

The vermilion longing of imagination.

​The incomprehensible dialogues 

from Jatayu's throat,

I preserve those too, with careful grace,

They say the language of tangled images

Can be softened by a poem’s embrace.

​Within the dense depths of my darkness,

Herds of restless fawns dance incessantly,

Yet, the words are silent, the language is mute.

​I seem to have drifted apart

Still, I build a new sky every day.

No, there is no exchange in return,

Spring does not arrive just because a flower blooms.

​That is what I wonder

Why do the birds of human imagination

Fly to such soaring heights?

The sky that possesses not a trace of color,

They paint its shroud

Surely, with the colors of their own mind.

Bio-data 

​Mrs. Mamoni Sharma is a Poet and well-known literary and social worker of Dibrugarh. She is currently serving as the Secretary of the Dibrugarh District Moina Parijat and the President of Jeutimoral Moina Parijat. A Life Member of All Assam Moina Parijat, Mrs. Sharma also shares a deep passion for literature towards children. Her published poetry collection, titled "Abelitor Moi Naam Thobo Khojo" is a testament to her creative talent. She remains actively involved in both social responsibilities and literary pursuits.

 Poetry : Nameless 

Author : Ahmed Mostofa Faisal

Country : Bangladesh 🇧🇩

I am nameless, yet I remain awake.

I never truly had a name.

My father called me ‘that girl'.

My husband wanted only a silent body.

And society?

It searched for religious fear even in the curve of my brow.

I was born behind a curtain

where tears meant virtue and desire meant sin.

Slowly I learned

my chest was a threat to your god,

my gaze a trial for your soul, 

You fear the knowledge within my body

because it refuses your rule.

You wanted me to learn how to fall silent,

how to walk with lowered eyes, hiding my smile,

how to perform consent instead of living love.

You do not know, when a woman grows quiet,

a civilization forms inside her body,

one day igniting into fire

and rising with the question, 

‘Who am I?’

I am that question

Which makes every scripture tremble.

I am that cry that history cannot contain.

I did not only wish to survive, I dared to ask who I am.

Who am I for? Am I enough for myself

No one ever told me my desire was mine,

my will was mine, my silence was mine.

even my unspoken words are a language 

this civilization refuses to hear.

I stand beyond every command, 

every command, every rule, every explanation.

From non-being, I now give birth to myself

in every voice, in every calling.

I am no longer the good girl. 

I am no longer a machine for motherhood.

I am not only a lover.

I am the woman

who is her own first love, 

Her own first rebellion, her own first goddess.

Inside my chest now 

flows not just a river but a continent.

A land where women is not only body

but a complete map, 

where the language of freedom

is taught from the very first cry.

I am that woman 

who exists in no story, 

Yet from whom every story begins.

 Aziz Mountassir 

Poem original by Aziz Mountassir English version by Neide Romani 

Who Am I, the Lover?

Who am I, the lover?

A flame that teaches darkness

the forgotten language of light,

a river lost in time

searching for a sea

that has always lived within its depths.

I am the question the stars ask the dawn

before surrendering to brightness—

a wound that blossoms into a rose,

a silence learning

how to become a song.

I do not love to possess,

but to become.

Every heart I touch

opens a new horizon

within my soul.

And when I ask: who am I?

the answer comes from behind the mirrors of existence:

you are not the walker of the path,

nor the path itself,

but a journey

that will end at a point within being.

Who am I, the lover?

A passing shadow of light,

borrowing its pulse from time before it fades,

a cloud aware that rain is temporary,

yet still offering its heart to the earth.

I love because finitude awaits me,

because the most beautiful rose

is the one that knows its moment of fading.

I am a traveler between two moments:

a birth that opens the door,

and a departure that closes it gently.

I do not seek a false eternity—

rivers reach the sea and lose their names,

stars shine briefly

before silence swallows them whole.

And when I ask existence:

who am I, the lover?

wisdom answers from its deepest core:

you are a spark in the night of the cosmos,

brief in time…

yet as long as you burn,

you give darkness its meaning of light.

We are not an endless journey,

but a short passage between two unknowns,

and what makes it eternal

is not its length—

but the depth of love

with which we cross it.

Autor :Maria Zanatta 

Pais: Estados Unidos 

¿Que sería de la vida sin 

poesía ?

Que seria del mundo sin la poesia....y la voz de un poeta ....convertida en letras con tinta sobre un papel  inmortalizadas

¿Que seria de la vida sin poesía ?

Tal vez  desiertos aridos y oscuras grietas

Donde se apagase la voz del cantor ....

El suave sortilegio de una prosa y un verso manifiesto de amor y vida ....

Que sofocan las penas

Y sanan las heridas

De amores heridos

Precipitados e inconclusos

0 con finales inesperados...

¿Que seria la vida sin la poesía ?

simple epifania de algo insulso 

Que la pluma de un poeta estalla en cada verso

Que su mente crea en sus tardes gloriosas

Cuando la inspiración y la razón tocan su puerta

Y dejan compuestas las más profundas obras maestras

Que en simples palabras delatan su sentir 

y el sentir de todos

De aquellos que en silencio lo piensan

En secreto lo hablan

Y en acciones sin rima estallan 

La poesia es arte

Que habla de la vida

De lo incierto  y de lo certero

De lo imaginativo  y de la verdad que se estrella como el mar en la roca 

Formando olas de profundidad

Como se forma en el alma

Las palabras que las atraviesa

De un bardo enamorado que no llego a ningún puerto ....

Y  de recuerdos y semblanzas

De un pasado que sin querer arrastras y visitas de cuando en cuando 

cuando tu ser se convierte en nostalgia y las lagrimas negras se vuelven lamento

Para eso nacieron los poetas para armar en versos tus rompecabezas y citar en coplas realidades que queman en tus silencios mas intimos e inconfesables 

Para eso estan los poetas para recordarte en letras

Que cargas el negativo de tus pobres vivencias de tu pasado como pesado fardo

En tu cansada espalda ...

Y las glorias inmensas de un futuro que no muy lejos te espera 

Donde eres dueño absoluto de tus errores y pecados

Y también de tus aciertos revelados por tus audacias

En momentos turbulentos donde tu fuerza emerge victoriosa a la superficie 

Nadie te dirá la palabra es viento cuando no se recibe con detenimiento 

Y tambien es saeta que rompe y lacera el corazón mas duro 

Porque de eso son las letras de algodones suaves y finos

Y de aceros no bruñidos ...

Las entenderás si a ti te enganchan el alma 

O no subirán a tu mente si no te acomodan

Total poesia y vida son caras de la misma moneda

Confundiendose entre si

 Poem original by Autor: Maria Esther Zanatta

Pais: Estados Unidos 

Titulo: 

Van Gogh 

Si un día yo te encontrara 

caminando por el campo de los girasoles 

Y me dieras la bienvenida con tu mirada

Tal vez habláramos de amores

Esos inciertos y escurridizos 

Esos firmes llenos de hechizo

!! Oh si yo te encontrara !!

En medio de la noche estrellada me quedaría a tu lado

Viendo con la destreza que pintabas un cielo vibrante lleno de ondas y remolinos !! Que nadie entendio jamas !!

Que existen en la realidad

Y solo tú con esa aguda sensibilidad 

Pudiste captarlos 

Inmortalizándolos en un lienzo para la posteridad

Para sorpresa de nuestro siglo, recien pudieron los astronomos e investigadores desciburir que en tus pinturas dibujaste un fenomeno que si sucede en los cielos

Que es invisible para todos los ojos

Menos para los tuyos

Que atravesaban espacios infinitos 

Llenos de luz , magia y belleza

!! Oh gran genio!! 

En que nadie creyó, un solo cuadro vendió y se sintió fracasado

Si hoy vieras asombrado

Cuánto valor tiene un cuadro tuyo

No podrías haberlo imaginado

El genio que llevaste desde la cuna

No pudo contemplar su triunfo

Y tu mirada llena de dudas 

No se cansó de contemplar cada obra

Que brotaba de lo simple 

Y con gran maestría 

Si tuviera la suerte de conocerte en un universo paralelo

Te diría -que lo lograste-

Y dejaste al mundo del arte perplejo

Mientras tú creías que habías perdido el tiempo

Van Gogh te hiciste inmortal

Convirtiéndote en leyenda

Y las leyendas nunca mueren

 

حوار مع الشاعر البنغلادشي نيلوي رفيق ، أجرته الشاعرة والمترجمة اللبنانية-البرازيلية تغريد بو مرعي

byمحمود الشبول-مايو 08, 2026

An Interview with Bangladeshi Poet Niloy Rafiq, conducted by Lebanese-Brazilian poet and translator Taghrid Bou Merhi

في فضاء الشعر العابر للحدود، يطلّ الشاعر البنغلادشي نيلوي رفيق بوصفه صوتًا إنسانيًا ينسج من الكلمة جسورًا بين الثقافات. منذ بداياته المدرسية، حمل قلمه شغفًا مبكرًا جعله حاضرًا في الصحف المحلية قبل أن يتردد صداه في المشهد الأدبي الوطني. ومع الزمن، تجاوزت قصائده حدود الوطن لتجد مكانها في مجلات وصحف أدبية عالمية، مؤكدة حضورها في أكثر من ثلاثين لغة. تتسم تجربته الشعرية بقدرة فريدة على مزج الفكر بالعاطفة، حيث تتحول اللغة إلى إيقاع ساحر يشبه التنويم الفني. وفي أعماله، يبدو كمن يحوّل الصمت إلى معنى، والكلمات إلى طاقة خفية تنبض بالجمال. وقد تُوّجت هذه المسيرة باعتراف دولي مرموق عبر جوائز أدبية عالمية. في هذا الحوار، نقترب من عالمه الإبداعي لنكتشف ملامح الشاعر والإنسان خلف النص.

أسئلة الحوار:

1- تغريد: كيف بدأت رحلتك الشعرية خلال سنوات الدراسة، وما الذي ألهمك لتبدأ الكتابة في سن مبكرة؟

نيلوي رفيق: عندما كنت طالبًا في الصف التاسع، كانت الامتحانات السنوية تبدأ في نهاية شهر نوفمبر، وكنت أدرس بجد من أجلها. كنت أقرأ قصائد مادة اللغة البنغالية (الورقة الأولى) بتركيز لأجتاز الامتحان. فجأة، ثار في ذهني خاطر: أولئك الذين أحفظ قصائدهم لديهم رأس ويدان وقدمان مثلي. ظلّ هذا الموضوع يدور في فكري كل لحظة. إذا كانوا يستطيعون كتابة الشعر، فلماذا لا أستطيع أنا؟ ومنذ تلك اللحظة بدأت الكتابة، وقد ألهمني أصدقائي في المدرسة ومعلموّي كثيرًا.

2- تغريد: ما الدور الذي لعبته الصحف المحلية في صقل موهبتك الأدبية؟

نيلوي رفيق: تُنشر الصفحات الأدبية في الصحف اليومية المحلية في منطقتي كل يوم جمعة. وكان المحررون الأدبيون ينشرون قصائدي باهتمام كبير. لا يمكن نسيان دورهم بالتأكيد، فأنا أكنّ لهم امتنانًا عظيمًا واحترامًا عميقًا.

3- تغريد: كيف تصف لحظة انتقالك من الحضور المحلي إلى الانتشار الوطني؟

نيلوي رفيق: أولًا، أود القول إن الاعتراف المحلي لعب دورًا مهمًا في تكوين موهبتي الأدبية. لكن موجة كبيرة انطلقت من منطقتي. أصبحت قصائدي تُنشر في الصحف اليومية والمجلات الأدبية على المستوى الوطني إلى جانب كبار الكتّاب. هذا الشعور مصدر فخر كبير لي، وهو أشبه بحلم يفوق الخيال ولا يمكن التعبير عنه بالكلمات. ومع ذلك، إذا توفرت الإرادة، يصبح كل شيء سهل المنال.

4- تغريد: متى شعرت لأول مرة أن صوتك الشعري وصل إلى قرّاء خارج بنغلاديش؟

نيلوي رفيق: تُترجم قصائدي إلى اللغة الإنجليزية، ثم تُنشر بانتظام في مجلات أدبية على يد شعراء من مختلف دول العالم. والقارئ هو من يسمع صوتي الشعري.

5- تغريد: كيف أثّر ترجمة شعرك إلى أكثر من ثلاثين لغة على رؤيتك للشعر؟

نيلوي رفيق: أنسج قصائدي من كلمات لغتي وتراثي وثقافتي وجذوري، وأعبّر من خلالها عن أفكاري. وعندما تُترجم هذه القصائد وتُنشر بلغات مختلفة حول العالم، أشعر بسعادة غامرة. لغتي الأم تنتشر في أرجاء العالم من خلال رابط الشعر.

6- تغريد: هل ترى أن الترجمة تعيد خلق النص أم تنقله فقط؟

نيلوي رفيق: أرى الترجمة إعادة بناء للنص الأصلي، إذا كانت ترجمة حرفية.

7- تغريد: ما الذي يميّز تجربتك الكتابية بين اللغة البنغالية والإنجليزية؟

نيلوي رفيق: البنغالية هي لغتي الأم، والإنجليزية لغة عالمية. أنا أكتب بالبنغالية، ومن خلال ترجمتها إلى الإنجليزية، تجد موهبتي الأدبية طريقها إلى العالم، كما هو الحال معكِ.

8- تغريد: كيف تختار موضوعات مجموعاتك الشعرية المختلفة؟

نيلوي رفيق: أراجع القصائد وأختار منها ما يناسب إعداد ديوان شعري. أجمع القصائد، ومن بينها أختار عنوان الديوان.

9- تغريد: : أيّ من أعمالك المنشورة تشعر أنه الأقرب إلى تمثيل هويتك الشعرية؟

نيلوي رفيق: كما تحمل الأم طفلها تسعة أشهر قبل أن يولد، كذلك يلد الشاعر قصائده من ألم المخاض. هذه القصائد هي أبنائي، فكيف أميّز بينها؟ إنه أمر صعب جدًا. الزمن وحده سيجيب... فلننتظر.

10- تغريد: كيف تنظر إلى العلاقة بين الحزن والجمال في عناوينك البنغالية؟

نيلوي رفيق: الشعراء عُبّاد الجمال، يستمتعون بالجمال من خلال الحزن.

11- تغريد: ماذا تمثّل لك صورة "بجعة في حزن نقي" في أحد عناوينك؟

نيلوي رفيق: إنها صورة مجازية. عندما يحكم الزمن العظيم على إبداعي، وإذا استطعت أن أجد من بينه بعض القصائد المتألقة، فسوف يحلّق إيماني عاليًا كالبجعة.

12- تغريد: كيف تتشكل الصورة الشعرية لديك، هل تبدأ بفكرة أم بشعور؟

نيلوي رفيق: القوة الأساسية للشعر هي الإيقاع والصورة والرمز. ومن خلالها تتكوّن المشاعر وتأخذ شكلها الشعري. وإذا لم يمتلك الشاعر معرفة بهذه العناصر، فإنه يواجه الظلام.

13- تغريد: يصفك البعض بأنك "ساحر اللغة"، كيف ترد على هذا الوصف؟

نيلوي رفيق: جميع الشعراء هم "سحرة اللغة"، فإذا لم يتمكن الشاعر من بناء طريق لغوي بكلمات جديدة، فإنه يكون فاشلًا. وأنا أحاول أن أبني هذا الطريق.

14- تغريد: ما الدور الذي يلعبه الإيقاع في تشكيل تجربتك الشعرية؟

نيلوي رفيق: الإيقاع هو أصل الشعر، فلا شعر بلا إيقاع. أحاول كتابة قصائد موزونة، وأتبع الإيقاع.

15- تغريد: كيف توازن بين البساطة والعمق في نصوصك؟

نيلوي رفيق: هناك الكثير من المعاني الحيّة والعميقة المختبئة داخل بساطة الكلمات. وأنا أعمل بطريقتي الخاصة مع الحفاظ على هذا التوازن.

16- تغريد: ما الذي تغيّر في رحلتك الشعرية بعد حصولك على جوائز دولية؟

نيلوي رفيق: أنا لا أكتب من أجل الجوائز، لكن من دواعي السرور والفخر أن أحصل على جوائز تقديرًا لإبداعي. وبالطبع، تحدث تغيّرات في الرحلة الشعرية، وما زال الطريق طويلًا.

17- تغريد: ماذا تعني لك جوائز SENEGA وNOSSIDE في مسيرتك؟

نيلوي رفيق: تمثل جوائز "SENEGA" و"NOSSIDE" نوعًا من الاعتراف بعملي الإبداعي.

18- تغريد: كيف ترى مستقبل الشعر في ظل التحولات الرقمية المعاصرة؟

نيلوي رفيق: مع التحول الرقمي، أصبح العالم في متناول أيدينا، وأصبحت وسائل التواصل سهلة جدًا. نحن قادرون على التعبير عن أفكار بعضنا البعض. وأنا على يقين بأن الشعر مرآة داخل الإنسان، ومن لا يمتلك هذه المرآة ليس إنسانًا، بل كائنًا غير إنساني يعيش حياته بالصراعات وسفك الدماء والقتل. الشعر هو عنوان النور والبوصلة للجميع، وهو تحرر الإنسانية.

19- تغريد: ماذا تحاول أن تنقله إلى العالم من خلال شعرك العابر للثقافات؟

نيلوي رفيق: أريد أن أنسج قصائدي من كلمات ثقافتي، ممزوجة بعذوبة قلبي، وأن أقول للعالم من خلال الشعر إن تقاليدي وثقافتي قوية جدًا. تعالوا جميعًا، أهلًا بكم في بلدي، أرض الجمال.

20- تغريد: هل هناك رسالة إنسانية مركزية تسعى لإيصالها من خلال أعمالك؟

نيلوي رفيق: من خلال عملي الإبداعي، أطمح إلى عالم من الجمال الإنساني، لا للحرب بل للسلام. أريد عالمًا نقيًا في المستقبل يخدم حياة الإنسان من خلال ترسيخ القيم الإنسانية.

21- تغريد: ماذا يمكن أن نتوقع من مجموعاتك الشعرية القادمة؟

نيلوي رفيق: الشعر هو التحرر؛ ومن خلال ممارسة الإنسانية نبني حياة مكتملة.

22- تغريد: ما السؤال الذي كنت تتمنى أن أطرحه عليك ولم أطرحه—وما سيكون جوابك؟

نيلوي رفيق: من الذي قال: "سنلتقي أنا وأنت قريبًا جدًا... في قاعة الإبداع."

23- وأخيرًا: نرجو أن تكتب لنا قصيدة هي الأقرب إلى قلبك.

سواروبكاتي-3

المصبّ في لونه الحقيقي كإقطاعيةٍ عتيقة،

آثاره في رصيف الجمال في العين، وفي نسيج صنّاع الكلمة،

وفي سجلّ الأصوات الرنّانة،

بذور دم آدم منقوشة في معالم أراضي القرية.

موت سقراط معلّق في سماء الأكاذيب،

أزهار شجرة الزمن المقدسة ترتجف،

مهد البذور محترق ومتقرّح بنار العمى،

أزيلوا الجدار والأسلاك الشائكة من الحدود.

هناك ظلّ عاصفة سوداء في بيت الروح الهائجة،

ذكريات الحروف في الدموع، والجذور في القلب،

أجراس أوراق الشجر تتطاير من أجساد الخضرة،

الحياة تتسرّب في التاريخ، في كوركشيترا.

حظًا موفقًا،

شكرًا جزيلًا لك. أتمنى لك الصحة الجيدة والعمر المديد.