Poetry for ChangePEACE
Acrostic
Please pray and provide peaceful
Elemental needs for those in danger of
Armed military conquests, who
Convene to critically splice countries to support their
Economies and spread fear of their power.
©️ Malak kalmoni chehab ©️
Author of Perfectly Flawed poetry for change
https://www.amazon.ca/Perfectly-Flawed-poetry-Malak-Kalmoni/dp/1525582518
‘Oh Woman’ published in Gival press issue 187
What have you been working on?
I’ve been working on submitting my new poetry book to 2 sites, hoping one will pick it up. It’s harder than you think it is, as I already have the poetry written. However, the problem is the organization of the poems under 3 themes, which will make it more manageable. I’m struggling too with the time I need to pit into it, knowing I have a deadline and balancing my duties and work. I miss the simplicity of just writing for myself. On the other hand, I feel like I’ve grown beyond that, since I have things to share with the world.
Above is the link to my first collection of poems, in the book, Perfectly Flawed poetry for change, that’s on the finalist list for the Canadian Book Club Awards. Another poem: Oh Woman, was published a week ago in ArLiJo, Gival press, another is published in Unseal Your Power:
https://amzn.to/47RpSFt
Follow the link to get an idea where writers store their ideas, those they DIDN’T write down!
https://www.tumblr.com/writing-prompt-s/729891677540597760?source=share
That’s the reason why I have Notes on my phone. Even when walking, I stop to jot down a word or idea for a poem, then, I complete the writing when I have a few minutes! There are even times when the idea transforms completely when I start writing.
What principles define how you live?
The principles that drive me most are honesty, faith, and justice. When it comes to honesty, we have a saying that says, ‘honesty will hurt in the moment, but it will also teach you’, perhaps it’s a harsh lesson, but when it’s learned from friends and family it’s better than from strangers. I’ve always hated liars and pretenders who talk a good game but are really envious of your honesty and strength to stand by it. So, yes, I will choose honesty, always.
Faith for me, defines the principles I live by: nurturer, respectful, accepting, flexible, listener, just, and a person who tries as much as possible to practice what I preach. Included in my faith is the acceptance that justice prevails always, whether you make sure people give it to you, or if you leave it to God to get it for you, because Karma is a b-tch and will bite you in the ass!
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I’ve always been a reader who was sucked into the novel and felt that I’ve watched it as if seeing a movie. As though that’s not enough, I enjoy buying books, some of which I don’t read, but buy newer ones! I feel like I have a friend in each book, where I connect to a fictitious world that seems real to me. I’ve come to enjoy books that surprise me, whether in plot, theme, content, character, or even dialogue. Those are the books I search for today.
Writing has been with me since my 30s, when I returned to university after having 2 children and pregnant with my third. I liked poetry writing most, as comparisons, allegories, and events are shorter in nature, direct yet subtle, and require a lot of cultural knowledge, literature, and news. My book, Perfectly Flawed poetry for change, was published during the pandemic and has only now been chosen as a finalist in the Canadian Book Club Awards. Two other poems are featured in anthologies or magazines, while others have won me certificates for Facebook contests. (FriesenPress add on their Instagram.) https://www.amazon.ca/Perfectly-Flawed-poetry-Malak-Kalmoni/dp/1525582518
Unseal Your power, is the anthology featuring one of my poems.
https://amzn.to/47RpSFt
As for walking, it’s my way to relieve pent-up stres, as well as taking the time to talk to my husband, whose constant encouragement helps me push myself to stay healthy!
In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?
As a mother, teacher, and writer, the fact that there’s a reaction to the job that’s immediate is very rewarding. As a mother, more patience is required, as there are stages the children go through when the mother feels at a loss, even that she’s losing control of the situation. It’s similar to a teacher, as patience is also key, but the reward of the students enjoying and participating in the class are fulfilling. Finally, while patience as I write is a requirement, I always feel anxious when I post my writing, as I worry about reactions and perceptions about the content of my work. The latter isn’t a worry in a class, as the curriculum is your guide, the mother’s morals are hers, while writing is perceived on a global scale that’s not limited in scope, culture, civilization, or language. And therein lies the difference ! 🙄
Author of: Perfectly Flawed, poetry for change available:
https://www.amazon.ca/Perfectly-Flawed-poetry-Malak-Kalmoni/dp/1525582518
Included in Unseal Your Power
Fall has begun, and yet orchids continue to burgeon, producing buds that turn into astounding multi-colored flowers! If that isn’t a miracle of nature, I don’t know what it would be.
Although I love each season, for they each provide their own beauty, still, fall is a favorite of mine. The grey skies, the rain, the strong winds all create an ambiance for reading and creating!
My poetry book, Perfectly Flawed poetry for change:
https://www.amazon.ca/Perfectly-Flawed-poetry-Malak-Kalmoni/dp/1525582518
What’s your all-time favorite album?
Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody is one of my all-time favorite album, as it reminds me of my youth when it became famous. Plus, later on, my daughter and I used to enjoy singing it very loudly while driving. So its continuity in my life makes it special.
https://www.amazon.ca/Perfectly-Flawed-poetry-Malak-Kalmoni/dp/1525582518
How often do you walk or run?
I walk almost daily. It’s one way for me I de-stress and stay physically fit. At my age, running isn’t recommended, but I do speed walk and do at least 5 kilometers. When I walk with my husband, the walk becomes a 10Km fast paced walk! Yep, he had to train me, slowly but surely, to reach that goal. I can’t thank him enough for his support.
What are you doing this evening?
My favorite night escape is being home, alone, or surrounded by people I love. While alone, I’m more likely to be productive and write something new or apply for the varied writing contests. On the other hand, while I’m with my tribe, I store the happiness, smiles for darker days to shine a light on them.
Poetry for Change 