The
POET TREE

1/1

Crow

And so dark crow spoke

What happened with man?

The comings and goings of their ways.

Urban life and country folk,

A full gamut, the full span,

And all the differences that conveys.

Some enjoyed great wealth

While others pinched their way;

Life’s disparities that never seemed clear.

Crow sneered in dark stealth.

“Only non-conformists dare stray;

In your world, control comes from fear.”

- James Falkener

James Falkener began writing poetry more than 40 years ago while at Felsted School in England. It has been a life-long avocation brought about through a love of the English language.

“I often start with a single line that I really like and, from there, develop a poem. I never quite know in what direction each poem will evolve.

Wikipedia has been immensely helpful for providing research and I have included a number of links where appropriate.

Artistic talents of any kind and calibre are wonderful gifts that need to be shared and enjoyed by all.”

James lives in Alberta, Canada.

Seasonal Conversion

every day the sunrises

then sets

I must

quiet the moment

breathe the air

embrace the change –

of seasonal conversion.

- Irene Naested

Dr. Irene Naested, Full Professor and Professor Emeritus from Mount Royal University. (MRU). She is a visual artist, author, educator and daily practises some form of meditation primarily through art, poetry, writing and movement.

She has authored numerous books, chapters, journal articles, and teacher resources on teaching and learning. Her poetry, prose and art have been published nationally and internationally. Irene has received teaching awards locally and internationally.

Photo Credit: Neil Murray

About Mary V

Mary Vlooswyk • Calgary, AB

Mary is a poet who writes to reach unseen details, searching for the mysteries held beneath what the eye first sees. She is an emerging writer who was shortlisted for Quattro Books inaugural "Best New Poet in Canada" in 2018, and she placed third in a Canada 150 contest. Her writing has been published in Canada, the US, Wales, Japan and China in magazines such as Asahi Shimbun, Mothers Always Write, FreeFall, GUSTS, Moonbathing, Wales Haiku, and Wild Musette, as well as a number of anthologies. She is a contributing editor for Arc Poetry Magazine.

Bow Valley Ranche’s poet laureate, Mary V. launched her first book of poetry, On the Prairie Fringe. Thanks goes to Larry Wasyliw and The Historical Bow Valley Ranche Society for making this become a reality.

-

Author of Big Blue Sky Haiku and Reﬂection, Mary Vlooswyk’s collection of ﬁnely tuned haibun (a Japanese literary form that marries prose and haiku) reminds us again and again of the power of nature to heal, to provide pleasure, and wonder. As Vlooswyk says “owls… unhook me from my busy day.” Complimentary artwork only adds to the delight; sometimes, we are just all “waiting for a world/ that is never spoken.” Highly recommended.

Terry Ann Carter

author of Tokaido (Red Moon Press, 2017) Touchstone Distinguished Book Award past president of Haiku Canada

-

Mary Vlooswyk enters Fish Creek Park as in a sanctuary keenly respectful of all its sights and sounds. Travelling with her is sharing in this experience.

Lucille Raizada

Haiku and Tanka Poet

BUY THE BOOK

For anyone interested in purchasing a copy of On the Prairie Fringe, (Only $10.00) a lovely illustrated poetry book that explores Fish Creek Park, please contact Mary at: bvrpoet@gmail.com for more information.

Cowboy City Girl

I’m a city girl now

with black patent shoes

instead of dusty and worn

old cowboy boots

I smother a drawl

that sneaks into my speech

when least expected

it gives away my roots.

I eat sorbet from crystal

and drink water with bubbles

I really don’t want

to cause any trouble

but when skies grow dark

and stars pop out

my heart is left

without any doubt

that in a saddle

wandering wild and free

on the back of a bronc

is where I ought to be.

-

Mary Vlooswyk’s On the Prairie Fringe combines poetry, prose and illustrations to tell many fascinating stories about Fish Creek Park. Park preservation for future generations is also highlighted. It’s a must read for nature and poetry lovers.

Joanne Morcom