Linette Rabsatt -National Poetry Month

Featured Poet #1

I am a Virgin Islander with roots in the British and United States Virgin Islands. I started writing in 1996 after being encouraged by Dr. Vincent Cooper in an English course at the University of the Virgin Islands. Since then, I have amassed over 600 pieces. I publish some poems and other musings on my blog, Words of Ribbon, and in local newspapers. In March 2023, I released my first poetry collection, Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt. After releasing the book, I started submitting poems to journals and magazines and sought online poetry readings to participate in. Since then, I have had several feature performances and poems published in anthologies, journals, and magazines, such as Micromance Magazine, Pulse Poetry Magazine, and Visual Verse.

I love poetry because it is a great art form to freely, yet creatively, express myself. I can write with or without rules by following established forms or writing in free verse. I love playing with words and creating pieces that spark nostalgia, call for action, and/or promote positivity. I use alliteration, rhyme and other literary devices to enhance my poems. I am inspired by nature, my family, vivid conversations, culture, and social challenges. Writing poetry is my creative outlet for uniquely sharing my random thoughts. I sometimes quote song titles, create shaped poems, use bible verses or create riddle poems. I would not say that I have a set style, as I try to explore new forms.

I encourage other writers to hone their writing by:

·Record your poems for yourself.

Listen to the poem to gauge its flow and readability. This also helps if you want to perform at events.

·Attend poetry readings

Poetry readings provide an excellent avenue to learn about other writers and their styles. You also get to share your work and get feedback.

·Attend writing workshops

There are several free workshops online. Attend to get feedback from published authors and learn from the other poets.

·Submit to journals and magazines

Try submitting your poems to a few magazines. Even if you are rejected, your poem was read and noticed. Keep submitting!

·Use social media to your advantage

Recently, I joined a few Facebook groups that share prompts to improve my writing. You can also share your work but always be mindful of plagiarism and note that some journals do not accept previously published work, including those shared on social media.

·Support other authors

If you want to be supported, you have to support other authors by purchasing their books, attending readings when they are featured, and giving feedback – even a Like on Facebook is great feedback.

· Encourage other writers

Encourage other writers. Sometimes, we just need a little push.

I am very thankful for the support that I have received from my local community, other writers and publishers who shared my work. Thank you for believing in me when I was scared to share!

I have two mantras:

· “Words written and hidden are no use; share them and let someone peruse.” These are lines in my poem, Revisited.

· “Invest in what grows you!” If you want to be a successful writer, please set aside time for writing and honing your craft.

✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼

Linette Shares Her Favorite Poem From Her Own Collection….

Yellow

girl: what does a yellow rose symbolize?

because, based on my research

this relationship must have met its demise

there I was planning for commitment

being together until old age

a testimony for love and contentment

instead, you delivered yellow flowers

meant for friends and acquaintances

we all know red is for lovers

so what I am left to do

but run away burned and assuming

that my love is no more for you

boy: this yellow rose is meant for love

I trust you and need you

our love is a perfectly fitted glove

I can’t live in peace when you’re not there

my poor heart is now broken

this stress will make me lose my hair

you need to listen to my pleas for you

you are my one and only

you know me best and what I’ve been through

this yellow rose - a symbol of forever

you’re my friend, lover, helping hand

your presence makes my life better

💕💕💕

Linette explains the inspiration behind Yellow:

I was inspired to write this piece based on am ekphrastic prompt shared in a Facebook group. The photo depicted a man running after a lady holding yellow flowers with a yellow rose and classic car in the background.