Poem: Camellia-Iris

an inspired form of giving

life into the heart

sometimes physical

mental

emotional

to move a step further

spiritual

togetherness with yourself – first

somedays are pink – purple days

somedays are red days

somedays are black days

more shades we encounter

in life and learn to come back

to self-worth – valuing ourselves

pampering with a cup of tea,

coffee, books, flowers, manicure,

traveling, exploring, kissing the nature

for what we do -value or

massage sometime here – there

we - the symbol of hope

faith – joy – creation – sustenance –

sexuality – pleasure - evolution –

learning – teaching – healing

refuse to inherit the silence of

ancestors – who speak up for

accepted culture - change

pain of being labelled

for being different

for not acting like a

rehabilitation center

but to invoke, inspire

aspire, deep – very deep

self-love – not self-fish -but

self-knowing - aware that you can’t pour from an empty

cup – yet

also realizing the cup was never empty

always full – can be mindful – flowing –

nestling the flowers Camellia-Iris

somewhere in our heart as a symbol of

love – hope – miracle – gift

never forget gratitude – sweep away malice

honorably for some exquisite delight

for yourself – self love

and a vase with Camellia-Iris

© Bhavna Khemlani

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By Bhavna Khemlani

Bhavna Khemlani’s empowering journey navigates being an Educator, Poet, Author, Corporate Trainer, Academic & Creative Writing Coach, Researcher, Reiki Master Teacher, Existential Well-being Counseling & Mindfulness Practitioner. It's a thriving inspiration as Co-Leader of Bangkok Women Writers Group – BWWG. Co-founder of 360 Degrees Mind.Body.Spirit workshops. Research Journal 2020 - The Impact of Reiki Treatments (Hands-on Energetic Healing) and Existential Well-Being Counseling in Reducing Stress and Improving the Well-Being and Quality of Life of Young People. Her research - ‘Transitions in the healthcare systems in times of uncertainty, exploring views by experts through Mindfulness & Emotional Intelligence,' published 2018, received an International Award by the World Research Council (Research Ratna Awards 2019). Novels: The Wagging Tale of Bliss-Reconnecting, The Classroom - Ashley & her Mystical Tale, and more. Author - Editor of Anthology 'Gratitude, Good News, & Guidelines,' 33 nonfiction stories from writers across the globe. Her Non-Fiction short story, 'Love Shack' was translated to Khmer Language. Website: www.bhavzparadise.com

Illustration by Blue Rachapradit

Blue is an aspiring illustrator, sometimes poet, living in Bangkok. She is the founder of The F Word art magazine and passionate about the intersection between arts and social activism. You can see more of her illustration as well as her poetry on Instagram at @thisbluecreature