My Haiku Gets First Prize

Out of 250 entries from 5 continents and 45 countries - my haiku got First Prize at The Sharpening Green Pencil Contest 2016. 

Delighted to share the link to the Book of the Contest - Sharpening The Green Pencil 2016 Contest. Go to Page 12 to read my winning ku. This is a haiku very close to my heart, and to see it at First Position out 250 entries – is too overwhelming for me. Thank you for such a nice review for this haiku of mine. It means a lot to me!

http://en.calameo.com/read/000019718cac7d22bfea5

(Page 12)

Project Proposal.....

Phew!

For the last few days, I just took a break from my reading and writing - to concentrate to finish my project proposal for the course. Finally - I see a good draft of 500 words, ready to be proofread, and send to my academic counsellor for her feedback. Once I get the feedback, I can print it, and submit to the main university in Delhi. Then I can start with my assignments until I get the final approval to submit my report of atleast 20,000 words (though I plan to submit upto 25000 words..almost a book). Fingers crossed!

A good news a project of anthology for women writers and artists has shortlisted a haiku of mine. This makes me feel so proud about myself. A month dedicated to International Woman's Day, and this mail comes my way.

Another German langauge journal has shortlisted my haiku for the spring issue. It will be translated in German language as well.

Time to get back to proofreading my draft. Send me your prayers and blessings...!

Love

Archana

Black is the Colour!

It has been three years. I stopped playing the festival of colours. I dedicate this day to people who are deprived of vision. I think I do not want to be the priviledged one. I pick black over all the colours. I feel the pain and misery when one has to live a life - where the only colour they know is 'black'. 

There was a time I used to play with colours like a crazy woman. But in these three years - the contentment I experienced is beyond my words. I can never express how good I feel to do it for a cause.

But I do wish my readers around the globe - a very happy and colourful Holi. Few lines for my loved ones, and my readers.

Rang de aapko aaj

Apne pyaar ke rang mein ....

Aasman ke Aasmani se

Sarsoon ke peele mein .....

Mehendi se lagaye apko haara

Aur gulab se lage thodha sa gulaal....

Rang de aapko aaj

Apne pyaar ke rang mein .....

**Happy Holi **

~ Archana Kapoor Nagpal

Different Views Of My Haiku - Washington!

I am so proud to share this with all of you. As blogged earlier about this haiku selected out of 900 haiku - is still displayed at Golden Triangle, DC, Washington. It is true to write - that a writer might not travel but his/her work is famous when it is displayed beyond the borders and boundaries of his/ her existence.

People walking around this place might not know me but they will always know someone wrote something that gave a reason for them to read it.

This is a haiku dedicated to my daughter.

early spring ...

my daughter's snowman 

disappears

If you walk, and read my work - just think of your daughter, and do share it with her.

Tu Kabhi Soch Na Sake ....

I was working on my project proposal. Took a quick break. I love this song of the movie - Airlift. AS i feel Arijit Singh's voice is just amazing, and the lyrics of this song are so soul touching. I loved the Punjabi lyrics as the song starts. Don't know I just cried while listening to this one....Lol!

Incase if my Indian readers would like to know about the lyrics. A beautiful song woven in emotions. Nothing above unconditional love!

https://youtu.be/MJQKJJN9pis

Good night !

My First Cento Gets Published!!

My very first cento (remixed poem) inspired by the works of my favourite poet - John Keats titled 'Unfathomable Love' gets published on Dead Snakes. 

Here is the link for my all readers. Though I do not think cento is purely a creative piece by a writer/poet so I am not much into it. I see it as recreating something out of someone's else work. Wanted to try, my editor liked it, and got it published.

http://deadsnakes.blogspot.in/2016/03/archana-kapoor-nagpal-poem_21.html

Unfathomable Love

A cloud across the moon, -- the lights bring in!

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:

Sweet, holy, pure, sacred and innocent,

But here there is no light

Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath

Before my pen has glean'd my teeming brain

Exact in capitals your golden name;

My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains

That I shall never look upon thee more,

So fondly I'll breathe, and so softly I'll sigh,

With good advices; and I here remain,

My spirit is too weak; mortality

And so live ever--or else swoon to death.

Sources - Poems of John Keats:

A Thing Of Beauty (Endymion)

Bright Star

When I have Fears

Ode To A Nightingale

Sonnet

Stanzas To Miss Wylie

13 and 11 ....

Being a student after 13 years is a feeling of nostalgia in itIself. I guess I am the eldest among my class mates. At times we take too much time to decide the direction or I must write the right direction of life. But I believe - there is a right time for everything. I might leave Bangalore maybe in few months so I wanted to use my time effectively.

Out of entries of 211 authors from 43 countries - one of my favourite haiku got place at 11th position. It is such a great feeling to see my haiku among top few numbers. This month I have seen my work among top in three contests. The feeling is great in itself.

The haiku is as below:

a shooting star -

he holds my hand

to make a wish

(11th Place, EQK #13)

(The keyword for the contest - 'People')

Here is the link to the blog published - 

http://europeankukai.blogspot.in/2016/03/results-of-european-quarterly-kukai-13.html

Happy Monday!