Hymns of an Unfinished Poem
Now tell me, where should I go?
It is evening; travelling the country roads,
I am lost in the woods where it is already dark.
All I can see is just a few yards beyond my sight,
And then it disappears into the dark.
The soles of my feet are still burning,
My tendons torn and weary.
Walking all the way through the summer day,
I stumble and wish to rest beneath a tree
That bears nothing but naked branches.
The hands I held have disappeared;
Promises remain futile and unfulfilled.
Parting for separate paths, I am left with the void.
A long way I have walked, humming the songs
That speak of the eternal truths.
The noises from the dark frighten me
I wish I could close my eyes for a while
And stretch my feet across the fallen leaves,
But what if a wild creature hidden in the woods
Should leap upon me and feed its hunger?
The sweet voices of the morn have gone;
The whistling of the eagles has disappeared.
Upon the skies, the colours have faded,
And dense darkness spreads across the horizon.
Alas, the night is not far away.
There is still a long way before it is time to sleep.
Perhaps I can walk as far as these worn feet will bear,
And then sleep until another morn, when I awake
To a world illumined by His majestic rays,
Remembering nothing of the journey gone by.
I could make my tomb beneath these trees,
And decorate it with the yellow leaves,
Covered by the wet soil, breathing in the earth,
Then fall into a deep and endless slumber
From which I would never wake again.
O travellers journeying towards the dusk,
Stop by the wayside, if you can; deep beneath the soil
Rests a man who left unfinished the journey he yearned for.
Listen, the newborn leaves of the age-old tree
Still tremble with the hymns of an unfinished poem.
Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar
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With a master’s in International relations, Dhanuka’s expertise is in Geopolitics and Geoeconomics, among other things. In addition to being the Executive Editor of The Asian Reviews magazine, he works as a guest writer in the Chicago-based Armenian Mirror-Spectator on Caucuses-related geopolitical issues and contributes as a columnist and a guest speaker to the Indian-based Force Security magazine.
Silla Maria Campanini, hailing from the picturesque city of Bologna, Italy, is an internationally acclaimed artist, educator, and cultural visionary. Known for her realistic, metaphysical, and symbolist works, her art transcends boundaries, weaving narratives of peace, harmony, and introspection. As an image educator and painting consultant, Silla has nurtured generations of artists and illuminated public institutions with her expertise. Beyond her artistic achievements, she has been a cornerstone of the Writers Capital International Foundation and the Panorama Festival, uniting a global community of creators through her tireless dedication. Her legacy, celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award, stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in bridging humanity.
Johanna Devadayavu, known by her pen name Johanna D.S. Chittranjan, is a Swiss-born poet, humanitarian, and spiritual seeker whose journey spans continents and cultures. Her formative years in a South Indian ashram deepened her faith in the divine and set the foundation for a life dedicated to universal peace and enlightenment. Alongside her husband, she co-founded the Laharinagar Charitable Trust, creating a sanctuary of harmony beyond social and religious boundaries. Her literary works, including The Call of the Turtledove for Universal Peace and Flight of a Turtledove, reflect her unwavering commitment to fostering unity through poetry. An esteemed member of global literary organizations, Johanna continues to illuminate the world with her wisdom, love, and poetic expressions of hope.
Giorgos Sardelis, an economist, professor, writer, and poet from Thessaloniki, seamlessly integrates his professional expertise with his literary passions. After studying economics at the University of Macedonia, he has built a successful career as a financial consultant, business administrator, and media financial analyst, while also serving as a professor of economics. Alongside his career, Sardelis is deeply committed to social causes, advocating for human welfare and inclusivity. He explores personal development through his role as a self-awareness teacher and consultant. His literary work spans lyrical prose and poetry, with his bilingual collection Steps of Life receiving recognition at the Panorama International Poetry Festival 2023. Sardelis is also actively involved in various cultural associations, such as the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and the Panhellenic Union of Writers. He also actively participates in various cultural associations, such as the writers Foundation Capital and the “Parnassos” Literary Association.
Christos Dikbasanis, born in Thessaloniki in 1961, is an accomplished poet, writer, and religious scholar. A graduate of the Theological School of AUTH, he holds a master’s degree (MTH) in Religious Studies. His extensive body of work spans poetry, essays, and short stories, with his literary pieces featured in numerous anthologies and translated into multiple languages. Dikbasanis’ poetry has also been adapted for the stage, showcasing his creative range. He is a member of several literary organizations and has received prestigious national and international awards for his contributions to literature and culture, reflecting his profound commitment to the arts.
Vasiliki Dragouni, born in Athens, Greece, holds a BA in English Literature and a Master’s in International and European Studies. She works in aviation and has contributed to 146 collective works since 2012. Her poetry, translated into several languages, has appeared in international anthologies. Her collections include Flight to the Light, Moon in Scorpio, Landscapes of Being, Red Ink, Phenotype, A Horizon Line, and Prophecies Untold (bilingual Greek-English). Her prose works include Red is Worn Upon the Heart, Convex Mirrors, and Trophy Wife. She also manages a literary blog and serves as the Editor of Writers Edition.
