Tag: poetry

Write For Rights Day

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On Tuesday December 10th, 2019 TriCities Chapter of Amnesty International is hosting an evening of poetry, music, silent auction, delicious food, delightful company and more.

Come join us and get your tickets soon becuase space is limited.

I am humbly and utterly honored to be invited by Joy Silver to be the featured poet for the evening.

As I continue to write my story, I am going to be reading part of it at the event and some new and published poems from my three books, (I’m No Hero), (Counting Waves) & (Dreamers Needed). My books will be on display for sale and part of the proceeds will be donated to Amnesty International.

I look forward to seeing new and familiar faces on Tuesday.

I wish to thank Joy Silver and her incredible team for organizing the annual event that I am so much looking forward to.

You are invited to join us!

If you can’t make it and want to order copies of my books, feel free to contact me directly. Part of the proceeds of any book sold up to/ on the day of the event will be donated to Amnesty International.

Events in November 2018

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Here are the events I will be present at in November where I am reciting poetry, telling stories, answering questions and selling my books (I’m No Hero) & (Counting Waves). I will also be reading some poems from my upcoming 3rd book (Dreamers Needed) that is coming in December.
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All events listed here are FREE for the public to attend and all are wheelchair accessible:

Please see if you can come to one or more of those events ok?
>>>’Hands Off Yemen -Anti-War Rally’ on Saturday November 3rd, 1-3pm (rain or shine) 1245 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G7, Canada. You are strongly encouraged to share this event and please do come join us. https://www.facebook.com/events/340812466679376/
>>> On Tuesday November 6th, 7-9pm join us at the Holy Wow Poets Canada in the lobby of The ACT Art Centre 11944 Haney Pl, Maple Ridge BC V2X 6G1. There is an Open Mic so you too can bring a poem to share with us. I will read a couple of poems too 🙂
>>> On November 8th 6-8pm I am the host of Tellers of Short Tales where I present Chelene Knight who will read from her book then there is an Open Mic where I will share one of my short stories and you are invited to bring a story too or just come and enjoy people reading amazing stories. https://rclas.com/recurring/tellers-of-short-tales/
>>> On Sunday November 11, 2018 from 2-5pm you are invited to attend a great afternoon of poetry at the Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 7646 Prince Albert Street Vancouver BC. Feature poets lined up are: Jaz Gill, Shahana Akter Mohua and Ahn Bong Ja. On Open Mic 🎤: Obet Calingo, Una Bruhns and Bonnie Quan Symons. There will be a sign-up sheet as well for people who want to share a poem with us. It is a free event so do come and enjoy some treats and wonderful poetry. For further information please contact: Ashok Bhargava President Writers International Network https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/moberly-arts-and-cultural-centre.aspx
>>> On Saturday November 24th, I am attending 2 events: (1) 11:00am-12:00pm, I am at a table in the mall greeting and speaking to people during the annual (Meet The Author Day) in front of Black Bond Books https://www.blackbondbooks.com/  141-11900 Haney Pl, Maple Ridge BC V2X 8R9 604-463-8624 (2) 2:00-4:00pm I may be attending the award ceremony to celebrate the winners of the annual Royal City Literary Art Society Fred Cogswell Excellence in Poetry Contest. https://rclas.com/awards-contests/fred-cogswell-award/2018-award-winner/ 
I am also very much looking forward to the Writers Retreat at Loon Lake in November where I will have time to relax, reenergize and write.
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McNally Robinson is publishing my 3rd book of poems

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https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home

I am here to make the announcement that I have submitted my finished manuscript and cover photo to my publisher, McNally Robinson in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. I am excited to finally get the MSS done and sent so I can now focus all my writing on my upcoming memoire. 


Stay tuned for the big news of the book launch date and the subsequent book signing events.

 

My sincere thank you to all my dear friends and amazing poets that helped me edit and work on my manuscript especially Deborah L. Kelly & Janet Kvammen. Thank you to the talented writers who wrote blurbs for the cover of my book:

~Lilija Valis
~Patricia Sandberg
~Ashok Bhargava &
~Nasreen Pejvack

 

She is vividly present among the refugees suffering, dying & escaping. She is with her ancestors, her mother, son, vulnerable girls & women, declaring her love & protecting; she is with the homeless & the revolutionaries. Her purpose is to “wake up your conscience”. She advocates a life of peace, love and responsibility, in harmony with the earth.
~Lilija Valis Award-winning poet

Iraqi refugee, Lozan Yamolky, confronts us in her poetry with passionate, powerful imagery of war-torn countries. She challenges us to listen and understand, issues urgent calls to action, then leaves us believing in our power to change.
~Patricia Sandberg Author of award-winning ‘Sun Dogs & Yellowcake’

There is a genuine silence between and behind Lozan’s words. She attempts to evoke what can’t be said or expressed easily. There is truth, light & strength in her poems because they grew from her memories of actual places, experiences & events. Like a skillful weaver she knits her dreams & visions to create a compelling & captivating collection of poignant & profound poetry.

~Ashok Bhargava President of Writers International Network Canada

A brave, mindful woman. Who better to portray the anguish of being a refugee than one who has tasted it. Lozan Yamolky’s poems speak from her own experiences, showing the cruelties that our numb societies allow to operate within war zones. Yet she also paints the love of woman, mother and lover in gorgeous colours.
~Nasreen Pejvack, Author of Amity, Paradise of the Downcasts, & Waiting

 

Here is a brief info about this amazing Canadian publisher:

McNally Robinson was founded by Holly McNally in 1981 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with her partner Ron Robinson, who quit the book business a year later to pursue a career with CBC Radio. Robinson’s name has remained attached to the enterprise because at the time he left, McNally didn’t have the money to replace the store’s signage. Beginning with just one small corner bookstore, Holly and her husband Paul gradually built McNally Robinson Booksellers into one of the largest independent bookstores in Canada, spreading to Saskatoon and (formerly) Calgary. The stores host readings and book launches by authors from Winnipeg, Canada and beyond.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McNally_Robinson

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My September reading events –Come join me.

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I will be at the following events in September; I hope you can join in.

This clip if of Sherry Duggal of her poetry book on the different shades of an Indian Bride entitled Shringar. She will be captivating the Holy Wow Poets Thursday September 6th at 6:00pm

We will gather at the Pitt Meadows Golf Course at 13615 Harris Road in Pitt Meadows. 39760600_1068507306642392_8085085719208394752_oAt this dinner, we also have Open Mic. I will be reading later in the evening.
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I will be one of the poets at the West Coast Tagore Festival 2018 on Saturday September 8, 2018 at the Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond, BC

I am going to recite a translated Tagore poem along with others in languages of the world. I will read in Arabic & in Kurdish.

FREE Admission (donation welcomed)
Facebook Event Page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/399023257286046/
Website Page:  https://www.vancouvertagoresociety.org/festival-2018.html

Cultural Performances:  6:00PM – 8:15PM
Doors Open:         5:30PM
Audience Seating: 5:50PM

Program Line-up:
Indian Classical Music by Naad Foundation
Woven World Tapestry of Words by World Poetry
Tagore Songs by Vancouver Tagore Society Workshop Series
Bharata Natyam Dance by Alex Parappilly & Ashvini Sundaram
‘Raindrop: A Quest for Love’ – A musical theatre by Vancouver Tagore Society

The story of  ‘Raindrop: A Quest for Love’ revolves around two parallel plots of love and nature. In one, the dance-drama presents Dhora, the protagonist, as a young woman furtively questing for love. Looking from outside, she rather seems to be a happy single, even though her Fear, the antagonist, does not allow her to follow her true emotions. In another, Dhora portrays the village soil getting dry deep inside and silently yearning for rain from Shyamal, the Dark Cloud; but her Fear does not let her welcome the changes she must undergo to embrace and enjoy the cloudburst. This dance-drama brings forth awareness of climate justice in an aesthetic way.

The Festival is presented by Vancouver Tagore Society and funded in part by cultural project grants from the City of Richmond and BC Arts Council.

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I will be the host of (( Tellers of Short Tales )) 
Our feature Author: Nasreen Pejvack
Date: Wednesday Sept 12, 2018
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Admission: FREE
Location: Anvil Centre, Room 413A, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster
Open Mic Sign Up will be available for writers who would like to share their stories.
More info https://rclas.com/recurring/tellers-of-short-tales/
During the evening, I will read a short story of mine.

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I will be performing Arabian Dance and will also gather the crowed to teach some basic dance moves so bring a hip scarf and come join me on Saturday September 22 at the Haney Farmers Market in Maple Ridge, BC between 10:00am-2:00pm
HANEY FARMERS MARKET 2018 Market Events
  Memorial Peace Park on 224th in downtown Maple Ridge
  Every Saturday from 9 – 2, May 12 to November 11
  http://www.haneyfarmersmarket.org
  hfminfo@haneyfarmersmarket.org      604-467-7433 ext 2
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At 1:00pm pm Saturday September 29th, I am one of the feature poets at the Strawberry and will be reading poems from my 2 previously published books and read from my upcoming poetry book. My books will be on sale as well during my reading.
Hills Library 7399 122 St, Surrey, BC V3W 5J2
https://surreylibraries.ca/locations/strawberry-hill-library

 


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on Sunday, September 30, 2018, I will be reading poetry at the Vancouver Public Library in downtown Vancouver during the annual WORD Vancouver.  http://wordvancouver.ca/
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I am feature poet in Port Moody on October 24 🙂 Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

Working on my MSS

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My busy summer is keeping me away from my website and from completing my third book of poems (manuscript) to give to publisher. I need a bit more time so. stay tuned for the big announcement. I am really excited.

 

Once this book is out, I will dedicate all my energy on my memoire. The story of my journey from Iraq to Canada.

Poetry In The Park photos :)

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Photos by Janet Kvammen
I was honored to be feature poet at Poetry In The Park on Wednesday July 4, 2018 in New Westminster, BC in Queens Park.
All summer long, every Wednesday, go to Queens Park 6:30-8:30pm at the bandshell and enjoy poetry & open mic

 

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Buy my books at Indigo-Chapters at Metrotown in Burnaby

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https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/home/storelocator/storedetails/762/

Chapters Metrotown

I just got this from Indigo-Chapters at Metrotown in Burnaby, BC Canada

“I just wanted to kick off July by announcing that your book is officially available to purchase off our shelves! We will start by featuring them on the Best of BC wall next to the cash desk for the next few weeks.”

Spread the news & SHARE tell everyone please 

An ode to a beloved that passed

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What Suddenly Happened?
~© Lozan Yamolky

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 Did a flock of white doves
fly above your house
with all their pure white feathers glistening
while hovering in blue skies
on a cold October afternoon?

 

Did a kaleidoscope of butterflies
flutter past your window
in a brilliant display
of incredible colorful theory;
appearing and disappearing out of nowhere?

 

Did a team of horses
dash by in a straight line
neighing and snorting as one,
rumbling past your front door
and carrying on until they disappeared
in the distance?

 

Did a herd of deer
stand outside your window
peering at a reflection of you
lying in bed
that made them stand motionless?

 

Did the songbirds in your garden
suddenly stopped singing
for no apparent reason
at that precise moment
you took your last breath?

 

Did a white rose petal
gently fall off the flowers
onto the night table next to your bed
distracting those in the room
for only a moment?

 

Did the people who love you
let their tears flow
when the nurse covered your beautiful face
with the white sheet
pronouncing you were gone?

 

Did all that happen
when your spirit departed this life
into heaven? 

 

Yes, all that happened and more
because you are so precious.

The universe felt your departure
because you left a space
that can never be filled;
because you left too soon.

 

Forever, your memory,
your essence,
and your love
will remain in all who knew you.

 

You have touched us all
with such kindness,
such gentleness,
such knowledge. 

There’s nothing much left for us to say
but, rest in peace dear mother;
rest in peace
   until we meet again.

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From my second book of poems ( Counting Waves ) published by: Silver Bow Publishing in 2017 

 

A poem: A Refugee’s Escape

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A Refugee’s Escape

~© Lozan Yamolk

 

 

Get me out of this sadness;

pull me out of this darkness.

 

Rid me of the miserable never ending bad news;

pick me out of the crowd of desensitized beings who no longer have empathy

for a suffering humanity.

 

Do something with me!

 

Launch me into the sky.

Shoot my body,

from the tip of my nose

to my toes,

up to the heavens.

Watch me fly away;

just let me go

until you see me no more.

 

Let me breeze past a flock of flying birds,

through the clouds,

past a flying aircraft,

and through arctic freezing air.

 

Let my body feel it;  let me be consumed

by all what I am surrounded by now.

 

Up above the skies I go.

I will not look down

until I am up … up … up there

where no one can see me:

into the infinite deep;

into the glittering universe;

into that place shimmering

with spectacular endless spots of light.

 

I see nothing above me or around me

but the sparkling

–         wow!

 

I will not stop until I get there.

 

When I arrive,

I will float weightlessly.

 

Nothing is happening here:

not a sound,

not a motion,

nothing moving but my arms spread like wings.

 

I am here.

I am free.

I am flying.

I am at peace.

 

I look down and I see the peaceful blue planet.

 

Here, I forget the pain:

the darkness of hearts

and the cries of innocents.

 

From up here:

I do not see blood.

I do not smell gunpowder.

I do not hear the explosions.

I do not feel the lifeless bodies of my people scattered around me.

 

Then I remember those who are in the dark;

not from lack of light,

but from the lack of love in their hearts.

 

For those blinded by the idea of harming others

believing it will somehow bring them peace;

it will balance this world;

it will bring them victory.

 

Oh, how I wish I could take

some of this peace I feel right now

and transport it into their hearts.

 

Oh how I wish darkness would

wonder,

search,

want,

peace and love

which will make them lay down their weapons.

 

Oh, how I hope the darkness

does not pass the shadows

to their offspring,

or the offspring

of those they harmed.

I hope they all search

and find how easy this is:

how peaceful;

how comfortable.

 

 

I opened my eyes

to the feeling of cold mud beneath me,

rain pouring though our torn up tent;

my wet clothes

and a soldier pointing his rifle

into my face

while ripping our tent wide open,

shouting at us:

 

“Get up and move out of here.

 Get going.

 

Out!”

~© Lozan Yamolk

Poem from my debut book: I’m No Hero
Published in 2016 through Silver Bow Publishing

Contact me to get your copy.

Photo of one of my beautiful sisters, Viyan Janela from Kurdistan 1992