Memoirs
We reached out for the sky
Our dreams soaring high
At night we kissed the moon
Floating in fragrant bloom
Stars inviting for a dance
Gentle their twinkling glance
Exhilarating morning hues
Got the better of gloomy blues
As birds would welcome a new day
We’d catch one or two of sun’s ray
To paint wispy cirrus in rose and red
And puffy altocumulus overhead
Filling our hearts with chilly air
We mocked sorrow and despair
Come a dark and rainy day
We’d look for a rainbow on our way
If noon-time’s fire was too hot
We’d appreciate a shady spot
Sometimes scary thunder-bolts
Went all out to topple our boat
Then we’d look yonder at eventide
To catch a glimpse quite misty-eyed
Of nimbus clouds passing by
With a silver lining in the sky
If night’s shadows chilled our marrow
We’d disperse them with love’s arrow
Together we lived
We danced – we embraced
We walked – we talked
We ran – we sang
We climbed – we cried
– But now you have gone –
Today as I gaze at your fresh grave
I remember all the love you gave
– My hero was ever brave –
Death can’t hold you in this grave
Johanna Devadayavu
About the Poet
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.
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.
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.
Hailing from picturesque Kerala, Arsha Bijer is an aspiring poet. Her love for the written word extends beyond just poetry. She also enjoys creative writing and has penned a few short stories that have been praised for their vivid imagery and compelling characters. Her creative writing abilities have proven useful in her work as the Chief Communications Officer at Writers Capital International, where she often develops captivating content for various media platforms. Arsha’s passion for storytelling also led her to work as a creative head for a few short films, where she brought her unique vision to life through stunning visuals and relatable characters. Her writing not only showcases her creative talents, but also her dedication to making a positive social impact. She believes that writers have a responsibility to use their words to spread messages of compassion, empathy, and understanding. She hopes to use her creative writing to make a difference in the world. She lives in Abu Dhabi contributing greatly to the creative writing and advertising industry.
Sankha Sen is a versatile individual, known for his work as a writer, musician, executive, and coordinator. His literary achievements include winning the Panorama International Literature Award in 2022. He has served as the Coordinator for the Panorama International Arts Festival 2023 in Germany and as the Chief Coordinator for the Panorama International Literature Festival 2023. Sankha’s books were recognized as bestsellers at the Literoma Winter Fiesta 2022 in India, and he received a Certificate of Excellence for his participation in Literoma’s ‘Tagore Fest’ aired on 92.7 BigFM Bengal. He has also been acknowledged as the Literoma Best Exhibited Author at the Dussehra Fest 2022 and Literoma Winter Fiesta 2023. In addition, he was included in the Top 10 World Inkers Ambassadors for 2021 by the New York Parrot, USA, and featured in Literoma’s Biography Panorama – Vol III in 2022. He also received the Sarswotosadhak Sanman from Radio Protikhon, India.
Demosthenes Davvetas, born in Athens, is a distinguished academic, poet, writer, and artist with an extensive career spanning multiple disciplines. He holds a doctorate in Aesthetics from the University of Paris VIII and has taught at prominent institutions such as the University of Paris IV, IESA Paris, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and the University of the Peloponnese, among others. His academic focus includes modern art, poetry, and the philosophy of art, and he has delivered seminars at esteemed schools like École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the University of Patras. A prolific writer, Davvetas has been contributing articles and essays to prestigious publications such as Art Forum, Art in America, Liberation, and Les Echos since 1982. His literary works encompass essays, poetry, novels, and short stories. Some of his notable publications in Greece include The End of Aesthetics?, Techno (Art)-Nihilism and Contemporary Art, The Two Lives of a Writer, and Dialogues: Personal Conversations with Great Contemporary Artists. His works have also been published internationally in French, Italian, and English, such as Alexander the Great: Son of Greece, Orestes or the Novel Without End, and In the Mirror of Orpheus. His writing blends philosophy, art, and literary expression, making him a highly regarded figure in both academic and artistic circles. His contributions to contemporary thought continue to shape discussions on aesthetics and modern art. For more information, visit his website: www.ddavvetas.wordpress.com.