On Friday, the 19th of February I was told that our book had won the award for ‘Best Debut Poetry,’ book in the English category at the Asian Literary Society, a group of 15,000 members. It was a more than welcome news considering that ‘Roads’ was published in July 2019 when I could do nothing but promote the book online because of my children’s exams. I had decided to promote the book in 2020 but, thanks to Corona it couldn’t happen and the book in my opinion was dying a slow death. Fortunately, I was wrong. 2020 was not death but a period of hibernation for ‘Roads’ like it was for many of us in the world. While Corona continues and maybe here to stay, 2021 marks the beginning of a new year, new hopes and renewed strength.

On hearing the news of the award, the below poem ‘They said, I’ve won,’ wrote itself out.
They said, I’ve won
I wondered what I had done
Different
that I hadn’t done before
I saw nothing changed but, that you were no more
I wished to tell you about the win, I felt sure you’d want to know
You’d asked when you were around and I had said, ‘Let it go–
It’s over.’ You never asked after
I assumed you forgot
But, it’s obvious now, you had not
For they said I’ve won
So soon after you’d gone
I wondered how you would feel
If you knew–
But, something tells me, you do
For they say I’ve won
And there’s nothing I’ve done
The poem is a tribute to my father who I lost end of November last year.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Last but not the least, I want to thank all those who took the time to read ‘Roads’ and post a review of the book. Thank you!
For those of you who haven’t read the book yet, I’ve shared the link below. In case you wish to pick it up, you can do so by clicking the below link:
https://www.amazon.com/ROADS-Journey-Verses
The book is available free on Kindle if you are a subscriber.
Copyright@smithavishwanathsblog.com. All Rights Reserved.
That’s so wonderful! Congratulations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you V.J. for the wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! I think your father knows and is proud of your talents and this achievement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jo for your wishes and your warm words. They give me comfort.
LikeLike
Hearty congratulations dear Smitha. Your book was so lovely to read. You and Vandana deserve this award. Keep it up and giving us more beautiful poems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Kamal for your appreciation and words of encouragement. This from a poet like you means so much. ❤
LikeLike
You are always welcome dear Smitha. Keep it up.❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤❤❤
LikeLike
Congratulations Galore!!!
And your poem touched me deeply, there is no absolutely doubt how this is your father’s blessings. Much Love to you my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you dear Pragalbha for the wishes, for the love across the distance and for telling me you feel it too…that it is indeed my father’s blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much Love, Hugs and Smiles :))))
LikeLiked by 1 person