Khaya Ronkainen

New Chapbook is Out!

Posted on 02/22/2019 by Khaya Ronkainen

Hello Dear Readers!

My second chapbook, From the Depths of Darkness, is finally out.

Considering how small a book it is, it’s been both exciting and trying to put together. I’m emotionally exhausted. But I won’t burden you with details. All I can say, it’s a very personal fulfillment.

Earlier readers of this Chap have alluded to the boat as a metaphor for this work. See if you agree!

This ambiguous and paint-like (with a worn quality) book cover is by Martha @Ayala Art. And just to be clear, she did both cover art and design. Check out her blog for the wonderful artworks she creates.

Now, people often ask how can they support me. The answer: get yourself a copy, read and if you enjoyed the book, spread the word by leaving a short/long review on Amazon, Goodreads or a simple share on social media and your blog, if you have one.

This is one of the best ways to support any writer.

Have a great weekend, folks!

special note: The print version is still at the printers. I’ll update when available for sale via PayPal.

Poetry

Wild Things

Posted on 02/20/2019 by Khaya Ronkainen

Oh, such fun!
A play with words

The creative genius
invents a language
but indifferent
is the machine
to elegance and form

Words won’t dance
even to the breathing
rhythm of people upstairs.

note: The poem was inspired by Odgen Nash’s poem, The People Upstairs.

I know I moan about poets, who don’t seem eager to embrace the digital format. But in earnest, who wants to play with code when you can spending all that time writing instead.

Perhaps, poetry was meant to be sung and recited. What do you think, dear poets? Is it better to go busking on the streets, instead of trying to contain poetry in digital formats?

So, to answer Rommy…when words won’t dance, I take to the woods.

Poetry

Love Happens Everyday

Posted on 02/13/2019 by Khaya Ronkainen

Cynics are in disagreement
What is a box of chocolate
But life to give a toothache!

I don’t mean to offend as I
Gather a tercet to sing a song
But there’s a wonderful joy

Blushing face of February
Charms the naked branch
But love happens everyday

for Poets United

note: This muted and outstanding illustration by MagicLoveCrow features in my upcoming chapbook, From the Depths of Darkness. Be on the lookout for the whole story… it’s publishing soon!

On Writing and Living…

It’s February; the month of love. I know it’s easy to get cynical about the whole Valentine’s Day commercial part. As I point out in the poem above, love happens everyday and can be expressed in most simplest of ways. So, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to set aside a day to celebrate love for and with your spouse or significant other in a way that feels natural to you both.

“Is there something you learned more about or some skill you picked up because of a significant other?” asks Rommy.

My list is endless, and includes an array of seasonal outdoor activities, among other things. But what stands out most is the introduction, by my husband, to works of J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin and Neil Gaiman to name a few. Mind you, I am the writer in our family, he is a gamer!

So, I feel truly blessed to have my husband’s support to pursue my passion. This is what I mean by love happens everyday.