Donka Kristeva

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

I was born and grew up in Bulgaria, but have been living in Montreal, Quebec since 1971. I am a qualified teacher and I teach English to students of various ethnic backgrounds. My poetry, part of a collection entitled "From Death to Life," has been published in church newsletters and by The National Library of Poetry, the Amherst society and the Creative Arts and Science Enterprises. Two poems received Accomplishment of Merit by the latter. Writing poetry and short stories has resulted from my search for truth and awareness of the tangible presence and love of God.

Spring

Sweet odor fills the air
where daffodils and pine
enhance the morning flare
and larks soar in the sky.

Awaken, the earth sings
a song of joy and peace.
The bell of Easter rings,
proclaiming: "The Lord lives."

Love's blessing found

Desire is human,
self-seeking I have.
The dreams of tomorrow
I weave and engrave.

And pride is reluctant
to give up its way,
as ego emerges
from hiding at bay.

But shame quickly steps up
toward selfish intent.
Disaster befalls
upon man's own content.

Then follows a radiance;
God's mercy and care
to warn me in wisdom
against death and despair.

My path is enlightened,
away from the pit.
Its closets bare open,
its niches, well lit.

God's light fills a dark void
like waves fill the sea.
Like bird's flight above hills,
His Spirit is in me.

Eyes sparkled in brightness,
pride's burden fell off.
Love's blessing flowed gently
and turned wolf into dove.

With tenderness, softly,
God showed me the way.
Love's binding for ever
shall keep sin away.

O, blessed this hour
God's love was revealed.
In peaceful encounter
my soul was redeemed.