The Onyx - Vena Amoris
A Collection of Verses by Glen Yumang Manese
Of Author, Of Life, Of Love & In The Between Lies Aspirations
The Onyx - Vena Amoris is a
collection of verses, a mixture of author, life,
love and aspirations. The author’s journey
from the Philippines to the United
States, and all the struggles associated
with immigration and starting anew, are
revealed in the pages of this book from
the language barriers to the discovery of
a love for the written word. This book is
a testament that dreams do come true
with time and perseverance. Indeed, those
books that once challenged the author on
his path to becoming an English speaker,
were stepping stones that inspired the
author to become a poet and storyteller.
Additional information on the book at the link below:
I final finished the book and will put the first 40 verses for display here at WritersCafe --- and the book is now offered for purchase --- you can support my work --- as an E-book or book at the link below --- please pass me along to family and friends --- God bless & thank you --- all for your time & patience in this endeavor.
and the before --- just details as the book transition into the present.
Inspiration comes from all of you .Only if others would look into others would they find a reason in themselves to write.
Please note, you do not have to leave a comment, but are welcome to do so if you wish. I am just posting for collaboration with the photographers for my upcoming book: The Onyx – Vena Amoris.
*Due to unfortunate circumstances to the photos not being high resolution and 300DPI. I must look into new pictures for the book. Thanks again for those who read the other verses and time to review. I will post a photo/verse as I get them. I hope this collaboration with the photographers can still be salvaged and move forth with this expedition. Number of photos is (18 of 20) done with 2 more to go, before I can sail my ship forward. A storm is brewing and as captain of this ship. I must find a route away from the storm. I will not let this voyage sink. If so, I will be the last to fall with her to the abyss...
Attention this is your Captain speaking. We are in the clear. I did my own experimenting with every photographer’s photos for the book: The Onyx – Vena Amoris and I fixed the problem. I found out that expanding them helped and then doing a quick fix added life to the pictures. I am not an expert in photography by any means like you guys, but everyone is back in the game. Our ship will set sail into the blue yonder. I did pick others from your works and mismatched a few to make things work. I am in need of 2 more and will do my research for the last two photo/verse. They will all be in black and white. If the illustrations are in full color, the price of the book goes up dramatically. This voyage is going as planned. Please give a shout out and a like on their page. They deserve the credits:
https://www.facebook.com/Lmmnhd
https://www.facebook.com/NiMalleyPhotography
Another location to see my work unedited and less refined back in the year 2009. I wanted to engage in this endeavor. Never too late is now 2013 and counting. I did have another site here on Writers Cafe, but no longer use that profile in quite a long time. I believe I've erased and just lost in the archives.
http://glenyumangmanese.blogspot.com
Time and place to act is now. I have come to embrace both my heritage by right and citizenship. I feel there is a sense of purpose for writing all of these verses. A creative way understands not just the author, but also a reflective mirror to looking at oneself in the glass.
I just happen to be born Filipino. Whether my status is judge on that factor then so be, but relative to the world, we live in. Only when we as a people come together as a collective do we prove to be that what we are as humankind. There is a lot more to learn and yet we are so close-minded by the facts that are right in front for full view. I choose to waste my mind to teach others. There is a rightful place for me to grow and nurture. If be one person at a time.
A publicist, an advertisement and this is my book: The Onyx ~ Vena Amoris. Time is ticking and this will be a reality. Even with all of that on my side, the best one is word of mouth. People will judge the cover and not even look at the content. One thing people do know is how to communicate even if they have never read a page. Makes them want to come back and see what they missed.
Follow me on Twitter tag: @glenyumangmanes
Email: glenyumangmanese@yahoo.com
From this point down are review comments I saved for personal use. Read them/do not read is totally up to you. I understand time is not on your side, but thank you for reading my work.
This genre is on a decline, but I hope to rise to the occasion and let the people decide if poetry is really on a downward spiral or is there a spark that just needs ignited once again. After years of dedication to this, project good or bad. I have achieved no matter what. The decision is at the end of the day. I will never forget how far. I've come in the English language and this is proof of the fact.
One writer/ one reviewer: there is no such thing as a better reviewer. You state your mind and that is the joy of being. The thought process and exploring the unknown factor creates an exploration of knowledge. That all of us carry and few would like to show more in the world we live in. Even at times, we read others here and leave no comment. We leave with something to reflect that verse or story. Excerpt of a write embedded in our minds and that is what makes us improve. Ever-learning is the capacity of wonder. Thinkers of time and space in this ever-growing society we live in. Thanks for your time... That is the most you can ask from a person. Life is short and to know you have taken a moment matters.
You know there was a time when I had a hard time just reading a sentence. Let alone come this far and write a creative thought to paper. I would write down small bits of stuff and hand them to my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Cercell. What does a kid say who barely knows English? I did my best to scribble something each day. Only because she was someone that resembled my 2nd grade teacher her twin sister Ms. Vance. I did like star stickers, too. Them being beautiful inside and out helped. They put me in remedial English and just did my best to understand. Another interesting fact I had to repeat 1st grade over again not because I did not pass and followed around another student with the same name as me. I did not know the English language well enough to advance. Here I am now in full resolution. Thanks to great teachers for never giving up on me. Time gives back what I have learned.
Glad you found wisdom and love in these verses. What is our art if we cannot let others soak in our thoughts? Our memories are past and present. What is to come as we move closer to the day? When all we are is those written letters of a much beautiful world. We leave behind a legacy to others that continue the path. We left off.
I truly believe one finds a balance with what makes them happy. Even In the event monetary is not as much. Focus to live by is not the bank account. Road for which makes them be content to the fact. Comfort, health and assurance are enough to move on this journey. We call life experience. Trial and error goes hand in hand to the development of who you are and what you want to become. Time is short and living your dream is priority.
This ever-growing world of ours and children next take reign. They develop so much faster and experience events with a click of a button. In turn they teach us more of what we've missed in life. We do our part to guide them in the right direction.
Talent can only get you so far. The rest is living out your creativity. No matter the barriers one must truly have a passion for the art. A man can eat and not be satisfied by the food. Give him the recipe of his dreams. He will be fulfilled for a lifetime.
Mirror is a reflective glass. Only contented image must realize and turn against the ways of misdeeds. No matter how you convey that in the mirror. Your reflection does not change to the person who you have become in life. Healing process is a longer road than the destruction.
Questions are avenues of the soul’s rite of passage. Is there a meaning to all of this rubbish called life? Factor existence of the fabric of your being. You do not breathe and hold. Something inside will let go and make you exhale. You're at an age when doubt comes into play. In time that will come to pass and give direction, which you seek. Meaning of life, the whole truth is a picture not a puzzle of pieces in a box already assembled. Once you put them altogether.
My Review
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"Wind is just an invisible reflection.
In a calendar’s end of days gone by.
Without constant admission is your presence."
When someone come and go just like a wind, then who would not feel bad? I have also made poems about the wind and it's invisibility, so I can fully relate to this.
Nice metaphor, Glen. :)
Posted 12 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
12 Years Ago
Good to see you back here and again thanks for your time...I'm at the last stage of this journey...o.. read moreGood to see you back here and again thanks for your time...I'm at the last stage of this journey...of course divided into parts a-b-and c...hehehe...I actually made this verse with the picture of Salvador Dali...but since I cannot use his representation...the photo above will have to do...there is a big difference...but I have to be creative at times...
Oh my! What wonderful artwork you have displayed! You could have posted 10 poems you know! lol
Each one demands to be glorified on it's own. Such Beautiful poetry to accompany the scenic photographs. My favorite is pure and simple "Nectar"... I love the sweet nature of that particular piece.
"Sweetness lies beneath flower to lure.
Release is nectar longing a touch of fragrance.
Does life ensue a merger between to gravitate distance.
In tasting affection, that bewilders a need of the mind.
Accept sustenance within each landing of the buds"~ Lovely write!
"
Posted 12 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
12 Years Ago
In all fairness... I agree with you... but I posted these verses as I got them from the photographer.. read moreIn all fairness... I agree with you... but I posted these verses as I got them from the photographers and people who contributed to the book: The Onyx ~ Vena Amoris... After completion of the manuscript and a 4 year wait... back in 2009... Finding a team to put this together has been an arduous journey... I'm waiting for one more picture and hope they will give me permission to use their photo and complete the 20 pictures allotted to the book... "Nectar" I just posted yesterday... and had another photographer join me... Paulina Omalley... I was able to connect 5 of her photos to verse... This just makes it easier for the others not on this site to look at them in one place... I can link one page and let everyone enjoy them... I will put my new works on one page... because I want to see the development of the verse grow and nurture... I'm working on a long narrative with a 100 lines/verse... I enjoy them the most... keeps me on the edge and challenges to go beyond my limits... I believe "Luna & the Ra" will show through even more on my work... and expand the readers to get to know me even more... Thanks for stopping by...
There is such a welcoming beauty in your words. Your work is so sincere it pulls thought from the minds of all who read. You have definitely ignited a spark that is now a roaring flame, well done.
Posted 12 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
12 Years Ago
You know there was a time when I'd a hard time just reading a sentence... Let alone come this far an.. read moreYou know there was a time when I'd a hard time just reading a sentence... Let alone come this far and write a creative thought to paper... I would write down small bits of stuff and hand them to my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Cercell... but what does a kid say who barely knows English... right... I did my best to scribble something each day... and only because she was someone that resembled my 2nd grade teacher... her twin sister... Ms. Vance... I did like them star stickers, too... being beautiful inside and out helped... they put me in remedial English and just did my best to understand... Another interesting fact... I had to repeat 1st grade over again not because I did not pass... and followed around another student with the same name as me... but I did not know the English language well enough to advance... here I am now... in full resolution... thanks to great teachers for never giving up on me... Time to give back what I've learned... Thanks for the review...
12 Years Ago
Thats really inspirational, congratulations. I have so much respect for you and for how far you have.. read moreThats really inspirational, congratulations. I have so much respect for you and for how far you have come. I don't think i could have done it, so once again well done and no worries :)
Enjoyed looking at your work, and you deserve a much better reviewer than I. Enjoyed most Birds of Prey, where you combine great powers of natural observation with the universality of emotion. Well done !
Posted 12 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
12 Years Ago
Leslie - one writer / one reviewer... there's no such thing as a better reviewer... you state you mi.. read moreLeslie - one writer / one reviewer... there's no such thing as a better reviewer... you state you mind and that's the joy of being... the thought process and exploring the unknown factor creates an exploration of knowledge... that all of us carry and few would like to show more in the world we live in... Even at times we read others here and leave no comment... we leave with something to better reflect that verse, story... excerpt of a write embedded in our minds and that's what makes us better... ever-learning the capacity of wonder... thinkers of time and space... in this ever grow society we live in... Thanks for your time... that's the most you can ask from a person... life is short and to know you've taken a moment... matters...
Masterful work, Glen...I have to read your on and off, until I read all of them...I love this a lot...the collection of your thoughts in words...is a timeline of life in a poetic sense...I truly wish you the best in your endeavors because, it really shows a Pinoy, well, a Filipino American, how life is, for the Pinoys around to reflect on in their own situation, whether they are in Italy, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere.
It reminded me of my upbringing...never complain, sacrifice and dedication. The grind as we say. How our people were enslaved in their in own land, to have our ancestors move to distant lands, and to be ridiculed in our assimilation. Yet we are here. The beauty of our culture instill our soul fashioned in language we assimilated into.
I think of my Grandfather who served in World War II, and I shake my head because they haven't honored Filipino soldiers...and through time...my other family members, who served, Vietnam War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The sweat, blood, and tears.
I work towards that, despite existing mores and what not...to bridge an understanding, with other races...your collection help me reflect things within me...that's a good thing. :)
Posted 12 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
12 Years Ago
The time and place to act is now... I've come to embrace both my heritage by right and citizenship.... read moreThe time and place to act is now... I've come to embrace both my heritage by right and citizenship... I feel there is a sense of purpose for writing all of these verses... a creative way to understand not just the author... but a reflective mirror to looking at oneself in the glass...
I just happen to be born Filipino... whether my status is judge on that factor... then so be... but relative to the world, we live in... Only when we as a people come together as a collective do we prove to be that what we are as humankind... There is a lot more to learn and yet we are so close-minded... by the facts that are right in front for full view... I choose to waste my mind to teach others there's a rightful place for me to grow and nurture... if that be one person at a time... Godspeed... thanks for another detailed review of my work...
I'm not so hung up on race, our people can't seem to get it together.... read moreI heard that. :)
I'm not so hung up on race, our people can't seem to get it together...crab mentality...but in essence we do have bahaynihan(community)...I guess because a majority of us are in Cali...I'm sure elsewhere like New York, New Jersey, or Seattle. I've been called a sell out for dating outside the race by the sisters, which is a double standard when they do it for status.
Gosh, we probably would have a great length in this topic alone...but I'll just leave it as that of my random rambling thoughts lol.
12 Years Ago
Dully noted... you're welcome to come back any time... Good day or night... Currently, in the Philip.. read moreDully noted... you're welcome to come back any time... Good day or night... Currently, in the Philippines... so you understand the night is young here...
12 Years Ago
Wow, grabe...Talaga...the jet setter lol.
I Love Palawan...I'm a beach bum...and that p.. read moreWow, grabe...Talaga...the jet setter lol.
I Love Palawan...I'm a beach bum...and that place has idyllic beaches...sushi is inexpensive...and of course the beauty of a Filipina is always mesmerizing, best Lovers in the world.
Sige...ingat jan sa Pinas. Bye bye you(sorry TFC lol)
I did not intend to read them all, but after reading the first poem, I was compelled to read them all. The understanding of life....the savvy cognition of what life is really about...struck me. Indeed, we make mistakes along the way, but they are worth it for we learn through those mistakes. The poem about your mother is exquisite. Velvet emotions and rich nostalgia! The talent shown in all your poems is spectacular. Beautiful photos to accompany your work as well. It was a pleasure to experience your art. Lydi**
Posted 12 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
12 Years Ago
Lydia - thanks you for your insight into my work... I'm in the process of making this into a book..... read moreLydia - thanks you for your insight into my work... I'm in the process of making this into a book... after many years of trial and error... the time has come to publish... I can only wish that our work in poetry... will reach out to others... not just among us writers of the profession, but new readers and others who do not read the genre... and open the door once more to the reality that ours words have a place... I'm currently writing a long narrative about the subject matter and the reality that our genre is reaching endangered species... useless we act now and show our place once more in the world of literature...
Indeed, poetry is not a popular sort of writing, is it? My published book only sold 1000 copies. I.. read moreIndeed, poetry is not a popular sort of writing, is it? My published book only sold 1000 copies. I applaud you for your efforts. Lydi*
12 Years Ago
I believe... the legacy is quite alive... the new generation is just not as equate to read... when t.. read moreI believe... the legacy is quite alive... the new generation is just not as equate to read... when there's so many other distractions to do... then sit down and understand the world of literature... Even the top of our food chain are not noteworthy with their sale of books... even with the Noble prize in Literature awarded to them... We've become the writer/reader of our own language... time is of the essence to bring the next generation to applaud the idea... That's my focus... I plan to self -publish these two books of verses... before I go full throttle with my novel... everyone loves them... a novel... but tell them the book is poetry of equal length... they lose interest because the narrative is not long enough to digest... or open the mind to an idea there is something there for them to acquire and learn... just as much... as reading a whole story... Thanks again...
12 Years Ago
I wish you good luck with your endeavor, my friend!
I've stopped by to read a few of your poems and I was captivated by the tone and playfulness of words you instill in each poem. The photos set the mood and the words finishes it off. I am pleased. Reading even one line in your poem brings memories and I feel a connection. When I saw the photo of your mother and the poem I nearly cried it was so beautiful.
Posted 12 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
12 Years Ago
Katiya - Thanks for stopping by... I still look at those lines... over and over again... after 6 yea.. read moreKatiya - Thanks for stopping by... I still look at those lines... over and over again... after 6 years without her... I wrote my best work... when my mother was alive... she would tell me when to stop... I lose track of time when I'm in the zone... the world just becomes a corner within the realm of my imagination... Hope, this first book will bring out those moments and share with everyone that wants to read and explore... what I have to say...
hi! just to let you know that i dropped by. "Merveille du Jour" caught my attention as i do not know the meaning. =) but i am liking the content.
Posted 12 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
12 Years Ago
By the picture... Is a moth species... I was describing the relationship between the seasonal times .. read moreBy the picture... Is a moth species... I was describing the relationship between the seasonal times one can view them and the daunting task in waiting out to see the prize... Beautiful really... One in the picture was taken by a photographer Mark Lemmon... but not an exact match... but for illustration purposes... will have to do... I wanted the real picture of one... hard to come by... since I have not gotten any response from photographers and want to respect their work and copyrights... I have 10 pictures to go... and running on empty... for my first book of verses, "The Onyx ~ Vena Amoris"... should be due out by late September or October... A total of 200 some verses... I hope I hit the mark with this book and those that follow... thanks again... Good day!!!
Distance..."One is truly enough to go the distance with you."
I like the concept of reaching/achieving the dream with your loved one. For any success could be meaningless if not shared, or if there's nobody whom you would share the joy that you feel.
Nice piece.
Posted 12 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
12 Years Ago
Actually, wrote this piece after having a conversation with a married couple of 50 some years... The.. read moreActually, wrote this piece after having a conversation with a married couple of 50 some years... The words just came out and this is the finished product... Thanks for the comment...
Follow me at Twitter tag: @GlenManese, St. Petersburg/Pittsburgh/Makati, Philippines
About
Me in a nutshell:
I am currently, done with my first book of verses: The Onyx - Vena Amoris. Friesen Press finished in December and is out for release before the holidays at the end of the year 20.. more..