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 11 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
11 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...
I thought about your wish to have them all together for your ease, a thought struck why don't you post them as book each poem as next chapter with the accompanying pic, it will be easy to read too and dwell upon.
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
P - thanks for your time... I really just did this as a thank you to the photographers - readers - f.. read moreP - thanks for your time... I really just did this as a thank you to the photographers - readers - family - friends - to have a sneak peak at my up and coming book: The Onyx - Vena Amoris... I understand the concern here with other writers not liking my format... and that's duly noted... this just suits me... I like looking at everything all at once... I can go form one thought to another thought without losing time to click another title... organized and in one page is easier... just my opinion.... of course... One advantage is that a reader can look at the first one and if they do not like the verse skip to the next... and so on... A variety pack is good for me, but may be different to another reader... I once did that here and the confusion to look back at all the verses was a headache...
11 Years Ago
:) i understand its easier for you, but obviously we post here for readers too :) otherwise you coul.. read more:) i understand its easier for you, but obviously we post here for readers too :) otherwise you could have done this at some blog of your own too, actually what me and others meant was we could always read a couple and then ponder others later as too much becomes tiresome too.
not intending to hurt you but a human point of view :)
anyways Best wishes to you.
11 Years Ago
a few of them say 3-5 in a page is ok if not too lengthy, i guess with all :)
11 Years Ago
http://glenyumangmanese.blogspot.com/ you mean something like this... way back in 2009... these whe.. read morehttp://glenyumangmanese.blogspot.com/ you mean something like this... way back in 2009... these where not touched up... but I have not used that blog in quite a long time... or have the password any longer... Of course... a blog is not a writing site and lacks qualities quickly... I understand the concern... There's one poem on mine that runs bigger than this whole page... do I section off that in 1 to 2 minutes increments... or do I post the entire read... just a thought... or do I go with the status quotas... I know you mean well and other writers here... I'm just standing ground and enjoying the view of the sun rise and set... somewhere there's the moon light... too...
P - Let's see what the professionals come up with in the book... I mean we are writers after all... .. read moreP - Let's see what the professionals come up with in the book... I mean we are writers after all... I do not want to butt heads with them... I will write... that's our job... in the meanwhile... the book department has a lot more knowledge in the theme of this presentation... I merely just want to show case the work here... and ultimately sell the book... is the main goal...this is the battlefield where we hone in - delete - change and review... making that product shine through in the process... I had to humble myself and say: which ones are not so good and down right bad... Like I said before I started with over 40000 words with this collection and narrowed that to 32000 words... so 8000 words did not qualify... that's a lot of poetry... Of course... I'm not writing a novel... but writing goes hand in hand... You want to keep them all... since the sentimental part plays with your mind... The heart of it all is that you are a writer continue to create more in the process of time...
11 Years Ago
You want to keep them all... since the sentimental part plays with your mind...
i understand a.. read moreYou want to keep them all... since the sentimental part plays with your mind...
i understand after all all the words we write giving them a shape are our baby. :)
best wishes.
Many beautiful lines and sentiment in your writing. I really enjoyed your poem "Merveille du Jour." The tone, the images, asking questions which provoke thought. Very nice.
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
J - Thanks for your time... I thought you already reviewed this work... I may be mistaken... may be .. read moreJ - Thanks for your time... I thought you already reviewed this work... I may be mistaken... may be that was the other collection... I was doing research on something and this word came up... and I got interested... got off track and wrote this verse... Merveille du Jour is one beautiful moth... the patterns and colors... like butterflies...
This seems like way too much to absorb in one sitting.. I have probably 5-700 poems but only post one or two at a time.. From the first couple I read you are an amazing writer..
At very first glance I highlighted these lines.
."Looking into you has been well worth the errors.
In the lessons won and lost to finding today.
Steps are just building blocks of the journey.
Your style and presentation with the photos are excellent.. Perhaps I will try to come back and read some more later.. I am hard pressed for time.. shallimarRose
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
ShallimarRose - Thanks for your time... I actually put these out in segments... the pictures are a c.. read moreShallimarRose - Thanks for your time... I actually put these out in segments... the pictures are a collaboration of photographs and artist alike... This gives a reader a variety pack... on my work... I've no means to overwhelm the readers... with reading them all at once... I like to see the collective, instead of individual writes... I get confused with my other works... Like I said before... organization is a thing with me... Easier to edit also... in my opinion... I'm just patiently waiting for this book: The Onyx - Vena Amoris to be completed... and there's more with "Luna & the Ra"... another collection... I complied over 40k words with this one and edited down to 32k words of verses... Some I just deleted completely... we have to leave room for more creativity...
11 Years Ago
I have a large collection but had never considered publishing or allowing them to be read until rece.. read moreI have a large collection but had never considered publishing or allowing them to be read until recently. Well here I think most want to read and move on.. A lot for my mind to soak up in one sitting.. Well done just the same..thank you..
Glen, I am truly in awe...you have a talent of conveying so much within life, there is imagery upon imagery, hard to even give a favourite poem or line...all of this leads into different rites of passage and I have sat and absorbed all of this in one go...I shall, in fact, re-read also because I am truly stunned!
This is some of the best poetry I have read in a long time and am blessed to have read it...your words sail so many emotions I am speechless lol
You don't just write poetry, you surpass the realms of art and boundaries...not to mention the photography!!!!
Please know I enjoyed this all so much, wow! x
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Poppy - thanks again for another review... I hope in a vast world we live in... that sharing these w.. read morePoppy - thanks again for another review... I hope in a vast world we live in... that sharing these words can leave something even minute... in each person I meet... then I will know I have achieve as a writer... but in essence all of us will come out with a bit more of what is in our small... at times insignificant realm of a planet called Earth... I gain insight in people also... not just writers... but everyday walks of life... In a society of over 7 billion human beings, there must be a place and time for literature... an escape from the norm... and a passage to the conflicts and answers to our questions... each of us is an ant collectively... we just need to open our minds and hearts... that life is simple… complex is the idea of what you make that to be... A doer or a follower whatever the case may be... a contribution that our kind can better relate our thoughts to one another…
too much Glen...just too much too absorb.... I want to read your work and comment...whether critiquing or simply leaving a reaction or feedback...but you really don't allow for that. I know, I know you told us we don't have to comment, but that's part of the process...at least for me. And quite frankly Glen, after a few paragraphs of your profile, I stopped reading it for a myriad of reasons (not necessary to discuss here.)
That being said Glen I did read several of them and must say you do ...have a unique style of describing and conveying . Your use of imagery throughout is vivid and precise, making the reader,in this case me, feeling, and sensing and almost touching the various objects, emotions and subjects.
I believe out of the several I read, My favorite was "Out of Ink" not just because of its intensity,passion and content but because of the whole rhythm, cadence if you will, and timing. Terrific use of rhyme (especially near/slant rhyming). Very unforced and masterfully done.
Overall, excellent writes Glen.
Let me know how the publishing goes ...I just published my 1st with Iuniverse...quite an experience, and though they walked me through the process...the next one will truly be self published, and I'll eliminate the middle man,
allen
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Allen - first... thanks for the review... "Out of Ink" was a personal reflection... I liked the word.. read moreAllen - first... thanks for the review... "Out of Ink" was a personal reflection... I liked the words so much that in the book... one will see a continuation with the verse: "Portals of Envies"... in which I lay down the foundation and make an epic poem... I'm at the last leg of this book: The Onyx - Vena Amoris... These are the ones that will have illustrations... a photo with the verse...
I'm thankful to have found photographers to join me in this process... and creative minds in our artistic world... with the cover of the book... and the whole mess of things with publishing... Now, comes promoting... gaining readers... new or old... which ever the case getting to the final product is easy... the hard part is a moment of someone's time... the ultimate person who will be the receiver of the book... what impact I leave in their mind... I want to come in on all sides... Land, Air and Sea... overwhelm the audience... but not so much so... as to make them run away... but get their attention... and become allies... no matter what genre they are in... we need a collective... writer/reader/non-reader of our work... that's the key and benefits of why we write... too gain understanding and ultimately... the meaning of life...
Filipino's are such fun and wonderful people. I find it very interesting how they appear so young until all of a sudden, they are old. There was a man I met who was in his fifties who I supposed wasn't past twenty!
Where are you publishing this? It's quite a beautiful collaboration. It seems as if a lot of your poems center around the idea of two people never separating, a beautiful sea, and the ones you love in your life.
A very talented poet. You deserve a full 100.
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
This comment has been deleted by the poster.
11 Years Ago
Megan - thanks for the review... I will admit Filipinos do age well... I still get carded... at 39 y.. read moreMegan - thanks for the review... I will admit Filipinos do age well... I still get carded... at 39 years of age... I'm going with Friesenpress... with this one... I wanted to publish this collection in 2009 ... but now as of 2013... the event is finally going to happen... As for these verses... just seems that way... since out of the rest... these ones I was able to put picture with words... I focus on both sides... and the book will showcase my work as a complete package...
Wind is just an invisible reflection.
In a calendar’s end of days gone by.
Without constant admission is your presence.
Then again, errors are simply learned.
Not vengeance is in the mind to be conclusion.
Know time with you is invisible to the eyes.
I remember one of my pieces entitled "Until the Sunset", where I considered someone as a wind...
People come and go like the wind that passes by...with that lesson learned from every mistake done.
Nice poem. :)
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Margaux - thanks for stopping by... I wrote this a few years back... the thoughts still get to me..... read moreMargaux - thanks for stopping by... I wrote this a few years back... the thoughts still get to me... and read them myself for time to time... These are just the ones with illustrations in my up and coming book: The Onyx - Vena Amoris... glad you enjoyed this verse...
11 Years Ago
Wish you all the best in publishing your book, Glen. :)
The last poem I have read was amber
Now i am reading : Resembles My Negative
~ its full of wisdom of life, sorrow, love and embracing what life gives you...
~ an amazing piece sir!
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
I'll be reading more soon!
11 Years Ago
Thanks again... Pax... They are not going any where... yet... so please take you time... I'm glad to.. read moreThanks again... Pax... They are not going any where... yet... so please take you time... I'm glad to have gotten all the illustrations done and moving the book along... and I want to just used these as a sneak peak... you know a trailer in a movie... so to speak... would of been nice to have a picture for every verse... but that would be costly...
Your writing is beautiful in its simplicity. I saw a lot of wisdom and love in them. The illustrations add to the elegance of your creations. Very refreshing and different. My compliments Glen!
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Good to have read your work also... Divya... I'm ready to move to the next level with this book... I.. read moreGood to have read your work also... Divya... I'm ready to move to the next level with this book... In need of one last photo to complete the illustrations... Glad you found wisdom and love in these verses... What is our art if we can not let others soak in our thoughts... Our memories of 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... where we left off...
11 Years Ago
I agree Glen. Our Art is all that we will come to be remembered by. Our only true legacy. I am glad .. read moreI agree Glen. Our Art is all that we will come to be remembered by. Our only true legacy. I am glad you are moving on to a higher level and discovering new heights to scale. I wish you all the very best. It was a pleasure reading your writing.
A great creativity and well presented with art work. I like most, the poem - Manila Skies - with such significance. Good luck to the book.
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Ency - thanks for the encouragement... I went to Tagaytay City yesterday and that is the photo... Of.. read moreEncy - thanks for the encouragement... I went to Tagaytay City yesterday and that is the photo... Of course... Manila is farther away... but the picture represents the verse and theme... I do like the memories of this one... A flashback of my life and one day this came to me... I still would like to know that old man... he lived in the barrio and never really got to know him... but I was only 6 years old then... again thanks for your time and review...
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..