Aleen Andreou’s last school report,  carries a comment from the headmaster, “She will do well in anything that involves communication.” True to this prediction Aleen is a corporate trainer and public speaking coach by profession, an avid actress by hobby. In her late 50’s, inspired by the poetry of her friends she took the deep plunge in. Never having written a poem, she entered  The International Poetry Slam, in 2023, to discover that she had much to learn. Supported by the local poetry scene, with encouragement and workshops she is developing her skills, and has participated in a further 2 Poetry Slams.

Please find that attached.

Currently my big project is to get into the habit of devoting at least 30 minus a day to reading and writing poetry, early in the morning.

Currently, I am working on the poem below, that is dear to me.

In your wave and flapping hands

in the honey-wand of a smile

you cast right through my windscreen

I saw Me

Me calling for help

to save my fingertips

from this tray too hot

these flimsy oven gloves, don’t do the job

I saw Me

Me laden with shopping bags

too heavy for these arms never-exercised

pulled and dragged

by the dictates of lists too ambitious

crying out for family’s assistance

I saw Me

Me through a walk

in summer’s sweltering scorch

without a cent in sight, nor a card to swipe

praying for a good Samaritan’s sip

I saw Me

Me pleading for traffic to part

like Moses’s see

A passage to escape humiliating fate

Of murmurs, and headshakes

By those who stride time in plenty

So I paused and let you cross

and when you clasped your hands

rocked them in the air

put your palm to your heart and bowed

Then, I knew

I knew

that it is only through mirrors

that I truly see.