Plum Tree Books Feature: Elizabeth Castillo

As promised, I begin the features of various authors, poets, musicians and artists who have contributed over the past two years to Plum Tree Books’ projects and anthologies. 

The Song Of Sahel was in aid of the people of Sahel who face a terrible crisis of starvation, war, displacement and drought. Because myself and my husband Doug had lived and worked in Africa in overseas Aid and Development, we knew first-hand, what this meant for the people of the Sahel region. Doug returned to Africa to help set up a refugee camp, whilst I put out a call to some of our poet, musician, artist friends to contribute to an anthology, a music CD and an art auction…proceeds of sales to SOS Sahel.

My good friend Karen Twining Fooks who is one of the trustees of this organisation, recently presented a cheque on behalf of Plum Tree Books. Thank you to everyone who supported this effort. It was a huge amount of work.

The first poet I would like to feature who contributed to the wonderful Song Of Sahel anthology is Elizabeth Castillo. This is Elizabeth’s poem…

Photo by Essam Emnay

Blessed Be The Children Of Tomorrow
by Elizabeth E. Castillo

I always thought you can see the truth through a child’s eyes
That innocent look, that adorable smile
Takes you to blooming fields and enchanting places all worth your while.
Children playing in the dancing rains
Water splashes chiming in with their cheerful giggles.

There is wisdom when a child speaks
If only you would listen with your heart
It is in their innocence where positive outlooks lie
Without a tinge of evil or hidden agendas
Talking to a child is like a breath of fresh air!

In this world we live in
We at times neglect these little blessings from above
Considered angels by the heavens
But why do some have to suffer here on earth
No use blaming each other for it is poverty that makes people ill.

In a child’s eye, one can see hope
A bright promising future they all deserve to have
Blessed be the children of tomorrow
Give them moments worth remembering
For lives they have just borrowed from God.

Reach out to those needing our affection
Be the guiding light to those asking for your protection
Blessed be the children of tomorrow
The future generation is the future of a brand new world!

Thank you Elizabeth for your wonderful contribution. Elizabeth has a new release all of her own. Click here to view her new book of poetry. Plum Tree Books wishes you every success with this, Elizabeth!

About Dr Niamh

When I was a little girl (a very, very long time ago), I used to love learning new, really big words like ‘discombobulate’. As I grew, my love of words grew too, until I loved them so much, I could not stop writing them down. One day, as I was scribbling a particular word, a very peculiar thing happened. The word shouted at me, “Stop! Don’t put me there!” As you can imagine, I was shocked and nearly fell off my chair. When I recovered somewhat, I said to the word, “Could you stop shouting, please? I am not used to it.” Can you guess what happened next? No! I thought not. The word said, “I might be small, but I will misbehave if you do not use me properly. I will not tell the story you would like me to tell. I will say something entirely different!” I dropped my pen. I hoped that by dropping my pen, the word would stop talking. Alas! It did not. It carried on chitterchobbling, even after the ink had dried. I was in a pickle. I could not allow my words to run away with my story, now could I? I don’t know about you, but when this sort of thing happens, there is only one thing left to do if you prefer not to spend your time arguing. “Very well,” said I. “I will do as you ask if you will just be quiet and allow me to concentrate.” Since that day, I have been paying special attention to every word I invite into my stories. After all, a story should say exactly what it means to say and not be led astray. With love from Dr. Niamh, Ph.D in Learning Through The Imagination and Founder of Dr Niamh Children's Books. www.drniamhchildrensbooks.com

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