Treasuring Poetry: An interview with Michelle Ayon Navajas, curator of After Rain Skies Global Anthology and a review #TreasuringPoetry #AfterRainSkies #genderbasedviolence

Today, I am delighted to welcome Michelle Ayon Navajas, poet and curator of After Rain Skies Global Anthology, back to Treasuring Poetry.

About After Rain Skies

After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology is the third installment in the After Rain Skies series,
bringing together writers, poets, and storytellers from around the world to speak out against all
forms of abuse and violence. Each poem and prose piece is either a personal story or one that
inspired the writer—a voice raised in solidarity with those who have endured hardship. These are
raw, real stories of resilience, courage, and the search for light after darkness, told through
powerful prose and poetry.

Michelle Ayon Navajas, The Curator
Published by Michelle Ayon Navajas Publishing House

Over to Michelle!

There are two books in the After Rain Skies series. The first, After Rain Skies: A Compilation of true and inspiring stories of abuse and violence in prose and poetry, comprises of your own poetry based on your experiences speaking to victims of abuse. The second is a global anthology, with contributors from all over the world. What were your aspirations for each of these two poetry collections?

It was in 2019 that I met the women of Perak Women For Women Society in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. I learned from them the devastating effects of abuse and violence on women and children. At that time, I was running an anonymous blog on WordPress for a while, and I thought if I could help them reach more people to amplify their cause and voice, then maybe, together, we would make a difference. I started writing about it on my blog, and I was surprised to receive emails from hundreds of women around the world sharing their stories, and those of someone they know and loved experiencing abuse and violence. It was then that the founder of PWW said, maybe we can do more than just listen and read their stories, that was when the first book was born. I’ve interviewed victims of abuse and violence and put all of their experiences in one collection written in prose and poetry. The first book was a success, it helped PWW generate funds to support their advocacy in helping distressed victims of abuse and violence, and the proceeds of the sales of the book went to the foundation. They also started receiving support from people around Malaysia. We were also able to provide immediate reading material whenever they needed to do campaign talks about abuse and violence. The book was an eye-opener for some victims who were afraid to speak up and tell their truths. More people started to speak up since then. Five years later, I’ve realized that abuse and violence are still a rampant societal problem worldwide. And so with the support of my fellow poets and bloggers, the Global anthology was born. It is aimed to amplify voices rallying against abuse and violence on a global stage coming from the experiences and perspectives of poets, writers and authors around the world.

There were two teenagers and two young adults who contributed to the global anthology. What are you hoping younger readers will gain from this collection?

I was very delighted to receive submissions from Arshien Deticio, an 18-year-old Senior High School student from the Philippines, and Michael Cheadle, a 19-year-old student from South Africa. These are indications that even teenagers are becoming more aware of the effects and tragedy brought about by abuse and violence. Having the voices of young people is a great help in seeking more support from the youth. Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ National Hero, once said, “The youth is the hope of our motherland.” this is true not only to the Philippines but to the youth worldwide. They will be the hope of our world, and having youths who take part in issues and concerns about issues like abuse and violence is an assurance that our world will be in good hands.

Arshien and Michael are the representatives of the great leaders and advocates of the future. I hope these two will continue advocating for causes and issues that are pertinent to making this world a better and safer place to live.

Picture caption: a visual representation of Michelle’s interview with Arshein which you can read in full here: https://michnavs.wordpress.com/2025/03/02/arshein-deticio-for-for-after-rain-skies-the-global-anthology/Picture caption: a visual representation of Michelle’s interview with Michael Cheadle which you can read here: https://michnavs.wordpress.com/2025/03/03/michael-cheadle-for-after-rain-skies-the-global-anthology/

It seems from the contributors to the global anthology that gender-based violence is widespread. What do you see as the leading factors that contribute to this on-going issue? Do you see hope for change in the future?

With my experience and exposure to actual victims of abuse and violence, I’ve realized that they have one common denominator that is they are afraid to speak up because of the social stigma on victims. We as a society also lack the facility to provide immediate care to the distressed victims of abuse and violence. If we have a home for the ages, which caters to our elderly people, and an orphanage for abandoned children, maybe we can also have homes for distressed victims of abuse and violence. The number of victims skyrocketed over the years because they are afraid to speak up and afraid to report, or even seek help. And when they finally find the courage, they don’t have a safe place to go. Another aspect that I believe contributes to the rampant cases of abuse and violence is the lack of awareness and education, especially at home. Maybe it’s time we teach and raise boys not to hurt or abuse a girl or a woman, maybe it’s also time we change the family dynamics. As we all know, men who come from abusive families are highly likely to become abusive during their adult lives. And finally, there is a strong need for efficient legislation on abuse and violence. It is time for our government officials to strengthen the laws concerning abuse and violence. In the Philippines, we have the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262). You could just imagine what happened to victims of abuse and violence in the Philippines before 2004. Their stories were forgotten. Despite this, the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that 17.5% of Filipino women aged 15-49 have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from their intimate partners. Why? Because the law itself has so many loopholes. The abusers can just easily get away, especially if they have the power and the money. And I am sure this is also true for the rest of the world.

I know that we have a long way to go in the battle against abuse and violence, but with our collective voices, we will make a difference.

My review of After Rain Skies The Global Anthology

After Rain Skies is an incredible collection of strong voices crying out against abuse in all its forms. There are contributions from countries all across the planet, reminding me that abuse is alive and well everywhere, from the most developed countries to the least developed. The poems involve a variety of different settings and are not exclusive to one sex which reinforced my own views and experiences never to judge people as you don’t know what their circumstances and life obstacles where and continue to be.

Every poem in this collection resonated with me even though I have not personally suffered many of the abuses shared. I have seen it in the world around me, read about it, and can feel it. While all the poems are incredible, visual, and powerful, there are a few that have stayed with me.

Extracts from three poems that really ate into my heart and soul:

“Father said

For because I am selfish

I shall make you want

For because I am angry

I shall make you timid

For why should you, my son

Benefit from the ability to love yourself

When I have not”

From In My Image by Michael L. Utley

“at 31, she just wants to be present for herself.

Sometimes, she feels selfish for it, but being

everything to everyone has drained her. she longs

for a break, a moment of solitude in silence”

From At 31 by Scarlet Rose

“Women, you don’t need to walk around broken.

Pick up every piece that’s been snatch away from you.

Every piece that’s been stolen.

Every piece that’s been smashed to pieces.

Search for them, find them and put them back where they belong.”

From Fine Piece of China by Martha Gloria Byng-Cornwell

Purchase After Rain Skies from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/After-Rain-Skies-Global-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0DZPD4LL2

About Michelle Ayon Navajas Picture caption: Banner of Michelle Ayon Navajas featuring a selection of her books

Michelle Ayon Navajas (born June 23, 1976) is a Filipino poet, writer, and educator. She is a Best-Selling international Poet known for her books reaching the #1 spot within days of their release. Her 8th poetry book, “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark,” went straight to the top of both the best-sellers list and new releases on Amazon on short notice. Her 7th poetry book, “It Ain’t Winning If Without You,” went straight to the best-sellers list on Amazon in less than 24 hours of release by pre-orders alone and eventually became the number Poetry Book on Amazon India on its actual release day, soon after the book rose to the best- sellers list as well in all other Amazon Markets worldwide.

Currently, Michelle holds the title of having 4 books published in a row to have made it to Amazon’s Best-Sellers List (“I Will Love You Forever, Too,” “After Rain Skies, 2nd Edition,” “It Ain’t Winning If Without You,” and “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark”) and 3 books on Amazon’s #1Hot New Releases/New Releases (“I Will Love You Forever, Too,” “It Ain’t Winning If Without You,” and “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark”.)

Her poetry appeared in several international literary magazines and anthologies such as Spillwords NYC, MasticadoresUsa, and MasticadoresIndia. Her poems “Holding Hands” was voted as Spillwords Publication of the Month for November 2021 and “Love Happens” was voted as Spillwords Publication of the Month for December 2022.

She is also part of the award-winning ensemble of authors in two Poetry Anthologies, that are both Amazon Best-Sellers: Hidden In Childhood and Wounds I Healed.

Graduated with a Master of Education majoring in English in the Philippines (University of San Agustin, Iloilo City). Michelle was a former college professor, teaching literature, speech & oral communication, creative writing, drama, and theatre arts. She is also a graduate of Mass Communications major in Journalism (Centro Escolar University, Manila).

Michelle is active in her writing profession and works as a freelance creative writer.

Follow her online:

www.michnavs.wordpress.com

IG @poetrybymich

FB Poetry by Mich

You Tube Poetry by Mich

Amazon Author Central

About Robbie Cheadle Picture caption: Robbie Cheadle author picture

South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/

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This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by  WordCrafter Press  and the Poetry Treasures series.

Get Your Copy Today!

Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures

Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships

Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR

Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature