Menaca Calyaneratne launches poetry book ‘A Fistful of Stars’

‘A Fistful of Stars,’ the maiden book of poetry by Menaca Calyaneratne, was launched at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre in Toronto, Canada last month. The book was launched in conjunction with ‘32 Points 32 Voices – a Compass of Peace International Exhibition,’ where her poetry on love and peace was featured. She was among 32 artists from many continents who were invited to take part in the exhibition celebrating the International Day of Peace.

Menaca, a Sri Lankan born internationally-reputed development worker, has been writing poetry for many years amidst her busy schedule as an International Child Safeguarding Director for Save the Children International.

“Writing poetry has always been my past time and I am happy that this collection is finally out as a book. I really would like more people to read these lines as they are all about human relationships and feelings. I hope everyone will be able to relate to these feelings,” Menaca said.

‘A Fistful of Stars’ is an anthology which expresses love and peace of humankind. The launch ceremony was attended by many academics, artists, human rights activists, environmentalist, journalists and development workers. The ceremony was conducted by Project Peace Ambassador and participating artist Deborah Dannelley and was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

Wendy Cooper Parkinson, the Curator of the Exhibition, in her introduction to the book states: “When I first read her poems which are featured in the exhibition, I was so touched by the tenderness in the poems that brought out the theme of peace and love. I immediately loved her work and some of them brought tears to my eyes. She has such a gift with words, creating stories that capture feelings and express deeply and poignantly matters of the heart and life. Her poems are a gift to us all… and now the rest of the world will have the opportunity to be touched by them too.”

During the launch Menaca read out a few poems from her book.

“This book saw the light of the day because a dozen of my friends supported me with selecting the poems, editing, laying out the pages, creating the cover and of course printing. The book itself is a symbol of love because there was such goodwill in contribution with their skill, talent and encouragement,” she said, speaking about the book.

The book is available at Sarasavi Bookshop Nugegoda and www.sarasavi.lk.