I started to write poetry at the age of eleven and I have continued to do so for decades till today, having survived both breast cancer and the pandemic.
A few years ago, aging and a gradual and sudden worsening of my physiological condition hit me very hard. I thought I would give up poetry and writing altogether and seek refuge in gardening.
Poetry called me. I attended the Jaipur Literary Festival 2025 with my son Toshu . He followed me out of love.
I realized how a fortunate mother I was when I slipped and fell under the shower and Toshu rushed to my rescue. Diagnosed with severe injuries in the right shoulder, I spent the rest of my stay in Jaipur in a hotel room bed with a quill and with the passion of my life, my poetry.
Reading loud from my book of short poems Leaves cc. Anita Bacha.
Many thanks for spending some of your precious time with me, dear friends and readers.
I’m glad to share with you the feature and promotion of my work by Jocelyn Kay, editor and curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine in their New Year 2025 first issue
My cherished debut children’s book was published by the renowned British publisher Austin Macaulay in 2019.
In the same year the COVID-19 pandemic sent shock waves through the world economy and triggered the largest global economic crisis in more than a century. The crisis led to a dramatic increase in inequality within and across countries.
The sale of the book that had just started, slowed down and halted dramatically.
Deep inside I knew how very important it was to pass on the message in the book to all the children in the world.
On 14 Décembre I learned that Edge of Humanity Magazine had featured The Princess and the Crow in their last issue of 2024.
I’m extremely grateful to Joelcy Kay American Brazilian Editor/Curator of “Edge of Humanity Magazine” in Florida #USA for featuring my book for children in their esteemed magazine.
At this time of the year, we are all looking for children’s books to buy for our own kids and to offer to children whose parents can’t afford to pay for an illustrated children’s book for their children.
It’s a blessing, I feel that the book is now available for an unlimited number of children.
Surprisingly it is! I am a successful career woman and the happiest mother in the world.
A year ago I was striving to get recognition as a writer. I was still a practicing Barrister but my passion for literature was starving for an international audience.
My patience and perseverance were crowned with success when I was felicitated for a long and successful career at The Bar by the Mauritius Bar Association. At the same time, KindleAmazon sent me the report of my royalties earned from the sales of my books.My readers were from the four corners of the world!
All my children are successful accountants and businessmen. Last but not least my daughter in law, an avid politician won the seat of Junior Minister of Youth and Sports at the last general election held in Mauritius on 10 November 2024.
Receiving a medal for 53 years standing at The Bar from the hands of Senior Counsel and President of MBA, Mr.N.Ramburn.
LEAVES, A Collection of Haiku, Senryu and Tanka Poems was released in July 2024. It immediately gained a lot of popularity in Kindle Amazon and readers started to purchase the paperback, the kindle and to read for free. I was happy. Readers believe in me and in my work.
At the same time, I was sad. Amazon is not available in my birth country, Mauritius. The only thing I could do was to bring LEAVES to my faithful audience in Mauritius. I did.
Organized in a jiffy, the main hall of Mauritius Gymkhana Club was booked for Wednesday 04 2024. The books were expected to arrive from U.S.A by special delivery on Tuesday 03. Invitations were sent.
The Big Day arrived in a flash.
The hall was packed with keen, enthusiastic guests and my followers on social media.
Welcome address by Mr. Yogen Bacha, Master of Ceremony and laudable words about me, the author and, about LEAVES, my book were a terrific start for the evening. Quote-
‘Leaves’ is a poetic exploration of Nature, seasons and the human experience, blending haiku, senryu and tanka to create a vibrant tapestry of emotion and imagery. This collection is a tribute to the beauty of life’s fleeting moments and a testament to Mrs. Bacha’s mastery of poetic expression.
My colleague at The Bar, Mridula , Govind Nagi, Mr. Mauritius 2024 and others read poems from LEAVES. Applause filled my ears.
Last I picked up the mic to address the audience.
It was a rather long speech interlaced by recital of tanka poems by me.
I have chosen a few excerpts from my speech that may interest you, my dear friends-
‘I started the project of writing a second collection of short poems after the resounding success of my debut anthology of haiku, ‘PINK MOON’. However, the journey was filled with moments of doubts, tiredness, sleepless nights and health problems.’
‘LEAVES is a collection of haiku, senryu and tanka poems that I wrote during the past two years. It is more than just an anthology of short poems of Japanese style in English to me. It’s an expression of thanks to Mother Nature. Leaves come and go similar to the cycle of life and death.’
‘It’s a reflection of the human spirit, our capacity for resilience and, the power of hope in the darkest times.’
‘My readers, both longtime fans and those just discovering my work, this book is for you. Your views, likes, messages and support on the social media, WordPress, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have fueled my passion to write. I hope LEAVES resonates with you and perhaps offers you a new perspective of life challenges just as I have left a piece of myself in every word.
I am signing off with these words ‘This is my last book’.
Anita Bacha
Master of Ceremony, Mr. Yogen Bacha ,F.C.ALaunch of the book Recitals of Short Poems Book signing for Barrister Mridula Cheereemoony
Anita Bacha 