A beautiful painting from Hikari for me and a poem by me – Gabriela Marie Milton – for Hikari

My gorgeous followers.

I was absolutely overwhelmed with joy when I learned that Hikari had crafted a stunning piece of art just for me. Her incredible generosity and unmatched talent brought tears to my eyes. The way she wielded those masterful colors struck a chord deep within me, igniting an emotional blaze that I couldn’t contain. I wept, and in the throes of that powerful inspiration, I penned a heartfelt poem dedicated to Hikari.

Painting by Hikari

Poem by Gabriela Marie Milton


Concentrated smell of roses
Blooms in the night of white spirits
Heavy perfume on midnightโ€™s skin
Thorns soft like tongues in prayers

Why do you think my love
You know the secret language of roses โ€“
The secrets they carry in soft petals’ glow.
The legend speaks of tears and blood
Of the day when the Goddess ripped her clothes
In the bourns-
Who told you, darling that roses are love
They are nightingales caught in blue fingered thorns

Follow me on IG from more poetry and news @gabriela_marie_milton

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews

A Haiku by Gabriela Marie Milton – More updates on Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura

My dear followers,

As another week gently draws to its close, I want to pause and wish each of you a truly fabulous weekend. May these days be filled with the gentle beauty of quiet moments, the laughter of friends, and the comfort of creative inspiration.

Haiku by Gabriela Marie Milton

I enter your soft dreams,
your lips linger, dew-kissed night,
silence breathes between.

Update: Lullscapes in Light and Shadow

I am delighted to share an update on Naoki Kimuraโ€™s remarkable fine art photography and poetry, Lullscapes in Light and Shadow, published by Literary Revelations. The album is still a #1 bestseller in Japan, a Top Release, and a bestseller in the USA. This splendid collection weaves delicate imagery and profound emotion into every line, exploring the interplay between illumination and obscurity in both poetry and fine art photography. Naoki Kimuraโ€™s work truly invites readers to wander through landscapes of dream and memory, where each poem is a moment of quiet discovery.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the book. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean the world, and it is heartwarming to see Lullscapes in Light and Shadow finding its way to readers across the globe.

  • Thank you, USA!
  • Thank you, Japan!
  • Thank you, UK!
  • Thank you, Canada!

Your love of literature is what keeps stories alive and growing. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased and read the book. May this weekend bring you peace, inspiration, and the gentle glow of words well loved.

For you a poem from Naoki’s album:

Somewhere between heartbeats and breath,
golden whispers coil in stillness,
each filament a promise
that even silence
can wear its own light.
Naoki Kimura

The featured photo also belongs to Naoki Kimura and it is included in the album.

AMAZON LINK

With warmest thanks and best wishes for the days ahead!

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews

Eleusinian – Poem by Gabriela Marie Milton

My dear readers,

For you, a poem and a photo from my travel, which will continue for a few more days. Thank you for reading.

Eleusinian – Poem by Gabriela Marie Milton

Beneath the silence of the heated rocks,
Demeter harvests her lost tears,
Tonight, you will be hers, my dear,
Your body arting stones and souls

The ears of the corn will grow in silence,
Secrets of red sweetened lips
Falling to your knees
Youโ€™ll drink from my cupped palms
The supplication prayers
Of those youโ€™ve never met

Unknowing who I am,
The goddessโ€™s veil will fallโ€”
Revealing all that once was hidden,
Blooms of blushed and bluish mornings
That once were sacred
and now sleep
Inside the drunken silence
of museums

Eleusis, Greece, August 2025


My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews


Sacredness, a poem by Gabriela Marie Milton and a photo by Naoki Kimura

My dearest followers,

I deeply regret that I can’t explore as many blogs as I’d love to right now, for I’m on an exciting journey! My heart swells with hope that everyone enjoys a spectacular and unforgettable August full of adventure and joy!

I urge you to pause for a moment and soak in the exhilarating news that Literary Revelations Publishing House is on the verge of unveiling a breathtaking fine-art photography and poetry album by the incredibly talented Japanese artist Naoki Kimura. This exquisite album, titled LULLASCAPES IN LIGHT AND SHADOW, is destined to become a treasured collector’s gem. Currently, the artist’s solo exhibition is captivating audiences at the Hilton Tokyo Hotel, showcasing many of the stunning works that will grace our album. Stay tuned, for this is just the beginning of the artistic journey that awaits!


Naoki Kimura sent me a photo from ็ฅžๅ˜—็ฅญ (Kannamesai) at Ise Grand Shrine, a harvest festival held at the shrine. The festival is a significant event where the first fruits of the year’s harvest are offered to the deities. It’s one of the most important annual festivals in Japan, with roots tracing back to ancient times. The festival is a way to express gratitude to the gods for the bountiful harvest and to pray for continued prosperity.

I added my humble voice and wrote a poem titled Sacredness for the exceptional photo taken by Naoki Kimura.


Sacredness – poem by Gabriela Marie Milton – photo Naoki Kimura

The fire burns sacred, unseen, 
Silent as unfinished steps between, 
A path unknown, a whispered quest, 
I search for hearts I donโ€™t possess. 

Who am I in this endless night, 
A shadow cast without a light? 
No pulse to claim, no beat to own, 
Just echoes where a soul is born. 

A glimpse of humbleness  
A quiet bow,
A softened breath
Of the unknown

The fragrance of new rice, pure and sweet, 
I kneel where earth and heavens meet, 
My soul is rising, gentle, deepโ€” 
A heart reborn in what I reap.

Between the silence and the song, 
Unspoken morning, you belongโ€” 
A soul awakened by a light, 
Kannamesaiโ€™s peace on a fall night.

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews


A POEM BY GABRIELA MARIE MILTON AND A PHOTO BY NAOKI KIMURA

Good morning/good evening, my cherished followers:

Today:  A POEM BY GABRIELA MARIE MILTON AND A PHOTO BY NAOKI KIMURA.

I hope you enjoy:

PHOTO

Naoki Kimura


POEM/SHORT PROSE

She perched at the corner of the old archway, her floral dress blooming against the steel, her eyes the green of rain-soaked moss. 

โ€œHey, lady. Want me to read your future?โ€ 
โ€œNo, thank you.โ€ 
โ€œEver been sick?โ€ 
โ€œNo.โ€ 
โ€œEver had surgery?โ€ 
โ€œNo.โ€ 
โ€œBroken bones?โ€ 
โ€œNo.โ€ 
โ€œTheyโ€™ve tied your health.โ€ 
โ€œWhat?โ€ 
โ€œNow, they canโ€™t touch you.โ€ 
โ€œWho are they?โ€ 

She laughedโ€”a strange, yellow laughter, sweet and sour. 

โ€œLet me tell you your future.โ€ 
โ€œNo, thanks.โ€ 

I quickened my pace, heart thumping.

When I reached the center of the arch, I glanced back. She was goneโ€”vanished like a forgotten dream.

My future flickered before my eyes:
a vision in black and white, sharp as shadows, silent as stone.

It rained that day.



My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews


Attic Melancholy – poetic prose/poem by Gabriela Marie Milton

In this attic, there is no light anymore. Nothing penetrates the small windows from which we used to watch the moonโ€™s rays playing on the chestnut leaves during our first autumn.
In darkness, I sit down and wrap a piece of a burned candle around loves which are born out of pity. How pathetic.
I hear a whisper: perhaps my old toys locked inside the old Spanish chest.  They still talk among themselves, donโ€™t they?
You were right. Iโ€™ve never been what I appeared to be: an ordinary girl walking in the streets and drinking mocktails in bars.

I used to laugh. Yet you did not drown in my laughter. You vanished inside my melancholy; inside the dead world to which Iโ€™ve always aspired. Youโ€™ve remained there forbidding my laughter for fear of not forgetting me.
Oh, that loyalty of yours amid all temptations.  

The night is blessed with darkness, which makes way for light in the morning.

I am the night.

Nobody escapes me.

You knew it. 



My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews

Reminder

In August, Literary Revelations is set to unveil a stunning album of fine-art photography by the acclaimed Japanese artist Naoki Kimura. Measuring a refined 8.3 inches wide by 11.7 inches tall, this collection promises to be a visual feast, printed on the finest paper that Amazon offers.

What sets Kimuraโ€™s work apart is his unparalleled mastery of monochrome photography, which exquisitely captures the mesmerizing dance of light and shadowsโ€”transforming each image into a profound experience. The artistโ€™s extraordinary photographic technique has garnered him countless awards and provided him with the opportunity to showcase his fervent dedication to beauty in art at numerous prestigious international exhibitions.

The collection also includes short prose, haiku, and tanka, written by Naoki Kimura.

This album is a collectorโ€™s piece. I hope you will enjoy it.


MATADOR – A POEM BY GABRIELA MARIE MILTON

Art: Bullfightย (Spanish:ย Suerte de Varas) is an 1824 oil painting byย Francisco Goyaย 

MATADOR

in Salamancaโ€™s golden square,
Where ancient stones remember pain,
The crimson sun, the dust- my reign

Red is my dress , the crowd ignitesโ€”
A sea of faces, hope and dread.

The bull, a shadow forged in night.

And you, my matador, in shining thread,
The capeโ€”a flick, a whispered prayerโ€”
Red as the roses on the grave.
The dance of deathโ€ฆ

Now I scribble words in lonely Sundays,
Echoes of bull fights in Salamanca โ€ฆ


REMINDER:

Literary Revelations anthologies, including Hidden in Childhood and Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, alongside Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku, are soaring back to the pinnacle of success in the US. These remarkable works have reclaimed their status as #1 Amazon Bestsellers, with one even capturing the incredible #2 position on the charts!

As a heartfelt token of our deepest gratitude for your unwavering loyalty, and recognizing that some of our beloved authors may not have had the means to purchase our cherished books, we are thrilled to offer all three of these literary treasures completely free for a limited time!

Please take a moment to leave a review, if you can. After all, if you donโ€™t, how will our message reach more people? We canโ€™t exactly send carrier pigeons anymore!

LINKS (E-book versions free)




If the links do not work for you please search for the books on Amazon.

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews

โ€œWith lush language and lavish imagery, Gabriela M. evokes a fantastic world ripe with emotion.โ€
Christina Schwarz, the author of the New York Times Bestseller โ€œDrowning Ruth.”


A POEM BY GABRIELA MARIE MILTON AND A REVIEW OF MY BOOK PASSIONS, LOVE POEMS AND OTHER WRITINGS

Short Poem

The Enigma of “to be”
The simplicity of me..

Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in Independent Book Review

Passions is a collection for the contemplative reader, those who appreciate symbolic language, mythic references, and emotional depth. Gabriela Marie Milton has crafted a poetic world where spiritual longing meets sensual reality, and where even the quietest images pulse with significance. This book is a rewarding experience for lovers of lyrical, layered, and emotionally intelligent poetry.”

Please read here: https://independentbookreview.com/2025/06/11/book-review-passions-by-gabriela-marie-milton/

Thank you!


My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews

โ€œWith lush language and lavish imagery, Gabriela M. evokes a fantastic world ripe with emotion.โ€
Christina Schwarz, the author of the New York Times Bestseller โ€œDrowning Ruth.”


A SUPERB PHOTO BY NAOKI KIMURA, A POEM BY GABRIELA MARIE MILTON, AND A VIDEO

Wishing all my amazing followers a truly enchanting weekend filled with magic.


Photo: Naoki Kimura

A poem by Gabriela Marie Milton

Memories,
static, a half-formed word.
The girlsโ€™ laughter
echoing through the hollow chest of a moment in time.

Gone now, 
my eyes blurred 
like rain on glass, 
perhaps I dreamt themโ€” 

Young bodies flickering in the static, 
their fancy emptied 
like pockets after a carnival.
What did they buy from the pharmacy?

It smells like morphineโ€” 
sweet, chemical, 
a day in life 
dissolving at the edges.

I look through your eyes
at the girlsโ€™ nonexistent presence, 
shadows in the room, 
the laughterโ€” 
folded into silence.

I think of you.
Years inscribed on windows.
What did the girls buy from the pharmacy?


Sneak a peek at Naoki Kimura’s upcoming Photo Album from Literary Revelations.

Naoki Kimura, a celebrated artist known for his fine art photography, is set to release a breathtaking new album under the aegis of Literary Revelations. Tentatively scheduled for publication at the end of July, this highly anticipated album promises to be an unparalleled artistic experience and an exquisite addition to any coffee table.

Capturing the Essence of Japanese Sensibility

The album stands as a testament to the profound beauty of Japanese culture through the medium of monochrome photography. It artfully encapsulates cherished aesthetic principles such as โ€œMono no Aware,โ€ the bittersweet awareness of impermanence; โ€œWabi,โ€ the understated elegance of simplicity; and โ€œSabi,โ€ the poetic grace of age and weathering. Each photograph invites viewers into a meditative space, allowing them to perceive the beauty hidden within the fleeting moments of life.

A Fusion of Art and Literature

Beyond its striking visuals, the album harmonizes the photographic artistry with the written word. It contains a rich tapestry of haiku, tanka, free-form poetry, and short prose, each piece carefully curated to complement the visual narrative. This literary inclusion elevates the album into a multidimensional experience, offering not just imagery but profound reflections that resonate deeply with the soul.

An Artistic Treasure for Every Home

Naoki Kimuraโ€™s album is more than a collection of photographsโ€”it’s a piece of art that speaks to the heart. Its pages promise moments of introspection, beauty, and connection, making it the perfect centerpiece for contemplation and conversation. The fusion of visual and literary artistry ensures that this work will leave an indelible mark on all who encounter it.

Prepare to immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience when Naoki Kimuraโ€™s fine art photography arrives this summer. This album promises to be not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of the timeless essence of Japanese sensibility. Truly, a masterpiece destined to touch hearts and enrich lives.



My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews

โ€œWith lush language and lavish imagery, Gabriela M. evokes a fantastic world ripe with emotion.โ€
Christina Schwarz, the author of the New York Times Bestseller โ€œDrowning Ruth.”

Love in Blue and Black by Gabriela Marie Milton, and Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings featured in Independent Book Review

Wishing all my incredible followers a vibrant week overflowing with joy and boundless happiness!

Love in blue and black

my love,
I speak to you through centuries of pain
trees spin barren branches in the air
when loneliness rains on blue hills
I crush my heart
so yours can still beat

listen
ocean waves embrace the moonโ€™s pale chest
instead of tears
I shed naked pearls
to wash the effigy of your acoustic agony
and mend the painful scratches from your skin


with my imaginary fingers
in blue and black the time I bend
and no matter who I am
a human or a spirit
I swear to you
Iโ€™ll love you till the end

Included in my book Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings


Passions is a collection for the contemplative reader, those who appreciate symbolic
language, mythic references, and emotional depth. Gabriela Marie Milton has crafted
a poetic world where spiritual longing meets sensual reality, and where even the
quietest images pulse with significance. This book is a rewarding experience for
lovers of lyrical, layered, and emotionally intelligent poetry.

Independent Book Review



My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews

โ€œWith lush language and lavish imagery, Gabriela M. evokes a fantastic world ripe with emotion.โ€
Christina Schwarz, the author of the New York Times Bestseller โ€œDrowning Ruth.”