The Year of the Poet VIII March 2021

Foreword: Art just like literature more than ever acts as an instrument in spreading public awareness especially about issues plaguing our society. It is said that art should disturb the human psyche and should act as a catalyst for change. Tatyana Fazklizadeh was coined as the woman who waged an artistic war against her street harassers. She is an American activist, artist, and freelance illustrator. Fazklizadeh is the one behind the controversial Stop Telling Women to Smile street art project which strongly addresses gender-based street harassment which was first displayed in Brooklyn in the fall of 2012. The portraits depict different women who shared their sexual harassment experiences along with meaningful texts.The artist powerfully voiced out one of the major sexual harassment against women issues through these captivating portraiture and was even made into a book. Sexual harassment should be actively addressed for this is continuously been experienced by women around the world. Fazklizadeh’s masterpieces leaves a lasting impact and is a powerful way to be a voice of those women who choose to remain silent despite their sexual harassment experiences.In this issue of the Year of the Poet, you will read powerful poetry coming from our talented and globally conscious poets depicting Fazklizadeh’s artworks. Congratulations to my Poetry Posse Family again for a wonderful issue! Congratulations too to our awesome Featured Poets and we are thankful to all our loyal friends and supporters across the globe!Elizabeth Esguerra CastilloInternational Author and Poet