Monday, January 31, 2011

The Choral Word



ice cycles large and luminous with the noon day light
mounds of drifting snow crystals white
these wondrous gifts through my window I see
the majesty of winter in this noon hour with me
cold be the winds of this winter day
bright be the knowing sun of season's way
the song of the white breasted nuthatch is heard
an early heralding of spring be the choral word.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


White Breasted Nuthatch, Image: www.mentorlagoons.org/ white%20breasted%20nuth..

Cosmic Joy


haiku reflections


slumber ever sweet
by the light of cosmic joy
awakened spirit.

inner light now known
vistas of soulful splendor
embraced by Presence.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Cosmic Joy, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Sunday, January 30, 2011

Dawning


...Sunday... haiku reflection


a glimmer of light
night yields to this day anew
and so the dawning.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



click on image to enjoy a larger view
Dawning, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Uprising, Revolution, War and Strife


Within the chronicles of history
spirit and valor in quest there be
Annals of time past and now
freedom and peace in plea in vow
Uprisings, revolution, war and strife
to mark anew day's purpose and life
Moments, days, years numbered and in memory cast
Held there be the Presence and light everlast
It is resolve that humanity calls to be known
within the grasps of faith, love and TRUTH be it shown.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Philip Galle, 1537-1612, (after Maarten van Heemskerck, Drawing 1498–1574), Statue of Zeus, Engraving, 1572.


Wings Afloat


haiku reflection

spirit wings afloat
jubilant be this grace known
flowing dance of light.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


click on image for an enlarged view
Wings Afloat, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.



Friday, January 28, 2011

'Tis Treasure Afar


Astronomy Picture of the Day 2011 January 27

in haiku reflection

majestic vista
the beauty of Orion
'tis treasure afar.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Hidden Treasures of M78,Credit: ESO / Igor Chekalin
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html



Thursday, January 27, 2011

Winter Storm


Haiku Reflection

night of winter storm
chilling winds and snow adrift
cloaked in crystal white.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Snow Adrift, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A Bouquet For The Poet Laureate


for
Frank and Cindy
in loving gratitude

such thoughtfulness I to receive
in this loving gesture of praise
the grandeur of beauty in bloom
to mark these my revered days

a rose in a bouquet divine
touched by the light of a morning new
a gift in celebration of a poet
who speaks of love, guidance and faith true

petals of splendor and flowers of grace
hues delicate, bright and bold they be
a gift in celebration of word and quest
beholden this poet is to thee.

Much love,
Rose Marie


Bouquet For The Poet Laureate, Photo, CAR, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Orangetown Designates Raccioppi as Poet Laureate ~ Nyack-Piermont Patch


Orangetown Designates Raccioppi as Poet Laureate
Nyack-Piermont Patch


The Orangetown Town Board chose Rose Marie Raccioppi as the town's first poet laureate at its regular meeting Tuesday. January 25, 2011.

By Allan Goldstein, Nyack-Piermont Patch

In its long history Orangetown had never had anyone fill the role of poet laureate for the community. Tonight, the Orangetown Town Board named noted poet, author and artist Rose Marie Raccioppi, a long-time Tappan resident, to that post.

With her sons Chris and Pat in attendance, Ms. Raccioppi thanked the board members for the recognition of her work and reflected on the great impact that poetry has had on her life. In a previously released statement she said that she owed this honor to “the many presentations I have given over the years as an activist, using originally written poems…as pleas for attention or support of children's special needs and the environment. Other poems were written and presented in honor of those whose lives were lost serving in the military.”

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Ms. Raccioppi devised APOGEE, a learning enhancement system. The program combines the disciplines of art and education to serve the needs of both learning disabled and gifted children. Raccioppi is a specialist in learning disabilities and has won numerous awards for developments in this area.

And In Gratitude... an added word...

Last evening's event was indeed momentous. To share what is so heartfelt and know that it speaks to aspiration, an abiding faith and a vision held in TRUTH, and have it received so favorably, does gladden the heart. I thank Orangetown Supervisor Paul Whalen, Councilwoman, Nancy Low Hogan, Councilman, Michael Maturo, Councilman, Denis Troy, and Councilman, Tom Diviny.



Tuesday, January 25, 2011

And What Be This Poet's Plea ~ In reflection... Poet Laureate


In Reflection...

To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.
Robert Schumann
Composer
1810 - 1856

And what be this poet's plea
But to honor God's gifts
Be they of land, sky, ocean or sea
To know that All and One are given in grace
And in gratitude be our care, our loving embrace
Stars and galaxies, vistas of splendor and glory
Within the secrets, the miracles of Creation's story
Stardust in waves of time and space
From which our spirit we to trace
Light beholden within our heart
From where love has its primal start
Known be the fire of the Creator's flame
And we the Presence of All so named
Words to hold to the knowing of heart and soul
Reverent be our gratitude, our calling toll
And what be this poet's plea
But to honor God's gifts
Be they of land, sky, ocean or sea.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Astronomy Picture of the Day: Orion Nebula: The Hubble View, NASA.
click on image for a beautifully detailed view


The town is gearing up to officially name its first poet laureate. The title will be given to Rose Marie Raccioppi, a Tappan resident of 44 years. Board members are excited to have this new designation.

"I instituted the poet laureate, first in Orangetown's history, because I wanted to bring attention to the inspirational power of the written word," explained Orangetown councilman Michael Maturo. "Orangetown has great artistic influences, from Edward Hopper to Elaine Smollin, and Rose Marie Raccioppi—a published long-time Tappan resident who also serves on the Environmental Committee—was a natural choice."

In 2009, Raccioppi was awarded the title "Poet of the Year," but the honor has now grown with this new designation.

"As poet of the year, I’ve presented at a number of libraries in Orangetown and book signings," Raccioppi said. "I have an extensive history of involvement in poetry."

The job of a poet laureate is to be on hand to write poems for government events and state occasions. A poet laureate is also supposed to promote poetry.

"I've always believed that poetry is the expression of the heart, the expression of the soul," said Raccioppi.

Raccioppi has already done writing for Orangetown, both through good times and bad. She wrote poems in response to Sept. 11 that were exhibited at Orangetown Town Hall and at the Legislative Chambers of Rockland County. She has another poem permanently on display as part of the "Wall of Heroes" at the Rockland County Legislative chambers.

"When I made a whole host of presentations over the years, it has been noticed that not only was I an activist and child advocate, but I presented things in ways that really touched people's sentiments," Raccioppi said. "I was never coming from a point of anger or criticism. I was coming from a point of awareness and the need for action, the need for change, to benefit humanity and to serve children of our future generations."

In 1975, Raccioppi made her first community presentation as an activist for children with learning disabilities. Raccioppi has experience as an educator, too, in elementary school, college and administrative roles. She also created APOGEE, a learning and therapy program for children of all different levels that combines art and education. Raccioppi is a specialist in learning disabilities and has won many awards for the developments she has helped create and grow.

Still, poetry remains her chief outlet.

"Writing poetry became the deepest source of solace and healing [for me] after being diagnosed with cancer in 1983," Raccioppi explained. Since then, she has had books published with her poetry and won the International Poet of Merit in 2002, amongst many others.

"Rose Marie is thoughtful, full of life, and has the pulse of the community at large," said Town of Orangetown Supervisor Paul G. Whalen. "I admire her work on other town committees, and appreciate her advocacy on building a more eco-friendly environment for us all to share. I'm looking forward to another year of her as our poet."


For your added enjoyment...
To Each Season in Celebration - to the Eternal Spring
YouTube - Schumann: Symphony No.1 "Spring" (Bernstein) 4/4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLrfDdTxc94&playnext=1&list=PL1626CD826FB1284A&index=9


Sunday, January 23, 2011

Dawn's Winter Light


dawn's winter light
snow capped winds blow strong
soft sweeping hues of violet
be this cloak of winter day new.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Dawn's Winter Light, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Saturday, January 22, 2011

Twilight


twilight
'tis day 'tis night
mountains and plains yet do I see
wavering light upon land and sea
the heavens its moon and distant star
glimmers of celestial light in vistas far
twilight
'tis day 'tis night.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Twilight, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

...the hour...Sweet Slumber


Haiku Reflection
ah... and so the hour...

sweet slumber beckons
surrender to night's calling
blanketed in dreams.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



Sweet Slumber, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Wolf Moon


..this night... haiku reflection...

Wolf Moon

winds blow cold this night
shimmering glow of the moon
dancing branch and bough.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Wolf Moon, Photo, CAR, Collectible Clicks,©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Thursday, January 20, 2011

Blessed Flower All


an array of flowers each its own blessed story

blooms of color God's grace in glory
I a Rose with petals a velvet caress
I a Sunflower holding light and happiness
I an Iris with drama and mystery
I a Daisy with joyful frivolity
'tis earth and heaven to lovingly meet
such delicate splendor and fragrance sweet
and I a flower of perpetual bloom
know I the glory of morning the delight of noon
and when the day a night to fall
I a blessed flower all.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


image credit: http://www.traviswholesale.net/flowers.html


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

'Tis Music I Hear


within these inner chambers
'tis music I hear
the flow of life's waters
the rhythmic heart
the note lilting
the orchestra divine
within these inner chambers
'tis music I hear
each movement a prelude
each pulsing a cadence
each need an aria
each breath a resolve
within these inner chambers
'tis music I hear.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



'Tis Music I Hear, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Town of Orangetown to Designate Poet Laureate at the Orangetown Town Board, January 25, 2011 - Nyack-Piermont, NY Patch


In Gratitude


I, Rose Marie Raccioppi, am the first ever to be designated as Poet Laureate for the Town of Orangetown, New York. The designation came from the many presentations I have given over the years as an activist, using originally written poems, by way of introduction or closing, as pleas for attention or support of children's special needs and the environment. Other poems were written and presented in honor of those whose lives were lost serving in the military.

Poems I wrote in response to 9/11 were also presented at both public and private memorial services. These were exhibited at Orangetown Town Hall and at the Legislative Chambers of Rockland County. The poem, "Where Does The Pain Go," in response to 9/11, was made into a musical and dance performance. A reproduction of the original painting upon which the poem was superimposed was presented as a fund raiser. http://www.apogeepoet.blogspot.com/2009/05/where-does-pain-go.html APOGEE Poet: "Where Does The Pain Go - 9/11 ." Another one of my poems, "The Aftermath," engraved in glass superimposed upon my painting, is on permanent display as part of "The Wall of Heroes," at the Rockland County Legislative Chambers, New York.

Since my first community presentation in 1975, as an activist for children with learning disabilities, poetry has been my shared voice of soul. When diagnosed with cancer in 1983, writing poetry became the deepest source of solace and healing. This the journey to, "The Wind and the Willow," published in 2008.

A poetry blog was initiated in January of 2009 and has to date, a posting of 669 of my original poems, http://www.apogeepoet.blogspot.com

It is with a deep respect and reverence for the art of poetry that I am so honored.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

http://patch.com/N-Df4


In Reflection...

To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.
Robert Schumann
Composer
1810 - 1856



this pulsing passion in word and deed
'tis the destiny of soul in loving creed
pen or brush each guided by heart
from which word and image bear their start
color and sound to convey soul's quest
this gift of purpose a known behest.

And as I prepare for the designation...

should I accept in silence
and all knowing be THE WORD
or expressions of gratitude be the heart heard
consider the honor I say
be there ever celebration of THE WAY
choose a gesture that springs from heart
from which all loving has its start
and all in JOY shall rejoice
for L♡VE is ever ever the choice.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Monday, January 17, 2011

John Cage "4'33" ~ In the Deepest of Silence



In the deepest of silence I am heard
the pulsing
the heart rhythms
the breath
this inner orchestration
the voice of thought
the cry of despair
the scream of fear
the whimper of pain
the call of soul
in the deepest of silence I am heard.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



Sunday, January 16, 2011

Dearest Isa


family and friends gather this day
in celebration of
Isabel G. Martin
September 26, 1914 - December 8, 2010


Dearest Isa

a favorite flower sweetly proclaimed
a forget-me-not you so named
the yesterdays of memories you did share
the warmth of a smile of loving care
travels and ventures you told anew
music and dance ever delights for you
treasured moments of love and grace
within this heart you did place
birth eternal shall you ever be
forget not I your sweet memory.

Lovingly,
Rose Marie


Chamber of the Night


I in the chamber of the night
under the shroud of sleep
timeless moments
inner realms dispelling limitation
all pervasive Being
above Earth's plains
beyond all mountains
in flight across the heavens
held not by gravity
within the burning light
that cannot be contained
the shroud of sleep lifted
and I awakened to time
a vibrant peace
an all sounding silence
knowing
I shall descent no more
into the lower realms
of deceptive thought.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Chamber of the Night, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Yo-Yo Ma: Elgar Cello Concerto, 1st mvmt


Haiku Reflection

sounding hues be heard
bow and brush in lilting grace
palette of my soul.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


In Dedication
to

Krystyna Kruzel

Sun Moon and Stars


wondrous light up on high
the sun in flight across the sky
wondrous orb to wax and wane
the beauty of night claims your name
the sun the moon such gifts of grace
your light and love in heart I place
and if a moment in darkness or despair
know I the Presence of light's embracing care
the light of stars upon my soul ever be
this be God's WORD decreed to me.

Rose Marie Raccioppi




Fresco of Christ creating the sun, moon and stars, St. Paraskevi Shrine, Greenlawn, NY, http://stparaskevi.org



Friday, January 14, 2011

Melting Snow


the warmth of the sun upon branches bare
branch and bough cloaked in God's loving care
cold winter winds and drifting fallen snow
droplets of light melting crystals aglow.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Melting Snow: Image credit: staddonfamily.com


Wednesday, January 12, 2011

This for Gail ~ Joni Mitchell "Urge For Going"


the urge for going be the call
winter, spring, summer, fall
time and love shared and known
all in God's grace each day shown
floods of emotion flowing vast
storms of feelings in heart cast
struck by lightning's thunderous light
know I each day and its eternal flight
in stillness with blessings this soul's glory
each moment, a you, a me and life's ever present story.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

For Gail
In Dedication


Day's Flight, Photo: CAR, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.



Upon the Waters and Land Alike...here in New York


upon the waters and land alike
fallen snow crystals of light
hues of blue cast from the skies above
winter's embrace, God's love.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Upon the Waters and Land Alike, Photo: CAR, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Light's Majestic Array


wind and light and winter's call
hues of violet upon the drifting mounting snow
beauty to behold
be it born this day
crystals of snow holding light's majestic array.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



Violet Hues Upon the Snow, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.



Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Petals


be ourselves known
petals of the same bloom
tossed out to the winds
to touch the awaiting spirit within.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Black Iris, Oil on canvas, 1926, Georgia O'Keeffe, 1887-1986, Metropolitan Museum of Art.


Monday, January 10, 2011

Shadow Not The Light


Haiku Reflections
light ever given

the dance of the sun
sunrise sunset light's beauty
God's warming embrace.

shadow not the light
harken the call of Presence
moment of Being.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Pembroke Caselt, South Wales: Thunder Storm Approaching, Watercolor, 1801, Joseph Mallord William Turner, 1775-1851.


Sunday, January 9, 2011

Tango Mood

a palette... a dance... in haiku reflection

tango be the mood
embrace of sweet seduction
passion's dance afire.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Tango Mood, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Music of the Heart


the word the line
markers of the mind
the vision the goal
markers of the soul
from within all has its start
the pulse the music of the heart.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



Music of the Heart, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.



Saturday, January 8, 2011

Quietude


Haiku Reflections

so melts the white snow
warming sun in quietude
light crystals a flow.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



Melting Snow, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Vivaldi's 4 seasons - Winter I - Daniel Phillips


gentle be the falling snow
chilled be the winter wind
silent be this serenade of splendor
bare branches newly cloaked in white
bold and majestic this be Winter's light.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Snow in Tappan, New York: Photo: CAR, Collectible Clicks,©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

...here in Tappan, New York...


winter angels busy busy they be
dusting snow as far as I do see
branch and bough dressed in white
snow crystals and sparkles of light.

Warms hugs my friends...much love...

Rose Marie Raccioppi




Aurora ~ Verdant Light


Haiku Reflections


verdant light of soul
consecrated breath of life
moss of creation.

fertile field of mind
open vista of spirit
eternal Presence.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



Aurora, Image:©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Thursday, January 6, 2011

This Alchemy This Vow


how many breaths does one need to feel the fullness of life

how many sunrises to see the glory of a new day
how many sunsets to revel in light's beauty
how many blooms to see the bounty of The Way

how many words to heed the knowing of the heart
how many shadows to know light's quest
how many sorrows to reach life's joy
how many lifetimes for love's behest

this alchemy this vow
blessed be this breath
this moment, this Now.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Castings Gold, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

This Flower Yet Blooms


shocking be the news
this flower yet blooms
misunderstood be the views
this flower yet blooms
deception and deceit
this flower yet blooms
pesticides and toxins
this flower yet blooms
lawsuits and trials
this flower yet blooms
chaos and disasters
this flower yet blooms
pain and loss
this flower yet blooms
Creation's bounty ours to hail
beyond all illusion
truth and beauty to prevail.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


This Flower Yet Blooms, Photo: Amaryllis, CAR, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Amaryllis Flower Meaning
Symbolic of success won after a struggle.

Thank You Dear Meeka

and so a shared word...

Letting Nature Work

Silent Change

Often, when we are not looking,
in the silence of nature's embrace,
the miracle of change happens.

"We all see things about ourselves, our relationships, and our world that we want to change. Often, this desire leads us to take action toward inner work that we need to do or toward some external goal. Sometimes, without any big announcement or momentous shift, we wake up to find that change has happened, seemingly without us. This can feel like a miracle as we suddenly see that our self-esteem really does seem to be intact, or our partner actually is helping out around the house more. We may even wonder whether all of our hard work had anything to do with it, or if it just happened by way of grace.

As humans, sometimes we have relatively short attention spans, and we can easily lose track of time. We may worry about a seedling in a pot with our constant attention and watering for several weeks only to find ourselves enjoying the blooms it offers and wondering when that happened, and how we didn't notice it. Nature, on the other hand, has infinite patience and stays with a thing all the way through its life. This doesn't mean that our efforts play no part in the miracle of change they do. It's just that they are one small part of the picture that finally results in the flowering of a plant, the shifting of a relationship, the softening of our hearts.

The same laws that govern the growth of plants oversee our own internal and external changes. We observe, consider, work, and wonder, tilling the soil of our lives, planting seeds, and tending them. Sometimes the hard part is knowing when to stop and let go, handing it over to the universe. Usually this happens by way of distraction or disruption, our attention being called away to other more pressing concerns. And it is often at these times, when we are not looking, in the silence of nature's embrace, that the miracle of change happens."


DAILY OM

Monday, January 3, 2011

...the gift of a new year...Violet Ray


silence, the music of all harmonies
stillness, the dance of all motion
peace, the knowing of all PRESENCE
beauty, the gift of all truth
faith, the living of all life
this BE the violet ray of love known.

Rose Marie Raccioppi


Violet Ray, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Night's Enfold


Haiku Reflections

within these chambers
violet be night's enfold
passion's hue and light.

Rose Marie Raccioppi



Night's Enfold, Image: ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.



Saturday, January 1, 2011

And so it is... 1/1/11... and this in Tappan, New York...


a day of bright winter sun
sparkling reflections upon the mounds of snow
the scamper of a squirrel upon the tall tree
a birdsong clear in the chilled air
this the first day of 2011
its light, its beauty
its knowing of an eternal spring
the squirrel, the bird
in celebration of this moment present
and I in the embrace of what blessings bring.


HAPPY NEW YEAR this day and all days to follow.


Much much love,

Rose Marie