Tuesday, May 31, 2011

pen and brush in haiku reflection...


vista of my mind
soaring be this quest of soul
journey of spirit.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Vista of My Mind, Image, Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011
.


I am in JOY!
breath embracing this heart and mind
a perpetual dance and play of light and shadow
I look to the sky
to the vistas of beauty both by day, by night
and the wondrous is known.

Thank you for BEING in this moment with me.


Saturday, May 28, 2011

In Flanders Fields - Lest We Forget - Memorial Day, 2011.


Heroism is latent in every human soul - However humble or unknown, they (the veterans) have renounced what are accounted pleasures and cheerfully undertaken all the self-denials - privations, toils, dangers, sufferings, sicknesses, mutilations, life-long hurts and losses, death itself - for some great good, dimly seen but dearly held.
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
1828 – 1914

Friday, May 27, 2011

To Honor Those Who Lived A Cause


Flowers and flags in devoted array
A loving tribute this Memorial Day
This moment this day and so a pause
To honor those who lived a cause
With valor and sacrifice life they gave
And embraced the call yet to be brave
Answered they did to liberty's plea
That freedom be held for a you, a me
Memory of each life gone never to fade
Live we life's blessings for sacrifice made.

In loving gratitude to all who served and serve in faith ever new.
...lest we forget...

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Flanders Field, Painting, Willy Werner.

A most special remembrance and tribute to:

Lt. Col. Michael L. Murphy, USMC who was killed on the night of Dec. 11, 2000
along with three other brave Marine Warriors
while test pi
loting the MV22 Osprey Helicopter.

His soaring spirit ever present.




Thursday, May 26, 2011

Last Stop USA - A Memorial Tribute

As Poet Laureate, Orangetown New York, I will have the honor of presenting at the Memorial Services planned for this upcoming weekend. Readings will give tribute to all who have served the cause of freedom and all who presently have taken up the gauntlet.The tribute will be at the statue called, "Last Stop USA," a most touching memorial, standing in the last spot United States soldiers stepped foot before embarking to Europe. Off this very pier in Piermont, New York, is where 40,000 United States troops passed per month destined for the shores of France.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.


Inspiration for the poem — In Flanders Fields

During the Second Battle of Ypres a Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed on 2 May, 1915 by an exploding shell. He was a friend of the Canadian military doctor Major John McCrae.

John was asked to conduct the burial service owing to the chaplain being called away on duty elsewhere. It is believed that later that evening John began the draft for his famous poem 'In Flanders Fields'.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

... time cast... Before the Dawn


the silent touch of the night
within depths of darkness be there light
cresting time within a celestial sea
quest of day an awakening to be
before the dawn held I within a vista vast
embraced by the dark the light eternal time cast.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Before The Dawn, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

‎...the morning hour... This Day's Breath


dense lush and green
the spoils of Spring
rain laden grass
cool crisp wet below my feet
blooms of white pink hues of violet
the welcoming embrace of this day's breath
blessed grace held in majestic array.



Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


This Day's Breath, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Monday, May 23, 2011

...rain...rain...Echoes of Green


heard is the robin's song
perched on the blooming dogwood
heard is the scamper of the squirrel
climbing the towering oak
felt is the quiver of grass
wet with the newly fallen rain
echoes of green echoes of green
the lush vibrant sounding of Spring.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Echoes of Green, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


...the call... The Call of the Muse

... the call...

Sounds, gestures, in word and song
The heart to be known does ever long
What words to say, what melody to sing
What is it that wills each word I bring
'Tis this life's purpose to be heard
Quest and vision cast in many a word
Paint, color, line and form expressed
The call of the Muse with brush caressed
Understand SELF, THE WAY, I to define
The Creator's Call within this soul mine.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Parnassus or Apollo and the Muses, c. 1640, Simon Vouet, French Baroque Era Painter, 1590-1649.

click image for an enlarged view

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The Wind and The Willow - now NOOK and KINDLE


Well there you have it!! The Wind and the Willow available as NOOK from Barnes & Noble - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Wind-And-The-Willow/Rose-Marie-Raccioppi/e/9781604744545
and KINDLE from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Wind-Willow-Rose-Marie-Raccioppi/dp/1604744545
Ready to be yours instantly!!

The Wind and the Willow

A Broad Audience

Review by John Ballard


“Are these assumptions of reality/The shackles that need to be broken[?]”queries Rose Marie Raccioppi in “Possibility,” from The Wind and the Willow, her first collection of verse. The line is emblematic of her core pursuit to pierce beyond the illusory veils of the material world while paradoxically being dependent upon reality for drawing imagery to provide intimations of the “Beyond.”


A non-denominational devotional poet with fervent pantheistic longings, Raccioppi’s metaphors and unpretentious affirmations appeal directly to the heart. In this volume she creates a metaphysical poetry and is content to take her simple Shelleyan imagery wherever she finds it within nature’s bounty.

The Wind and the Willow consists mostly of brief meditations and what Raccioppi calls “mindscapes” which constantly seek calming epiphanies of self-recognition in the fleeting moments, even in the midst of turbulent and painful experience. At her best, in works such as “This Night Knows No Sleep,” “This a Winter’s Night,” “Away You Fly,” “Descent No More,” “But Can I Share,” “The Wind and the Willow,” “Swaddling Divine,” and “Now and Ever Blessed,” Raccioppi attains perceptual clarity and an incantatory music that might remind readers, by turns, of Henry Vaughan’s devotional lyrics, Walt Whitman’s celebrations of the unbridled Self, the near-improvisatory freshness of D.H. Lawrence’s “Pansies,” and William Blake’s “Songs of Innocence.” This is poetry that is designed to reach a broad audience.


Lyrical Poetry
Review by Lynne R.

Rose Marie Raccioppi's poetry: deeply connects one with nature's beauty in all its glory, gives voice to life's greatest pains and pleasures and asks and answers the important questions regarding the meaning of existence both in the present moment and throughout eternity. All of this is accomplished through an unwavering faith in and homage to a G-d that is responsible for creating it all. Her poetry is lyrical, her imagery vivid - as seen through a painter's eye, yet spoken from a deeply feeling heart and an evolved soul. I highly recommend The Wind and the Willow to anyone who has or wishes to experience the duality that comprises the human condition, joy and sorrow, despair and hope, uncertainty and faith.

Synopsis

Words heard, spoken, and written, reflections, musings and the ever-present quest for understanding and well being, move this poet's pen. Childhood, motherhood and the ravages of cancer are all woven into the fabric of time and being. Offered here are the impressions and pondering that grasp at the very core of being. The Wind and the Willow is a deeply heartfelt expression of life known, fears conquered, anguish dispelled and the ever-present gift of faith. Journey with words to bridge reverie and revelation, to move beyond despair to the embrace of innocence and delight, be it the brightest or darkest hour.

Pub. Date: June 2008

ISBN-13: 9781604744545

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Blog Talk Radio - Rose Marie it is... On The Air...

Blog Talk Radio

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thenewwriters-talkshows/2011/05/21/rose-marie-raccioppi


Give a listen if so inclined
The Interview on the side bar be mine
A bit of Rose Marie offered this day
And in delight brought your very way
Thank You kindly for your attention
Pleased I am did I mention...


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



DRAMATIC, EMOTIONAL and POWERFUL piano song "Heartbroken"-original comp...



...and when I listen...

the sounding
the bell tolls
the spirit lilting
pulsing waves
the music the music
hands in grace
faith's crescendo
and known be
the WAY of the Heart.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



no face no name no number



In Celebration - LIFE IS...

and so I listen and I hear...
the passions
the fire
the light
all bloom in splendor
flowing waters
warming sun
words pulsing rhythm
music music music
this dance of spirit
the sounding calls of joy.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Friday, May 20, 2011

...the artist...the poet... paint upon the palette

...the artist...the poet...

Paint Upon A Palette

paint upon a palette brush in hand
colors call to Spirit's command
strokes of color in joyful grace
the dance of all here to place
sky, water, earth within this heart
in loving celebration each stroke to start
day night the firmament so vast
with paint and brush held and cast
when each moment hours they be
behold strokes of color in reverie.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



click on image for larger view

Frames of Mind, Opus 4, Watercolor, Rose Marie Raccioppi, Conceptual Collection, http://www.apogeeart.com/


Thursday, May 19, 2011

Three Days Of Rain...



in droplets holding the light of the sun now seen

sweet rain held by leaf, bloom, grass lush and green
such favors of Spring this day be known
grace of earth and the blessing of rain shown.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



image: www.lisisoft.com/imglisi/5/Screensavers/76384rain-drop.jpg

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

... this day of rain... here in Tappan, New York


Bloom and Splendor

out my bedroom window I do see
leaf and bloom upon each tree
and from the sky so high above
the sweet rain of nature's love
upon grass, leaf, branch and bough
droplets holding to Spring's sacred vow
lush and green blessings brought to me
bloom and splendor of the dogwood tree.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Dogwood, Photo: CAR, Colectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Monday, May 16, 2011

night sky... Night Call


night call of vista far
hues, shadows, a distant star
many a mood the firmament does cast
sweeping colors of light ever so vast
momentary change, 'tis Creation's array
wondrous beauty marks THE WAY.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Night Call, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Sunday, May 15, 2011

This Reverie


What lament, what memory need I find
Within this pensive pause of mind
What query am I to dismiss in this moment now
This heart to live love's vow
Echoes of heart I hear from deep within
And gone the despair, the daunting din
Songbirds call and knowing is my heart
From this reverie I shall not depart
Lilting moments in sweet sounding plea
Make my beloved ever known to me.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


This Reverie/Ashante, Rose Marie Raccioppi, Watercolor, http://www.apogeeart.com

Friday, May 13, 2011

...Indigo... So Be the Light


indigo whispers

resounding echoes
perceived by the mind
held by the heart
freed by the soul
indigo whispers
lilting melody of light
crescendo of spirit
sonorous palette divine
freed by the soul.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Indigo Light, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Indigo Whispers


as poet laureate ever on my mind

words to record line by line
longing and love within chambers of heart
ever there be the inspired word's start
of vision and faith a line to reveal
what is known and perceived ever so real
within this soul God's grace with words told
silence with indigo whispers I to behold.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Indigo Whispers, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Hues A Flow


...when the quietude whispers
'tis...

the ocean's roar in the shell

the breath's longing in the heart
the creator's dance in the soul
the artist's hues a flow.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York


Hues A Flow, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Monday, May 9, 2011

A Sunday...A Monday...Through This Passage


Through This Passage

this day in joy perceived
the blessings of motherhood received
a day of skies so bright and fair
the embrace of life in soulful care
gifts of Presence and gratitude be known
tenderness of love so graciously shown
a Monday hour in reflection of moment now
a Mother's Day past heeds to a blessed vow
Mother and sons in joy they be
this Mother's Day brought unto me
a feeling of purpose and destiny defined
an ever opening path within this heart mine
an arch of stone passed we graced by sun's light
labors of a yesterday this day held in delight
through this passage of time and place
our journey of love within heart trace.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


In loving gratitude to Patrick, Karen and Christopher,
Mom

Indeed a most beautiful day spent in Central Park, New York City with my two sons, Patrick and Christopher and beloved Karen. Promenading, boating, dining, all shared delight in totality.



Through This Passage, Photo, PFR, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

...Mother's Day... A Gift


A gift of bloom for Mother's Day
With loving care white orchid's array
Petals like angel wings alight
Delicate in their regal splendor white
Such sentient majesty this grace of bloom
The light of stars and a cresting moon
Unfurl be your budding center divine
In florid embrace wings within sublime.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


...with loving gratitude to my son Charles...


White Orchid, Photograph, RMR, Collectible Clicks,©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

A Sunday in Tribute ~ And How A Mother Shows Her Care



And how a mother shows her care
She sees the loss, the pain but does not despair
With faith and the vision of her child set free
She revels in joy for all that be
Acceptance, gratitude, forgiveness to discern
Life’s lessons not always easily learned
With wisdom and knowing deep within her heart
Doubt, fear and sadness readily depart
A new path so shall she lay
For this and the awakening day.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Cornelia Pointing to her Children as Her Treasures, Angelica Kauffmann, Oil on Canvas, 1785.


Friday, May 6, 2011

Cadence of Spring


...and as I listen...

this cadence of spring
the lilting song of the robin
the gentle rustle of new grass
the harp song of the wind
the quiver of branch and bough
the resounding joy of bloom
the rhythmic pulsing of heart
such orchestration divine
this cadence of spring.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



American Robin :
http://www.examiner.com/outdoor-recreation-in-missoula/american-robin-a-symbol-of-spring?fb_comment=18027826

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Sound Of Silence


Silence

that sweet space of solitude
the call of spirit known
the quietude pulsing
resounding
resounding
'tis heart's music heard
this sound of silence.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Silence, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.





White Blossoms


Budding green of the old oak tree
White blossoms upon weathered dogwood branches
Sweet song of chirping birds
The gentle touch of warm winds
The sublime light of the risen sun
The Presence
These blessed gifts of grace
Upon this day known.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Dogwood White Blossoms, Photograph, C.A.R.,Collectible Clicks ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

You Sing Your Song


Not pained by days past
Not burdened with lessons of history
No fear to soar the sky
No doubt in moment present
Little bird, little bird
You sing your song
And ALL is known.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Boy with Bird c. 1616, Peter Paul Rubens, Staatliche Museen, Berlin, Germany


Monday, May 2, 2011

Reverie


reverie a flow
shadows now illumed
sweet sentiments
misty memories
gentle moment sublime
a pulsing embrace
all alight in heart.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Reverie, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.


..the late hour...


illumed be the dark
golden hue of this night cast
wondrous alchemy.


Rose Marie Raccioppi


Night Casts Gold, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Tao of Kung Fu #2- "All creatures are one with nature."



chinesecalligraphystore.com/ catalog/images/08..





O
NE


I am the free flight of the Spring robin
I am the gentle touch of the butterfly
I am the joyful scamper of the squirrel
I am the purposeful task master of the honeybee
I am the light of the firefly
I am the protection of the tigress
I am the roar of the lion
I am the purr of the kitten
I am the knowing grace of life
I am ONE and ALL in Creation.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

APOGEE Poet


Blissful Call


this moment wondrous
blessed with the breath of Creation
embraced by the light of the Sun
touched by a flower in bloom
winged petals of grace
innocent rapture
delicate passion
blissful call of beauty.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Winged Petals, Photo, C.A.R, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2011.