Twenty Six letters of the English Alphabet and come they forth...w..o..r..d..s..

Words are things, and a small drop of ink
falling like dew upon a thought
produces that which makes
thousands, perhaps millions, think.
Lord Byron, 1788-1824

Words, those markers of thought, sounding within us, hanker for expression. Words, those marks upon paper, our own or that of another find their meaning within us. A poem, its meter, its rhythm, its rhyme, its structure, its pulse, calls for our attentive consideration. Within the words, the line, the totality of a poem, we to find meaning, inspiration, an accord, a resolve and yes, another question.

WORDS words

words for prayer words for play
for the faith and frolic of our day
for the politician's power quest
words chosen thought to be best
words that conjure thoughts of freedom, the held ideal
words to affirm a continued and favored appeal
words of the lovers passionate and sweet
to assure affectionate embraces when they do meet
words to praise and hold gratitude true
gems and jewels when bestowed upon you
words of inspiration holding to nature's grace
to bring us to another time another place
words of faith, vision and quest
within each held life's behest
the poet's game to choose words well
to touch those chambers where heart and soul dwell.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Image source: Wikimedia Commons: Still life with books and a violin, Jan Davidsz de Heem, Utrecht 1606 - 1683/84 Antwerp,
Signed and dated on the book at the centre: Johannes / de Heem / Fecit Anno / 1628.

This signed, Still life with books and a violin, of 1628 dates from the Leiden period of Jan Davidsz de Heem, generally regarded as one of the most important and multifaceted still-life painters of the Golden Age. De Heem painted six further still lifes with books while in Leiden, where he had settled in or before 1625.

The book page title is the name of a play: Rodd'rick ende Alphonsus, A play first performed in 1611, written by Gerbrand Adriaensz Bredero (March 16, 1585[1] – August 23, 1618[1]) a Dutch poet and playwright in the period known as the Dutch... Golden Age.

So here we have an artist featuring a playwright and a musical instrument... indeed the celebration of the arts!! As an artist and a poet, I am particularly fond of this complement of the arts.

Echo They THE WAY

the many moods and hues of expression
words to reflect the wondrous gifts of BEING
words to convey a heartfelt plea for change
words of love, peace and beauty abound
words of faith and glory to be found
words of PRAISE for victory there shall be
words of grace, care and fulfilled destiny
be there words words this very day
within our soul echo they THE WAY
words of scripture to deeply behold
words of history of quest be ever told
be there ONE word triumphant and sublime
'tis the WORD the WORD of The Divine.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Vincent van Gogh. Still Life with Open Bible. April 1885. Oil on canvas. Vincent van Gogh Foundation, Rijksmuseum Vincent van Gogh, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

...at this hour of noon... Miss Not

miss not the warming glow of the noon sun
miss not the chilled air upon your cheeks
miss not the gentle rustle of the barren trees
miss not the wondrous expressions of Winter's day
the scamper of squirrels upon the towering oak
the songbird perched
the lambent sky
the light behind the moving clouds
gentle gentle be this noon hour
the PRESENCE
miss not
miss not
miss not.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladytimeless/with/6607592431/

A Sunday Morning ~ Shadows Cast Gold

Ever

no greater than the rising and setting sun
no greater than the waxing and waning of the moon
no greater than the ebb and flow of ocean tides
be this breath of life
be the shadows that cast gold
ever a close of day
ever an awakening anew
quickened be this heart
eternal be this soul
the shadows that cast gold.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Shadows Cast Gold, Watercolor, APOGEE Art,
http://www.apogeeart.com ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

Curtain Call

the curtain drawn
the script written
the lines rehearsed
the drama to unfold
what illusions will seem real
what deceptions will be masked
what TRUTHS will be honored
what story will be told
am I backstage acting out a role
what lines do I repeat
what drama do I make real
what of life do I behold
what scene includes me
what scene bears me no place
what re-write is there to consider
or is all foretold
a calling heard
open the curtain
here to stand
this the moment
I in command
illusion bears no veil
deception wears no mask
TRUTH IS and I AM.

applause
bravo
curtain call.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Curtain Call, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

Joyful Interlude ~ Favor On To You

...a deep breath...color at play...and so it is...

Favor On To You

God's gifts to be known
By the bounty of earth shown
God's voice to be heard
In the hearing of HIS WORD
For life given unto me
For flowing waters of the sea
For the feel of your love divine
For this moment in grace mine
Each moment, day and passing year
In gratitude for life evermore dear
A knowing of an inner spirit of calm
God's love shielding me from harm
Cold be winter's winds now that blow
Upon my face sun's noon warming glow
In joyful reverence this day gifted new
God's love, praise and favor on to you.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Joyful Interlude, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

Solar Storm - Northern Norway 21-23 January 2012

such beauty to behold
a wondrous story to be told
the splendor of light crowned in green
'tis the majesty of Creation that is seen.

In gratitude,

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Quiver of Green

warming be the sun, lambent be the sky

the yesternight of rains held by roots anew
a lushness of winter green blankets the ground
the grass wet and cool below my feet
the feel of Spring deep in Winter's embrace
blessed be the splendor of this day
feel I the alluring quiver of this green array.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Quiver of Green, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

...time...this moment now...

the calendar of the new year marked
and asked, where have the years gone
where has time taken me
what has time brought
'tis the gift of life I seek to sought
passions, pleas, longings, desire
a smile, a tear, laughter and sorrow
the knowing the question, the seeking
a story told, words to record and convey
this moment now, a purpose, and a tomorrow
time like fire, ashes and embers aglow
each breath Be life ever a flame
the miracle of Self, in Praise to name.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Hall Groat II
Railroad Conductor's Pocketwatch, 8 x 8 inches, Oil on masonite
PRIVATE COLLECTION KILMACOLM, RENFREWSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM

A Velvet Cloak

the night sky

a velvet cloak upon me
its light in sumptuous folds
drapes me in its vastness
enfolds me in its depths
embraces me in mystic wonder
the night sky
a velvet cloak upon me.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Velvet Cloak, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

By the Winds

serenaded by the chimes that sing
chilled by the cold this night does bring
snow in mounds yet pure, untouched and white
swept by the winds in swirling flight
deep be the blue of the vast sky above
be these the gifts of the Creator's love
high in the deep of blue in vistas far
the brilliant light of a distant star
serenaded by the chimes that sing
chilled by the cold this night does bring.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


By the Winds, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

...falling snow...

let me feel it with a thousand fingers
let me touch its delicate ecstasy
let me breathe the serene stillness
let me
let me
the falling snow
heed the whispers of my heart.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



Falling Snow, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

This Night Claimed

this night claimed
by the sweet savor of silence
by the serene solitude of self
this night claimed
by the brilliance of stars from afar
by the quest of the coming dawn
this night claimed
by the light of the awakened day anew
by moments, by breaths, by slumber's embracing enfold.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


The Hunter's Stars
Image Credit & Copyright: Brendan Alexander (Donegal Skies)
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Katherine Jenkins and Andrea Bocelli - I Believe...YES

YES...

the beauty heard by the heart, the vision perceived by the soul
with knowing grace and faith be the story told
a world for each child's smile and questing plea
where love, peace, and enchantment mark a destiny
this to BELIEVE and mark it done
a world fully embraced by the knowing of ONE.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

...a sigh... ...day's close...

chilled be this very moment
a mist veils the sky
a cloak of clouds embrace the light
the evening hour passes
the sigh of a day's close.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Day's Close, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

A Reed

a reed held by the wind
and the song of faith be heard
a reed held by the wind
and the music of heart be known
a reed held by the wind
and the lilting soul in sweet serenade.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Photo Credit: New Gold Dream... by Keven Law - http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevenlaw/2455160742/

Circus Maximus - Wind

Thank You Paula....

sweet...sweet...sweet... sounding sentiments... yes, the wind is my love... who knows the wind... who knows my love... where blows the wind...
wind is my love...

If you were to place the word wind in the search bar of the APOGEE Poet blog (upper left hand corner of header) you will set sail and the wind will be waiting... waves and waves of thought.... ENJOY!

such be these gifts of friendship shared....

Oh Wind, Wind, Wind

Oh wind, wind, wind
It speaks not a word
Yet its call is known
It is not to be seen
Yet its presence is felt
It is from distance afar
Yet its touch is near
It is ever so free
Yet in bondage to sail and mill
Oh wind, wind, wind
What mysteries you reveal.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Oh, Wind, Wind, Wind, The Wind and the Willow, Rose Marie Raccioppi, Publish America, 2008.

Verdant Song

twilight be the hour
such sweet calling of light
hear I the verdant song
serene be the day's surrender
lithe and lush branches of green
gentle is the sway in the winter garden
wind and evergreens hold to the light
upon colors of nature's grace
lilting echoes carried by the north wind
twilight be the hour
such sweet calling of light
hear I the verdant song.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Verdant, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

In PRAISE

the silence this night
begets the melodies of the wind
the darkness
begets the brilliance of the moon
the reach of bough and branch
begets the light of stars
the breath
begets this moment in PRAISE.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Moment in PRAISE, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

Harp Song of the Winds

hear the harp song of the winds
melody of branch and bough
'tis the vespers of a winter's night.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Harp Song of the Wind, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

The night holds much fascination for me. It is a time when I feel a deep connection and communication with vistas far. Visions, movement of clouds, glimmers of light, distant stars and planets, ambient sounds are called to expression... and so my offerings of palette and word.

On the Shores of Mind

on the shores of mind
a twilight interlude
waves of thought gently cresting
serene streams of reverie
the ebb the flow
the past the present
one breath.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


On Shores of Mind, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

Awakened

an interlude
silence
the dark of night
a calling
by the spirit of light
awakened be this day new
awakened be the glory
awakened be the promise
awakened BE.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Awakened, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

A Sea of Emotions

within a sea of emotions real
the pain the joy beyond conceal
this day marked with yesterday's gone by
a pause, a reflection, a deep sigh
passions and longings to assail
yet beyond shadows light and love prevail.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Sea of Emotions, Image,©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

What Be This Star

What Be This Star... In Loving Memory

what be this star of brilliant light
what be this that illumes the dark of night
may it be souls that live beyond time past
may it be what was and is everlast
a departed life and now memory within this heart mine
these the blessings of eternity divine.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
Bright Star Regulus near the Leo I Dwarf Galaxy

Grace Be Faith

when the night bears a light of gold
the story of faith be ever told
when despair and desolation grasp the heart
it is faith that allows all doubt to depart
the dark to hold light in its embrace
upon its path faith shall ever you trace
joyful be the moment known
when grace be faith in beauty shown.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Grace Be Faith, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.


“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written,
‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak”
(2 Corinthians 4:13, NKJ)

Touched ever so deeply by the cycles of birth and death among family and friends, within the last weeks, has called to heart and has called to FAITH... and so here expressed and lovingly shared...

Of Another

The tear of another, I too shed
From darkness I call to be led
The shadows of despair and dismay
With FAITH be gone this very day
With a GRACE gifted new and divine
Embrace I this moment NOW mine
And to another I with heart to give
My WILL of life to love and live
'Tis only what I in heart command
Be known to another as a helping hand
FAITH, GRACE, WILL and the NOW known
Light bearing SELF be ever shown.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Study of hands, Silverpoint and white highlights on pink prepared paper, c. 1474,
Leonardo Da Vinci, 1452 - 1519.
click on image for an enlarged view

Flame of Faith

flame of faith
no embers does it create
it burns
yet it consumes not

flame of faith
the passion
the light
the grace

flame of faith
the pulsing heart
the longing soul
the birth eternal.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Flame of Faith, © Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.


"And all shall be well and.. All manner of thing shall be well.. When the tongues of flame are in-folded.. Into the crowned knot of fire.. And the fire and the rose are one.” ~ T.S. Eliot

The Epiphany ~ Praise BE

a birth
a cry
the sound heard
the gesture understood
the intention known
Praise BE
the quest lived
the vision perceived
faith realized
wisdom known
joy shared
Praise BE.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Infant Jesus offering a drink of water to John the Baptist, oil painting, Spanish, 1600s, Bartolome Esteban Murillo, 1617-1682.

Epiphany (holiday)
From Wikipedia

"Epiphany, (Koine Greek: ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia, "manifestation", "striking appearance"[1]) or Theophany,[2] (Ancient Greek (ἡ) Θεοφάνεια, Τheophaneia) meaning "vision of God",[3] which falls on 6 January, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. Western Christians commemorate principally (but not solely) the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation to the Gentiles. Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. The baptism of Christ being celebrated by Roman Catholics on the Octave of the Epiphany, January 13.[4]"

Eastern Churches following the Julian Calendar observe the Theophany feast on 19 January[5] because of the 13-day difference today between that calendar and the generally used Gregorian calendar.[6] Alternative names for the feast include (τα) Θεοφάνια, Theophany as neuter plural rather than feminine singular, η Ημέρα των Φώτων, i Imera ton Foton (modern Greek pronunciation), he hemera ton photon (restituted classic pronunciation), "The Day of the Lights", and τα Φώτα, ta Fota, "The Lights".[7]

Epiphany (feeling)

From Wikipedia

An epiphany (from the ancient Greek ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia, "manifestation, striking appearance") is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something. The term is used in either a philosophical or literal sense to signify that the claimant has "found the last piece of the puzzle and now sees the whole picture," or has new information or experience, often insignificant by itself, that illuminates a deeper or numinous foundational frame of reference. This concept is studied by psychologists and other scholars, particularly those attempting to study the process of innovation.[1][2][3]

Heart Prayer

heart prayer be a pulsing flame
passion, love and faith to name
PRESENCE known deep within me
the embrace of spirit with each breath I BE.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Heart Prayer, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

When the Mood Is Velvet

when the mood is velvet
and the feel is pearl
when the touch is longing
and the moment fleeting
the depths of darkness enfold
and passions with palette be they told.

when the hour calls to the heart
and the soul echoes a refrain
when the Muse is newly beckoned
and the breath so deeply felt
the splendors of light enfold
and passions with palette be they told.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

When the mood is velvet, Image, © Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

Midnight Hour

the midnight hour
the chilled night air
the call of distant light
the feel of the wind
embraced by the silence
by the touch of the dark
by the wondrous vista
by the depths of indigo.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York


Silence, Image, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2012.

Andrea Bocelli - Ave Maria

In Dedication to the Remembrance of

Raymond Dobbins

who has entered the Embrace of Eternity
Loved you shall ever BE.


In friendship,

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Raymond had requested Ave Maria in a note to a family member when the discussion of life and death took place several years ago. At the Church service this was sung and here in further fulfillment of Raymond's request, offered in loving memory of a life lived with love, beauty and heartfelt caring.