NEW YEAR, 2021

To the NEW YEAR

2021

JOY as ONE

Looking back to days now gone, now past
Looking to the future, days new, days vast
This NOW, what we perceive it to be
A choice ever held by a you, by a me
Many a decision, ours to reach, to make
From the domains of thought and vision we partake
A mind with purity of purpose, intent and direction
Is itself life's questing passion and perfection
Shaper we are of each yesterday and a tomorrow to come
We with the MAKER, our will as JOY as ONE.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Image: Janus
Roman Republican Janus coin, c. 225-212 B.C.

In Roman mythology, Janus (or Ianus; "archway") was the
god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings and endings.
His most prominent remnant in modern culture is his namesake,
the month of January, which begins the New Year.

~ 

DELIVERANCE, I declare

deliverance, a dialogue of the heart

memories and dreams ne'er depart

the blessings of time and loving grace

on journal pages I do place

held in words and sentiments sweet

the yesterday, the today, the tomorrow meet

breath, the first to come in blessed BEING new

the divinity of life gifted onto you

DELIVERANCE, I declare, and know I life's claim

the light, the glory, the joy in God's name.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Photo: Deliverance, CAR, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi

Innocence ~ Mother and Child

 CHRIST CHILD... and it was told...

John 1:36 “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

The Grace, the Light, the Salvation

~

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Painting: William-Adolphe Bouguereau, L'Innocence, 1893.

Adoration Of The Magi

A Child born and so known and told
Gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold
Three Wise Men to distance far

Guided by heaven's shining star
A life of devotion, grace and praise
To fill the unfolding of His days
Let it be ever known, ever heard
Jesus, His life, His love, His Divine WORD.

A Blessed and Merry Christmas to All.


Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York



The Adoration Of The Magi, Corrado Giaquinto, Molfetta 1703 - Naples 1766.

•.¸☆¸.•

And as it fell...

as the first snow crystals fell 
they upon the barren tree branches
casting a spell of light
the splendor of the sparkle
the gentleness of the touch
the many faceted reflections
an inviting quietude 
sacred
sacred be the silence heard.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

God's love, praise and favor on to you

 

...the day's news known, the visions yet held...

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 the feel of abiding love divine

For this moment in blessed grace mine

Each breath, 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

In joyful reverence a moment gifted new

God's love, praise and favor on to you.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Quake and Storm... the message...the call...

 Quake and Storm... the message...the call...

How does a poet, an artist, a visionary, a BEING, process the news that speaks to corruption, deception, maligning controls and abusive encounters? It hears the plea of TRUTH beyond the lies, it sees the HUMANITY beyond the exploitation,  it lives the knowing, the FAITH, the VISION, beyond the oppression. It feels the QUAKE and STORM that ever calls to the LIGHT, it lives THE WORD anew.

OF BEING

what be this passion, this driving force

this calling to create, to design, to express

what be this passion, this driving force

this calling to awaken, to perceive, to understand

to reveal, to share, to resolve

this calling to validate, to define

to live purpose, to be free, to know love

what be this passion, this driving force

to live ideas, disciplines, and mastery

this the sculptor

form, structure, newly conceived

this the artist

metaphor, symbol of creation's command

this the poet

in lamentation, in faith, in joy expressed

this the dancer, the actor, the performer

the music, the word, the song, the drama

this the SELF, the seeker, the visionary

this the quake and storm

this each heart in soul's light

what be this passion, this driving force

but the grace and power OF BEING.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Quake and Storm, APOGEE Vibrational Art, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, The Sounding Light Collection, On the wall of the APOGEE Sound Sanctuary.

A Question Answered ...

Asked: "What in nature do you identify with?"

I thought, the Sun, for its warmth and glow, 

the Stars for their sparkle and shine, 

the Moon with its dance of time and light.  

And then a smile, for visioned was a Flower 

that grew between the cracks 

yes, a Flower with its known destiny 

to BE the bloom of beauty, grace, and light, 

be it for just brief moments of the eternal. 

Rose Marie Raccioppi

APOGEE Poet

APOGEE Paradigm™

Image: Google: A Flower between the cracks, A Question Answered, Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2020.

The Alchemy of TRUTH

demanding are the many tasks at hand

a perception, a plan, action in command

intention and focus be the alert of the day

the gift of time and a knowing provide the way

how sweet when vision is newly held clear

when the din of despair is silenced and gone the fear

how comforting is this moment's embrace

when within heart, love the soul does place

how knowing is this Spirit's call

when resounding with the grace of ALL

the clamor and chaos hushed they be

felt is the gentle, the gentle peace within me

many a story yet to be told

the alchemy of truth to unfold.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Symbol: GOLD: https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/alchemy/79/gold

Fathom Trove and Treasure

… and as we look to 2021...

Fear and suppression no longer take hold

So be the glory of spirit and soul

Life and valor fill chambers of heart

From which doubt and hurt do depart

God's power and reign within abide

Powerless be the taunter, the one to chide

Mind to fathom trove and treasure

Fulfillment and abundance in whole measure 

Resolve to mark this, and the coming day 

Beauty, grace and truth, blessed be The Way.

Rose Marie Raccioppi 

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Image: VerdeVerones Collection

Woven By Time... A TAPESTRY

A TAPESTRY

the light of the sun

the glow of the moon

the sparkle of the stars

threads of light woven by time

A TAPESTRY

the colors of a palette 

the notes of a song

the words of a poet

threads of artistry woven by time

A TAPESTRY

the PRESENCE of NOW

the memory of a yesterday

the vision of a tomorrow 

threads of BEING woven by time

A TAPESTRY

the passions of soul

the call of breath 

the Phoenix Rising 

threads of alchemy woven by time.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Painting: Phoenix Rising, APOGEE Art, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi. 

Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789

And so shall we proclaim anew in this year 2020 

~  26th day of November ~

 Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Washington issued a proclamation on October 3, 1789, designating Thursday, November 26 as a national day of thanks. In his proclamation, Washington declared that the necessity for such a day sprung from the Almighty’s care of Americans prior to the Revolution, assistance to them in achieving independence, and help in establishing the constitutional government.

Thanksgiving ~ Favor Unto You

In the PRESENCE of THE WORD ~ A Thanksgiving ~  

Favor Unto 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

Each moment, day and passing year

In gratitude for life evermore dear

A knowing of an inner spirit of calm

God's love shielding us from harm

In joyful reverence this day gifted new

God's love, praise and favor be they unto you.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York 

A WORD... and the Poet defines... E M E R G E N T...

 … be this the call of BEING to …

the Eternal 

    the Momentum

        the Evolutionary 

            the Revelation 

                the Grace

                    the Exchange

                        the Nurturance

                            the Truth

 … within self, within our very birth of BEING.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Personal Empowerment Specialist

APOGEE Paradigm™

In Celebration of BIRTH...

JOY to Place

Joy to Place

an orchestration within there BE

all that is experienced by a YOU, a ME

resounding be our pulsing heart

from which life shall not depart

a rhythmic signaling from chambers divine

the inner calling to SELF yours, SELF mine

in ways of care and understanding shown

alchemic and golden our hearts be known

and when in accord with love and grace

within our BEING, ’tis JOY to place.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

APOGEE Paradigm™

Poet Laureate

Image: Google Search, Golden Heart

Palettes Divine

Shadows Cast Gold

Golden Crowned Kinglet

a morning sky, shadows cast gold

a sighted bird, a tale to be told

colors gray and golden yellow be the sky

so too, a bird before me does fly

could this winged creation with colors gray

be my muse anew this rising day

smile I, when entertained be this thought

by the pleasure sighting this bird has brought

a poet, an artist, amused I choose to be

by palettes divine gifted onto me.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

APOGEE Poet

APOGEE Art

Watercolor Paining, Shadows Cast Gold, https://www.apogeeart.com

©Rose Marie Raccioppi

Golden Crowned Kinglet

https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/learn/identification/thrushes-allies/golden-crowned-kinglet.php

Rustling Leaves

rains in libation sweet yesternight

upon awakening all held in morning light

magical be the light and shadow upon the tree

when the leaves in splendor of gold jeweled be

such gems of grace Autumn lovingly does bring

listen, listen, rustling leaves in soft winds sing.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Photo: Rustling Leaves, CAR, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2020.

Two Leaves

two leaves, each an offering of autumn's grace
one onto the other held in heart's place
a sanctified array they do reveal
be these of blessings beyond conceal
chosen by hearts that live God's love
hallowed they be by the majesty of heavens above.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Photo: Two Leaves, CAR, Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2020.

Rains and South Winds Yesternight, Tappan, New York

Rains and south winds yesternight

A sky of gray be the morning’s light 

Each fallen leaf laden with the falling rain

Their wind swept flight put to tame

A brimming blanket of leaves upon the ground

Quiet they lay, gone their rustling sound

Soft be this bedding of leaves from branch and bough

Winds of Autumn and rain holding to nature’s vow

Branches with leaves in the splendor of color some yet be 

Crimson, russet, orange, and gold donned by many a tree

Trees barren of leaves reach to the heaven’s above 

Past the winter to come, Spring anew,  blessings and love.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York 

VETERANS DAY ~ 2020

Last Evening, at the Orangetown Town Board Meeting,

Michael Lawler

, Deputy Town Supervisor, Town of Orangetown, New York, newly elected, State Assembly, New York, delivered the words I penned in Tribute to OUR VETERANS. Today, let us again reflect, and hold in gratitude, each Veteran, for their dedication to the American ideals of Freedoms and Rights onto all.

Thank You

Michael Lawler

for such a commendable delivery.

VETERANS DAY ~ 2020

'Tis the vision of freedom and valor within souls we hail

Homage, gratitude to OUR VETERANS ever, ever, to prevail

The gifts of LIFE with vision blessed and bold

This the giving within each Veteran's story told

Battlefields call to freedom's quest with divinity and a vision clear

And so blood and life sacrificed for liberation held dear

PRAISE to OUR VETERANS for all they defend

Sacrifices beyond what we may comprehend

In reverent celebration of OUR VETERANS, their sacrifices made

To defend our freedoms and liberties our founding fathers laid

The vision. the soulful quest, the perseverance, the heartfelt need

PEACE, FREEDOM, LIBERTY, beheld as America's living creed

And so to each Veteran, we in tribute give honor, and hail

For the held visions of FREEDOMS and RIGHTS to prevail.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

When I asked

Michael Lawler

for his personal statement, he offered these words in response... and so here shared ...

"On this Veterans Day, we reflect upon the service and sacrifice of the men and women who protect our country, our freedoms, and our way of life. We have gratitude in our hearts and keep them in our prayers, for they and their families sacrifice every day for us. In a year defined by challenge, difficulty, sacrifice, loss, and perseverance, let us always remember and honor those who serve and have served our country." ~

Michael Lawler

Up the Hill...

up the hill from Liberty Road there be

the splendor of roots, branch and bough of many a tree

golden leaves that hold to the sun's morning light

behold I too, those taken by gentle winds to flight

with such beauty of Autumn gifted are we

the golden grace of PRESENCE onto thee.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Photo: Up the Hill, CAR, Collectible Clicks, 

©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2020.

This Season of Autumn ~ This Sunday Known

the Creator's Will, be it known in expressions of divinity

the beauty, the truth, in an ever present and abiding eternity

time in its timeless embrace of change, evolution, and light

be this the rising of sun, a dawning new, twilight begetting night

mankind in joyful encounter and so we pray

nature in its ever present bounty day by day 

a child born and all in celebration divine

so be this gift of BEING and the grace of time

a life, a soul, to its eternal heavenly place

memories and blessings within heart we place

this season of Autumn,  this Sunday known

by the CREATOR’S WILL, truth and beauty shown

behold the wondrous in each breath that marks our day

blessed be the beauty, the truth, the CREATOR’S WILL, THE WAY.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Photo:  CREATOR’S WILL, Season of Autumn, CAR, Collectible Clicks, 

©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2020.