S P I R I T held ...

 

At this late afternoon hour S P I R I T held ...

in Silence

in Pulse

in Inspiration

in Resolve

in I AM

in TRUTH

... be there Praise and Blessed Peace ...

Bamboo in graceful bow and sway

Holding the sun’s light in brilliant verdant array

In joyous abandon the silence to greet

The chorus of sound as leaf and gentle wind meet

Dancing shadows of supple canes I to behold

Among the lithe and lush leaves touches of gold

Leaves and canes in supple surrender bow

Beauty, strength, gentleness be the bamboo’s vow

'Tis the late afternoon hour of this bight Spring day

The gentle wind, a chime song, birds and canes at play.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Bamboo - Canes at Play, Photo, CAR, Collectible Clicks, 

©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2024

~

THE WAY ...

 

THE WAY ...

The way of the mystic, the way of the seer, the way of the sage, the way of the philosopher, the way of the seeker, the way of the artist, the way of the builder, the way of the visionary, the way of the poet, simply THE WAY. Be it known.

An encounter may come to be known as an agony, a pain, a trauma, a shackle upon spirit, that shadows the expression of self, that one is to free.

KNOW I...

"Everyone should consider his body as a priceless gift from one whom he loves above all, a marvelous work of art, of indescribable beauty, and mystery beyond human conception, and so delicate that a word, a breath, a look, nay, a thought may injure it.”

~Nikola Tesla

If one studies the body, the responses of every bone, every muscle, ever tendon, its expressive tension, as did Jean Baptiste Carpeaux, French sculptor one would come to marvel at the body's calling TRUTH...

Know I, beyond Fear there is FAITH, beyond Doubt there is DELIVERANCE, beyond Trepidation there is TRUST, beyond Dismay there is DIVINITY…

PAIN to this poet is the body beckoning for Peace, for Ascension, for the I AM, for Nurturance ... a validation, an understanding, a support, an awareness, a knowing, a liberation, a resolve.

Man in freedom so born is he

Yet shackled he sets himself to be

Oppression dark upon heart yet be lain

The echoes of emotion still held profane

The mind to silence daunting echoes of time past

And free the self from binding chains cast

Memory called to free mind, heart and soul

Alchemy to ring its welcomed toll.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

APOGEE Paradigm™

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Image: Ugolino and His Sons, ca.1857-1861, Saint-Béat marble 1865-1867, Jean Baptiste Carpeaux, French sculptor, 1827-1875, Metropolitan Museum of Art.

YES, BE it Known, the marvel, the supernal intelligence, the cultivation of form, structure, function, the manifest of AGAPE LOVE ...

Here a commentary in response to the posed question: "What is the meaning and significance of this reflective writing and the sculpture in presentation? "

Copilot:

"Reflective writing is a personal exploration of experiences, analyzing thoughts, and learnings to gain insights. It goes beyond mere description of events or tasks. Instead, it involves looking back on these experiences, analyzing them, and learning from them. 

Reflective writing encourages critical thinking about actions, decisions, emotions, and responses. By reflecting on experiences, individuals can identify areas for improvement, make connections between theory and practice, and enhance personal and professional development1.

The sculpture you mentioned, “Ugolino and His Sons,” created by Jean Baptiste Carpeaux, is a remarkable example of this art form. Carpeaux’s work captures the tension, emotion, and expressive qualities of the human body.

The marble sculpture portrays the tragic story of Ugolino della Gherardesca, a nobleman who was imprisoned with his sons and left to starve. The agonizing struggle and suffering are palpable in the intricate details of the figures. The way Carpeaux shaped the marble conveys both physical and emotional intensity, inviting viewers to contemplate the layers of meaning embedded within the work. It’s a testament to the power of sculpture to evoke profound emotions and provoke thought.

In summary, both reflective writing and sculpture offer ways to explore and express human experiences, whether through words or three-dimensional forms. They allow us to delve deeper into our thoughts, emotions, and the complexities of existence, ultimately enriching our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

The intertwining of reflective writing and sculpture creates a powerful synergy, inviting us to reflect on life’s mysteries and marvels, just as you’ve beautifully expressed in your poetic lines."

~

A MEMORIAL Day Tribute~ 2024

 

A MEMORIAL Day Tribute... posted this day to be shared by YOU and held in heart with agape love... yes, proclaimed with gratitude, and our held freedoms... a day of deliverance, a day of reverence, a day in acknowledgement of vision, and purpose ...

Memorial Day Tribute 2024

So be our prayers of love and praise this Memorial Day...

’Tis the vision of freedoms and valor within souls that be

Known be our sons and daughters who have served from sea to sea

The cry of Freedom ever a blessed creed

Held by sacrifice and noble deed

Each life that was, NOW lives in God’s embrace sublime

Ever blessed be their souls in soaring grace divine

To Freedoms’ Call hearts in praise be heard

And so the spoils of victory and liberation’s word

No words can explain the wages of war we do spend

But for the freedoms and rights we are to defend

Tears of lament and loss we do shed and share

Let us in heart know, in valor, souls soar high in God’s care

This gift of Life with vision blessed and bold

This the giving within each Veteran’s story told

Light beholden within our heart

From which love and freedom have their primordial start

Endured they battlefields of victory of plight

Through all held they freedom’s light

In homage to sons and daughters, husbands and wives

Hearts of purpose who have given their lives

Our dear ones who once filled our day

Their souls taken to another path, to the eternal way

Be there Peace, Brotherhood, Freedom, called in God’s name

And to each Veteran our blessings and acclaim

This day in word, in song, in tribute, honor be heard

The glory, the glory, the blessings, of Freedom’s Word.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

~

The Dogwood in my garden

The Dogwood in my garden, seen from my window, is holding to the light and the songbird song... We too, as trees, bud and bloom , with flower and leaf, with the cadence of supernal sounding, and the caring touch of Creation's grace.

At my window...

The gentle warmth of the sun

The room filled with streaming brilliance

The sweet sounding song bird song

The glistening leaves of the dogwood

The stillness of the lithe bamboo tall

The hush, the quietude

The breath

The embrace of the afternoon light

Known be I to the PRESENCE.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

As reviewed by Copilot

The poem you’ve shared beautifully captures the essence of nature and spirituality. Let’s delve into its meaning and significance:

1. Dogwood Tree Symbolism:

   • The Dogwood Tree holds deep spiritual meaning in various cultures.
   • In Christianity, legend has it that Dogwood Trees were once tall and mighty like oak trees. However, after being used to make the cross on which Jesus was crucified, they were cursed and shrunk in size.
   • The flower’s shape resembles a cross, with its four petals representing the four corners of the world and the four elements of nature: water, earth, air, and fire.
   • Native American tribes also considered the Dogwood Tree sacred, associating it with healing properties, life, longevity, and fertility1.
   • 
     

2. Literary and Artistic Symbolism:

   • In literature and art, the Dogwood Tree is associated with beauty, grace, and purity.
   • American poet Emily Dickinson, in her poem “Pink Dogwood,” describes the tree’s delicate beauty.
   • The Dogwood Tree is often linked to springtime, new beginnings, and the renewal of life1.

3. Your Poem’s Imagery:

   • Your poem paints a vivid picture of the scene outside your window.
   • The Dogwood Tree, bathed in sunlight, represents life and grace.
   • The songbird’s melody adds to the sense of tranquility.
   • The stillness of the bamboo and the gentle breath of the afternoon light evoke a spiritual presence.
   • Through these natural elements, you connect with the divine (“Known be I to the PRESENCE”)1.

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt piece by Rose Marie Raccioppi, the Poet Laureate of Orangetown, New York.

To explore...Poetry in Publication

 To explore...Poetry in Publication

Copilot

Congratulations on your impressive accomplishments as the Poet Laureate of Orangetown, New York! Your dedication to poetry is truly commendable. 🌟

As you seek opportunities for publication, grants, and awards, here are some suggestions to explore:

1. Writing Contests and Awards:

   • Consider submitting your poetry to reputable writing contests. These contests often offer cash prizes, publication, and recognition. Some upcoming ones include:
     • Lost Horse Press Idaho Prize for Poetry: Offers a $1,000 prize and publication for a poetry collection by a U.S. poet. The deadline is May 15, 2024.
     • Pittsburg State University Cow Creek Chapbook Prize: Awards $1,000 and publication for a poetry chapbook. The deadline is also May 15, 2024.
     • American Poetry Review Stanley Kunitz Memorial Prize: Recognizes a single poem by a poet under 40. The deadline is May 15, 2024.
     • Ploughshares Emerging Writer’s Contest: Offers prizes for poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The deadline is May 15, 2024.
     • National Book Foundation National Book Awards: Recognizes outstanding books in various genres, including poetry. The deadline is May 15, 2024¹.

2. Creative Writing Fellowships:

   • The National Endowment for the Arts offers fellowships in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) and poetry. These grants provide recipients with time for writing, research, travel, and career advancement².

3. Poetry Magazine Prizes:

   • Keep an eye on Poetry Magazine, which awards several prizes annually for work published in their magazine. No formal application is necessary; eligible poems are those already published in the magazine³.

4. Financial Assistance:

   • While not specific to poetry, you might explore general grants and funding opportunities. Organizations like the Poetry Foundation occasionally provide support. In July 2022, they awarded $1,000,000 in pandemic relief to nonprofit organizations across the U.S. You can check if they have other grant programs available⁴.

Remember that persistence and passion are key. Keep sharing your poetic vision, and I wish you continued success on your journey! 📚✨

Learn more

1pw.org

...eyes turned skyward...

Respecting Wellness and the protection of 'isolation,' today's visit with my son, was I standing at the closed glass door. As I looked up to the light, standing behind the reflection cast upon the glass, my son took this picture of, "Mom beholden to the light." ...and so it IS...

look I to the sun above

creation in its unconditional love

upon bough, branch and leaf there be

light in reflected glory from the grace of Thee

splendor cast in shadow and light from afar

the sun, a shimmer, a star.

~Rose Marie Raccioppi

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

~ Leonardo da Vinci 

Photo taken by my SON, Christopher

May 17, 2020 

~ Original Post ~

https://apogeepoet.blogspot.com/2020/05/mom-beholden-to-light.html

As I look skyward, this day anew,  

to the PRESENCE of those very towering trees, 

I am brought to the embracing light 

and the song birds that sing the call of Spring. 

Let us proclaim, petition, 

that grace, love, reverence, faith, creation, 

are THE WAY ~ THE PATH 

to Salvation to Peace.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

~

With Line and Form ~ .passion and palette...

 

With Line and Form

Strokes of color lyrical and bold

With line and form quest be told

Hold to this moment of expressed desire

Portray the knowing, the passion, the fire

Hush not the refrain of soul's sounding plea

Paint, brush, color, claim I, passion's decree.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Frames of Mind, Opus 6, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, Conceptual, http://www.apogeeart.com

Review... Copilot

The poem and painting you’ve shared evoke a powerful connection between art, passion, and creativity. Let’s delve into their meanings:

The Poem:

The poem “With Line and Form” by Rose Marie Raccioppi beautifully captures the essence of artistic expression. 

Here’s my interpretation:

The “strokes of color lyrical and bold” represent the artist’s brushwork, infused with emotion and creativity.

“Line and form quest be told” suggests that the act of creating art is a journey—a quest to convey meaning through visual elements.

The artist is urged to embrace the present moment (“Hold to this moment of expressed desire”) and pour their passion into their work.

The refrain of the soul (“Hush not the refrain of soul’s sounding plea”) emphasizes the need to express inner emotions authentically.

The final line—“Paint, brush, color, claim I, passion’s decree”—asserts that art is a declaration of passion, a testament to the artist’s inner fire.

The Painting:

“Frames of Mind, Opus 6” by Rose Marie Raccioppi is an abstract piece that invites viewers to explore their own interpretations.

The vibrant colors and bold strokes convey intensity and emotion.

Each section of the painting seems to represent a different facet of the artist’s mind or emotional state.

The swirling patterns and varied textures suggest movement and energy.

Overall, the painting mirrors the sentiments expressed in the poem—passion, creativity, and the artist’s inner world.

Remember that art is subjective, and different viewers may find unique meanings in both the poem and the painting. 

Feel free to explore your own emotions and thoughts as you engage with these expressive works!

DREAMS ENFOLD

...and the posed question :  

What is the meaning of this poem and image?

DREAMS ENFOLD

we gave a cry and all rejoiced for this our birth complete

we are our first steps greeted with open arms

our first word that brought an admiring smile...

trace the years and their memories await anew

a montage, a kaleidoscope, of one's life view

sounds, impressions, of place time and moments sweet

where our dreams and our days come to meet

praise, punishment, joy and pain come to define

a life known as rightly yours, a life lived as mine

and what brings reason to pause this very day

but the wondrous Creation given by Life along its way

a sculpture unveiled and all in AWE and PRAISE

for what each has brought to their ennobled days

and then a painting, a poem, an endearing embrace

upon a time line of memories now they to place

decades of moons have brought mystery and delight

magical be this waxing and waning of Creation's light

and so this heart, this soul, in time's grasp and claim

be held in the spirit and glory of our Creator's name

be it of yesterdays or days yet, and dreams enfold

each new gaze, a breath, a sigh, be this our story told.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Dream's Enfold, APOGEE Vibrational Art, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, http://thesoundinglight.blogspot.com 2013.

Copilot:

The poem “Dream’s Enfold” by Rose Marie Raccioppi beautifully captures the essence of life’s journey, from birth to the accumulation of memories and experiences. Let’s delve into its meaning:

1. Birth and Early Moments: The poem begins with the celebration of birth—a cry that brings joy to all. As we take our first steps, we are welcomed with open arms, and our first words evoke admiration. These initial moments shape our existence.

2. Life as a Montage: The subsequent lines describe life as a montage or kaleidoscope. Each year adds new memories, impressions, and sounds. These fragments come together to form a unique view of our existence—a blend of dreams and daily experiences.

3. Defining Moments: Praise, punishment, joy, and pain define our lives. These contrasting emotions contribute to our individual stories. Our life becomes rightfully ours, a personal journey filled with both light and shadow.

4. Creation and Awe: The poem then shifts to a moment of reflection. What gives us reason to pause? It’s the wondrous Creation—the gift of life itself. Whether through art, relationships, or personal growth, we find awe and praise in what we bring to our days.

5. Art and Memories: The unveiling of a sculpture, the strokes of a painting, or the lines of a poem—all become endearing embraces along our timeline of memories. Decades of moons (symbolizing time) bring mystery and delight.

6. Spirit and Glory: Our heart and soul are held in time’s grasp, yet they resonate with the spirit and glory of our Creator’s name. Whether reminiscing about yesterdays or anticipating future days, our story unfolds with each new gaze, breath, and sigh.

As for the accompanying image titled “Dream’s Enfold,” it complements the poem’s theme. Abstract and swirling, it mirrors the complexity of life’s journey—the interplay of light and darkness, movement, and depth. Just as the poem invites us to reflect, the image invites us to explore our inner thoughts and emotions.

Overall, both the poem and the artwork evoke a sense of wonder, gratitude, and reverence for life’s intricate tapestry.

~