Memorial Day Tribute to OUR VETERANS ~ 2022

 

As a child of WW II, and witness to all the conflicts leading to oppression and the ultimate claim for freedom and victory anew, I have come to hold in reverent admiration hearts of valor, and so words in tribute.

Heartfelt be these words and remembrances. Heartfelt be the sacrifices, the loss, the vision, the victory, the freedoms to prevail. So this be known... Memorial Day, 2022
 
And they who for country and freedom in battle perish
We to weep and in loving memory with gratitude cherish
For each life that was lives in God's embrace sublime
Ever blessed be their souls in soaring grace divine
The pulsing, sounding, recording within our heart
From which memory and sentiment have their start
Of dearly loved ones who once filled our day
Their souls taken to another path, to the eternal way
We share gestures and words that lovingly hold to grace
And within our BEING it is tenderness we place
All in reflection of sacrifice and noble deed
The cry of Freedom, ever our living creed
The gifts of LIFE with vision blessed and bold
This the giving within each Veteran's story told
Loyalty, dedication, ascending care be they known
This in valor by our sons and daughters shown
Courage to hold to freedom's call and light
In perseverance the challenge be it day or night
Fortitude, strength, imbued with heart's noble call
Sacrifices of body, limb, in this a growing toll
It is resolve that humanity calls to be known
Within the grasps of faith, love and TRUTH be shown
The dream yet dreamed shall unfold
And PEACE to be the story told
This gift of knowing to mark the rising way
We in tribute give honor this Memorial Day.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

~

National Poetry Month ~ April, 2014 ~ POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY

National Poetry Month ~ April 2014

"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

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996,
National Poetry Month
is now held every April to celebrate poetry
and its place in American culture.

Celebrate National Poem In Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 24, 2014!
The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month
then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends.

Peruse http://www.apogeepoet.blogspot.com, 
select a favored poem, copy/print, pocket and share!

Still life with books and a globe, 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 globe 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.

image: thekremercollection.com/art/artists/Jan-Davidsz-de-Heem/

Presenting, THE MUSE... at Sunday Fresh...

A Gathering of delight... Honored to be the presenter of, "THE MUSE" at SUNDAY FRESH ~ 

Union Arts Center, Sparkill, NY

Event:
SUNDAY FRESH

July 28, 2013 ~ 11:00 am ~ 2:00 pm
http://www.uacny.com/

express I the need and sounding plea
the MUSE beckons beckons within me
embrace the heart and love known
hold dear the artistry and vision shown
we as ONE as resolute intention divine
hold to a shared calling, be it yours be it 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.

The SUNDAY FRESH brings community and art together. Along with the current gallery exhibit, this is special day of performance, art, music and poetry, with unique culinary delights to taste made with organic and locally sourced foods. We recommend arriving early and planning to stay awhile, and enjoy. Hours 11-2pm -Every 4th Sunday of the month All ages welcomed – with a kids area to get creative.

$20 Door / Kids 7 and up $12, under 7 $5
Limited Space, By Reservation Only- 
Call 845-359-0258 or Email info@uacny.com

In answer to ... "HOW..."

In answer to ... "HOW..."

How does a poet, an artist, 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 abuses, it feels the "Quake and Storm," that ever calls to the light. It lives the knowing that beyond all oppression lies RESOLVE...

Revelation
Evolution
Spirit
Oneness
Love
Vivacity
Eternal... and so the word expressed... the light cast...

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Quake and Storm, APOGEE Vibrational Art, http://thesoundinglight.blogspot.com/ ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

WHO

Who

Who heeds the words of this poet
Who listens to these echoes of heart
Who feels the yearnings and the fire
Who sees the vision held clear

Is it the wind that whispers its own song
Is it the sun that warms and nourishes
Is it the moon that sheds its light
Is it the star that guides our way
Is it the stranger who extends a hand
Is it the child who gives a knowing smile
Is it the soul in its moment of call
Is it God in all present grace

Who heeds the words of this poet
Who listens to these echoes of heart
Who feels the yearnings and the fire
Who sees the vision held clear.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

The Inspiration of the Poet, Oil on canvas, 1629-1630, Musée du Louvre, Nicolas Poussin, 1594 - 1665.