The trees that once were...

I have oak floors throughout my home… 

...they are finished only with walnut oil… 

The trees that once were...

I walk barefoot in gratitude upon the trees that once were 

that now in planks of beauty support each step I take 

yes, I feel the power, the life, 

the giving, of each oak plank below my feet 

I hear the winds in silence 

that embraced each bough, branch and leaf 

through the seasons of time

in silence I hear 

in stillness I walk 

in BEING, I AM

upon the trees that once were.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

🌀

Photo: ©RMR, Collectible Clicks, Trees that once were, 2018.

Of Leaves

As I step into my garden I to greet
The sounding feel of leaves below my feet
A quiet presence deep within
All calmed is the daunting din
From that mighty Oak tree ever strong and tall
This blanket of fallen leaves, gift of Fall
Amber, red, orange and colors of gold
Trees of Birch, Dogwood, mark time and a story told
Leaves alight and with winds do flee
Season of change this be Fall's decree
Warming sun, touched by the morning air
November's  gift this hour, sky so blue so fair
These gems of trees in colors bright
Behold the benediction of  Creation's light.

Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York

Photo: Collectible Clicks, Rose Marie Raccioppi, Credit: Bruno Monginoux.

A leaf, a gem, a crystal, a mineral... and so I ponder...

Could leaves be the very messengers that speak the language of rubies, emeralds, jade, citrine, peridot, tourmaline, malachite? These among the myriad of gems of Creation... All Above All Below... each leaf, each tree, to feed the Earth, to transform the Light into crowning jewels. 

A leaf, a gem, a crystal, a mineral... and so I ponder...

Photo: Collectible Clicks, Rose Marie Raccioppi, Credit: Bruno Monginoux.

Weathered Mighty Oak... too soon gone...

Tomorrow my loving towering oak tree is to be taken down. It has been my companion with each season of change for the last 46 years, a symbol of the strength and grace I have been blessed to live. Recent storms have been more than this mighty oak has been able to bear. Limbs have been lost to the ravages of the storms. The loss of this loving oak is painfully sad, the memories are heartfelt joy.

and so...

Weathered Mighty Oak

too soon gone

Deep rooted and held

Your branches like arms reach out
From the heart and depths of earth
Weathered mighty oak
Of many known moons
Healed from the wounds
Of harsh seasons past
Strong, deliberate
Confident in your determined pose
Enfolding the winds and light
The ravages of storms 

Beyond your endurance has come

Saddened I be with  your presence no more

Within my  heart be our shared memories ever more.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Weathered Mighty Oak, Photo: CAR Collectible Clicks, ©Rose Marie Raccioppi, 2013.

 It is beautifully silhouetted in this evening sky
heard are the strong winter winds
  seen is the graceful dancing motion of its branches
 It is as if it is taking its last curtain call.
and so
APPLAUSE! BRAVO!