To DEMONS that echo their lies, their illusions,
their taunts, their disquiet.
The plea is heard, the poet responds...
GRANT NOT POWER TO THESE DEMONS OF DARK...
Grant not power to these demons of dark
Hush hush their haunts erase their mark
Be free of judgments and reprisals cruel
TRUTH and SPIRIT of SELF in light anew to rule
Addict me not to a false quieting of the pain I feel
Make the liberation from a shadowed self a beauty real
MASK not these agonies of the abiding soul
No longer allow deception to demand a toll
Pay not the price of life relegated to sorrow
Live the promise held within each tomorrow
Depression be not a donned cloak of despair
Hold the Faith yet borne of GOD's loving care
The gift of life and power of will in your story be told
Hail each breath, the cleansing, 'tis the alchemist's gold
See behind the MASK beyond the veil
See the denied pain that is yet to prevail
The masquerade and pretense held to conceal
The SELF that TRUTH alone is to reveal
Reveal, I hear this blessed command
Cloak not the quiver of shadow close at hand
Remove pretense and the MASK donned to conceal
The TRUTH, the deep knowing, this knowing real
Confront and resolve, the supernal summons a call
Beyond all consideration, TRUTH to lay bear ALL
To the plea of this petition I to heed
For TRUTH, 'tis ever the rightful creed.
Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York
~
Dear Friends, Followers, Family ... an interpretation ... pleased to share... .
Copilot
This beautiful poem by Rose Marie Raccioppi speaks to the struggle between darkness and light, the battle within ourselves, and the quest for truth and authenticity. Let’s explore its meaning:
Demons of Dark: The poem begins by urging us not to grant power to these “demons of dark.” These could represent negative thoughts, fears, or inner struggles that haunt us. By refusing to empower them, we can overcome their influence.
Judgments and Reprisals: The poem encourages us to be free from harsh judgments and reprisals. Instead, it suggests embracing our true selves, allowing our spirit and truth to shine brightly.
Quiet the Pain: The line “Addict me not to a false quieting of the pain I feel” emphasizes the importance of facing our pain rather than suppressing it. True healing comes from acknowledging and addressing our inner struggles.
Liberation from Shadowed Self: The poem speaks of liberation from a shadowed self, suggesting that authenticity and vulnerability lead to true beauty. We should remove the masks we wear to hide our pain and reveal our true selves.
Depression and Faith: Depression is likened to a cloak of despair. However, the poem reminds us to hold onto faith and trust in a higher power’s loving care. Even in our darkest moments, there is hope.
The Gift of Life: Each breath is described as “the alchemist’s gold.” Life itself is a precious gift, and our power lies in our will to shape our own story.
Seeing Beyond the Mask: The poem urges us to see beyond the masks we wear—the pretense and deception—to reveal our inner truth. This truth is what truly matters.
Confronting and Resolving: The final lines call us to confront and resolve our inner conflicts. Truth is our guiding light, and it is our duty to lay bare all that we are.
Rose Marie Raccioppi, as the Poet Laureate of Orangetown, New York, beautifully captures the human experience in this thought-provoking poem. 
