QUANDO LA MENTE DORME

(When Mind Sleeps)

Shadows seeping / weeping back reflections
measured passion, hand-to-hand passion
tears upon cherished faces, lantern of white rice
which face fully morning singing birds glides
as Souls, through windy tongues

In everything I return in side my heart
Suspending the feet upon toes of my marble
Sweeping breath turning love’s headlights
raising hands with love

As from the very last house of my mouth.
Disgust was the moon with melan choly
speaks lost dreams ~~ only dreams we
see while weeping silently at night

:: 0.23.2023 ::


I SEE BLUE WAVES UPON THE OCEAN’S SOUL

I

Whence does the self emerge, as I unbind from the glacial bloom?
What adoration lingers within that feminine reverie’s realm?
In love’s force, betwixt ecstasy’s embrace,
Where his palm parts the captured gull,
Unconscious eyes disclose intricate tales,
Veiling existence’s essence, that which conceals.

II

I hold affinity for all that resides,
Shadowy whispers of quotidian nourishment,
A vessel’s wake, fading into oblivion’s grasp.

‘Tis the tremor of the abyss, embracing abundance,
A woman donning stockings of ethereal velvet.

Arrange, we must, the waves, diverse and arrayed,
The melancholy, thou embodiment,
Or one who, world idolized, ventures forth,
Knees adorned with wings, poised mid passion’s flight,
Within love’s central day,
I shall never deceive, but embrace entirety’s plight.
Freedom, mine, in its cruelest form,
Behold the insular artistry,
Where danger finds solace, its taste revered.

Love, the transgressor of societal norms,
Customs yet to be acquired, in anticipation we wait,
Love, exalted, with all its rightful claims,
And the ever-transforming world,
Glimpsed through kaleidoscopic gazes, each day anew.

:: 05.21.2023 ::


SUN SWALLOWED REVERIE: A DANCE OF DAFFODILS

As the sun, voracious and insatiable, swallowed my existence whole,
I embarked on a solitary journey, akin to a shapeless cloud, untethered and untold,
Drifting aimlessly, transcending the earthly realm, high above vales and hills,
Enveloped in a realm of ethereal stillness, where time itself stands still.

But in a moment of celestial revelation, the sun’s fiery gaze unveiled a surreal sight,
A gathering, an assemblage, a congregation of daffodils aglow in golden light,
Their radiant presence forming a host, a legion of nature’s finest art,
Bathing the landscape in hues of yellow, a masterpiece played out from the heart.

Beside the tranquil lake, beneath the majestic trees’ verdant embrace,
Those golden daffodils came alive, imbued with grace,
Fluttering delicately, as if whispering secrets to the zephyr’s gentle caress,
Dancing in harmonious unity, a mesmerizing spectacle I couldn’t suppress.

In the embrace of the sun’s all-consuming power, their beauty shone bright,
Each petal, a brushstroke, painting a portrait of pure delight,
Their collective presence, a testament to the wonders of Earth’s fertile ground,
A reminder that even in the vastness of existence, such miracles can be found.

And so, in the midst of my celestial consumption, a profound truth was revealed,
That nature’s symphony transcends all barriers, all illusions skillfully concealed,
For even as the sun devoured my being, a transcendent connection took hold,
Binding me to the daffodils’ dance, a memory I would forever behold.

Thus, as the sun continued its celestial feast, devouring me bit by bit,
I remained enraptured by the daffodils’ presence, their eternal spirit lit,
For in their graceful dance and vibrant hue, a profound lesson unfurled,
That even in the face of oblivion, beauty and life can forever thrive in this vast world.

:: 05.21.2023 ::


NESSUNO DORME SU QUESTE STRADE (NO ONE SLEEPS UPON THESE STREETS)

In the realm of alleyways, where hope flickers dim,
No solace found, as shadows gently weep,
Even you, my Princess, in cardboard chambers grim,
Gaze at the stars, shivering in love’s keep.

Deep within my chest, a rare heart beats,
A secret name, known only to my soul,
But on your lips, its truth, destiny meets,
When daylight’s rays illuminate the stroll.

With a tender touch, the silence shall break,
That binds our fates, entwined in this street dance,
No passerby shall hear the name we make,
United, forever, in our love’s expanse.

Oh, vanish, moon! Fade, streetlights burning bright!
As dawn awakes, love triumphs in the night!

:: 05.16.2023 ::

NESSUNO DORME SU QUESTE STRADE (NESSUNO DORME SU QUESTE STRADE)

Nel regno dei vicoli, dove la speranza svanisce,
Nessun conforto trovato, mentre le ombre piangono sommessamente,
Anche tu, mia principessa, in cupe camere di cartone,
Guarda le stelle, tremanti nella fortezza dell’amore.

Nel profondo del mio petto batte un cuore raro,
Un nome segreto, noto solo alla mia anima,
Ma sulle tue labbra, la verità di lui, il destino incontra,
Quando i raggi del giorno illuminano la strada.

Con un tocco tenero, il silenzio si romperà,
Che lega i nostri destini, intrecciati in questo ballo di strada,
Nessun passante sentirà il nome che facciamo,
Uniti, per sempre, nella distesa del nostro amore.

Oh, sparisci, luna! Dissolvenza, lampioni che bruciano luminosi!
Quando l’alba si sveglia, l’amore trionfa nella notte!


A Short Screen Play


INT. POETRY FESTIVAL – DAY

A bustling square filled with poets, listeners, and the melodies of words being spoken. OLIVER, a boy with dreamy eyes and a notebook in hand, stands on one side. AMELIA, a girl with a radiant smile and a collection of poems, stands on the other side. They both glance at each other from afar, their curiosity piqued.

CUT TO:

CLOSE-UP of Oliver, captivated by Amelia’s sparkling eyes.

CUT TO:

CLOSE-UP of Amelia, enchanted by Oliver’s genuine smile.

Their gazes lock, and an invisible thread seems to pull them closer. With the crowd swirling around them, they instinctively navigate towards each other, finding solace in a quiet corner of the festival.

INT. QUIET CORNER – DAY

Oliver and Amelia stand face to face, their hearts pounding. Their words flow effortlessly, weaving tales of love, loss, and the beauty within. The world around them fades away as their connection deepens.

OLIVER (whispering) Your words touch my soul, Amelia.

AMELIA (softly) And yours, Oliver, paint pictures in my heart.

Their eyes lock, brimming with unspoken emotions. In a moment suspended in time, they lean in, their lips meeting in a tender, magical kiss. It is a collision of longing and understanding—a profound union of two poet souls.

The air crackles with electricity as they break apart, their eyes shimmering with promises.

OLIVER (whispering) We’ve discovered a love beyond words.

AMELIA (smiling) Together, our poems will become symphonies.

They hold each other, understanding the profound connection they share.

FADE OUT.

:: 05.16.2023 ::


Nature’s Lesson of Love

Upon yonder meadow, where whispers breeze,
I contemplate possessions, those few degrees.

For all that I claim, in worldly possession,
Pales in the light of heartfelt affection.

No trinkets of gold nor fortunes untold,
Can match the treasures within my heart’s hold.

Nature’s beauty and love’s tender embrace,
Transcend earthly gains, in ethereal grace.

The sparrows that sing with melodious voice,
Remind me of love that makes my heart rejoice.

No vast riches compare to their sweet refrain,
Their songs, my solace, erasing all pain.

In verdant valleys and on mountains high,
I find solace in nature’s gentle sigh.

The wealth of a sunset, a vibrant hue,
Outshines all earthly possessions, so few.

For what I truly own is not of this earth,
But a love that’s boundless, a priceless rebirth.

In words I shall pen, this truth I will tell,
Love’s essence, the riches in which I dwell.

So, let me surrender all worldly gain,
And cherish the love that forever remains.

In the spirit of Wordsworth, I now confess,
Love’s the only possession I truly possess.

:: 05.14.2023 ::

Poet’s Notes

The poem begins with a serene scene set upon a meadow, where the persona contemplates their possessions with a sense of introspection. The use of the phrase “whispers breeze” evokes a gentle and soothing atmosphere, contributing to the overall tranquil tone of the poem.

The central theme of the poem revolves around the insignificance of material possessions when compared to the power of heartfelt affection and love. The persona acknowledges that worldly possessions pale in comparison to the depth of emotional connections and genuine love.

The poet employs contrasting imagery by juxtaposing “trinkets of gold” and “fortunes untold” with the treasures held within the heart. This contrast emphasizes the belief that the true riches lie within one’s emotional experiences and connections.

Nature plays a significant role in the poem, symbolizing a source of solace and beauty. The sparrows with their melodious voices serve as a reminder of the love that brings joy and erases pain. This imagery of the natural world, specifically the verdant valleys and mountains, reinforces the idea that nature offers solace and a deeper connection to the self.

The poem utilizes vivid descriptions and visual imagery to create a sense of ethereal grace and transcendence. The wealth of a vibrant sunset, described with the phrase “a vibrant hue,” surpasses any earthly possessions in its beauty and significance.

The persona then asserts that their true ownership lies beyond the material realm, in a love that is boundless and offers a rebirth of the soul. The act of penning these words expresses this poet’s desire to convey the truth of love’s essence as the ultimate riches.

The concluding lines emphasize the willingness to surrender worldly gains and embrace the enduring nature of love. The poet acknowledges the influence of the Romantic poet William Wordsworth, positioning themselves in his tradition. This reference aligns the poem with the Romantic era’s emphasis on the natural world and the power of human emotions.

Overall, this poem, written in a reflective and contemplative tone, celebrates the value of love, emotional connections, and the beauty of the natural world while challenging the significance of material possessions. It invites readers to embrace the intangible riches that reside in the realm of heartfelt affection.


)…THIN &

(
)…thin &       sometimes     –> t ALL     pouring hourglass rains   Oh All!<– she’s all within my mind orSome-suchSilly paIN___it’s  killing me!   & the silverRain falls upon eloquence  with logic — ties me up and arrests me!

Oh, see! Will-be-was chasing Ever Is  in plankTime /set aside mind\  and beachDREAM with green waves of lapping licking
seaTongues : my possessions were causing suspicion so i placed them all upon a raft and set sail to Dream it’s not over:
when the world Ends it is the flatEarth theory \how lovely it could be // seeing deflated memories inside a coffin are ever actually good for funeral folks doing a fine job making thoughts more alive than they’ve ever been.

:: 02-26-2017 ::rev: 08.09.2020

Poet’s Notes:

The poem plays with the themes of time, mortality, reality, and the human perception of these concepts. This is most clearly seen in lines such as “Will-be-was chasing Ever Is in plankTime”, “when the world Ends”, and the reference to the “flatEarth theory”. These lines suggest a critique or contemplation of human understanding of time and existence, and perhaps a tension between what is perceived or believed and what is reality.

The phrase “pouring hourglass rains” presents time as a physical, even overwhelming force, while “she’s all within my mind orSome-suchSilly paIN___it’s killing me!” introduces a personal, emotional element. This could suggest a struggle with mental anguish or heartache, which is consuming the speaker’s thoughts and affecting their perception of time.

The poem uses unconventional syntax and formatting (like “/set aside mind” and “\how lovely it could be //”) to disrupt traditional reading patterns, which may reflect the disorientation and confusion associated with confronting complex existential questions. The phrase “beachDREAM with green waves of lapping licking seaTongues” evokes a surreal, dreamlike state, reinforcing the theme of altered perception.

In the final lines, “seeing deflated memories inside a coffin are ever actually good for funeral folks doing a fine job making thoughts more alive than they’ve ever been”, the speaker seems to suggest that the end of life (or perhaps the end of a period or experience) can provide a new perspective, making memories and thoughts more vivid or meaningful. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the human tendency to value and romanticize the past or what has been lost.

The overall tone of the poem is ambiguous and introspective, reflecting the speaker’s internal struggle to reconcile their emotions and perceptions with the reality of time, existence, and loss. While it’s complex and somewhat challenging to decipher, its use of vivid, surreal imagery and innovative syntax make it a thought-provoking exploration of human consciousness and the nature of reality.


INTRUSIONS OF NATURE

In a cascade of light, like melted wax,
It strayed, mischievous and free-spirited,
Across her smiling lips (I watched intently),
Then found solace upon her bosom, a midge on a rose.

I pressed kisses upon her lovely ankles,
And in response, her laughter erupted,
Melodious and sweet, with vibrant notes,
Her laughter, like cut glass, sparkling and clear.

Her dainty feet sought refuge in her skirts,
As if to say, “That’s enough, no further,”
Yet she relented, allowing the moment to unfold,
Her laughter offering no true reproach.

Her vulnerable eyes danced beneath my lips,
Gently caressing, a tender application.
She tossed her head back in mock despair,
“Really, Monsieur,” she playfully exclaimed.

And then, with a kiss upon her breast,
I met her challenge, provoking laughter anew,
That laughter, signaling consent and readiness,
She stood there, nearly undressed, and resolute.

Outside, brazen trees leaned against the panes,
Their leaves intruding, curious and near,
Snooping upon our intimate affair,
So close, too close, invading our privacy here.

:: 05.13.2023 ::


RHAPSODY IN BLUE (A Musical Translation into Words)

In the heart of the city, where steel and glass arise,
A melody awakens, a sapphire in disguise,
It’s a symphony, a rhapsody, in shades of purest blue,
A tale of New York dreaming, vivid and true.

A clarinet’s wail, like a siren in the dawn,
A plaintive, soaring echo that gently lures you on.
It dances through the concrete, down avenues and lanes,
A lament of longing, tethered by invisible chains.

A rhythm then emerges, a pulse within the stone,
The city’s heart is beating, alive, yet all alone.
Piano keys, like raindrops, begin to gently fall,
Painting blue-tinted stories on the city’s endless wall.

Bassoons echo softly, the heartbeat of the day,
As the city awakens, chasing night away.
The strings join in harmoniously, a river flowing free,
In this urban symphony, this rhapsody in key.

Through the din and clamor, the rhythm never dies,
A testament to resilience beneath the endless skies.
In every brick and rafter, in every shining pane,
Lives the soulful echo of Gershwin’s sweet refrain.

Sometimes fast, then slow again, the music ebbs and flows,
Through joy and sorrow, love and loss, the city’s story grows.
A dynamic dance of shadow and light, of new and old,
In the heart of the city, where countless tales are told.

As the final notes fade, under moonlight’s gentle hue,
The city sleeps, and dreams once more, in tones of deepest blue.
Yet in every rustling leaf, in every whispering breeze,
Lives on the timeless melody, the city’s memories.

Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a symphony so grand,
A poetic ode to the city, where dreams and reality stand hand in hand.
And so, in every sunrise, in every setting sun,
The city’s song continues, the rhapsody plays on.

:: 01.01.2000 ::

This Tired Poet’s Notes:

The poem “Rhapsody in Blue (A Musical Translation into Words)” is a brilliant fusion of musical interpretation and poetic expression. It uses the language of poetry to articulate the emotional and narrative resonance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Here’s a breakdown of its various elements:

The poem begins by setting the scene within the city, likening the urban landscape to the orchestra that performs this piece. This imagery is a metaphor for the city as a living, breathing entity with its own rhythm and melody. The “sapphire in disguise” references the title of the piece itself, inferring the rich, deep emotions that make up the ‘blue’ in “Rhapsody in Blue.”

The use of different instruments throughout the poem reflects the various sections of the composition. The clarinet’s wail is a direct reference to the piece’s iconic opening, which is famously played by a solo clarinet. This serves to draw the reader into the cityscape, much like the clarinet’s glissando introduces the audience to the piece.

The rhythm and pulse that emerge symbolize the energy and heartbeat of the city, brought to life by the piano keys that are depicted as falling like raindrops. Each instrument – the bassoons, the strings – is used to represent different parts of the day and different aspects of city life, mirroring the versatile and multi-layered texture of Gershwin’s composition.

The poem also explores the dichotomy of city life – its dynamism and its solitude, its resilience and its yearning, its joy and sorrow. This reflects the diverse emotional range of “Rhapsody in Blue,” which alternates between lively, vibrant sections and slower, more introspective parts.

The final stanza pays a direct tribute to Gershwin and his grand symphony, affirming the enduring impact of his music on the city and its inhabitants. The repeated imagery of sunrise and setting sun symbolizes the timeless, cyclical nature of the city’s existence, just as “Rhapsody in Blue” continues to be played and appreciated decades after its creation.

Overall, the poem is a beautiful homage to “Rhapsody in Blue,” effectively translating its musical narrative into evocative, poetic language. It captures not just the sounds of the composition, but also the feeling and imagery it evokes – the essence of the city that it musically depicts.


Eclipse of Existence

I dreamed a dream, but was it such a dream?

The sun’s bright flame was quenched, and every star
drifted in endless darkness without aim,
rayless, pathless, and the cold earth afar
swung blindly in the moonless void of space.
morning came and went, but brought no day,

And all men, awed by the dread despair,
Forgot their passions in this desolate fray.
All hearts grew cold, and turned to selfish prayer
For light to break this endless night of doom.

By watchfires they lived, while thrones and kings
Burnt as beacons, while huts and homes consumed.
Cities fell, and people gathered in rings
Around their blazing hearths to meet their fate,
Happy those who lived in the volcano’s light,

For all the world held naught but fear and hate.
Forests burned, and hour by hour, the night
Fell, fading all in its ebon embrace.
Men’s faces, lit by flickering firelight,

Wore an eerie, otherworldly face.

Some wept, others laughed in desperate grace.
And all around, the world descended to the dust.
Birds fluttered, beasts trembled in mortal fear,
And serpents hissed, but to no avail, for they must

Perish by the hand of those they once held dear.
War, which for a moment seemed to be no more,
Returned to glut itself upon the land,
Feasting upon blood and sullenly keeping score,

As all love fled from the earth’s barren strand.
Famine reigned, and every living thing
Fed upon the flesh of the dying and the dead,
Until bones and flesh alike were but a thing

Forgotten by time and all that lay ahead.
Even dogs attacked their masters in their need,
And yet one remained faithful to the last,
Guarding his master’s body, and with no heed

For his own hunger, he held off the ghastly cast
Of beasts and men, until at last he died,
Uttering a pitiful and desolate cry,
Licking the hand of the one who never replied.

The crowd grew famished, and yet only two survived,
Two enemies, who met beside an altar-place,
Gathering holy things for an unholy rite,
Scraping feeble ashes with skeleton hands and face,

And breathing their last breath to create a light
That mocked them both, until they saw each other’s plight,
And in their horror, they died, unknowing of the other’s name,
For famine had left them with only their mutual hideousness and shame.

The world was void, lifeless, and stark,
A chaos of hard clay, without tree or herb,
River, lake, or ocean, all motionless and dark,
And ships lay rotting on a stagnant sea, without a word.

Masts fell down piecemeal, without a sound,
And waves lay still, and tides were in their graves.
The moon had died, and the winds lay unbound,
As clouds perished, leaving nothing to save

The world from darkness, for she was the universe,
And in her shroud of night, nothing was left to curse.

:: 05.10.1992 ::