Tuesday, March 27, 2018

...On Poetry and Fiction - Just "One Word" Away (Loneliness)

 
 
 

 


                                                                                             
            One word becomes one idea, becomes one sentence, becomes one poem, becomes one story. It must start from just “one word”. Today my one word is “Loneliness”.

            Poetry and Fiction – Just “One Word” Away (Loneliness)



            Last night I heard a knock at my door. I looked through the peephole, but no one was there. I slowly opened the door and looked around, but still no one was there. I walked over to the mailbox to see if it was, perhaps, the mailman who might have dropped off a package. Still, no one. Nothing. Suddenly, I heard a soft voice call out to me. It said, “Hello there. My name is ‘Loneliness’. I stopped by because you are in need of a friend. You feel as though everyone close to you has disappeared, moved away, passed on, and now you are on your own. Nonsense! Go back into the house, put on your best casual outfit, and meet me out front here.”  I did just that. Someone or something was speaking to me, and it was magical. I had to listen.

            Well I couldn’t see “loneliness”, but I sure felt its presence. I followed it to the Brooklyn Pier. I looked out over the river towards the glow of the City lights, and I smiled. “Loneliness” led, and I followed. I followed it to a park bench not far from the water. I sat alone for awhile until a stranger approached. The stranger turned out to be a friend from the past. Actually, an “old flame” as they say. We talked, we laughed, we reminisced. Then we headed for the water taxi, which took us across the river to the Big City. I heard “loneliness” whisper in my ear, “My job is done. Move on my friend, be happy, and start tonight. Best Wishes and God Bless…Until we meet again…”

            If it weren’t for my encounter with “Loneliness” on this very night, I would never have stepped out of my shell, gone to the pier, met an “old flame”, or headed to the City. I joined life once again. I learned “Loneliness” may be the only friend we have left at any given moment. We’ve all been there. Embrace it. It just may take you places you may not have been able to go on your own. It will move you forward, not backward.

LONELINESS

When “Loneliness” comes knocking,
You must answer that door
It will speak softly, in a whisper,
It will shake you to the core
It may ask you to follow,
as it leads you to a place
That teaches you a lesson
which you will soon embrace
It will take you from your place of pity
And back to life in your “Big City”
 There will be lights and smiles and love galore
An old friend or flame will come once more
And off you’ll go, in true delight
While “Loneliness” leaves you on this magical night.






Saturday, March 10, 2018

"Our Lady of the Snow" Society - 130th Anniversary (2018)

The below poem is a poem I have written dedicated to "Our Lady of the Snow" Society - an Italian/Catholic Society which was founded in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 130 years ago, by Italian immigrants from Sanza, Italy. The Society was started in order to help those who had left their loved ones back in Sanza, Italy, start a new life here in America. This was a new world for them, and this Society became their lifeline as they adapted to life in a new country. Their dedication to "Our Lady of the Snow" helped them focus, helped them cope, as they honored her in love, hope and prayer. The generations who have followed have vowed to keep the Society alive and well. To this day, they continue to take on the role of their ancestors as they remain dedicated members of "Our Lady of the Snow" Society. Happy 130th Anniversary! God Bless!

http://ilregno2s.blogspot.com/2013/08/feast-of-madonna-della-neve.html





“OUR LADY OF THE SNOW”
written by: Phyllis P. Colucci
(March 3, 2018)

‘Twas 130 years ago when “they” settled in this town
They came from Sanza, Italy
And placed their roots down
They started this Society
Called “Our Lady of the Snow”
For all their friends and family
Who needed somewhere to go
A place to meet, a place to greet, a place to call home
A place that offered love and warmth
So “they” were ne’er alone
They left their hearts and loved ones
Back in Sanza, Italy
To start a new life here in Brooklyn
And raise a family
Their patronage to “Our Lady”
became the focus of their life
In prayer, in honor, in hope, in love
In good times and in strife
New generations have joined the cause
And vowed to do the same
To pay tribute to “Our Lady”
And forever speak her name
In memory of our beloved deceased
Former members of this group
We will proudly carry on your role
With respect from whence it came


Dedicated to our Grandparents, Felice and Fortunata Marotta, early members of "Our Lady of the Snow" Society.
All our Love
Phyllis and Son Ralph (Colucci)
(Society Members)

Ode to the "Garden Grill"


Below is a poem I have written regarding the closing (after 20 great years) of a neighborhood diner that became family to many of its customers, including my son and I. It was a sad day in "Old Williamsburg", Brooklyn, New York, when the GARDEN GRILL was forced to close (February, 2018) due to issues with their landlord. This was a family-owned business, owned and operated by a wonderful family. They knew our names, we knew theirs. The Garden Grill came at a time when Williamsburg began to change, due to gentrification and real estate developers. This diner helped keep the neighborhood quaint in its own special way. We still had a sense of family and community when we entered its doors. Parting was difficult for all.


Ode to the “GARDEN GRILL”
- written by: Phyllis P. Colucci (March 1, 2018)



‘Twas twenty years ago
 When you settled into town
Bringing comfort to Old Williamsburg
Placing “doting” roots down
You brought a sense of family
to a changing neighborhood
With subtle hints of love and joy
which we all understood
You knew our names, we knew yours too
As we built our family tree
Our lives became the branches
That would soar majestically
We laughed, we cried, we talked, we ate
We drank, we shared a special date
Whether breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack
We found a home; our destined fate
We learned some “diner lingo” too
That always brought a smile…
It was “Whiskey Down” or “Cowboy with Cheese”
In Garden Grill style
Then we heard the saddest news, one day
That shook us to the core
We had to say good-bye to you
The “ones” whom we adored
Our tears rolled, our hearts shattered
We prayed it wasn’t true
Because Williamsburg won’t be the same
Without the essence of “YOU”
We hope our paths may cross again
If you roll back into town
Now that would be a special treat
To ever come around
So if we ever “meet and greet”
in Old Williamsburg  -  Oh so sweet   -
There will be warmth, there will be love
There will be dancing in the street!