Monday, January 28, 2019

"Duke" (A Poem about a family dog) (1967/1968)

https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-P.-Colucci/e/B00VMU8B44


Below are photos of beloved family pets we've had over the years. Could not find one of "Duke", who this blogpost is really about. Read on for the entire story:


                                                   (Cammy) (Female / Mixed Breed) (circa 1968 - 1981)
                                                   (Family pet when I was a child, with my parents and sister -                                                                     some years after "Duke")


                                                      (Buff) (Male / Cocker Spaniel) (1998 - 2012)
                                                      (Family pet with my own family and Son)
                                                             

Today I was revising my collection of poems which I have written over the years, when my thoughts took me back to a time when I was a very young child who had a great opportunity to write her very first poem. I would like to share that very first, and very short, poem ever written by me during my youth. I was eleven years old, in fifth grade, attending Public School 132 (circa 1967/1968), in Brooklyn, New York. I believe this was a class assignment. We were asked to write a poem about a pet – or anything dear to us. I chose to write about our very first family pet, who was no longer with us at the time. He was our puppy “Duke”; a beautiful mixed breed (not sure what type of mix). We had to have him removed from the home years earlier, however, since he was a bit vicious. He bit everyone in the family whenever approached – my Dad, my Mom, my Sister and Me. Yes, I was sad because he was a cute fluffy ball of brown fur, with floppy ears that made him even cuter; but as an adult, I learned that a dog must never run the household, and a dog must never bite the hand that feeds him. Despite that, “Duke” will always have a special place in my heart. He was the first family dog/pet that we had the pleasure of loving and nurturing for less than a year before we had to give him up.

Anyway, back to the poem…After I wrote it and turned it in to class, I discovered that I had a passion, early on, for words, rhyming, poetry – and later, fiction. Throughout the rest of my life, I wrote all of it - and continue to do so in retirement. For many years it was just a passion I kept to myself. Unfortunately, some of those writings got misplaced over the years, never to be seen again. Today, however, I self-publish and share my writings with the world. Hopefully, readers will enjoy those writings as much as I enjoy writing them.

Well, here is that first short poem ever written by me, during my younger years; a time that would direct my life somehow - although I didn't realize it then. After all, I was just an eleven year old, fifth grade girl, submitting a poem as a class assignment - about her first family dog named “Duke”:
                                                            

"Duke"

I had a dog
who was very cute
He was big and brown
and what a brute
The only thing
he'd ever do
was eat and drink
the whole day through


And that's my story about my first family pet, my first short poem, and the discovery of a passion that would remain with me throughout my life.


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


 
 
 

 
 


            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 “Darkness”.

                                                            DARKNESS
           
            Darkness comes but once a day. I watch through my window as it turns the day into night and fiercely chases the sun away. It brings the stars and moon along, and it captivates those who dare to look…And me – Well I wait patiently each and every night as it enters my bedroom faithfully. It must visit and it must come; for there is no stopping it. It enters slowly and it enters silently as it spreads itself like a dense fog. It blankets me with icy hands as I pull my warm woolen covers across my bed and up to my neck. Darkness brings the beauty of the night, and the loneliness as well. It whispers of the loss of day and sedates you with its aura. Soon you fall into a deep sleep and dream of the coming morn. From dusk to dawn, from darkness to the first glow -  you cannot have one without the other. Remember, darkness must visit and darkness must come; for there is no stopping it. Without darkness there would be no night, without light there would be no day, without both there would be no life.      


DARKNESS

My window tells an honest tale
of sun, of stars, and moon
Where golden rays and sun-kissed days
are hidden much too soon

The darkness comes like a thief at night
My window tells no lie
It robs the world of broad daylight
And the bright blue magic sky

The darkness comes but once a day
While I wait so patiently
It captivates all those who dare
to watch it so complacently

Yes, it must visit - and it must come
There is no stopping it
It takes a slow and silent course
And settles down a bit

It spreads itself like a dense fog
With icy hands as cold as hell
It blankets me so eerily
As I pretend, in bed, that all is well

When I think it isn’t looking
I pull the covers up to my neck
I try to act so brave and bold
And keep my mind in check

It brings the beauty of the night
With loneliness in tow
From dusk to dawn it lingers some
As I await the morn’s first glow

It whispers of the loss of day
With an aura all its own
It fights to take my dreams away
  By sunrise - its cover is blown!

…Despite its teasing, nightly visits
There are lessons here to learn -
Without darkness, there would be no night
Without light there would be no day
Without both there would be no life to live
Hence darkness must have its way


NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

"Darkness" is a natural part of the cycle of our world. It will come and it will visit. There is no stopping it. We must embrace it. For along with the loneliness it may bring at times - it will always bring along the beauty of the night.

Monday, December 31, 2018

...On Poetry and Fiction – Just “One Word” Away (Gardens)


 
 
 

 
 
 

              
            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 “Gardens”.

                                                            GARDENS
           
            I heard the flowers in the gardens whisper and giggle as I skipped past them in animated fashion. I saw the roses on the rosebush perk up and stare at me as I skipped farther along the path. I felt the grass sweep past my ankles as the summer breeze gently pushed it to and fro. The birds stopped by, as well, to cool off in the stone bird bath that stood erect in the center of the gardens; beneath the early morning sun. As I reached the end of the long winding path, there I found an herb and vegetable garden that filled the air with its aromatic scents. Such beauty, such innocence, such tranquility, in the gardens that grow nature’s best.

            If you listen and watch very closely, you’ll hear the gardens speak of love and life; of birth and death; of rebirth and reincarnation; and lastly, they will tell the story of a resurrection. The gardens are magical, spiritual and quite supernatural. They call out to us, and invite us into their exterior and adventurous home - just to look, listen and observe. They encourage us to appreciate their power of life, death and rebirth, as only the ever-changing seasons will allow.
           
           
GARDENS

On nature’s walk
The path is long
On nature’s walk
The path is winding
If you listen closely
You will hear the gardens speak

There will be whispers and giggles
From exotic colored flowers
Who watch as we skip past their home

There will be looks and stares
From majestic rosebushes
Whose secrets will come into view

There will be tickles and touches
From swaying blades of grass
As gentle breezes push them to dance

You’ll see birds on the bird bath
Herbs and vegetables galore
You’ll inhale the aromatic scents of the Gods

The gardens are alive
With beauty and innocence
So tranquil, so lovely, so bright

And they speak to us of love
Of life, birth and death
Reincarnation - and proof of a resurrection

The gardens are magical
The gardens are spiritual
Abundant in supernatural powers

They call out to us, and invite us in
To nurture, to look and to listen
They beg us to stay and observe them by day
As we continue down this wondrous path
…There will be many miracles to witness and see
…As only the ever-changing seasons will allow


Friday, December 14, 2018

"Lives Unbalanced" (Fiction/Mystery/Psychological Suspense) - Novel Published on Amazon Thursday 12/13/18

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LC4ZLJ5


                                                     
                                           (RAMONA THE RAGDOLL)

PROLOGUE
            This novel is a work of fiction that tells the story of a young woman who survives life, and finds strength in the most endearing yet unconventional ways.
            Susan was an introvert, who lost her parents at a young age. Her brother Marty was the only family she had left.  Marty was married and lived in Florida with his wife Sara and daughter Lisa, while Susan continued to live up North, in Brooklyn, New York. When word from Florida about Marty’s sudden death reached Susan, her world came crumbling down.
            Susan’s loneliness and inability to make friends and enter into relationships easily made for a very difficult and personal struggle for her, until she met Jim. Jim became the love of her life.  However, danger and madness soon found their way into Susan and Jim’s lives through the wrath of the deranged Joe. It was now up to Susan to protect Jim, herself, her sister-in-law Sara and her niece Lisa. It was now up to Susan to also find a way to avenge her brother Marty’s death.
            Susan’s abnormal and dysfunctional connection to her beloved ragdoll “Ramona” became her only salvation. As bizarre as it seemed, Ramona became Susan’s closest friend and trusted confidant over the years to whom she relied upon for advice and guidance. Together they found companionship and a special bond that would keep them connected in a way that protected and saved Susan from the harsh realities of life, and the dangers as well. What may have seemed like insanity to some, Susan’s relationship with Ramona proved to be the opposite. As we all find ways to survive life and loneliness, Susan found Ramona.






Monday, December 10, 2018

...On Poetry and Fiction – Just “One Word” Away (Doll)

 
 
 

 
 
              

            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 “Doll”.

                                                                     DOLL
           
            Suzette kept her in a secret room, because “Rita” was her most treasured doll who became her most trusted friend. No one knew about Rita, except Suzette. They laughed, they talked and they cried together; and Suzette always looked to Rita for guidance. Rita always had the answers to the unknown and to the mysteries of life – Suzette’s life. Rita had the most unique sparkling rhinestone eyes that Suzette had ever seen. These were magical eyes that were alive, intriguing and mesmerizing; eyes which spoke to Suzette through a simple stare. They always shared deep conversations through Rita’s bewitching eyes. Suzette was captivated by this enchanting doll. Their souls united and their hearts soared each time Suzette visited Rita in her secret room. Rita knew Suzette well and Suzette knew Rita well – they were never at a loss for words. Rita existed in Suzette’s world and Suzette existed in Rita’s world. Once their worlds met, it was at those moments that Suzette discovered there was a very thin line between reality and make-believe; between natural and supernatural. They continued to cross that line in order to share a lifelong friendship like no other.
           
DOLL

A secret Doll in a secret room
“Rita” was her name
She spoke through sparkling rhinestone eyes
Suzette was never the same
- Bewitching eyes so mystifying
- Omnipotent and gratifying
…She solved all mysteries of the unknown
And found answers to Suzette’s strife…
But no one ever knew of her
She dwelled within the afterlife

Her intriguing eyes were so alive
One destined goal – to mesmerize
A treasured Doll with special powers
Quite attentive for myriads of hours

Precisely wise in her own right
Cleverly sharp be it day or night
Messages received with tender care
Through the magic of a loving stare
Exchanged conversations through supernatural influence
…A kindred spirit of consecrated affluence

Suzette embosomed all she could
From “Rita” of another sphere
Who lived in a universe so far away
Yet Suzette miraculously kept her near
…A transcendental alliance - devoid of any fear

Her world of charm and mysticism
Was where the paranormal reigned
This secret Doll from a secret room
Was specially chosen to be ordained

…Linked endlessly to Suzette’s world
A natural world of reality…
Where a very thin line shall always be crossed
As they remained joined in totality
- -Two phenomenal lives forever entwined
through a friendship of blessed immortality


Monday, November 12, 2018

"Lost Yuletide Glow" (12 Days of Christmas) (Spillwords Press) - Poem


        "Lost Yuletide Glow" finds its way to Christmas. Once lost, now found, it becomes part of Heaven's Christmas show. We can all relate. If you are lost, make yourself found - and be sure to find YOUR "Yuletide Glow" along the way, during the Christmas Season...Let it shine! - Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! God Bless! 


 
 
 
 

 
 
 
LOST YULETIDE GLOW

“Lost Yuletide Glow” hides within Winter’s song
Again not knowing when to sing along
Just waiting on Old Father Time
December winds and nature’s rhyme

Echoes of laughter on every street
Bustling shoppers who meet and greet
Storefront decor from days of old
Where mechanical carolers brave the cold

Noel! Noel! can be heard afar
Across the sky, from star to star
The Universe speaks of coming days
Of cheerful hearts and gentle ways

Sparkling snow sets streets aglow
Where Christmas wreaths and trees all grow
Some magic happens in the air
As “Lost Yuletide Glow” remains aware

Yet silent in its quiet place
So full of love - So full of grace
Still unable to come around
Yearning to be Christmas-bound

When suddenly a Spirit speaks
Of holiday joy and wondrous feats
Vast melodies play in even flow
And Angels welcome “Lost Yuletide Glow”

It soon opens its eyes to holiday bliss
Ne’er to feel its soul amiss
So proudly it shines, this “Yuletide Glow”
Becoming part of Heaven’s Christmas show




Friday, October 5, 2018

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

http://spillwords.com/author/phyllispcolucci/
https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-P.-Colucci/e/B00VMU8B44    

 

 

                                                                (Pinterest Photo)

 

SILENCE - Yes, it is golden! Yes, it is magical! It is wordless and it is speechless; yet it speaks to us in ways our talking world cannot...

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 “Silence”.

                                                           SILENCE

“Silence” speaks to us at moments when our world is mute. It may not come in words or sentences, but it will come in spirit and you will hear its voice. You will know its message through its speechless tales of comfort and woe. It may grace you with a memory you’ll be happy to recall, or taunt you with a memory too sad to ever think about. No matter what, “Silence” will visit you often. It will remain by your side for as long as you are listening. Take it by the hand, and welcome it into your life. It will speak to you in ways that a noisy and chaotic world never could. Chaos is terribly loud and quite annoying, while “Silence” is wonderfully placid, soothing, golden - and honest. Let it live in your world! Let it speak to your heart!


                       SILENCE

If “Silence” stops by to speak with you
     Will you ever know?
Will you hear its quiet voice
     Within the fallen snow?
Will you see its shadow watching
     In the sunlit morning glow?
Will you hear its placid whisper
     While the darkened night’s in tow?

Silence speaks of seasons
     Through nature’s changing face
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
     Await your kind embrace
They say “Silence” is truly golden
     As its words are never heard
Yet soundless endless banter
     Is as sweet as it is absurd

You must listen as it echoes
     In your ever-eager ears
From the sounds of gentle murmurs
     To the sounds of voiceless cheers
The speechless tales of comfort
     And the speechless tales of woe
Will always speak of moments
     From the highest to the low

Moments worthy of a memory
     Moments sadder to recall
Yet moments of a full life
     From the climb to the sudden fall
The enormous valiant victories
     And the Decorated smile
Revealed through sounds of silence
     Delivered in humble style

Allow this golden silence
     To calm you as you sleep
To cuddle you in wordless love
     And cause your soul to weep
To weep from your elated heart
     One that showers you with bliss
So you may know that silence speaks
     When your talking world’s amiss

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

"HALLOWEEN HORROR" (13 Days of Halloween - 2018) (Spillwords Press) - Poem

http://spillwords.com/author/phyllispcolucci/
https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-P.-Colucci/e/B00VMU8B44 


                                                                    (Pinterest Photo)




Below is a Poem I wrote and submitted to Spillwords Press (Spillwords.com) for their "13 Days of Halloween" Presentation (2018)...So embrace the holiday...Accept the tricks as well as the treats, and you'll do just fine...Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo! Boo!


HALLOWEEN HORROR

From my humble abode -
From “My window on the world”
I can see them as clear as the day!
I know them quite well
And I fear them for sure
For their venom will spill today!
They’re the Ghosts and the Goblins
The Witches and Warlocks
The Spiders that weave wretched webs
The Skeletons, the Bats – and all that is bad
The broken, the violent, the terribly sad
…The aura, the mark of the macabre…
Riding in on the souls who pave their way
They’re alive in the shadows
Of this outlandish night
They appear in October when the time is right
They frolic about with strength and might
Hissing aloud to their own delight
Their silhouettes dance behind shades of gray
So oddly happy and strangely gay
Their windows are adorned with iron bars
Like insane asylums and killer jails
They gaze out into darkness and grin with ease
Such sinister laughter, such cold wicked wails
Their house is quite evil as wooden shutters flap loudly
To a choir of maligned beings who sing harmony, proudly
They cast spells from a Witch’s kettle
They take turns stirring the brew
I have but one question
- Will their next victim be you?