Cloister

If only

I could be cloistered in The Cloisters

That beautiful structure

Standing in the center of a gorgeous park

At the highest point in Manhattan

A park so peaceful

A place so open

A world so green

Looking out over the Hudson River

With the sun shining on the water.

If only

I could look out

From the top of the stone ramparts

Filled with history

That tell the story

Of a massive battle.

Fought closer to home

Than we could feel

From our classrooms in the West.

Out here

This battle

Took place

Where. We. Are.

When it is no longer far away

We have no choice

But to take note.

Remember.

History. Is. Now.

Make it what you want

The future to reflect on.

Pronounce

Pronounce. Pronounce…Pronounce? What do I do with pronounce? The obvious comes to mind, but I’m not sure I feel like writing the obvious today. Given what is going on in my life with volunteering, I find myself talking to many different people in NYC on the phone, and I sometimes get caught off-guard when I think that I’m being very clear, but I get a swift reminder that maybe I am not, and how important communication is. That’s the obvious. Now for the not so obvious thing to write about.

Color.

Words.

Music.

Sound.

Tone.

What do all of these words have in common?

They all are a part of,

How I define pronunciation.

How does the voice sound?

What color would you associate the tone with?

Music.

Speaking and singing both contain music.

How you pronounce something,

Has a certain music to it.

A certain tone.

Can you hear exactly how the word is pronounced?

Can you hear every part of the word?

Every syllable?

How does it sound when each syllable is combined?

Can you feel the warmth in someone’s voice?

Or is it gravelly?

How do those two,

Effect the sound.

Exactly.

It’s all…

Pronunciation.

Photo: Sarah Pflug/burst.shopify.com

Fly High! RDP: Sunday

Can’t is a word that I often said.

Can’t is a word that was stuck in my head.

Can’t was a cop-out,

A way to get by,

While letting life,

Pass me right by.

But what if I could,

Asks the engine inside.

What if I found,

I could no longer hide?

Then what would happen?

Would I look up at the sky?

Would I grab the opportunities

That were passing me by?

Would I fly like an eagle,

Or soar like a bird?

Or would I be afraid

They would think I’m absurd?

But if I’m like a bird

I belong in the sky.

Not stuck on the ground,

So eager to fly.

My wings are not broken,

They’re simply afraid,

But now I must try

For what I was made.

 

 

Infrangible

Wow! I have learned a new word today. I did not know what infrangible meant until this ragtag prompt and I think that the word is beyond fitting for today. As the microscope on NYC gets more focused and life becomes more tough as the days go just living here, I think this word is extremely important for not only NY’ers, but around the world. As the newer cases are showing, none of us are untouchable. The best we can do is be diligent, strong, and keep our distance from one another. I also find that the entertainment world has seriously stepped up to help keep the world laughing, singing, and happy as much as is humanly possible during this time. I could not be more appreciative of that, as life here becomes more stressful. BUT…here’s to the heroes and the helpers. They are trying tirelessly to heal the world, and they deserve the world in return.

Infrangible.

Infrangible?

Untouchable?

No.

Unbreakable.

We must be unbreakable.

Our spirit must soar,

So high that we are like the moon,

Shining brightly,

Throughout the darkest of times.

So tonight,

Look up to the sky.

Breathe in,

Breathe out,

And send love,

To all of those on the front lines,

Who are fighting for us.

We are forever thankful.

Forever grateful.

Photo credit: Sanaan Mazhar with Pexels.

Instagram: @piccinng

RDP Friday: Empty

Huh. Empty.

That’s an interesting word.

If anything, I feel,

Anything but empty.

It’s weird.

I’m isolated right now,

For the most part,

As are many of us.

But empty?

Not so much.

It’s more like…

Filled with emotion.

Fear.

Courage.

Strength of personal bonds.

Support from loved ones.

Terror of the unknown.

Thoughts of unease.

Thoughts of love.

My heart is abuzz.

My brain is on fire.

But empty,

As you’d rightfully assume,

That I’d feel,

I don’t.

Maybe it’s because,

There are so many helpers out there.

Here’s to the helpers.

Here’s to the heroes.

Sacrificing their lives,

In order to save ours.

Calm

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

As life grows more tense,

Here in NYC,

As the city feels,

Like the world is crashing down around us,

I find myself going deep within.

It is a constant reminder,

To breathe in,

Breathe out.

I tell myself,

We will get through this.

This, too, shall pass.

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

I try to calm the worries.

I try to slow the world around me,

By centering myself when need be.

We are in this as a planet.

We are in this together.

I close my eyes,

And I imagine,

Breathing in,

And breathing out.

Lots of love to my fellow…well…everyone out there. Times are going to be very hard, but we will prevail. We must. I’d love to say I’m some sort of zen master, but that’s just not true…Ironically, as I was writing this poem, I was constantly envisioning Star Trek’s Vulcans and their serene nature. I know that’s off topic, but I hope it gives you all a chuckle during these pressure-filled times. Have a great night!

P.S. Somehow I’m on a night sky beach phase. Maybe it’s my body telling me that I need to listen to that when all of this is over and travel is safer. Hmmm…

RDP Movie

Just like a movie,

Life characters come and go.

Bringing something new to the story.

A turn, an event,

Something unexpected,

Something you never knew.

Something you never imagined,

Something you never dreamed.

Some leave an imprint on your heart.

Some make your belly ache with laughter.

Some do not.

Some stay.

Some go.

Regardless, everyone keeps moving.

Regardless, life keeps changing.

Regardless, you decide what kind of movie

You want your life to be.

You’re the set designer.

You’re the actor.

You’re the director.

What will you let go?

What will remain?

What will you create?

RDP Thursday: Nothing

Nothing.

Empty space.

Endless room.

Endless possibilities.

Endless…

Assuming nothing…

Blank slate.

Leaves space for everything.

For depths unknown,

Adventures unseen.

Knowledge unending.

Smiles to be had.

Hearts to be glad.

Positivity can fill.

Nothing.

Possibilities abound…