A Single Red Rose for The POET

A Single Red Rose...

This day has brought its own perfection and I in the JOY of its offerings. As I was leaving my home to go to the Spring Valley High School, Spring Valley, NY, the sun was brilliant in a clear blue sky. I was to be received with honor as Poet Laureate, Orangetown, NY in recognition of Women's History Month. The program presented readings by faculty members of woman poets who have touched the lives of many through their ennobled words. 

I had the pleasure of reading two of my original poems, one written specifically for this occasion. The student reception did indeed gladden both heart and spirit. Such beautiful young souls in search, in exploration, in loving appreciation and expressed gratitude.

Post my reading and response to the questions posed, I was given a single red rose.  How beautifully symbolic ...

Women's History Month is an annual declared month worldwide that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. As Poet Laureate. Orangetown, New York, I am honored to Celebrate Woman Poets with a poetic dialogue befitting this occasion.

The POET

she awakens to the light

to the dawning of the day new

she hears the song bird song

feels the warmth of the sun

listens to the sounding wind

hears the echoes of loss and lament

feels the pain of despondency and despair

yet deeply she knows all is in resolve

for ever held she be in God's care

many a trial and many a challenge at hand

FAITH and TRUST be her guiding command

beyond a momentary confusion is the clarity of grace

this in resounding accord in heart she does place

the mission, the quest, this pulsing of heart

from love it be known, from love shan't it depart

the Passion ~ the Omnipresence ~ the Eternal ~ the Truth

this be her way

she the POET in blessings LIVES her day

a word by pen, its calling perceived

this the MUSE in soul conceived

upon the paper marks to bear her name

and she the POET expresses her claim

and she the POET expresses her claim.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York