I Remember When

Carmella J. Lacriola

11-06-1945 to 12-18-2019

My mother’s hands trembled and shook,

like trees bend and lean when the

wind changes speed.

My mother’s hands plucked weeds often

hidden in her favorite lilies with

graceful ease.

My mother’s hands bore fingers so long,

like tendrils curled, made

a fist when wrong.

My mother’s hands baked cookies so

sweet, drenched in chocolate with

utmost care.

My mother’s hands so lovingly flawed, with

aging spots scarred, but held you tight,

like a memory retold.

My mother’s hands no longer tremble and

shake, watched over now by others who

still remain.

My Sister, My Life

I hear the echoes of memories shared

Forged from pain and pleasures of youth

And like a phoenix rising from the ashes

Built stronger by brave actions we took

On the playgrounds roaring our battle cries

Never allowing others to pierce our shields

Glistening off our armor in the sunlit skies

Never wavering from the task at hand

A promise made, forever bound

I will keep you safe in times of strife

A love so deep, a beauty so profound

And even if we are oceans apart

I will be your anchor tied to the shore

And keep you tethered to my heart

Not even in death will you walk alone

My sister, my life, my friend, my home

Moment of Clarity

In between the dark and the light lies one exquisite moment of clarity;

of what has come to pass, you become my present reality. 

Locked in your embrace like a portrait suspended in time;

I’m captured by your touch, your scent intoxicating my mind. 

I imagine a person created just for me; another being so in tune,

their voice alone I hear so deeply as if my soul cries out its refrain,

a melody of pure ecstasy our two part harmony unrestrained. 

Rather it words or in thoughts or in actions will reveal,

the rhythm of our bodies can no longer conceal. 

Throughout time we’ve traveled continually to find,

the magick of our song, singing so passionately. 

I am moved to a crescendo of the masterpiece that is you;

frozen now in this moment of exquisite clarity.

Beyond Paved Roads

I can see the rain and hear the thunder so haunting beyond paved roads

Not one single drop penetrating the sanctuary that is my balcony

The lightening shimmering through the sunrise, I am alone

Binoculars spying the immense trees of the forest beyond my reach

I imagine its peacefulness and the surrounding calm amidst nature

The wilderness

The whispers through the winds of change calling me

Wrestling thoughts of what I am and where I belong

The wolves’ howls like distant memories of long ago

Resonant growls carrying through the November crisp air

Speaking to me unaware

No longer bound to my mortal flesh, I shed all that is human

I become one of them, powerful and exquisite, princely

My fur of brownish-tan with silver and black patches

The gray tint of new born eyes seeing things more clearly

A sudden awareness of such wonders that lie beyond paved roads

No longer hidden by the pollution and concrete buildings of my previous life

I run towards a future unknown, listening for my pack serenading me like a lullaby

Into the wilderness I go. Nature’s beauty more powerful than any paved road

In Your Eyes

My heart comes alive when I look into your eyes

A troubled soul once lost and often disguised

To find someone with depth and understanding

Another gentle soul not forceful or demanding

I am flooded with emotions I can’t explain

And without fear, pure delight unrestrained

To love without limit is a risk few choose

But the payoff too rich to ever lose

I’m filled with calm when I look into those eyes

The warmth of your skin wrapped up in mine

A pleasure unexplained, overflowing with need

A desire quenched most extraordinarily

Removing the masks to reveal what’s inside

No longer ashamed or having to hide

In time the truth will always win out

And in your eyes there will be no doubt