Sin dudas uno de los escritores más prolíficos que he tenido el gusto de conocer es J. Re Crivello, fundador de Masticadores, la revista literaria online que os convido a que leáis y con la que nos es un placer colaborar. Así que esta serie se viste de gala hoy con la presencia de mi gran amigo J. Re Crivello.
La serie Poetas y Escritores (Poets & Writers Series) está activamente buscando protagonistas, asi que si eres escritor, poeta o participas en cualquier genero artístico, puedes participar tu también. Contesta a este post con tu correo electrónico y te mandaremos la información. (On parle Française, wir sprechen Deutsch, parliamo italiano, we speak Englilsh).
HABLEMOS
¿Quién/Quienes son vuestras referencias literarias/artísticas?
A veces este tipo de preguntas nos obliga a contestar como si nuestras referencias pudieran ser sacrosantas. La primera tal vez consista en que leo cinco periódicos cada día. Algo que parece imposible, pero sabiendo leer de otra manera uno descubre verdaderas referencias que le influyen. Luego están los autores latinoamericanos, ayer conversaba con un escritor de México y Juan Rulfo era una de sus preferencias y mío también. Pero Borges, Cortazar están presentes. Luego como di clases de filosofía, los clásicos: siempre Hume y su discurso de como la moral surge de lo emotivo. Luego, los rusos, de nuevo, los clásicos y los represaliados, comenzando por Archipiélago Gulag, o Ribakov, o Svetlana Aleksievich.
Y dos, la Biblia que conocí con 10 años, aunque para mí no era un tema religioso sino un cómic de aventuras, o El Capital con 19 años. Y seguiríamos, con Umberto Eco, o el boom de la narrativa italiana actual: Antonio Scurati.
O mi pasión actual el húngaro, Imre Kertész y su mirada a una sociedad nazi desde lo judío.
Si he leído mucho, y he reflexionado lo que he leído. Cada paso en mi vida es un encuentro con autores que han creado espacios de libertad desde grandes dificultades personales. Por ello fundé Masticadores. Con ello muchas escritoras/res encuentran donde decir o contar sus maneras de ver la sociedad.
¿Qué te define como escritor/a, sobre qué temas escribes y que piensas hacer durante los próximos cinco años?
Me define como escritor una manera de usar la reflexión, o sea el ensayo, Construyo ficción a partir de situaciones diarias que me rodean. He descubierto que este estilo conmueve al lector y le obliga a posicionarse. Escribo cinco artículos semanales, pero ya no edito más libros. Creo he renunciado a vivir el sistema de la presentación de libros y el circuito que hay a su alrededor. Mi blog Barcelona, ya tiene suficientes lectores/seguidores que colman mi ego.
¿En cinco años? Es una temeridad a mi edad, solo deseo dos cosas: haber escrito 1500 artículos más y que Masticadores llegue al millón de lectores. Y tal vez editar mis obras completas. Luego y mientras tanto, ser feliz con los que me rodean y disfrutar de mi café diario en El Turkys.
¿Por qué escribes y escribes sobre ti, sobre tus vivencias, emociones, sentimientos, en fin sobre tu vida?
Es la clave. Al hablar de mí, hablo de mis lectores. Ellos encuentran en mis historias aspectos de sus vidas. Y… hago terapia. Es una forma que le llaman escritura terapéutica, al dejar fluir los pensamientos y visitar momentos anteriores y al regresar , por alguna astuta razón, todo ha cambiado, se ha re-significado.
CONOCIENDONOS MEJOR
Bio: J. Re Crivello Director & Fundador de Masticadores (20 blogs, 10 países, 8 idiomas)
Barcelona (Vilanova i La Geltrú) Nacionalidad: española, italiana, argentina (Escapó de dicho país con 19 años). Escritor, editor y fundador de Masticadores. Sus blogs han pasado la mítica barrera del millón de visitas. Ha publicado en El País, Clarín y Mundiario. Ha publicado 14 libros. Se define de la siguiente manera:
“A los 8 años leí La Biblia (una espléndida colección de mi abuela de 10 tomos ilustrada) pero no me hice religioso, luego El Quijote y una biblioteca entera propiedad de mi Tía Estela que devoré en mi exilio. Mis padres se habían divorciado y mi alimento espiritual era la rutina del colegio (¡que horrible repetir sandeces!) y mis dos abuelas italianas que me sumergían en relatos sobre las vidas paralelas de sus familias en Los Alpes. Del colegio solo tengo un récord Guinness: me enviaron a izar la bandera en un mástil de casi 100 metros y rompí el alambre que elevaba el símbolo patrio, desde aquel día… sigue sin solución el déficit de bandera.
Durante aquel exilio mi única amiga era mi prima hermana Mónica, escritora igual y soñadora. Bueno yo soñador y ella escritora.
Siempre pensé que sería escritor, lo que ocurre es que viví extraviado hasta los 50 años. Fui ayudante de albañil, vendedor de tonterías varias, guardia urbano, agricultor de temporada, friegaplatos, modelo de desnudos para dibujantes, traficante en pequeña escala de la Mafia griega, profesor de El Capital de Carlos Marx muy joven en la Universidad, empresario (he fundado 5 empresas, una ha cumplido 22 años). Profesor de niños y adolescentes. Y actualmente jubilado.
Os recordamos que esta serie de Poetas y Escritores, sale todos los días por VALENCIARTIST (www.YouTube.com/@FranciscoBravoCabrera) a las 0600 horas (GMT+1 Madrid Time Zone), menos los jueves. Únete, mándanos tu correo electrónico y te informaremos.
Saludos a todos vosotros, compañeros poetas, escritores, artistas, pensadores etcétera etcétera. Hoy damos debut y bienvenida a una interesantísima serie aquí en VALENCIARTIST titulada «Poetas & Escritores», pero en ella caben artistas de todos los géneros.
Día tras día vais a disfrutar del arte de algunos de nuestros favoritos escritores, poetas y artistas de las redes y de la vida fuera de ellas también. Sin censura ni cambios, publicaremos, en sus propias palabras, lo que sienten, porque escriben, y como guían y enfocan su arte y su carrera. Tambien vais a leer muestras de su obra literaria o artística y llegareis a conocerlos mejor. Hay que destacar aquellos que se adentran y buscan adelantar la cultura, sabiendo y reconociendo que la cultura es universal y no tiene fronteras.
Ya tenemos una lista de poetas y escritores interesados que van a participar, pero si tú, si, tú que me estas leyendo, quieres participar también, venga, hazlo que es muy simple. Contesta, a través de este post, y déjame tu correo electrónico. En cortos días te mandaremos un email con toda la información para que puedas participar.
Gracias. espero leer vuestros comentarios y solicitudes, pero sobre todo espero que disfrutéis de esta nueva serie.
+++ +++ +++++ +++ +++ +++++
Greetings to all of you, fellow poets, writers, artists, thinkers, and so on and so forth. Today we debut and welcome an incredibly interesting series here on VALENCIARTIST!
Day after day, you will enjoy the art of some of my favourite writers, poets, and artists from the networks and life outside of them as well. Without censorship or changes, we will publish, in their own words, what they feel, why they write, and how they guide and focus their art and career. You will also read/see samples of their literary or artistic work and get to know them better. It is important to highlight those who delve into and seek to advance culture, knowing and recognizing that culture is universal and knows no boundaries.
We already have a list of interested poets and writers who are going to participate. But if you, yes, you reading this, also want to participate, come on, do it because it’s very simple. Reply to this post and leave us your email address. In a few days, we will send you an email with all the information so you too can participate.
Thank you! I hope to read your comments and replies and more than anything I hope you’ll enjoy the series.
Joni is a dear friend and a phenomenal poet! We are proud to bring her to the Poets & Writers Series!
The Poets & Writers Series is open to all writers, poets and creative folk engaged in any of the arts, and we speak English, hablamos español,on parle française, wir sprechen deutsch, e parliamo anche italiano. Just reply to this post with your email address and we will send you all the information.
JONI’S INTERVIEW
Who are your major literary/artistic references?
Much of the inspiration I receive now is from fellow online writers. I love the various styles and phrases that I see every day online and am continually impressed and inspired by what I read.
I’m also inspired by nature and all of God’s creations. I often research the behavior and characteristics of creatures or plants in our world, using that knowledge to include in my writing and to help educate the reader.
Regarding historical literature figures, I’ve been influenced by Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Virginia Wolfe, T.S. Elliot, and William Shakespeare. However, because of the aforementioned inspirations, classic literature generally has taken a backburner.
What makes you a writer? What do you like to write about? What is your plan for the next five years?
What makes me a writer? I had a very active imagination when I was little and was trying to escape the horrors of everyday life in the crazy environment where/when I grew up. One of the ways I did this was to create imaginary creatures and worlds when I fled into the woods of North Carolina. When I reached my teen years, becoming more comfortable with words and studying poetry, I began expressing myself through that medium.
What do I like to write about? I always write from my heart. Generally, when I write, it’s based on a current feeling or emotion, that has been triggered by something external. Melding a culmination of all of the experiences and emotions I’ve undergone in my lifetime, I compose by blending my words with nature, and my faith in its divine creator.
What is my plan? I have no plans. Seriously, when I try to plan things out, I tend to stress about it and it invariably ends up hindering my creative abilities. When I don’t think about it, expressions and poetry come more naturally and effortlessly.
Why do you write? And do you write about yourself?
Why do I write? I feel called to write to express my innermost feelings. When I write something online, I want it to be something that others can relate to. However, I will always write my style of prose or poetry and be true to my heart.
Do I write about myself? Yes, my entire book, “One Petal At a Time,” which you illustrated so beautifully was about my life into early adulthood. However, I also write about war, racism, slavery, and how we are destroying our environment.
JONI’S POETRY
Forks of Ivy – Poem by Joni Karen Caggiano as Appears in “One Petal At a Time,” published by Prolific Pulse Press, LLC
FORKS OF IVY
within the choices, the ivy threads enlace through
patterned, worn, and tattered pieces of my youth
its blood a mixture of punctures that weave circles
of skin and bone into forgotten stories
tucked in corners where candy corn and ice cream drips
dried, like ink on memoirs now drawn into dust devils
along a path of smiles without corners
cigarette hanging like a tired aching pig’s tail
apple pie, reaching forward to grab a knife to cut
sober days a treat left cooling in windowsill
stars sailing on the hook of the half-moon
smells traveling to the old willow oak as sap drips
absorbing the smell within her bark
longer fork, like parchment paper, tender
under hand-made buttermilk biscuits
hair falling below her hip-less figure
still developing breast, the color of cream
her bony legs tingle as jasmine mingles with long dark hair
an unbroken reminder of her prison
the seemingly endless maternal threat to prune
jasmine nightly, as slumber regrettably blows
encasement of foreboding
tiny this creature, sequestered, who knows no one
her senses ripe with emotion
hankering for the soothing southern silence
trusting only the green wisdom of wildwood creatures
that tarry, within the brief inhale, of yellow-pine dust
an acrid fork of asphalt jungle follows a creek that bleeds
tears of red dots with names of pharmaceutical drugs
meeting patients, embracing as one would
a precious soul, journey nearly ending, no one left to care
she feels their pain like an animal dying in hunter’s trap
travels away from the vein of life’s reality
she climbs in bed with a dying woman
with no hair who smells of death
petitions silkworms to weave canopies of comfort
praying for nature to send the bees with pollen
from fields of lavender to sprinkle their golden gift
her fork in the ivy visits all who left before her
veins slowly stop their pulsing as greens turn to browns
a trumpet moves with one bold black line, she drowns
amidst heavenly creatures a celebration of angelic sounds
sweet the smell of those waiting where the forks meet
a feast for her soul is beginning, as God calls let’s eat
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT JONIIN HER OWN WORDS
Joni Karen Caggiano is an internationally published author, poet, and photographer. Her debut book of poetry and prose, “One Petal At A Time,” featuring world-renowned Valencian artist Francisco Bravo Cabrera, was an Amazon Best Seller. It was endorsed by Dr. Claudia Black, the pioneer in the study of dysfunctional family systems shaped by alcohol and addictive disorders. Joni is a 2022 Pushcart Nominee for her poem “Old News is Not Old News.” She was privileged to write the Forward for the Best Seller, “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark,” by the five-time Amazon Best Selling Author Michelle Ayon Navajas. Joni won Publication of the Month in November 2022 and Co-Winner of Socialite of the Year for 2023 and 2024 on SpillWords Press NYC. Joni was a Co-Author of both #1 Amazon Bestselling books, «Hidden In Childhood» and «Wounds I Healed.» She is also in seven additional poetry anthologies. She was a featured poet on Edge of Humanity for World Poetry Day in March of 2024. Joni has regularly contributed to several popular online Masticadores magazines for three years. Joni’s website is the-inner-child.com, and her complete list of publications can be found on her publications page. Joni is a retired nurse, ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) survivor, and an environmental advocate.
CHEERS
I hope you have enjoyed this chapter in the series and that you will be back tomorrow for more.
(«El trompetista»/«The Trumpet Player»/de/by Francisco Bravo Cabrera/Derechos Reservados – All Rights Reserved)
Saludos a todos vosotros, compañeros poetas, escritores, artistas, pensadores etcétera etcétera. Hoy damos debut y bienvenida a una interesantísima serie aquí en VALENCIARTIST titulada «Poetas & Escritores», pero en ella caben artistas de todos los géneros.
Día tras día vais a disfrutar del arte de algunos de nuestros favoritos escritores, poetas y artistas de las redes y de la vida fuera de ellas también. Sin censura ni cambios, publicaremos, en sus propias palabras, lo que sienten, porque escriben, y como guían y enfocan su arte y su carrera. Tambien vais a leer muestras de su obra literaria o artística y llegareis a conocerlos mejor. Hay que destacar aquellos que se adentran y buscan adelantar la cultura, sabiendo y reconociendo que la cultura es universal y no tiene fronteras.
Ya tenemos una lista de poetas y escritores interesados que van a participar, pero si tú, si, tú que me estas leyendo, quieres participar también, venga, hazlo que es muy simple. Contesta, a través de este post, y déjame tu correo electrónico. En cortos días te mandaremos un email con toda la información para que puedas participar.
Gracias. espero leer vuestros comentarios y solicitudes, pero sobre todo espero que disfrutéis de esta nueva serie.
+++ +++ +++++ +++ +++ +++++
Greetings to all of you, fellow poets, writers, artists, thinkers, and so on and so forth. Today we debut and welcome an incredibly interesting series here on VALENCIARTIST!
Day after day, you will enjoy the art of some of my favourite writers, poets, and artists from the networks and life outside of them as well. Without censorship or changes, we will publish, in their own words, what they feel, why they write, and how they guide and focus their art and career. You will also read/see samples of their literary or artistic work and get to know them better. It is important to highlight those who delve into and seek to advance culture, knowing and recognizing that culture is universal and knows no boundaries.
We already have a list of interested poets and writers who are going to participate. But if you, yes, you reading this, also want to participate, come on, do it because it’s very simple. Reply to this post and leave us your email address. In a few days, we will send you an email with all the information so you too can participate.
Thank you! I hope to read your comments and replies and more than anything I hope you’ll enjoy the series.
Joni is a dear friend and a phenomenal poet! We are proud to bring her to the Poets & Writers Series!
The Poets & Writers Series is open to all writers, poets and creative folk engaged in any of the arts, and we speak English, hablamos español,on parle française, wir sprechen deutsch, e parliamo anche italiano. Just reply to this post with your email address and we will send you all the information.
JONI’S INTERVIEW
Who are your major literary/artistic references?
Much of the inspiration I receive now is from fellow online writers. I love the various styles and phrases that I see every day online and am continually impressed and inspired by what I read.
I’m also inspired by nature and all of God’s creations. I often research the behavior and characteristics of creatures or plants in our world, using that knowledge to include in my writing and to help educate the reader.
Regarding historical literature figures, I’ve been influenced by Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Virginia Wolfe, T.S. Elliot, and William Shakespeare. However, because of the aforementioned inspirations, classic literature generally has taken a backburner.
What makes you a writer? What do you like to write about? What is your plan for the next five years?
What makes me a writer? I had a very active imagination when I was little and was trying to escape the horrors of everyday life in the crazy environment where/when I grew up. One of the ways I did this was to create imaginary creatures and worlds when I fled into the woods of North Carolina. When I reached my teen years, becoming more comfortable with words and studying poetry, I began expressing myself through that medium.
What do I like to write about? I always write from my heart. Generally, when I write, it’s based on a current feeling or emotion, that has been triggered by something external. Melding a culmination of all of the experiences and emotions I’ve undergone in my lifetime, I compose by blending my words with nature, and my faith in its divine creator.
What is my plan? I have no plans. Seriously, when I try to plan things out, I tend to stress about it and it invariably ends up hindering my creative abilities. When I don’t think about it, expressions and poetry come more naturally and effortlessly.
Why do you write? And do you write about yourself?
Why do I write? I feel called to write to express my innermost feelings. When I write something online, I want it to be something that others can relate to. However, I will always write my style of prose or poetry and be true to my heart.
Do I write about myself? Yes, my entire book, “One Petal At a Time,” which you illustrated so beautifully was about my life into early adulthood. However, I also write about war, racism, slavery, and how we are destroying our environment.
JONI’S POETRY
Forks of Ivy – Poem by Joni Karen Caggiano as Appears in “One Petal At a Time,” published by Prolific Pulse Press, LLC
FORKS OF IVY
within the choices, the ivy threads enlace through
patterned, worn, and tattered pieces of my youth
its blood a mixture of punctures that weave circles
of skin and bone into forgotten stories
tucked in corners where candy corn and ice cream drips
dried, like ink on memoirs now drawn into dust devils
along a path of smiles without corners
cigarette hanging like a tired aching pig’s tail
apple pie, reaching forward to grab a knife to cut
sober days a treat left cooling in windowsill
stars sailing on the hook of the half-moon
smells traveling to the old willow oak as sap drips
absorbing the smell within her bark
longer fork, like parchment paper, tender
under hand-made buttermilk biscuits
hair falling below her hip-less figure
still developing breast, the color of cream
her bony legs tingle as jasmine mingles with long dark hair
an unbroken reminder of her prison
the seemingly endless maternal threat to prune
jasmine nightly, as slumber regrettably blows
encasement of foreboding
tiny this creature, sequestered, who knows no one
her senses ripe with emotion
hankering for the soothing southern silence
trusting only the green wisdom of wildwood creatures
that tarry, within the brief inhale, of yellow-pine dust
an acrid fork of asphalt jungle follows a creek that bleeds
tears of red dots with names of pharmaceutical drugs
meeting patients, embracing as one would
a precious soul, journey nearly ending, no one left to care
she feels their pain like an animal dying in hunter’s trap
travels away from the vein of life’s reality
she climbs in bed with a dying woman
with no hair who smells of death
petitions silkworms to weave canopies of comfort
praying for nature to send the bees with pollen
from fields of lavender to sprinkle their golden gift
her fork in the ivy visits all who left before her
veins slowly stop their pulsing as greens turn to browns
a trumpet moves with one bold black line, she drowns
amidst heavenly creatures a celebration of angelic sounds
sweet the smell of those waiting where the forks meet
a feast for her soul is beginning, as God calls let’s eat
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT JONIIN HER OWN WORDS
Joni Karen Caggiano is an internationally published author, poet, and photographer. Her debut book of poetry and prose, “One Petal At A Time,” featuring world-renowned Valencian artist Francisco Bravo Cabrera, was an Amazon Best Seller. It was endorsed by Dr. Claudia Black, the pioneer in the study of dysfunctional family systems shaped by alcohol and addictive disorders. Joni is a 2022 Pushcart Nominee for her poem “Old News is Not Old News.” She was privileged to write the Forward for the Best Seller, “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark,” by the five-time Amazon Best Selling Author Michelle Ayon Navajas. Joni won Publication of the Month in November 2022 and Co-Winner of Socialite of the Year for 2023 and 2024 on SpillWords Press NYC. Joni was a Co-Author of both #1 Amazon Bestselling books, «Hidden In Childhood» and «Wounds I Healed.» She is also in seven additional poetry anthologies. She was a featured poet on Edge of Humanity for World Poetry Day in March of 2024. Joni has regularly contributed to several popular online Masticadores magazines for three years. Joni’s website is the-inner-child.com, and her complete list of publications can be found on her publications page. Joni is a retired nurse, ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) survivor, and an environmental advocate.
CHEERS
I hope you have enjoyed this chapter in the series and that you will be back tomorrow for more.
(Francisco Bravo Cabrera/Representado por un actor/Actor portrayal/Derechos Reservados/All Rights Reserved)
Bienvenidos a una nueva sección de nuestro blog/revista de arte VALENCIARTIST. Vamos a presentaros a poetas, escritores y artistas que hemos conocido a través de nuestros años en WordPress. Comenzamos el lunes 27 de mayo 2024 a las 0600 horas (en Europa occidental), y seguiremos mientras que tengamos protagonistas que traeros, todos los días menos los jueves.
Si quieres unirte a este grupo, te mandaremos las preguntas que constituyen una breve entrevista, además publicaremos una muestra de tu obra y daremos el nombre y el link de tu blog. Te publicaremos en tus propias palabras e imágenes. Responde a esta entrada del blog con tu correo electrónico y te mandaremos toda la información.
+++ +++ +++
Welcome tothis, a new section of our art blog/magazine VALENCIARTIST. We’re going to introduce you to poets, writers, and artists we’ve met through our years on WordPress. We start on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 0600 hours (Western Europe time zone), and we will continue as long as there are protagonists joining the series. We will publish every day except Thursdays.
If you want to join this group, we will send you the questions to a brief interview, then add a sample of your work, as well as provide the name and link to your blog. We will publish you in your own words and images. Send us your email and we will reply with the complete information.
Joni is a dear friend and a phenomenal poet! We are proud to bring her to the Poets & Writers Series!
The Poets & Writers Series is open to all writers, poets and creative folk engaged in any of the arts, and we speak English, hablamos español,on parle française, wir sprechen deutsch, e parliamo anche italiano. Just reply to this post with your email address and we will send you all the information.
JONI’S INTERVIEW
Who are your major literary/artistic references?
Much of the inspiration I receive now is from fellow online writers. I love the various styles and phrases that I see every day online and am continually impressed and inspired by what I read.
I’m also inspired by nature and all of God’s creations. I often research the behavior and characteristics of creatures or plants in our world, using that knowledge to include in my writing and to help educate the reader.
Regarding historical literature figures, I’ve been influenced by Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Virginia Wolfe, T.S. Elliot, and William Shakespeare. However, because of the aforementioned inspirations, classic literature generally has taken a backburner.
What makes you a writer? What do you like to write about? What is your plan for the next five years?
What makes me a writer? I had a very active imagination when I was little and was trying to escape the horrors of everyday life in the crazy environment where/when I grew up. One of the ways I did this was to create imaginary creatures and worlds when I fled into the woods of North Carolina. When I reached my teen years, becoming more comfortable with words and studying poetry, I began expressing myself through that medium.
What do I like to write about? I always write from my heart. Generally, when I write, it’s based on a current feeling or emotion, that has been triggered by something external. Melding a culmination of all of the experiences and emotions I’ve undergone in my lifetime, I compose by blending my words with nature, and my faith in its divine creator.
What is my plan? I have no plans. Seriously, when I try to plan things out, I tend to stress about it and it invariably ends up hindering my creative abilities. When I don’t think about it, expressions and poetry come more naturally and effortlessly.
Why do you write? And do you write about yourself?
Why do I write? I feel called to write to express my innermost feelings. When I write something online, I want it to be something that others can relate to. However, I will always write my style of prose or poetry and be true to my heart.
Do I write about myself? Yes, my entire book, “One Petal At a Time,” which you illustrated so beautifully was about my life into early adulthood. However, I also write about war, racism, slavery, and how we are destroying our environment.
JONI’S POETRY
Forks of Ivy – Poem by Joni Karen Caggiano as Appears in “One Petal At a Time,” published by Prolific Pulse Press, LLC
FORKS OF IVY
within the choices, the ivy threads enlace through
patterned, worn, and tattered pieces of my youth
its blood a mixture of punctures that weave circles
of skin and bone into forgotten stories
tucked in corners where candy corn and ice cream drips
dried, like ink on memoirs now drawn into dust devils
along a path of smiles without corners
cigarette hanging like a tired aching pig’s tail
apple pie, reaching forward to grab a knife to cut
sober days a treat left cooling in windowsill
stars sailing on the hook of the half-moon
smells traveling to the old willow oak as sap drips
absorbing the smell within her bark
longer fork, like parchment paper, tender
under hand-made buttermilk biscuits
hair falling below her hip-less figure
still developing breast, the color of cream
her bony legs tingle as jasmine mingles with long dark hair
an unbroken reminder of her prison
the seemingly endless maternal threat to prune
jasmine nightly, as slumber regrettably blows
encasement of foreboding
tiny this creature, sequestered, who knows no one
her senses ripe with emotion
hankering for the soothing southern silence
trusting only the green wisdom of wildwood creatures
that tarry, within the brief inhale, of yellow-pine dust
an acrid fork of asphalt jungle follows a creek that bleeds
tears of red dots with names of pharmaceutical drugs
meeting patients, embracing as one would
a precious soul, journey nearly ending, no one left to care
she feels their pain like an animal dying in hunter’s trap
travels away from the vein of life’s reality
she climbs in bed with a dying woman
with no hair who smells of death
petitions silkworms to weave canopies of comfort
praying for nature to send the bees with pollen
from fields of lavender to sprinkle their golden gift
her fork in the ivy visits all who left before her
veins slowly stop their pulsing as greens turn to browns
a trumpet moves with one bold black line, she drowns
amidst heavenly creatures a celebration of angelic sounds
sweet the smell of those waiting where the forks meet
a feast for her soul is beginning, as God calls let’s eat
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT JONIIN HER OWN WORDS
Joni Karen Caggiano is an internationally published author, poet, and photographer. Her debut book of poetry and prose, “One Petal At A Time,” featuring world-renowned Valencian artist Francisco Bravo Cabrera, was an Amazon Best Seller. It was endorsed by Dr. Claudia Black, the pioneer in the study of dysfunctional family systems shaped by alcohol and addictive disorders. Joni is a 2022 Pushcart Nominee for her poem “Old News is Not Old News.” She was privileged to write the Forward for the Best Seller, “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark,” by the five-time Amazon Best Selling Author Michelle Ayon Navajas. Joni won Publication of the Month in November 2022 and Co-Winner of Socialite of the Year for 2023 and 2024 on SpillWords Press NYC. Joni was a Co-Author of both #1 Amazon Bestselling books, «Hidden In Childhood» and «Wounds I Healed.» She is also in seven additional poetry anthologies. She was a featured poet on Edge of Humanity for World Poetry Day in March of 2024. Joni has regularly contributed to several popular online Masticadores magazines for three years. Joni’s website is the-inner-child.com, and her complete list of publications can be found on her publications page. Joni is a retired nurse, ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) survivor, and an environmental advocate.
CHEERS
I hope you have enjoyed this chapter in the series and that you will be back tomorrow for more.
(Francisco Bravo Cabrera/Representado por un actor/Actor portrayal/Derechos Reservados/All Rights Reserved)
Bienvenidos a una nueva sección de nuestro blog/revista de arte VALENCIARTIST. Vamos a presentaros a poetas, escritores y artistas que hemos conocido a través de nuestros años en WordPress. Comenzamos el lunes 27 de mayo 2024 a las 0600 horas (en Europa occidental), y seguiremos mientras que tengamos protagonistas que traeros, todos los días menos los jueves.
Si quieres unirte a este grupo, te mandaremos las preguntas que constituyen una breve entrevista, además publicaremos una muestra de tu obra y daremos el nombre y el link de tu blog. Te publicaremos en tus propias palabras e imágenes. Responde a esta entrada del blog con tu correo electrónico y te mandaremos toda la información.
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Welcome tothis, a new section of our art blog/magazine VALENCIARTIST. We’re going to introduce you to poets, writers, and artists we’ve met through our years on WordPress. We start on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 0600 hours (Western Europe time zone), and we will continue as long as there are protagonists joining the series. We will publish every day except Thursdays.
If you want to join this group, we will send you the questions to a brief interview, then add a sample of your work, as well as provide the name and link to your blog. We will publish you in your own words and images. Send us your email and we will reply with the complete information.
Joni is a dear friend and a phenomenal poet! We are proud to bring her to the Poets & Writers Series!
The Poets & Writers Series is open to all writers, poets and creative folk engaged in any of the arts, and we speak English, hablamos español,on parle française, wir sprechen deutsch, e parliamo anche italiano. Just reply to this post with your email address and we will send you all the information.
JONI’S INTERVIEW
Who are your major literary/artistic references?
Much of the inspiration I receive now is from fellow online writers. I love the various styles and phrases that I see every day online and am continually impressed and inspired by what I read.
I’m also inspired by nature and all of God’s creations. I often research the behavior and characteristics of creatures or plants in our world, using that knowledge to include in my writing and to help educate the reader.
Regarding historical literature figures, I’ve been influenced by Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Virginia Wolfe, T.S. Elliot, and William Shakespeare. However, because of the aforementioned inspirations, classic literature generally has taken a backburner.
What makes you a writer? What do you like to write about? What is your plan for the next five years?
What makes me a writer? I had a very active imagination when I was little and was trying to escape the horrors of everyday life in the crazy environment where/when I grew up. One of the ways I did this was to create imaginary creatures and worlds when I fled into the woods of North Carolina. When I reached my teen years, becoming more comfortable with words and studying poetry, I began expressing myself through that medium.
What do I like to write about? I always write from my heart. Generally, when I write, it’s based on a current feeling or emotion, that has been triggered by something external. Melding a culmination of all of the experiences and emotions I’ve undergone in my lifetime, I compose by blending my words with nature, and my faith in its divine creator.
What is my plan? I have no plans. Seriously, when I try to plan things out, I tend to stress about it and it invariably ends up hindering my creative abilities. When I don’t think about it, expressions and poetry come more naturally and effortlessly.
Why do you write? And do you write about yourself?
Why do I write? I feel called to write to express my innermost feelings. When I write something online, I want it to be something that others can relate to. However, I will always write my style of prose or poetry and be true to my heart.
Do I write about myself? Yes, my entire book, “One Petal At a Time,” which you illustrated so beautifully was about my life into early adulthood. However, I also write about war, racism, slavery, and how we are destroying our environment.
JONI’S POETRY
Forks of Ivy – Poem by Joni Karen Caggiano as Appears in “One Petal At a Time,” published by Prolific Pulse Press, LLC
FORKS OF IVY
within the choices, the ivy threads enlace through
patterned, worn, and tattered pieces of my youth
its blood a mixture of punctures that weave circles
of skin and bone into forgotten stories
tucked in corners where candy corn and ice cream drips
dried, like ink on memoirs now drawn into dust devils
along a path of smiles without corners
cigarette hanging like a tired aching pig’s tail
apple pie, reaching forward to grab a knife to cut
sober days a treat left cooling in windowsill
stars sailing on the hook of the half-moon
smells traveling to the old willow oak as sap drips
absorbing the smell within her bark
longer fork, like parchment paper, tender
under hand-made buttermilk biscuits
hair falling below her hip-less figure
still developing breast, the color of cream
her bony legs tingle as jasmine mingles with long dark hair
an unbroken reminder of her prison
the seemingly endless maternal threat to prune
jasmine nightly, as slumber regrettably blows
encasement of foreboding
tiny this creature, sequestered, who knows no one
her senses ripe with emotion
hankering for the soothing southern silence
trusting only the green wisdom of wildwood creatures
that tarry, within the brief inhale, of yellow-pine dust
an acrid fork of asphalt jungle follows a creek that bleeds
tears of red dots with names of pharmaceutical drugs
meeting patients, embracing as one would
a precious soul, journey nearly ending, no one left to care
she feels their pain like an animal dying in hunter’s trap
travels away from the vein of life’s reality
she climbs in bed with a dying woman
with no hair who smells of death
petitions silkworms to weave canopies of comfort
praying for nature to send the bees with pollen
from fields of lavender to sprinkle their golden gift
her fork in the ivy visits all who left before her
veins slowly stop their pulsing as greens turn to browns
a trumpet moves with one bold black line, she drowns
amidst heavenly creatures a celebration of angelic sounds
sweet the smell of those waiting where the forks meet
a feast for her soul is beginning, as God calls let’s eat
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT JONIIN HER OWN WORDS
Joni Karen Caggiano is an internationally published author, poet, and photographer. Her debut book of poetry and prose, “One Petal At A Time,” featuring world-renowned Valencian artist Francisco Bravo Cabrera, was an Amazon Best Seller. It was endorsed by Dr. Claudia Black, the pioneer in the study of dysfunctional family systems shaped by alcohol and addictive disorders. Joni is a 2022 Pushcart Nominee for her poem “Old News is Not Old News.” She was privileged to write the Forward for the Best Seller, “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark,” by the five-time Amazon Best Selling Author Michelle Ayon Navajas. Joni won Publication of the Month in November 2022 and Co-Winner of Socialite of the Year for 2023 and 2024 on SpillWords Press NYC. Joni was a Co-Author of both #1 Amazon Bestselling books, «Hidden In Childhood» and «Wounds I Healed.» She is also in seven additional poetry anthologies. She was a featured poet on Edge of Humanity for World Poetry Day in March of 2024. Joni has regularly contributed to several popular online Masticadores magazines for three years. Joni’s website is the-inner-child.com, and her complete list of publications can be found on her publications page. Joni is a retired nurse, ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) survivor, and an environmental advocate.
CHEERS
I hope you have enjoyed this chapter in the series and that you will be back tomorrow for more.
Welcome to the series that features some of our favourite poets, writers, philosophers and artists of all types that form part of our beautiful, talented and very creative online community and beyond…
If you would like to take part, please reply to this post with your email address. The series is open to creative folk of all nations and all languages.
Today we are proud to bring you Delana Ornelas who has brought to this series her image, her thoughts and words.
DELANA’S BIO
My name is Delana Ornelas. I am an English Major at Oxnard College, about to attend my last semester before graduating. I am also a writing tutor at the school’s Learning Resource Center. Helping other students discover that their capabilities are limitless is a reward that can’t be put into words. I am a writer whose work includes poetry, memoirs, academic journals, and short stories. Writing is the thing that makes me feel alive. We all have a thing, and writing has and always will be mine.
DELANA’S REPLIES TO THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1) Who are your major literary/artistic references?
I enjoy historical literature. There seems to have been a passion of the past that has the power to become inspirational. The poetry of Emily Dickinson, Fanny Fern, and Walt Whitman are some of my favorite authors. They were poets that added an enchanting elegance to the art of poetry. More importantly, their work delivered a message. Whether it be equality, women’s rights, or the value of nature, their narratives had depth and meaning. That kind of talent is well worth digging into the past.
2) What makes you a writer? What do you like to write about? What is your plan for the next five years?
I’ve always had a passion for writing, ever since I was a little girl. What I think makes me a writer is the joy it brings me, the effort I put into it, and the desire I have to share it with the world. My artistic branches have no limits, so I love experimenting with different genres of writing. From poetry to short stories to memoirs and everything in between, I enjoy broadening the spectrum of my creativity. My plan for the future is to graduate from college with my art degree. I went back to college a couple of years ago, with no confidence in succeeding. Instead, I ended up thriving. I was recommended by an English professor for tutoring position in the school’s learning resource center. Now I am a writing tutor for the college helping students discover their potential. I will be graduating next year and transferring to a university. Hopefully I will be able to continue helping other students achieve academic success. My end goal is to become a Speechwriter in the political world. It is full of politicians that lie to us and make promises they never intended to keep. Most are in it for personal or financial gain. I have to believe that there are decent and honest individuals who are being overlooked, unable to create an impact. My plan is to weed through the corruption and be the impactful voice fora candidate with new ideas to change the world and genuine intentions to carry them out. The world needs change and I plan on being part of it!
3) Why do you write? And do you write about yourself?
At the moment, I write a lot of poetry. Several of my pieces are based on my own experiences. I do write narratives that stem from what I’ve gone through because it is often very therapeutic. Writing about my past offers me an outlet that needs no approval and no response. The why’s and the how’s of my work are rhetorical when it comes to my past and there is no one who would be able to offer any answers, hence the need for the outlet. I’ve suffered traumatic experiences but have no desire to come in contact with those involved and writing is a vessel that gives me a sense of peace when dealing with my emotions. Sometimes it is my only lifeline and my one true confidant. I am grateful for the art of writing and I hold it in the highest regards.
DELANA’S POETRY
The Mirror
Whether it’s smudged
Or it shines like the sea
The mirror has seen
Every version of me
The youth that I long for
The mirror won’t allow
Just an updated image
Of who I am now
It’s lost the reflection
Of me in my youth
Without hesitation
It shows me the truth
It points out the flaws
I’d rather not see
The proof of how time
Moves impetuously
It highlights the details
I don’t recognize
Like the lines and the bags
That sit under my eyes
The glass only mirrors
Whatever it’s shown
A constant reminder
Of how old I’ve grown
DELANA’S MEMOIRS
Excerpt from my memoirs-
Grandmas are supposed to be sweet and innocent. In my mind, they were supposed to keep the innocent secrets of her giving you the old candy from the bottom of her purse, when your mother said you weren’t allowed to have sugar. Grandmas were the only ones who could lie to your mother with a straight face and seem like a hero for it. But in my case, I had no mother to speak of, so I knew that the chances of my grandmother being what I thought a grandma should be were not likely.
I grew up never knowing my mother. I wasn’t even two months old yet when she decided to disappear and from what I’ve been told, I was better off without her. I was raised by my father’s parents and his adult siblings who never left the nest. However, my dad’s absence was not by choice. The police decided that for him every time they hauled him off to jail. I knew that his reasons for going away were the the result of a heroin addiction and I never faulted him for that. It’s a drug that shows no mercy to anyone. Once it has a hold of you, you’re either headed for prison or the morgue. Eventually, that is where my dad ended up after he caught Hepatitis from a dirty needle. As for my mother’s disappearance, I had been given very unfiltered and inconsiderate answers to questions that I had never once asked in regards to why she left me. After a while, I had grown to hate her. Before the constant descriptions of what seemed to be a wicked witch, I had simply been uninterested in this woman. These detailed accounts of my mother’s sins came mostly from my grandmother, which to me was a perfect example of the pot calling the kettle black. Although sometimes the stories came from my aunt’s and uncles. In any case, they all seemed to agree that she was a devil worshipper who used to leave bite marks on me when I was a baby. As I got older I began to realize that every family member who loved sharing their opinions of my mother was no better than she was. In fact, they would prove to be much worse. But according to my grandmother, I was «loca» and they would never have said or done the things that I remember so vividly. I could never understand how she could deny everything that I knew to be true. So the story within this story is me trying to put myself in her shoes.
«Your mother threw you in the trash and I had to take care of you when NOBODY wanted YOU!» She slammed the door and went to her room. She started to taste the venom that she had just spit out at her granddaughter. The guilt started to set in because after all, she did love her. As she attempted to justify her actions, she thought to herself, «I don’t care. She pissed me off and I just lost it. I know she’s only nine, but she needed to hear the truth and I’m tired. I’m tired and too old to be doing this shit. If my son wasn’t such a fuck up, I wouldn’t have to be taking care of a kid when I’m this old. I raised my kids already. I shouldn’t have to be raising someone else’s. And where the hell is Charlie? El está durmiendo muy bien. That son of a bitch never does shit. And I’m over here killing myself. Aye, but I feel bad now. She didn’t ask for any of this either. She doesn’t even have a mother. And Danny’s in prison for who knows how long this time. Did Jackie say six months? So, I think that means he gets out in three. God, I wish he would get out already. But I know when he does, he’s gonna be doing the same shit. Why did he ever put a needle in his arm. Pendejo. El sabe mejor que esos pendejadas. I don’t know. I can’t think about it anymore. I don’t feel good. Ayuda me Padre.»
This is a memory from when I was nine years old with additional dialogue on what she may have been going through. I’m 46 now and it still has the power to bring me to tears. It’s still etched in my memory and no amount of shaking will erase it. I’m a mother now and I can’t imagine ever talking to my kids that way, much less my grandkids. I can barely contain myself when I imagine myself as a grandmother. But I understand that she was forced to be a mother again at an age where any little thing tired you out. Although despite her age, the woman was constantly moving, constantly cleaning or cooking or taking care of the other kids her children failed to raise. I wasn’t the only one.
My grandmother was a cold and unaffectionate woman with a mean streak that could not be matched. She kept all of her emotions bottled up inside and she expected us to be the same way. I have more than a few painful memories from my childhood that involved her abusive behavior. But as I got older, I learned a lot of things about her that explain a lot about her behavior. She had 10 siblings and a father who abandoned the family, but not before he sexually abused her. She never made it past the fourth grade and then worked in the fields alongside her mother and siblings. My grandfather had cheated on her, but she stayed with him thinking that she wasn’t smart enough to make it on her own. Her life was worse than mine, and still she tried to keep her family together. Aside from raising five children of her own and taking on the role of mother to three grandchildren, the woman kept the house clean enough to eat off the floors and fed everyone home cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She taught us how to be strong and face our fears. We learned how to keep a house clean and our clothes ironed. With as much hate as I harbor for this woman, if nothing else she has earned my respect ten times over and I have to appreciate the fact that she’s the reason why I don’t take shit from anybody. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t be around her, or anyone in my family for that matter, not if I planned on being happy at some point.
Eventually I cut ties with everyone in my family. Unfortunately, it took me over 30 years to do it. The toxicity was eating me alive and I had already been diagnosed with emphysema, so I couldn’t afford anymore health issues. My entire family was like an incurable cancer that had to be cut out in order to survive. Now I’m just trying to make peace with my decision so that the side effects of that disease don’t end up stealing my sanity or my chances of being happy.
I’ll never know if my mother was all the things that they said she was. The sources of all that information had been discredited and I had no one else to ask. For all I know, she could have been a saint. But it didn’t matter because by the time she decided to contact me, I wasn’t willing to find out. I was about 11 years old and out of the blue, the phone was handed to me by my grandmother. She nonchalantly informed me that my mother was on the phone. Now, I have to tell you that at the age of 11, I was a cold and sarcastic kid who already hated the world. So, the phone call lasted no longer than two minutes at the most. Here’s how the conversation went:
Me: Hello?
«Mother»: Hi, do you know who this is?
Me: Yeah
«Mother»: I’m you’re mother. Do you want to meet me?
ME: No
«Mother»: You don’t want to know me? You don’t want to know who I am?»
Me: «Uh uh.»
(Dead silence, so I hand the phone off to my grandmother.)
That’s it. That was the first and last time I ever heard my mother’s voice. When I think of it now, I can still hear it. Only now, I can recognize the hurt and disbelief in her voice. It makes me wonder why I was so cold at such a young age. But then the dysfunction of my childhood quickly jumps in to answer my question. Still, I do feel just a tiny hint of remorse when the flashback creeps into my mind. And as much as I hate to admit it, a feeling of satisfaction overshadows that guilt. Everything they ever told me about my mother stuck with me as if they were historical facts. Sadly, I’ll never know the truth about her because it takes a lifetime time to unwash your brain and my bitterness towards her has a mind of its own. In any case, and whether or not she is the monster they painted her out to be, I can’t see myself trying to build a relationship that has already been tainted long before
