Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Tonight I Walked Alone down a Dark, Ghetto Alley...

To know me is to know that I relish words and phrases. Short ones, especially. Remember this ditty a couple years back? Click here.

I am known to underline them in books, magazines, cut them out, sometimes write them in the back cover of my written day planner - (No, I don't and will never have one of those Blackberry or Ipod planner gadgets, I will always write things out by hand.)

That is, unless I am typing thoughts in my blogs here or in the literally hundreds of bound pages I have of typed and bound journals that I've been keeping since the tender age of 14. I can admit, sometimes typing can be groovy for I can get a lot of those thoughts and phrases floating around in my head out quickly and not sloppily as when I used to furiously jot them down by hand.

For they all want to come out of my head and conscious, you see.

Wait - I feel some pouring out through my fingertips right now, let's see what I come up with:

- Like a tongue to a broken tooth: I've come full circle.

- Tonight I walked late at night down a dark ghetto alleyway - several times. Risking fate and danger? Well, stubbornly (more like 'stupidly') I've always done things like that. I remember back in college worrying my roommate, Diana, by walking a couple miles alone late at night with no street lights and many trees far up to the deserted track to go jogging. Or walking alone after midnight from my old studio in Hillcrest to the 24-Hour Fitness gym to work out. I remember a onetime gay friend and neighbor worrying about my taking walks or runs (before my bad knees) late at night alone and insisting I carry my phone with me and that he would be calling the police if I didn't return within 45 minutes. Even in Mexico, while living and studying there several months at the bright age of 21, I would naively return home alone the dark, tiny cobble-stoned alleyways ("callejones", they were called) late at night - even once getting followed and grabbed by some young psycho high on drugs whom I had seen follow me and stare at me from a distance for weeks. The ironic thing about tonight is that I even have pepperspray - but it broke off my keychain a few months back so I went at it alone in the alley tonight, clutching a key in between each knuckle shining brightly as a weapon - should the need arise.

- "Do you dance?" The tall, dark stranger asked as the Ragtime band played a jig. "You look like an Arabian princess..."

- I've noted before that sometimes my real-life dialogues play out in smart cliches like a carefully-scripted screenplay.

- "I hope I don't drive you to madness like Rodin did to Camille", read the back of the Parisian postcard featuring a photograph of the famous doomed lover's delicate nude statue with flowing tresses. I think both me and my boyfriend-at-the-time, Mark, knew full-well that his haunting words would inevitably come to fruition. Alas, being utter romantics and aching inside as artists are (and must be) we instead preferred to silently marvel and focus on how ironic, insightful and...let's face it: how painfully true his words could and did turn out to be (!)

- Te amo, mi Vida.
Te amo, Cobarde!

- If Love is a Red dress: well, then, do me a favor and, please, hang me in Rags.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Unexpected...




...was your finding me in the first place right when I was about to disappear. Unexpected was also what you expressed to me late yesterday on a rainy night...
I love you, P.

Friday, January 18, 2008

English Translation

 Alas, I've been asked twice today to translate my song from yesterday. Usually translating to English from Spanish completely loses its resonance and meaning since Spanish is a romantic language (and a romantic people!) and is full of fluid, flowery phrases and references to nature, beauty and drama. Whereas English is straight forward, boring and we don't speak that lovely way to one another. Nonetheless, I must admit that in this case, even in Spanish, artist Franco de Vita was as straight forward as one can get. So nothing below that makes me ache every single time I still hear it is 'lost in translation'...

A GOOD LOSER

I know that you are thinking of leaving me
I already know it
And I won't stop you:
Do whatever you want to do.

However, remember that I will be
here in the same place.
And if you ever feel like talking,
I'd love to listen.

And if he knows how to give you more love..
knows how to fill you with it better than me:

Then clearly I will know how to lose.
Of course I know how to lose.


There's no need to fall apart.
Those tears are more than enough.
If you need to go:
Go already.

Nonetheless, I was hoping you'd stay
but one must allow running water to flow.
Meanwhile I'm choking on words
that I did not know how to say.

And if the winds blow in your favor
I won't hold any resentment towards you, no.

Of course I know how to lose:
it won't be the first time.
Today you leave,
tomorrow I'll be going myself.

I will be a good loser.
For the World isn't going to change.
Besides, it is without a doubt that
someone will eventually take your place...

Saturday, April 28, 2007

I'm Better, Sto meglio, estoy mejor ahora

It's hard to hurt like that.
(Now that you caught a glimpse of my darkness).
But it's even worse to disappoint you.

For so long I wanted something
prayed for it
held my breath
and kept my fingers crossed

I counted my blessings
and wondered when
I'd know that which it was that
God had in store for me.

They were many a year of suffering
and learning hard lessons.

I am so ashamed
at having dramatically
underestimated you


But that pain and darkness
I identify as strength.
Strength that enables us to comprehend
one another.

For the first time in my life
I understand that I finally will not be let down or betrayed.

And I give my utter thanks to God for that.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Lo Que Sea

Remember this ditty from almost a year ago?

”For it’s in Times like this
She would be tempted to spit
If she wasn’t so ladylike?


What can we do?
What can we do with all this Useless Beauty?
All this Useless Beauty…”

The people who don’t understand me or don’t care to or who just are plain bullies in my life won’t get it. Can’t get it. I am not referring to the outer beauty. But those of you with cold hearts and who live to torment and misunderstand me will think that is how I mean it and try to cast your evil, wicked INCORRECT judgments on me. What is the point?

Tell me – what is the blasted point of it all???

I live to be misunderstood, it seems. My whole life it has happened. It STILL happens. With hurtful, evil people who torment me and even those who supposedly care. What is the point of it all??!!!!

I have always been alone. And you all roll your eyes and think that I’ve had some long-term relationships – NO! I’ve always been alone. And it seems to be my destiny.

No one understands it. No one gets it. And I accepted it long ago. It wouldn’t matter so much if I didn’t have to so much to give and so much goodness and charity that I was taught by my parents.

A truly colossal waste.

I live inside my head.

I live inside my nightmares.

I am utterly alone.

And I don’t trust a damn one of you.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Fable

You can look in the forest
for a secret field
for a golden arrow
for a prince to appear
for a fable of love that will last forever

You can look in the ruins
for a wishing well
for a magic apple
for a charioteer
for a fable of love
that will carry you
to a moon on a hill
to a hidden stream
a lagoon
and a red horizon stream
silhouette
sail away from time
forever

To a valley beyond
the setting sun
where Irish waters shine
and Arabian horses run

Where there is a love who looks for you

But
while you look
you are changing
denying.
You're a well of wishes
you're a fallen apple

And I can't bear it - No!

Love's a fake.
Love's a fable.
Just a painting
on a European ceiling.
Just a children's fairy tale.

And still you want to look
and look and look and look
and look:
for those dark eyes on a bridge
in the pouring rain
Not just his 'dark' eyes
but the part you can't explain
For the arms you can fall into forever
For the joy that you thought
you'd never know
For here, at last, away you go
to a man who looks for you

And if you find
in the world
in this great, troubled world
that someone sees
that someone knows you:
then, Love!
Love, if you can, my darling.
Love, if you can and let yourselfbe loved!

May it last forever...

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Some thoughts tumbling out of my head...



To truly fall in love
don't seek it - as so many people mistakenly do.
For true Love is
Accidental
Unexplainable
Unexpected
Fortuitous

Monday, March 12, 2007

Sempre c'e Speranza...

Tutti gli amici sono preoccupati per ti.
Ma ti conosco il più bene.
E so che siete Felici.
Queste parole d'amore e la vita che ho imparato, anche se in ritardo, da voi...


Non ho bisogno piu di niente
Adesso che
Mi illumini da´amore immenso fuori e dentro

Credimi se puoi
Credimi se vuoi
Credimi e vedrai non finira mai

Ho desideri scritti in alto che volano
Ogni pensiero è indipendente dal mio corpo

Credimi se puoi
credimi perche
farei del male solo e ancora me

Qui grandi spazi e poi noi
Cieli aperti che ormai
Non si chiudono piu
Che ha bisogno di vivere da qui

Vivimi senza paura
Che sia una vita o che sia una´ora
Non lasciare libero o disperso
Questo mio spazio adesso aperto ti prego
Vivimi senza vergogna
Anche se hai tutto il mondo contro
Lascia la´apparenza e prendi il senso
E Ascolta quello che ho qui dentro

Cosa diventi un grande quadro
che dentro me
Ricopre una parete bianca un po´ anche stanca

Qui tra le cose che ho
Ho qualcosa di piu
Che non ho avuto mai
Hai bisogno di vivermi di piu

Hai aperto in me
La fantasia
Le attese i giorni di una´illimitata gioia
Hai preso me
Sei la regia
Mi inquadri e poi mi sposti in base alla tua idea

Vivimi senza paura
Anche se hai tutto il mondo contro
Lascia l´apparenza e prendi il senso
E ascolta quello che ho qui dentro

Thursday, March 08, 2007

80s Song of the Week - Duran Duran "Lonely in your Nightmare"

Reading like poetry, this song from the "Rio" album was not a hit, but one of my favorite DD songs ever. It was songs and lyrics like these that I lost - and then found - myself in. They don't write songs or make videos like this anymore. This one is for the original DD fans, and those of us who must fight the nightmare in our heads...

Even on the darkest night when empty promise means empty hand
And soldiers coming home like shadows turning red
When the lights of hope are fading quickly then look to me
I'll be your homing angel- I'll be in your head.

Because you're Lonely in your Nightmare: let me in
and there's heat beneath your Winter: let me in...


I see the delta traces living lonely out on the limb
And a passing glimmer warm beneath your skin.
Please tread gently on the ground when all around you earth turns to fire.
Only get a second chance when Danger's on the wind.


Because you're lonely in your nightmare: let me in
Because there's heat beneath your winter: let me in
and it's silent in your stone field: let me in...


Must be lucky weather when you find the kind of wind that you need
C'mon show me all the light and shade that made your name
I know you've got it in your head I've seen that look before
You've built your refuge turns you captive all the same


Because you're lonely in your nightmare: let me in
and it's barren in your garden: let me in
Because there's heat beneath your winter: let me in

Because it's silent in your stone field: let me in
and you're lonely in your nightmare: let me in
Because you've waited through the Ice Age: let me in

Because you're so lonely in your nightmare: let me in
and it's cold out on your stone range: let me in
Because there's heat beneath your winter: let me in...

Saturday, February 17, 2007

"A First Dance"

With your desires tangled in my dark hair,
you are lost in the strangeness and newness of my form.
Bronzed hands grasping mine, the Courtship begins
with a First Dance.

Tell me your name again.
I like forgetting the shape of it in my mouth
and then remembering.
Small talk safely transcends shy humour.
Ah! The music!

An unbuttoned shirt revealing a slice of strength.
Perhaps access to your soul?
From the corners of their eyes
angels and devils watch the possibilities rise in our steps.

Embracing, your breath soft and warm;
bodies turning and touching.
Your eyes reveal the path to the wild winery
where we intoxicate by one anothers glances.

Under a blanket of darkness
our souls are bare.
Truth is as simple
as a bed and its covers.
Shall we be Lovers? Or Friends?

But the dance ends
and I walk away
without a word:
leaving a sideword glance
to interpret as you wish...
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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

El Dia de Amor y Amistad

*I told my boyfriend, Patrick, that I do not wish for anything out of the ordinary on Valentine's Day. (I may be the only woman I know with this perspective.) Each to her own: I just am not into gifts or pressuring who I am dating to dish out money on gifts or an overpriced dinner. His love for me is proven every day on a day-to-day basis. Life is hard. He is strong. And he is there for me. No amount of gifts, roses, candy or jewelry could ever prove his commitment more to me than that.

That said, I love to reflect. And I love writing. I came across the following that I wrote September 13, 2006. Almost 5 months ago to the day. It was a turning point for me in our still young relationship. I am so proud to be here, P. I love you.

There is an idea of our relationship.

Undoubtedly in the minds of family.

Of friends.

Of our exes.

And our past.

But no one can come close, my Love, to understanding and deciphering just exactly what it means that both of us have arrived to this place. To this moment. To open ourselves to the utter happiness (and inevitable pain) that comes with trusting when one is not trusting by nature or is introverted, or has been through some traumatic experiences.

I shall work very hard to never fail you in what you have given me. That is my pledge to you.

A long time ago someone once told me that they couldn't return my love. That it was difficult to be responsible for, or on the receiving end of such feelings. I remember apologizing. Broken and confessing to myself that the only way I know how to love is to own a part of my mate's soul...

I never dreamed someone would be strong enough to want that kind of love. For the pain that is involved with that kind of passionate emotion can be utterly devastating and crushing.

We found each other only a short distance away. With already signs of our paths and past crossing. It was inevitable that I be yours someday. Wholeheartedly yours.

Absolutely everything hurtful that I have gone through in my life has been worth it now that I have you and know what a healthy relationship is. What an equal relationship should be. And to truly know what it is like for the first time to be in love with a man who knows how to give as well as receive.

I've dreamt about this feeling and your embrace since I was 13. Twenty-one years later I can say that I have undoubtedly found the one I want to be with for the rest of my life. Everything I laugh at or enjoy without you hurts because I want to share it with you. You are such an integral part of my life now that I can't imagine spending a day without seeing you.

I am so blessed.

I am so happy.

I am so in love.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Kix are for (Hispanic) kids (too)!!!!!

2 years later and I am still featured with my (fake) El Salvadorean daughter sitting on my lap on the back of Kix cereal boxes all across the USA. I've seen these boxes with my own blind eyes as far as Maui, HI to NYC, New York. But, don't bother buying the cereal thinking it's going to help get me paid residuals or anything like that... I haven't seen a cent since the original photo shoot was paid and I know that the photographer sold the image to "Proctor & Gamble" for probably about $20k....

Still, my nieces and nephews get a kick out of it as they were the ones who first saw it eating their morning cereal. My face has been taking to elementary school "Show And Tell" thus cementing me as Cool Aunty Elsa for-EVER!!!!

Also, worth noting was that way back in May when my darling Patrick and I had only been dating a couple weeks he one day texted me, "OMG - you've been sitting on top of our fridge for months now!!!"

Pretty groovy. I'd say it was kismet that we met. It even prompted this MySpace poetry along ago:

It was inevitable
that our Love would grow.
For on so many occasions already
our paths had crossed
without our even knowing it.
And so
There I was
All this Time
Smiling down at you
Like your Guardian Angel
...from the back of a children's cereal box."

Our Love was truly meant to be!!!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Words: 1 Fine Example


So be it:

hit me across the head with a crowbar
if that is all I am good for so far.
At least until you get out of this Mess.

And I will pretend
that I don't know of your Sins.
- until you are ready to confess them.
But all the time.
All this time:
I'll know.

And you could use this skin
to bury secrets in.
For I know how to settle you down.

And at my own suggestion:
I won't ask no questions.
I'll just do my thing in the background.
But all the time.
All this time:
I'll know.

Baby, we can't grow while she is still around...

So.
For the time being
I'm being:
patient.

And amidst this bitterness
if you'll just consider this -
even if I don't always make sense
all the time.
Well, damn - give it time.

For when the crowd and ghosts become your burden
and you've early closed your red curtain
I'll be waiting by the backstage door...

And while you try to find
the lines to speak your mind
and pry it open in hopes of an encore
- just remember it may get too late,
for me to wait
for you to find you really love me
and to be able to mean it so.

Hell.
It's okay.
No need to say it.
I'll know....