silent snowflakes fall (haiku)

Winter Landscape in HD by zcool.com.cn

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silent snowflakes fall

in the white covered forest

under a pale moon

blue skies in winter (haiku)

"Winter Landscape" by zcool.com.cn

Courtesy of all-free-download.com

blue skies in winter

eases the cold’s vicious bite

under the sun’s rays

winter's embrace

Photo by Adam Jaime

Courtesy of unsplash.com

winter has wrapped

her arms around me

once more

holding me close

to her ice cold heart

in an sweet embrace

I cannot escape

I watch snowflakes

fall slowly under

a pale full moon

dimming the light

that once shined bright

within my soul

drowning

I am drowning

in a sea of emotions

I cannot keep my head

above the high waves

I see the shore line

far off in the horizon

I try to swim back

but my arms have

grown too tired

to fight against the tide

broken mirror

she refuses to look

into the mirror

and stare at her

own reflection

I cannot help

but wonder what

sort of pain lies

inside her soul

that would make

it impossible

for her to look

into the mirror

and peer into

her own eyes

Photo by Tiko Giorgadze

Courtesy of unsplash.com

 - Written for dVerse Open Link Night #186

reflecting on time

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I reflect on a time

when life seemed easier

and the burdens were not

so heavy and numerous

but then I begin to wonder

whether anything in life

has really changed, or

was it just my youthful mind

that shielded me from such things

- Written for dVerse Poetics: It's all in the timing.

forgotten

you were once

believed to be

a long forgotten

memory

until you came

into the room

and old feelings

began to bloom

drowning my heart

in an emotional sea

that I was not

able to flee

Photo by Lukas Robertson

Courtesy of unsplash.com

asking too much

I wanted you to kiss

my blues away

heal my pain with

sweet lullabies

I wanted you to move

mountains and part seas

I wanted you to believe

in me

I wanted to love you

until the sun came down

to bath in your light and

covered by your shadow

but you broke down because

I asked to much of you

and I did not offer enough

of me

scars

my mom would heal

my scars with kisses

make all the bumps

and burns feel better

with her simple touch

but now as an adult

when I come home

I no longer have someone

to kiss away these scars 

and make them feel better

- Written for dVerse Quadrille #22 - Scars.

since I last saw you

it's been four months

since I last saw you

funny how times fly

when mending a heart

that appeared so broken

and I did not think

I would reach this point

when I would not think

about you every day

but it seems that time

healed wounds and faded

once cherished memories

you remind me

every time I see you

I feel a flutter in my chest

but I don’t think it is love

no, it’s something else

you remind me of those years

when things were simpler

I didn’t carry the worries

that burden me now

and I see in those eyes

those long lost years

but my mind knows

I can’t return to that time

for the trees have already

shed their leaves and

ice and snow has placed

those days in eternal sleep

stargazing alone

McArthur Causeway, Miami Beach, FL 

Photo by Wes Aspinall

Courtesy of unsplash.com

we had talked about stargazing

under a warm Florida sky

but that dream never came to be

so now I stargaze all alone

under a warm Florida sky

holding hands under the stars

as we fall deeper in love

but that dream never came to be

for you drifted out to sea

leaving me alone on the shore

so now I stargaze all alone

wising I had some company

maybe solitude is my lot in life

Parisian Night

The Eiffel Tower in Paris

 taken on 6/28/15 by Arcadia Maria

we lounged on the grass

watching the Eiffel Tower

light up the night sky

it is a sight to behold

at least once in your life

with your hand in mine

I wish I could freeze time

and stay in this moment

for eternity

- Written for dVerse Poetics: Night-time Panorama.  This poem was inspired by a photo I took of the Eiffel Tower during my trip to Paris in June 2015.  

holding my breath

I find myself holding

my breath more often

for it seems there is always

a storm cloud on the horizon

I know I should just 

breathe and relax

let things fall into place

but as the years pass

I have only become

more anxious

- Written for dVerse Quadrille #21 - Take a Breath

Photo by Annie Spratt

Courtesy of unsplash.com

I never wanted to say goodbye

I never wanted to say goodbye

the words too hard to say out loud

breaking my heart into a million pieces

but it’s the only thing left to say

the words too hard to say out loud

they push against my closed lips

pressing for their eventual release

breaking my heart into a million pieces

your eyes shattering my spirit like glass

no one really is bad guy here

but it’s the only thing left to say

the words written clearly on the wall

so I let them escape my throat

Photo by Andres Nieto Porras

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December Birthday

Having a birthday in December and hoping for good weather is always a toss-up – it’s either unseasonably warm or bitterly cold.  I took the day off for my milestone thirty-fifth birthday, with hopes to enjoy a few outings under a sunny sky.  Instead, I sat home watching thick snowflakes stick to everything that stood still.  The roadway and sidewalks became ice patches waiting to trick some poor soul’s feet.  I listened to school closing and traffic delays while sipping oranges inside my apartment cocoon, which now felt like a darken cave.  This is not how a person should spend a birthday – all alone.  Surely God knew how much I despised snow – was I being punished?

winter’s arrival

causes the skies to shed tears

as large white snowflakes

- Written for dVerse Haibun Monday: You say it's your birthday

across the night sky

Photo by Ryan Hutton

Courtesy of unsplash.com

across the night sky

its just you and I

dancing with the twinkling stars

falling deep in love

you become part of

the potion that heals my scars

the light in your eyes

gives me butterflies

the full moon is now our muse

with this love poem

my heart unbroken

no longer singing the blues

 - Written for dVerse's Meeting the Bar: The Alouette poem.  

missed cues

she always tried to cue her husband

to take out the trash or help with

the dishes but he seemed oblivious

to her hints, leaving her frustrated

and ready to pull out her hair

until one day she wasn’t there

and he finally understood

- Written for dVerse Quadrille #20 wherein we had to write a poem containing the word "cue", which has several definitions.

four white walls watching

we watched her every morning

she would go out for many hours

until evening when she came back

returning to dreams at midnight

she would go out for many hours

yet her sadness stayed behind

it permeated the very air we breathed

until evening when she came back 

and we saw in her eyes diminishing

light and a growing darkness

returning to dreams at midnight

we saw her swallowed every pill

and cross over the eternal bridge

- This poem as inspired in part by dVerse's Halibun #24: Bridges and Poetics:If Walls Could Talk prompts from earlier this week.  

eternity of nights

"Moonlight Landscape" by Petr Kratochvil 

Courtesy of all-free-download.com

"eternity of nights"

it was your eyes that drew me in

an immortal kiss that sealed my fate

by your side for an eternity of nights

I walk with you under the moon

an immortal kiss that sealed my fate

I gave up the sun for twinkling stars

to feed this hunger in dark shadows

by your side for an eternity of nights

you have become my alpha and omega

as the years turn into centuries

I walk with you under the moon

that seductive goddess I can’t let go

I believe death has forgotten my name

  

Happy Halloween to all who celebrate.

- Written as a Trimeric poem.  You can find out more information about this form at Writers Digest Poetic Asides Blog  and at popularpoetryforms blog.  This is one of my first attempts at this form and I am beginning to like it.  I think it gives you a little bit more freedom than other forms.  I encourage you to give it a try.

One Year Anniversary

Today is the one year anniversary of this blog.   One year ago today I began this little blog to share my writing with others.   It has been an interesting journey.  I want to thank every one who has taken the time to visit, read and comment on my works.  Your encouraging words help me continue this journey.

And here's a poem for today, inspired by dVerse Quadrille #19.

"spark"

your touch

sparked something

inside of me

that I thought

was long dead

in your eyes

I saw paradise

and heard heaven

in your voice

and to think

I almost

walked away

afraid of a

broken heart again –

I’m so glad

that I stayed

Photo by Eutah Mizushima

Courtesy of unsplash.com

first memory

my first memory of you –

a young, naïve teen, like me –

yet I can still envision

your sparkling brown eyes

in the warm afternoon light

and after all these years

no one so far has captured

my attention and stopped

me in my tracks 

- Written for dVerse Poetics: first things first in which we are tasked to write a poem about a first that means a lot to us or one that we look forward to.  I went a step further by writing this as a Quadrille (a 44 word poem) with the word "spark" in it, coinciding with dVerse Quadrille #19 prompt posted earlier this week.  

waiting for the spark

she was so patient with him –

he was not her first choice,

but a wise one, so she waited

for the spark to ignite a deep

passion to carry her through

the years – but it never came

because some things

can never be forced

- Written for dVerse Quadrille #19 where we had to incorporate the word "spark" in a poem of exactly 44 lines.  Feel free to join in on the fun.

disturbing waters

disturb still waters

and step out your comfort zone

dare to take the risks

break down all those concrete walls

others built to keep you in

Photo by tpsdave

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A September Day in New York

On a sunny September day I walk along the crowded streets of Little Italy.  It is the Feast of San Gennaro and the crush of people almost make it impossible to walk.  The barrage of scents attack my nose – fresh tomatoes, sausages, cheese, baked goods, and even seafood  I gingerly walk by tiny dining tables set on the sidewalks by cafes where people sip wine and dine on Italian dishes.  I keep it light with a cold lemonade and a slice of delicious New York style pizza.  I watch the colorful floats ride down the parade route under a gorgeous sky.  I am happy to spend a day in the city, but still thinking it would be better with some company.

narrow city streets

expand to hold immense crowds

under the blue sky

"San Gennaro Festival Parade" 9/17/16

Photo by Arcadia Maria

All Rights Reserved.

- Written for dVerse Halibun Monday #23 - contemporary cityscape

the journey ahead

the asphalt road lies ahead

the gray clouds threaten to overtake me

I have heard your words and concern

but this is a journey that I must take

so I begin my ride down this long road

with eyes wide open to what lies ahead

Photo by Gian-Reto Tarnutzer

Courtesy of unsplash.com

- Another poem inspired by dVerse Quadrille #18 prompt "cloud"

Clouds in San Diego

I went to San Diego hoping

to feel the sun on my skin

but only found clouds following

me everywhere I went

and it wasn’t until from my
window I watched the plane  

climb over those stubborn clouds 

that I saw the sun again

 - Written for dVerse Quadrille #18 "Cloud".  This poem was inspired by a trip I took to San Diego, California a few years ago.  I heard many people speak of "sunny" California, however, the sun decided to take a holiday while I was there.  Although I found San Diego area very lovely, it would have been more lovely if the sun would have made an appearance.

life and regrets

I try to live my life to the fullest

and enjoy each moment without regrets

but those feelings cannot always be avoided

there will be times you wish it was different

wondering if you took the right path

but this is just the way of life’s journey

you never know what you will find

or what future lies ahead of you

so I take each step with eyes wide open

and see where the waves will take me

"Big Sur, California" by Vashishta Jogi

Courtesy of Unsplash.com

Typical Tuesday

It was a typical Tuesday.  I was up early that morning for my daily workout.  Then I hopped in the shower and got dress for the day.   I made breakfast since they say breakfast is the most important meal.  But the day was not a typical Tuesday.  I was wearing my best pantsuit and my hair  curled in all the rights places.   Interviews can be nerve wracking and even though it wasn't my first time, it still created butterflies.  I wonder will I make a good impression.  Will they even like me?  Will I like them?  Does the job pay well?  Can I really do this?  Too many questions flooded my head as I ate my cereal.  Taking a deep breath as I sipped my tea,  I prepared myself for the journey.

sun hides behind clouds

as the leaves begin to fall

and we take deep breaths

- Written for dVerse Halibun Monday #22-(Extra)Ordinary Days

a love story

"White Rose" by PixelAnarchy

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one man stole my heart away

two weeks it took me to say hello

three dates until we had our first kiss

four dinners spent meeting family

five honeymoon nights in Hawaii

six years we spent in wedded bliss

seven operations had us on edge

eight long minutes I waited by the door

nine months it’s been since I lost you

ten thousand years won’t heal this pain

- Written for Writers Digest Poetic Aside Prompt 369: Pattern poem

hiding in shadows

we hide in dark shadows

whispering forbidden wishes

to never be heard outside

our presence, but things

that are done in the dark

have a way of being revealed

in the light and secret rendezvous

and kisses shatter those glasshouses

we build around ourselves

 "Apple shadow fruit" by Alexis

Courtesy of All-free-download.com

 - Written for dVerse Quadrille #17 - Shadow

as the band started to play

the band started to play

the song we danced to the night

I fell madly in love with you

and it broke my heart in two

thinking of what we used to do

but no longer since you went away

the melodies smashed every inch

of the smile I was wearing before

the musical notes floated into the air

it took everything inside of me

to keep the tears from falling

exposing my still vulnerable heart

"Band Onstage" by David Wagner

Courtesy of All-free-download.com

Moving Day

It had just turned summer when I moved into my first apartment.  My dad and I carried packed boxes up two flights of stairs, because I wanted a second floor apartment with a balcony. (My dad was thankful I had the new sofa delivered by the furniture store).  Mom came later with my brother to help unpack the few dishes and items I had to fill my studio apartment.  I’m not certain my brother truly understood what was going on – it was just a new place for him to explore with his eyes.  When night fall came, I hugged my parents before they departed, leaving me all alone.  At that moment I felt like a bird spreading its wing to leave the nest for the first time.  I climbed into my bed when the realization truly hit me – I was now on my own.

under the June sun

little bird departs the nest

trying out her wings

- Written for dVerse Halibun Monday: Winds of Change.

Interview

you stand there

as they stare

at your face,

your flesh and bones

as you squirm

under their hot gaze

they look over

your credentials

as you try to find

the right words to say

that will make them

want to take you on board

and say the magic words

“you are hired”

open advice

please my dear take these words to heart

for I have learned in life that it is better

to keep an open mind and heart

instead of a heart stuck in place

for you may miss the rainbow

by staying focus on the clouds

- Written for dVerse Opening to the Muse-Quadrille #16 where we are asked to write an "open" poem, either as a noun, verb, adjective, adverb or any other way you might think of.  I rewrote this poem several times before I could get the words right (at least in my mind).  

I wish

I wish I could spend days

building sand castles by the sea

strolling down the streets of London

eating baguettes on Paris sidewalks

I wish I could spend days

writing, absorb in magical words

not worrying about the next paycheck

and living a comfortable life

I wish I could spend days

swimming in those daydreams

that blend into night tales

perhaps it’s not too late

- Written for dVerse Poetics: Wishful Thinking

a kiss under the night sky

We were both young and inexperienced tweens.  Yet chemistry and hormones drew us together over a summer weekend.  The last night we lounged under the night sky, sharing a first kiss.  It was the first time I ever kissed a boy, though I believe it wasn’t your first time kissing a girl.  I can still remember your lips upon mine – warm, soft, wet.  My naivety slowly melted under the July moon with you.  I wish we could have stayed in that moment – frozen in time - oblivious to all that will come in the future.

the night stars twinkles

as they dance around the moon

to sensual beats

- Written for dVerse Halibun Monday - Twinkle, twinkle

love in seasons

"The Four Seasons" by George Hodan
Courtesy of all-free-download.com

"love in seasons"

in spring

flowers blossomed

the first time you kissed me

under the summer sun

I fell in love

with you

autumn

brought shorter days

so I cherished that time

for you left in winter

turning my heart

ice cold

- I decided to a little bit of experimentation.  I wrote this as a Cyclus poem, which is a shape poem.  You can find more information about this poetry form here.

Selene

Photo by zcool.com.cn

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"Selene"

one summer night he met the moon

who called herself Selene

she was an exotic beauty

with pale skin and dark hair

seducing men down to their knees

he chased her across the night skies

dodging stars and blazing comets

but she always managed to escape him

flashing him her beautiful smile

reminding him she was unattainable

- Written for dVerse Poetics: Moon-muse.

you always leave

you always leave me

when I just start getting comfortable

snatching the rug underneath my feet

and to be honest

I have cried out all my tears

my tongue has depleted its prayers

I know it’s not very Christian

but I’m just being honest

- Written for dVerse Quadrille #15 - Leaves.

hellos and goodnights

hellos at sunrise

makes mornings so much better

with coffee or tea

as we leave our home

I take one last look at you

so I won’t forget

my heart makes wishes

that I could spend afternoons

snuggled in your arms

at dusk we return

shedding all the day’s hardships

and retrieve our light

good nights under the night sky

makes me drift into good dreams

- Written for Writers Digest Poetic Form Challenge: Haiku Sonnet and dVerse Open Link Night #178

a goodbye under blue skies

Photo taken 8/10/16 by Arcadia Maria.  All rights reserved.

“a goodbye under blue skies”

I don’t remember how the clouds looked that day.  What I do remember is standing beneath blue skies with the June sun on my skin.  My young mind trying hard to grasp the heaviness of the occasion.  Grand-mom wept into her handkerchief as grand-pop held her.  Mom had her arms wrapped around dad with a solemn face.  So many relatives were gathered around the open grave, where you will lay until the end of time.  The preacher said his solemn words of comfort and we all left flowers for you as a token of our love.  We then departed that place, to get back to piecing our lives back together.  But for me, it would be some time before I fully understood what happened.  I had never lost an uncle before so it was all new to me.  After all these years I have not forgotten you.  For every Spring, I visit your grave along with grand-mom and grand-pop, under blue skies.  I still cannot believe it’s been twenty nine years since you been gone.

white clouds and blue skies

try to wipe away our tears

with help from the sun

- Written for dVerse Halibun Monday: The Sky is the Limit.  We were tasked to write a halibun poem about the day sky.  I'm not sure what came over me when I read this prompt, but I decided to revisit a memory I had of my uncle's funeral.  I was only eight years old when he died in a car accident, but I have fond memories of him from when I was very little.  This is for you, uncle Evan.  

Tanka poems

“tango”

in dreams we tango

to sultry beats with our feet

your tender kisses

and sensual eyes lull me

into an eternal sleep

"Tango couple dancing" by werner22brigitte

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 *********************************************************************************

 “at sunrise”

soft like rose petals

he warms her with caresses

kisses like honey

they lounge on soft cotton sheets

as the rising sun greets them

Photo by Bruno Sousa

Courtesy of Upsplash.com

- Written for dVerse Meeting the Bar - Tanka.   For today, we are writing Tanka poem,s which are a Japanese form of poetry which has been around for many centuries.  Come join us and check out some other great pieces.

like a love song

your voice was a love song to my ears

tickling my heart with warm feelings

but not all love songs are happy

some cut you down to the core

like you when you told me goodbye

so now whenever I hear your name

I think of our song and what we once had

"Musical note" by Hans

Courtesy of All-free-download.com

- Written for dVerse Poetics: The Sound of Love.  Check out some wonderful poets here.

wishes and dreams in jars

"Bottles jars glass" by Shirley

Courtesy of All-free-download.com

"wishes and dreams in jars"

I placed my wishes and dreams in jars

hoping one day to open the lids

releasing them into the sky

flying like fireflies at dusk

but the time never seemed right

I held them for so long

that one day it was too late

- Written for dVerse Quadrille #14 - Jar.

escape

"Boracay Getaway" by Maliz Ong

Courtesy of All-free-download.com

"escape"

take me away

from the pain

and darkness

fly me into light

and warm sunshine

away from coldness

romance me

let me fall in love

once again

meet me in dreams

Caribbean blue seas

forgetting all worries

show me paradise

hold me tight

never let go

with your kiss

breathe life into

my empty lungs

life in blue

midnight blue skies

she was born under

snow blanket the ground

maybe that is why she

always felt so cold

until Spring arrived

powder blue skies with fluffy clouds

chased away depressed feelings

spring cleaning cobwebs

from her heart every year

warm skies of azure blue

welcomed her every summer

lounging on white sands

turquoise waters around ankles

the highlight of every vacation

a crisp navy blue suit

was what caught her attention

their eyes met and she fell

head over heads in love

sweeping away her daily blues

autumn skies of cobalt blue

a sign of what was to come

who knew the time was short?

but she held on like fall leaves

soaking in those blue hues

the sky was ice blue the day

she was laid to eternal rest

tears fell from loved one eyes

but not hers – she was smiling

under heavenly blue skies

- Posted for dVerse Open Link Night #177.  Inspired by De's dVerse Poetics: Breathing in Blue prompt.

blue jeans

I saw you in dark blue jeans

my heart skipped a few beats

as daydreams played in my head

of seeing your handsome smile

in the morning light

or looking into those eyes

every single night

but you walked out the door

never meeting my pining gaze

but I won’t soon forget 

you in those blue jeans

- Written for dVerse Poetics: Breathing in Blue

I miss romance

I miss romance

the “just because” flowers

countless “I love you” texts

and late night conversations

you don’t know what you have

until it slips from your hands

maybe it will return some day

or maybe it was just a dream

that I have awaken from

Photo by Anna.  

Courtesy of Unsplash.com

sevenling: fear

what used to bring fear to me:

the dark, monsters under the

bed and dogs.

it took a long time to get over

heights, highway driving

and trying new things.

but I still fear spending my life alone.

- Written for dVerse Poetics Tuesday: What Are You Afraid Of?

who I am

"who i am"

female. thirty-seven.

black and puerto rican.

american. jersey girl.

college graduate.

legal assistant.

tall.  pretty. introvert

thoughtful.  humble.

writer.  music lover.

politically independent.

single. childless.

daughter. sister.

niece.  cousin. friend.

vampire aficionado.

moody. seeker of peace.

these small pieces

make up who I am.

Arcadia Maria.  Taken 5/13/16.

Photo by Arcadia Maria. 

All rights reserved. 

- Written for dVerse Quadrille: I am who I am

deluge of tears

a deluge of tears

fell down my cheek

as I read parting words

that slit my heart open

I did not think

I could hurt so much

from an affair that

lasted only a season

but I had my hopes

I suppose I still do

but it gets harder

to believe in such dreams

heartbroken on a hot July night

I had just broken up with my boyfriend of two years.  The need to shed reminders of him was strong.  I drown them in cold alcoholic drinks under city lights.  Who knew a baby shower could be like a night at the club.

Afterwards I sat on a porch under the stars.  Row houses can be so steamy in summer.  In reality, it was probably that flying cockroach that led us outside.  The three of us chatted the night away before the sky lighten.  Slowly I began the process of piecing myself back together.

hot and humid days

turn into long, steamy nights

never-ending heat

- Written for dVerse Haliban Monday #17 - summer heat

"Lamp light sun"

Photo courtesy of All-free-download.com

Once believed

I once believed in Santa until my inquisitive mind

began to question the holes in the story

maybe I should have questioned the things

I noticed in you – out loud – instead of in my head

maybe I would not be as hurt as I am now

or question whether love will ever come for me

or does only death has my name

A/N:  This poem was inspired by dVerse's 5th anniversary celebration prompt for Friday July 22, 2016, in which you had to write about a belief you once had and how it transformed you and your life throughout time.  I didn't read the post in time to participate because I have been really busy these last few days, but it did inspire me to do some writing so I could have a post for today. 

kisses between us

kisses between us were short

I wish they lingered longer

on my lips, now you have gone

into the light, I am left alone
with only my memories

- Written for dVerse Part 4 of 5th Anniversary prompt - 140 character poem

still I dream

my time is short

but still I dream

of a future with you

even if the world

transpires against us

water fills my lungs

my last vision is you

- Written for dVerse Part 4 of 5th Anniversary prompt - 140 character poem

when time runs out

Photo by Vera Kratochvil

Courtesy of All-free-download.com

"when time runs out"

I never got the chance

to do all the things

I wanted to do

my time ran out

sand in the hourglass

has fully drained

I now shed tears

for all lost things

I couldn’t hold onto

slipping through my

fingers like water drops

I knew this day would come

I even prayed for it

in my darkest nights

but no one is prepared

for its eventual arrival

now I only have memories

to hold onto tightly

hoping they will not

fade away in time