A Rose For Rita Premiere Contest Winner

Here’s to the travellers,
   the passengers, the tourists
who trek this alien landscape
   in search of experience.

Here’s to the resilient,
   the adaptable, the survivors
who chose uneven ground
   and made a path for others.

Here’s to the dreamers,
   the poets, the believers
who see the cosmic cycles
   of life, death and rebirth.

Here’s to the family,
   the siblings, the bonds
that protect and comfort
   because love is never lost.

Here’s a rose for Rita,
   for Les, for Reen, for Mom
and all the souls we’ve lost
   who have gone home again.

For we are the aliens,
   not of this Earth, interlopers,
we belong to eternity
   and to eternity we shall return.

NOTE:
     Last night, Aug 20, 2019 my sister Rita Rose (her married name) lost her battle with leukemia and kidney disease, passing behind the curtain peacefully, joyfully returning to her husband Les whom she lost just nine months ago. Our mother passed only two months ago at the age of 92 while my brother's wife Reen died in April of 2018. Please send your love to Rita's daughter Heather and her grandchildren.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019



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Date: 11/17/2021 6:27:00 PM
Experiencing two deaths within six months I hug this poem too. Congratulations, Phil! I love the title!
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Date: 11/17/2021 7:50:00 AM
"we are the aliens, not of this Earth, interlopers" - Great! Congratulations!
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Date: 6/4/2021 7:00:00 AM
..... so revealing ... so much intelligence and heart and soul in this beautiful poem . I am adding it to my FAVS so I can read it again and again . You touched my heart as I know you have touched many others . Belated congratulations on your first place win . Blessings to you and yours , Susan
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Date: 12/8/2019 10:45:00 PM
To Heather, CHRISTmas consolations (Like Him upon the Cross, at Christmas, he was born to die) "We are aliens on earth, as much as Jesus was. Phil, U are salt and light (Matthew 5)
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Phil Capitano
Date: 12/9/2019 8:53:00 AM
Thanks Anil for your compassion and support. Have a great day.
Date: 11/16/2019 5:50:00 AM
I will come here many times to read again the most beautiful and moving poem about love and faith. Prayers. Congratulations, Phil!
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Phil Capitano
Date: 11/16/2019 7:11:00 AM
Thanks Roxane for the kind comments, I appreciate it.
Date: 11/2/2019 4:17:00 AM
First place and many gold stars. To remark "welldone" is not enough. You touched many hearts with this. A FAVe! Par excellance! Panagiota
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Date: 9/23/2019 9:05:00 AM
Giving this one a second read. A very moving write. A prayer headed your way.
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Date: 9/21/2019 9:47:00 AM
Exceptional write. Congratulations on your placement, it's a definitive win. The ending is hopeful!
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Date: 9/6/2019 12:01:00 AM
So sorry to hear of your losses. My condolences to you and your family. A beautiful poem expressing love and appreciation for all of us doing our best with the time we have here. Until the grand homecoming... Peace, Phil <3
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Phil Capitano
Date: 9/6/2019 3:53:00 AM
Thanks for your sympathy, I appreciate the visit and comments from everyone. It helps to know there are others who give. Namaste.
Date: 9/4/2019 4:48:00 AM
A touching poem which many of us can relate to, Phil. So sorry about your sister's passing away; I am sure that she is now free of worldly pain, enjoying greener pastures. I offer my prayers to you and her family. Regards // paul
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Date: 9/2/2019 6:04:00 PM
Hello Phil,Heather and grand children Rita will be with you in your hearts and thoughts og happiness that you all shared with her. have a nice day my friend.
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Date: 9/1/2019 9:48:00 PM
So sorry for all your losses. I too have lost too many family members to count but your words are beautifully penned and comforting to all who read! Congrats on your well deserved win and prayers for you, Heather and all the children! Hugs
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Date: 8/31/2019 9:08:00 AM
Reading your poem brought tears to my eyes. I am deeply moved.
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Date: 8/29/2019 7:59:00 PM
So sorry to hear of your loss dear Phil. My prayers are with you and the family .
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Date: 8/29/2019 3:54:00 PM
A lovely write and tribute! Sounds like a lovely Rose. Sorry for your losses. Keep my cousin in prayer too. She also has leukemia.
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Date: 8/28/2019 10:49:00 AM
Made me cry
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Date: 8/27/2019 7:09:00 PM
With heartfelt congratulations on your first place. Best Wishes always with your poetry.
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Date: 8/27/2019 2:42:00 PM
I can see why this emotional and heart touching piece wow'd Nina. Sadly the pain and loss is deeply felt. Congrats on your win!!!
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Date: 8/27/2019 2:41:00 PM
Thanks to all who commented on this poem, the win is bittersweet but I do appreciate all your love and blessings. My heart swells at the outpourings of affection.
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Date: 8/27/2019 8:36:00 AM
My sympathies for your loss Phil. I will keep Rita and your family in my prayers. I saved your beautiful poem to my Faves. Congratulations on your trophy win my friend! Blessings, Connie xxoo
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Date: 8/27/2019 7:33:00 AM
My deepest condolences my friend...so much tragedy in a short period of time...lovingly expressed in your verse Phil...and congrats! on your trophy win my friend...^WW^
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Date: 8/26/2019 9:01:00 PM
Sorry for your loss. A deserving top placement.
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Date: 8/26/2019 6:38:00 PM
Congratulations for your top win! A very loving tribute! :)
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Date: 8/26/2019 5:10:00 PM
Congratulations on your WOW win. Lovely tribute to family, my condolences.
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Date: 8/26/2019 3:37:00 PM
Congratulations on this beautiful poem's honors in Nina's contest. Definitely a Wow...and a FAV for me. Many Blessings.
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