On behalf of National Breast Cancer Foundation, I was nominated as a candidate for the Fabulous Over Forty fight against breast cancer campaign.
As it has become a very heartfelt campaign, having lost loved ones to cancer, I cannot help but be moved by those who have fought and won, and those who have fought and loss in the battles against this ravishing disease.
La vie en rose, one of my most favorite old songs that was written by Edith Pilaf during World War ll, with a message to fight for love in war. I remember when it was sung by Grace Jones and so eloquent sung by Louie Armstrong.
I have taken the passion of this song and have given it a new meaning, in the heart of my campaign; to fight for love in times of war; and for your loved ones in the war against breast cancer.
Categories:
pilaf, bereavement, cancer, death, grief,
Form: Rhyme
Contrasting and full of range.
He featured styles that were
in tuned to her octaves.
She wished him to shine to
show a world her discussion making
abilities. She knew that her range
her assignment would be to
convince him to agree to a point
in the song where
her low range would be answered with
his higher range
her low ooh would be answered
with her higher ooh
until they reached the section of
the piece where the tempo of the
song changed. Octaves to
describe rallentando to
accelerando or vice versa. He would
have to understand and
agree:
to make the rendesion the best
interpretation of a rendering of
the piece. They would talk it over
in a horse and buggy to assure the
gentlemen that she was honest and
sincere. The virtuosity of the man
is all she demands.
To There Own Ambition
Black salsa with garlic and cilantro
with charred green onions
and Ribeye steaks
Sourdough yeast rolls
Garlic parmesan and cream rice pilaf
w/ toasted pine nuts and pancetta
Blackberry and Molten Chocolate souffle'
w/ vanilla ice-cream
with Muscat de-Beaurmes de Venise
A smile might began the evening.
Categories:
pilaf, business, engagement, music, repetition,
Form: Ballade
the best rice pilaf ever
the present to her my tuna and cheese casserole
together, we make the taco salad and the cinnamon rolls, medium icing
butterscotch milkshake for me
blue bubblegum milkshake for you
the james gang is playing on the 8 track player
riding shotgun is the voice of steve marriott
in my head is some early loverboy turnin' loose
so blessed to still be here
the pandemic claiming 6 between us, including your Mother
i turn all of the music off and i hold you in silence as you finally stop 'being brave'
you sing your Mother's favorite song, half crygurgling, but still beautifully
'COME IN FROM THE COLD (COME IN, COME IN)'
i think about my own Mother conversing with yours
an andrae crouch song creeps from my lips
THROUGH IT ALL/OHHH THROUGH IT ALL/I LEARNED TO TRUST IN JESUS/I LEARNED TO TRUST IN GOD'
feeling this, you bury your head deeper into my chest
loving each other in the depths of another definition
we forget completely about the music and the food
the rhythm and the nourishment is coming from another place on this night
Categories:
pilaf, love, missing, mom,
Form: Free verse
I can remember a February
away back in nineteen seventy-four
'Twas a first meeting of my family
and my intended whom I'd spoken for.
Two hour ride to Kentucky's western part
with a basketball game planned to follow
home-cooked meal - key to a son-in-law's heart.
The tension on both sides, hard to swallow.
Driving home after the game my sweetheart
suffered an attack, much worse shall we say,
than a mere gastrointestinal fart.
Gas stations, closed; fast food stops, gone astray.
No rhyme nor reason fits distension's distress;
My beloved sensed a connection, right off -
key to dad’s workplace suspended a big mess
as mom wonders, "Was it my rice pilaf?"
written February 9, 2018
Categories:
pilaf, 11th grade, engagement, family,
Form: Quatrain
parmesean shrimp pasta and loaded cheese grits
southern chicken tenders and rice pilaf
hot buttered cornbread and butterscotch pudding for dessert
two bottles of water, some multivitamins, and an alluring oceanfront view
a unique collection of music i made similar to an 8 track i had in the early 80s
let me see....morning sunrise-weldon irvine....lovely day-bill withers....
moonlight feels right-starbuck....kiss you all over-exile....the tide is high-the paragons
....simple things-minnie riperton....look around-sergio mendes and brazil '66....
a little stan getz, a taste of michael franks, and an alluring oceanfront view
i sit here now in complete silence
a few people with flashlights are having a good time like i am
race, color, and presentation does not matter here in this vibe
i fall asleep with a smile of pure contentment on my face
i do not worry about the inevitable departure
i do not worry about what is waiting for me when i get home
i do not even worry about time or place
i just amass myself in the heavenly bliss of the moment....thank the Lord....and rejoice
Categories:
pilaf, beach, food, god, ocean,
Form: Free verse
I can hear them with their laughter
dinig on their wine and steak
hunger has to wait 'til after
doors are closed to fill my ache.
I hide inside the dumpster green
like the garbage, unaware
until the grubby hands are seen
throwing in my daily fare.
The echoed footsteps fade away
silently I open bags
what have they brought for me this day-
this crumpled soul in dirty rags?
Bones with gristle, rice pilaf
some beans and cold potatoes
there's meat that they did not chew off
and slimy wet tomatoes.
The foul smells that I notice not
as I keep hunger at bay
would make another lose their lot
but I'll live another day.
Survival is my only goal
but I would give instead
my heart and yes, my crumpled soul
for the tatse of fresh baked bread.
Categories:
pilaf, dark, food, grief, lost,
Form: Rhyme
Soft silk
chiffons bare legs crossed,
pressed white linen
hangs cornered over,
hiding black heels
vacated.
Candle flickers in soft sigh
as silver rimmed plates
are masterfully set
at right angles.
Aroma gently tantalizes,
stroking attentive faces
into anticipation.
Delicate amber curls
of carrot crafted into art,
tulle blushing beet batons.
Layered succulent slices linger,
drizzled cranberry port reduction
sweetens breast
of roasted duck.
Wild rice pilaf
infused with woodland morels
softly mound the landscape.
Deep burgundy Merlot
swirls in crystal goblets,
clinking to a toast...
and a fork is lifted.
Categories:
pilaf, food
Form: Free verse