Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Love Emeritus





‘I love you’
and its evil twin
‘Luv ya’

how they flow across the tongue
glib but tired half-true habits
drones in need of overhaul

soundless noise
unmeant unheard
invalid password
instinct-blocked from other’s heart

what eager understudy
waits in wings of romance —
love’s more genuine self?

what if?
what if instead I said,
“I cherish you.”

ahh, ‘cherish’ . . .
to hold another dear
take care of
protect
foster

‘cherish’
all-in
naught in safe reserve
Cupid’s sharpest arrow
costing the lover
delighting the beloved

'cherish'
now there’s love’s worthy sub

*  *  *

Selected for publication in the Literary Review,
a journal of the California Writers Club, founded in 1909


"Love Emeritus" and image "Couple on the Beach," Santa Cruz, CA
(c) 2013 by Alfred J. Garrotto


Saturday, June 11, 2016

Art & Soul

Coming soon: The Soul of Art
(the book)


On Sunday, June 5, 2016, Art and Soul set off on its maiden voyage at San Damiano Retreat in Danville, CA.  Topics included: 
•  Imagination--Mother of Art
•  Telling the Truth Through Art
•  The I AM of Being an Artist
•  Sharing Our Artistic Gifts


The artists, writers, and musicians who attended gave the day a rating of 9 (out of 10).

My next project this summer will be to convert the workshop material into a book  under the same title.

I Am


I am the fine and graphic ARTIST; I paint, sculpt, draw to touch the hearts of those who view my work.

I am the COMPOSER; I transmit the beauty and compassion of Creator-Spirit through the gift of music.

I am the MUSICIAN; I channel the composer‘s vision to bring joy, uplifting peoples’ spirits.

I am the SINGER; I add voice to music, moving and entertaining my audience.

I am the DANCER; people’s spirits soar along with my body.

I am the WRITER; I use language to transport my readers.

I am the POET; my verse gives light and new life to soul-dead spirits.

I am the PLAYWRIGHT; I speak truth to challenge those who might be life-blind and indifferent. 

I am the ACTOR; I hold a mirror to the world. 



(c) 2016 Alfred J. Garrotto