Thursday, April 30, 2009

WordWise

WordWise, Spoken Word Event
Sketch Club Theatre
Glover Street, Woodbury on
Friday, May 1, 2009
7:00 to 9:00 PM

Sponosored by the Great Woodbury Arts Council.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Untitled Short Story

Exotic and mysterious, gripped by an unfathomable serenity…surrounded by blue magic. From the moment I saw you, I knew it was true. It’s the depth of your being that captivates so many...me. While they’re out to anatomize your molecular properties, I’m desperately trying to reach your core and feel you. Trapped between paralysis and a yearning so strong it burns, I realize I must initiate that first point of contact…that precise moment in time when our worlds collide and that coveted love is unleashed…

Her long dark hair extends past her torso. She’s quite a lovely young woman: olive complexion, almond-shaped eyes, full lips, matched with the most darling persona. Like usual, it’s mid-day and under the cumulus clouds, she strolls freely… enjoying the sand between her toes. She closes her eyes, lifts her head, and accepts the sun’s heat. I know why she’s here. She knows why she’s here. She tries her best to avoid the locals, but to no avail.

“Sirena, why do you spend such long hours on this beach? You should be in the city. Go find yourself a soul mate,” prods a little elderly woman with basket-weaved flip flops and a straw hat.

“Aidia, it’s just so beautiful here,” Sirena explains, drawing circles in the sand with her feet.

Looking up at the sky, Aidia offered, “Suit yourself. Don’t stay here too late though. My hip is bothering me today.”

Raising an eyebrow, Sirena utters an exasperated, “Huh?”

“It’s going to rain before the day is out. Umm hmm…the weather is sure to drop,” and just like that, Aidia walks off, whistling to herself.

Nightfall began to fall upon us, almost methodically. Below the dark nimbus clouds, Sirena quickens her pace to avoid the fast-approaching storm. The cool night air makes her body tremble. The droplets of rain penetrate her skin and saturate her hair. No longer walking, she begins to sprint. Faced with decisions: run for cover or go for it?

Within moments, I am within arms length. Sirena squats down and allows her fingertips to touch me. Her heart palpitates.

“Okay. This is it: the moment I’ve been waiting for,” Sirena declares, almost matter-of-factly.

Instantaneously, she dives and admires her surroundings. She eagerly connects with me. Like a chemical reaction, her transformation takes place before my eyes. Her slender fingers wipe a few droplets from her face. Her legs are no more. She smiles…admiring her shimmering, azure and jade scales, and speckled tail. I hope she stays with me for awhile.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Poetry on the Porch: Thursday, April 23, 2009

The New Jersey Chapter of the Younger Women's Taskforce invites you to our "Poetry on the Porch" poetry reading and open mic event in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Enjoy the work of four local poets:

Sandra Turner-Barnes
Erika “Sage” Kelley
Judith Lawrence
Abbie Gray

Sip lemonade and enjoying light refreshments on the wrap-around porch at historic Paulsdale.

6:00-8:00 PM at Historic Paulsdale, 128 Hooton Rd., Mt. Laurel, NJ
For directions, visit: http://www.alicepaul.org/contactpage.htm.