Disappearing Slowly

Photography by Gabriel Matula – Unsplash – Poem by Joni Caggiano on Saturday, June 5, 2021



Shall I rise today and put on my face?  If so, which face shall I paint.  I suffer like a lamp whose light no longer shines or a piano whose keys are missing, yet still strains to coerce a tune.  Are these the penances the angels bring, for there is nothing but anguish here?  Might they break my chains like those of Paul and Silas?

Quiet, as my tongue is cut without the use of a knife or razor.  Bitter cold, your words can prove to be the optimal scalpel.  Blinded by your glare, disappointing looks pour concrete into every pore, forming a visible disenchantment. 

I will climb the thorns of the wayward vine that wraps itself like veins around the oak.  This act will extinguish this life by hiding my adoration of the sun and its life giving rays.  I will not feel the cuts or blood that pours from my body now, for it is but an earthly basin.  I exist within a dream that floats on cotton candy in the summer months and lives to hear the songs God gives the birds to orchestrate. 

You were my hope and prayers answered and spun into golden ships and rivers that spill blue. Why did lies and lack of respect seep into an ocean of bliss that I thought I had made with you?

93 Comments Add yours

  1. Kritika says:

    This is beautiful.

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so very much for your lovely comment. ❤️❤️

      1. Kritika says:

        My pleasure kindly 🙂 (hearts)

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        ❤️🤗

  2. Very nice Joni, powerful and intense images created by those words so perfectly placed in this work of art.

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much dear Francisco. Your words touch my heart. Sending love and hoping you two have an amazing weekend. ❤️ love Joni

      1. Same to you both my friend ❤️🌹🙏

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        ❤️🤗

  3. Brad Osborne says:

    Personal, powerful, and profound! Well written, Jonikins. Full of great imagery and striking metaphors. Much love!

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much Brad. I am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for all your very kind words. Sending you love my friend. Hopefully you can enjoy some time with your bike today. Love ❤️ Jonikins

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you John I appreciate your kindness as always my friend. Have a good weekend. Love ❤️ Joni

      1. jbcowgill says:

        You are very graciously welcome. You have an exceptional weekend.

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        Thank you my friend. I am making shrimp and grits today and perhaps a chocolate dessert. So although I won’t be losing some of the additional
        Seven pounds I need to shed my stomach will be happy. Love and hugs my friend. ❤️🤗❤️🤗

      3. jbcowgill says:

        How yummy. Enjoy!!!

      4. jonicaggiano says:

        Thank you dear friend. We will. Sending hugs. Love ❤️ Joni

      5. jbcowgill says:

        Thank you for the hugs.

      6. jonicaggiano says:

        I miss hugging people and I hope you are my friend, I
        certainly consider you to be. So many more hugs coming your way. Love ❤️ Joni

    2. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so very much for the kind reblog John. I hope you are having an amazing week my friend. Sending love, hugs and prayers today. xoxoxo Joni

      1. jbcowgill says:

        You are very graciously welcome.

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        Bless your heart. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  4. Timothy Price says:

    Wonderful poem, Joni.

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much Tim. When I was on your site yesterday I saw the pics of the owls when the Rose Dr. was there. When you said the little one, is that the baby from this year?

      1. Timothy Price says:

        There are three owlets this year. Sleepy is the youngest.

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        Wow sleepy is so
        Big already. They are such beautiful and mystical creatures. They sure thrive there. It must be nice to be almost exclusively surrounded by nature instead of people. You have all those animals to love, appreciate and photograph. Thanks for answering my question Tim. You two have your own Eden there. Enjoy your weekend. Love ❤️ Joni

  5. kagould17 says:

    Your imagery tells the story in a way that mere words can not. Thanks for sharing Joni. Have a great weekend. Hugs. Allan

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you Allan. I appreciate your reading and your kind words my friend. Thank you and you have a wonderful weekend as well. Hugs 🤗 Joni

  6. Reblogged this on Time Traveler on the road of Life and commented:
    This is so sad and lovely at the same time. You make me feel the sadness, even though I know you are loved and happy. Thanks for posting. I think you site likes me now. It keep s telling me my email is invalid, but I get your posts. I hope I haven’t missed any, they are too beautiful to miss. Love and Hugs to you.

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Hello my friend. Thank you so much for your very kind comment and the reblog. I have trouble with my own blog some times and I am just becoming more accepting of it because otherwise I stay frustrated. Love and hugs to you my friend. I hope your world is a blessed and peaceful one. I don’t let too much negativity into mine with all the craziness in our world today. So I think that plus God’s loving grace we do pretty well. Sending you a big thank you for also helping people meet other folks. ❤️🤗😘💝🌺🌹

      1. I may take a little time off when my kids are here and the next few days I am sewing up a storm. My hubby needs some new kick-around pants and shorts. Take care, will try to sneak in some time to blog. Hug to you and your hubby.

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        Wow good for you. I wish I could see like that. You should see the stuff I wear around the house. I like cozy so that is what I wear and we don’t get out much still. Good for you. I hope you have a wonderful visit with the kids, that is precious time. Thank you for your well wishes, very kind of you. Love to you two and have a wonderful time with the kids. 🤗😘❤️💝😘

  7. Such a moving poignant and beautifully written piece Joni. ❤️🤗

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much. I admire that you find time to write so beautifully when you are working as a nurse. I too was a nurse, I think I might have shared this. I admire your work ethic and what you do and you are a very talented poet. I wish there were more time in a day to read all the talented writers. Have an amazing day and truly I appreciate you for your writing abilities and your heart. It takes serious heart to be a nurse especially now. You are in my prayers. Love ❤️ Joni

      1. I appreciate your kind words , as a former nurse you can imagine what the last year has been like. Things are getting better and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay well, lots of love! ❤️

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        I honestly can’t begin to imagine not only what you have witnessed but what will stay with you. Your a very brave young woman and I am honored to know you as well as all those who continue to work and help in the medical field. Bless your heart. ❤️❤️

      3. Thank you Joni ❤️❤️

      4. jonicaggiano says:

        You are so very welcome. Be safe you. Hugs and love ❤️ Joni

      5. ❤️🥰

      6. I was on a roll today we worked on the MH (well, mostly Shirl did) I cut out several pairs of pants and short for him, now to get them sewed. I worked in a factory and sew very fast, hope the sewing machine can take it. Have a couple of days to get them done.

      7. jonicaggiano says:

        That is super impressive. I can’t imagine sewing pants and shorts. You are a multi-talented lady wow. I hope you have an amazing Sunday. Love ❤️ ya my friend. Hugs too

  8. Filarance says:

    Wowww!! Amazing poem my dear friend!! Very beautifully written.. wonderful piece..!🤗

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much Filarance. You are so kind to me my friend. Thank you for reading it means a lot. I hope you are having an amazing weekend. Sending love and hugs 🤗 Joni

      1. Filarance says:

        Aww!! Absolutely my pleasure my dear friend..!! Yes, I hoping you too have beautiful weekend..! Sending love and hugs.🤗☺️

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        Such a kind person. I am having a good weekend, thank you and hope you are too. Sending you love ❤️ Joni

      3. Filarance says:

        Awesome to hear from you my amazing friend..! Yes!! Sending love and big big hugs..!❤️

      4. jonicaggiano says:

        Thank you ❤️🤗😘

      5. Filarance says:

        Absolutely my pleasure..!🤗❤️

      6. jonicaggiano says:

        ❤️❤️

      7. Filarance says:

        🤗😊

      8. jonicaggiano says:

        xoxoxo Love Joni

      9. Filarance says:

        🤗🤗☺️

  9. Wow! What an emotionally moving composition that truly touches the framework of every human soul.💫🎼💫💞💞🍮🍮

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Wow you always humble me with your very gracious words. I am truly touched by this praise. Thank you. I hope that all is well with you and all your loved ones. Strange times we live in but this place I put my words and read others has made me feel truly blessed. Love, hugs and blessings to you. ❤️🤗😘☕️☕️☕️

      1. My pleasure Joni! Great poetry like yours, results from intense soul searching and impacts us all into our own soul-searching mode. Have a rewarding weekend with nature, good coffee, food and friends! Big Hugs! 💞🍮🍮💫☀️💞💐

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        Oh thank you. I will. Watching squirrels and hummingbirds this morning while sipping a great cup of coffee. Big hugs to you too. I always appreciate your taking time to read my work. Have a blessed Sabbath. Love ❤️, hugs 🤗 and blessings. Enjoy your coffee today too. Yea!!! ☕️☕️☕️☕️

  10. oh wow Joni… this is a powerful poem.
    I love how you started this and it crescendo and made it’s way to the vines of choice:

    “Shall I rise today and put on my face? If so, which face shall I paint. I suffer like a lamp whose light no longer shines or a piano whose keys are missing, yet still strains to coerce a tune.”

    Really honest which life delivers daily as we navigate the days.
    Blessings to you my dear Joni my friend closer than far.
    ❤️🌷❣️

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you my dear and shining friend who is full of light for others. Cindy thank you sweetheart for you kind and gracious heart which is a gift to me and your followers. I love you, ❤️ Joni.

      1. It’s my pleasure always my dear friend!!!
        Thanks kindly and have a great Sunday💖❣️❤️ Big love, Smiles and hugs that extend our distance making us closer than far❣️ love you too on❣️

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        Distance doesn’t exist between friends. Thank you for the hugs, love and smile dear Cindy. Sending more your way. ❤️🤗😘

      3. ❤️🌷🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗❤️true that❣️ THANKS A LOT

      4. jonicaggiano says:

        ❤️❤️❤️🦋🦋🦋💝💝

      5. 💖❤️🌷😻🥰🌈🌈🌈🌈

  11. It is heartbreaking when the love we once believed was our redemption is withdrawn, to be replaced by scorn or indifference. You have captured that anguish for many, Joni. I hope things are good w/ you. Sending much love your way, dear friend. Blessings, A. <3 <3 <3

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much for reading dearest Anna. I appreciate how you always understand me. I think you and I are sensitive creatures having gone through likely many of the same things when we were suppose to feel safe and protected. I am so grateful that we have the Lord in our lives. I am hanging in there like everyone else. I have prayed for those alone as I can’t even imagine how hard it would be. Blessings to you my dear friend. Love you, Joni ❤️❤️

  12. What a beautiful piece honeybun. It has everything: images, feelings, questions. You did a wonderful job. Bravo. You deserve all the love in the world.
    xoxoxo.

  13. Nan Mykel says:

    Wow…

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you very much. ❤️Joni

  14. Resa says:

    Lovely, Joni! Thank you!

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Oh I am so glad you enjoyed it my talented friend. Are you in New York or Beverly Hills with your own line of gowns? I bet you could be if you aren’t already. Have a blessed evening. Hugs 🤗 Joni

      1. Resa says:

        I am in Toronto!
        I wanted to offer my gowns (free for the night) to celebs when they come here for the big Film Festival.
        However, I will have to wait until the virus dies down and the red carpet events return1
        Have a fab evening! x

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        I hope someone falls in love with one, wants to see your gorgeous drawings and then bankrolls your business using recycled items for Ted carpet events. Lovely. What a lovely thing. Yea!!!

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so kindly for the gracious reblog. ❤️Joni

  15. This is very beautiful scene!

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so very much for reading and your gracious comment. Have a blessed weekend. Hugs 🤗 Joni

  16. What a powerful words you have chosen for this. It surely touches us.

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much for your very kind words and for reading. Have a blessed weekend my friend. Love ❤️ Joni

      1. Thank-you Joni.
        Have a blessed and full of smile weekend to you too.

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        Thank you so much. ❤️🤗😘

  17. Sometimes I get goosebumps reading your verses, Joni, this one is no exception! Absolutely amazing my friend!!!🥰☺🌞👏

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you dear friend. I must say I have been lifted up often by your lovely comments on my work. It is always touching when some one gets you. Love ❤️ Joni 🤗❤️

  18. jazzytower says:

    Very nicely done Joni!!

    Pat

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting. It really does mean a lot to me. Have a blessed weekend. Hugs 🤗 Joni

      1. jazzytower says:

        Welcome! You as well.

        Pat

      2. jonicaggiano says:

        ❤️

  19. bobro87 says:

    “I exist within a dream that floats on cotton candy in the summer months”
    ❤️❤️❤️I absolutely adore this beautiful work that ignites so many different feelings and emotions! BRAVO, Joni!

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Hello dearest Jill. Thank you so very much for your kind and gracious words. Most of all and forever thank you for you encouragement, that you always supplied. Love you my friend and can’t wait till next Thursday. Love, hugs and blessings to you sweet family. 🤗❤️😘💝💕🌹

  20. HensBlooms says:

    Such a stunning connection between the poem and images, so lovely 🌸💕

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Oh thank you Henrietta. I am so glad you enjoyed it, thanks for your kind comment. Love ❤️ Joni 💕🤗😘

  21. Powerful, full of feelings, sadness and yet beauty weaves through out. Your question, like a call of pain and I can relate. Words are the sharpest of knives..especially for one, like yourself who has such an open giving heart and a poet’s sensitivity. You bare your self on this word canvas…masterful!

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much, I must say you have really touched my heart with your words. When I read your work I was blown away so I am so touched that you can relate to mine. Thank you so much for all your beautiful comments they have made my day. Have a lovely week, I look forward to reading lots more of your work. xoxoxox Love and Hugs, Joni

  22. Joni, this is so powerful and poignant!

    1. jonicaggiano says:

      Thank you so much Dawn. You are always so kind. Thanks for reading and happy weekend. 🦋❤️🦋🎈

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