http://spillwords.com/author/phyllispcolucci/      

https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-P.-Colucci/e/B00VMU8B44

 (PINTEREST PHOTOS)

 "THE FIRST FALLEN LEAF"

   I found myself sitting on the old
   wooden park bench
In my old quaint neighborhood
Peering through oversized sunglasses 
   and sipping a mocha latte,
   watching the world go by
Like a lone wolf, or perhaps a frightened lamb
Yet I remained true to who I am 
The clouds overhead reminded me
That some things never change
They blended in with the grey sky
   and hid a few secrets of their own
But they remained the same
Like the people, places and things I know
Who all tell similar tales of woe

As the wind picked up
I raised the huge collar of my beige raincoat
To simply keep the wind  
   from whistling in my ears 
   and thrashing down my neck…
A raindrop or two sprinkled my nose
So what! What the heck!
Even the pigeons continued to peck!
Suddenly, out of nowhere,
   an autumn leaf, just one, made an appearance 
It swayed to and fro
   upon the wings of the autumn breeze
Then it gracefully fell into my lap
   and looked up at me with its crisp smile
   and put my mind at ease

Donning a brilliant reddish-golden hue 
It whispered to me that some things do change
So I gazed up at the huge tree from where it came 
…Just one lonely leaf; The First Fallen Leaf
   showed me things are never the same 
It chose me today, I am proud to say 
   as it fell into my lap just to say “hello”
I was thankful it interrupted my thoughts 
It begged to tell me things I needed to know
I listened intently and embraced its autumn glow
Then a swift wind thrust this exquisite leaf
   from my lap onto the ground below!
I tried desperately to drag it back to me
   with the sole of my shoe, but it set itself free
My elusive leaf tumbled in the relentless wind
   leaving me behind as I sadly grinned
It hurt so bad to say good-bye
This lone leaf brought a tear to my eye
…then I watched as the wind lifted it higher
I watched it dance in the air
It seemed so dire
Until it fell upon the lap 
   of a sweet elderly lady so fair 
I know it is rude, but I just had to stare

I gasped as she grasped it so tightly
   and placed it in her pocket
I hoped she might preserve it in a special locket
Perhaps she needed this leaf more than I
I was a bit jealous, I cannot lie
She captured it quite wisely, I must say
May she be truly blessed on this Autumn day
I secretly blew a kiss into the wind
and said good-bye to this First Fallen Leaf
   who managed to erase all of my grief
   who taught me a lesson in life today
Through its reddish-golden hue 
   it showed me the way
Yes, it was time for me to change
So I removed my cell phone from my purse
   and memorized those words I did rehearse
And called my Dad just to say 
   “I love you”
And hoped he’d feel the same way too

We had argued several weeks before
   over nothing at all
Nothing that mattered anyway
We argued just because…
And I simply stayed away
Dad was thrilled to hear from me
I heard it in his voice
…So I left the park; I knew I made the right choice
   and I left that wondrous leaf behind
Promising to cherish it in kind
Then I headed over to Dad’s favorite bakery
I chose each pastry with reverie
I selected a small cheesecake that called out to me
It was decorated with one Fallen Leaf 
Like the one I set free

I know today will remain a fond memory
Dad and I can discuss it over chamomile tea…
To think The First Fallen Leaf led me home
   From an old wooden park bench
   where I was sitting alone…

http://spillwords.com/author/phyllispcolucci/      

https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-P.-Colucci/e/B00VMU8B44

MY SISTER AND I HAVE A TALE TO TELL

SOMETHING WE’VE HIDDEN SO VERY WELL

IF THE YEARS COULD SPEAK OF A SECRET WE KEPT

MY PARENTS WOULD SURELY HAVE SADLY WEPT

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG GIRLS

QUITE INQUISITIVE TO THE HILT

WE WERE SUMMONED TO THE ATTIC

AND WE OBLIGED WITH DEEP GUILT

FOR MOM AND DAD HAD NO CLUE

AND WE WEREN’T SURE WHAT TO DO

BUT WE DISOBEYED THEIR WARNINGS

AND BIT OFF MORE THAN WE COULD CHEW

THEY FORBADE US TO VISIT THE ATTIC ALONE

THEY SPOKE IN THAT SERIOUS ADULT-TONE

THEY SAID IT WAS DUSTY, CLUTTERED AND DARK

AND CALLED IT A HUGE "DANGER ZONE"

BUT IT WAS HALLOWEEN NIGHT

MOM AND DAD HAD A DATE

THEY KISSED US GOOD-NIGHT

AND SAID THEY’D BE HOME QUITE LATE

DAD DRESSED LIKE A WARLOCK

MOM DRESSED LIKE A WITCH

THE DOOR SLAMMED BEHIND THEM

WE THEN LAUGHED AT HIGH PITCH…

YES, OUR HALLOWEEN SECRET

WAS STRAIGHT OUT OF A DREAM

WE BOTH HEARD “THE VOICE”

WE BOTH LET OUT A SCREAM

WE BOTH SHOOK IN OUR BEDS

THIS PAST HALLOWEEN MORN

WHEN WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DREAMING

OF SWEET CANDY CORN

…“COME UP TO THE ATTIC TONIGHT, SWEETPEAS

THE KEY IS UNDER THE DOORMAT - AND COME ALONE PLEASE!

YOUR PARENTS WILL BE OUT OF SIGHT TONIGHT

SO COME AND JOIN ME IN SOME HALLOWEEN DELIGHT!”

…HAND IN HAND, WE CLIMBED EACH WOODEN STAIR

POSSESSED, WE HEADED TO THE DEVIL’S LAIR

WE GRABBED THE KEY FROM UNDER THE DOORMAT

BEING EVER SO CAREFUL NOT TO WAKE UP THE CAT

WE TURNED THE KEY IN THE KEYHOLE WITH EASE

THE DOOR OPENED SLOWLY AND “THE VOICE” YELLED “FREEZE!”

THE DARKNESS HUNG OVER US LIKE A THICK CLOUD OF SMOKE

AND THAT EERIE VOICE BELLOWED, AND LOUDLY SPOKE

IT DEMANDED WE ENTER, AND SHUT THE DOOR BEHIND

WE MUST BE INSANE! - THIS VOICE WAS NOT VERY KIND

WE HELD ONTO EACH OTHER AS TIGHT AS COULD BE

THEN A CLOSET DOOR OPENED, AND WE WERE ABLE TO SEE

A DIM LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWO COSTUMES FOR US

“THE VOICE” SAID GET DRESSED NOW AND DON’T MAKE A FUSS

AT THIS POINT IN TIME WE NEEDED TO LEAVE

BUT “THE VOICE” WOULDN’T HAVE IT; WE WANTED TO HEAVE

WE PUT ON THE COSTUMES UNWILLINGLY

TWO PRINCESSES CRYING CHILLINGLY

“PRETTY IN PINK” ONE MIGHT SAY

BUT TONIGHT IT FELT SINISTER IN EVERY WAY

SUDDENLY THE ROOM WAS ALL AGLOW;

    PURPLE CANDLES STEALINGTHE HALLOWEEN SHOW

“THE MONSTER MASH” SONG BOUNCED OFF EVERY WALL

SHADOWS AND SILHOUETTES STOOD QUITE TALL

THEY DANCED ABOUT, AT THIS “HALLOWEEN BALL”

MY SISTER AND I WERE LOST IN THE HAZE

HOPING TO MAKE IT OUT OF THIS HALLOWEEN MAZE

EACH CORNER OF THE ATTIC SANG ITS OWN SONG

WITH GHOSTS AND GOBLINS THAT DIDN’T BELONG

THIS WAS OUR SPACE, WHERE OUR “SECRETS” WERE BORN

THIS HALLOWEEN NIGHT LEFT US FORLORN

AND THERE WAS THAT EERIE VOICE, ALL OVER AGAIN

SOUNDING LIKE A TRAGIC HALLOWEEN HEN

“THE VOICE” OFFERED US A SIP OF WITCH’S BREW

WE’D RATHER HAVE A TASTE OF MOM’S HALLOWEEN STEW

THEN OUT OF NOWHERE A HAND DID APPEAR

PRESENTING US WITH CUPS OF SIZZLING HOT CHEER

WE ACCEPTED THE GESTURE WITH A FORCED SMILE

GIVING IN TO THE HORROR OF THEIR RUTHLESS GUILE

WE WERE WISE ENOUGH TO DROP THE CUPS TO THE FLOOR

AS WE RAN TOWARDS THE OLD FAMILIAR ATTIC DOOR

READY TO LEAVE THIS “HALLOWEEN SECRET” BEHIND

WITH A PINKY-SWEAR, WE AGREED IN KIND

BUT THE JOKE WAS ON US AS WE OPENED THE DOOR

THERE WAS MOM AND DAD ROLLING ACROSS THE HALLWAY FLOOR

THEY WERE LAUGHING AND HAVING A GRAND OLD TIME

EATING HALLOWEEN CANDY AND DRINKING RED WINE

THEY NEVER LEFT THE HOUSE TO GO OUT ON A DATE

THEY SIMPLY ORCHESTRATED THESE EVENTS OF LATE

THEY HANDED US CUPS OF MOM’S HALLOWEEN STEW

AND WITH THAT EERIE VOICE YELLED “THE JOKE IS ON YOU!”

HOW SAD THAT SISTER AND I HAD NO TALE TO TELL

OUR HALLOWEEN SECRET FELL TO HELL

THE ATTIC WAS NOTHING MORE THAN THAT

A SAFE HAVEN FOR ME, MY SISTER  --

AND OUR LITTLE BUDDY, THE CAT

…SO HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO YOU MOM AND DAD!

    …LOVE ANDCHEERS TO ALL OUR SPOOKY FRIENDS,

        …WHO WE WILL SEE NEXT YEAR, AS THIS OCTOBERENDS!

                                                                                                     (Pinterest Photo)

Did you noticeit rained on “our” Feast Day?

Did you noticeit rained on “their” Feast Day?

No onerecognized that “He” found a way

But He did…andnow you want to know his name

You are socurious it is driving you insane !

All I can tellyou is “He” is in control

And while Herains on our Saints

And spits onour parades

And shoots firefrom his fingertips

And tossesdiseases our way

You remain oblivious,even while you pray

Did you noticeit rained on “our” Feast Day?

Did you noticeit rained on “their” Feast Day?

Look!  See! He calls out to you and me!

He corrupts ourchildren

They know notwho they are

He is so closeto them, yet so far

He infiltratesour schools

   as “others” welcome him indoors

He wreaks havoc,as he glides across the floors

He destroys theparties in our Government

They too lethim in – and embrace him as a win

Did you noticeit rained on “our” Feast Day?

Did you noticeit rained on “their” Feast Day?

He has aringside seat to our political woes

“He” laughs atour problems

Because healready knows

He takes joy inour illnesses

Dances on our graves

He destroys ourchurches

He throwsdaggers at our crucifixes

While you stillask to know his name

You are socurious it is driving you insane !

Have you notfigured out the evil one?

The one that teasesyou with trickery

The one thatpromises you money and gold

And amagnificent life that is so rich and bold

The one thatcurses at the God you deny

-         The one you unknowingly uphold!

Yes, that’s theone!

He lures theinnocent to the bowels of hell

Spritzes youwith perfume that has a rancid smell

But again - Youstill ask to know his name

You are socurious it is driving you insane !

He is the onewho sits on a throne

And commendsthe rapists, the murderers

   and the child molesters, for a job well done

He grants theirevery wish

All they needto do is follow him

Believe in him,and fuel his fires

They do all of hisdirty-work

He just sitsback with a glass of wine in hand

   and a sly and cunning smile upon his lips

While you stillask to know his name

You are socurious it is driving you insane !

He tells hisfollowers “their wish is his command”

They eat upevery word, because it’s easy

They believe inthe dark side

Because theyfollow “his” light

When that lightblows out

When they beginto doubt

They pray andcall on the God they deny

They are now readyto hear truth versus lie

They are readyto understand “why”

While you stillask to know his name

You are socurious it is driving you insane !

The “unholy”know his name so well

They buy whatever“He” chooses to sell

They are thosewho will destroy us from within

Those who willplace our country in sin

They will tradeour freedoms

   for an ideology of destruction

     and believe it is right and just

Withoutquestion, they feel they must!

For they knownot who they trust!

And why do youstill ask to know his name

You are socurious it is driving you insane !

They, the“unholy”, give their souls to him

   and play his dangerous game on a whim

Proud to servehim with little shame

He is wicked,vile and totally lame

Some of usrecognize who this evil one is

Others turntheir cheeks while “He” proudly lives

Oh yes - he isjolly, funny, enticing and huge

His favoritecolor is a deep dark red

He is alwaysbearing gifts; yet is always a step ahead

And you stillask to know his name

You are socurious it is driving you insane !

No, he is notSanta Claus, you fool !

He is Satan,and he walks this earth

He is in fullcontrol and knows his worth

Don’t be hisvictim - Pray to the God you deny

Trust inSatan’s Rival who is righteous, omnipotent

-            And will never tell a lie

Cast Satan awaybefore that day you are destined to die!

Maybe now you willfinally understand

    who is in full control on our great land

There is noneed to ask to know his name

Time to makeSatan curious, and drive “him” insane!

https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-P.-Colucci/e/B00VMU8B44

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR :

            “Two Adult FriendsReminiscing”, is a short piece I’ve written focusing on two “old” friendsfinding “True Love” in youthful fantasy, in real life - and then, perhaps, backto fantasy. “Reminiscing” is a gift that can bring us great joy no matter whatage we are. It can be a pleasant escape to a place of shared memories andbeautiful, timeless friendships. 

                                                                       (Pinterest Photo)

“Two Adult FriendsReminiscing”

("True Love"in a Child's Heart, Circa 1960's)

            I laughed at you when you asked meif I thought “True Love” existed. I thought it did when I was reading teenmagazines and falling in love with actors and musicians through my televisionscreen. Even my Mom played along. I think she enjoyed the concept of “TrueLove” in a child’s heart.

            I remember asking you, my very bestfriend, to make up stories about you and I double dating with two of ourfavorite musicians / TV stars, from the “Monkees”. Remember them? We were onlytwelve years old; but we both loved that group, and I enjoyed your stories.We’d be walking to and from school, and you would continue from where you leftoff as the storyline got pretty interesting. You were a great storyteller and Iwas a great listener. You had my emotions on fire and I wanted to hear more andmore. You never complained. You just kept telling me more and more. It was alla fantasy; a make-believe world; but we lived in it. We almost believed we wereactually out on those double dates. How we yearned for it to be true…The walkson the beach with our two handsome dates from “The Monkees”; the fun in theamusement park riding the roller coaster and ferris wheel, while hiding ourfaces against their masculine shoulders; the first kiss under the moonlight;and the front row seats at each “Monkees” concert. We would imagine that everygirl in America wished they were us. We were THE girlfriends of two handsome“Monkees”, just sitting in the spotlight like VIPs. Our photographs would beplastered on the front page of every teen magazine…Then reality set in and“True Love” in our young, innocent hearts, disappeared just as quickly as itcame.

            Then we grew up a bit and dated“real” boys. This time there were no stories of handsome actors or sexymusicians. You couldn’t even spin a great story around these “real” boys, evenif you wanted to. We were living teenage lives with young boys we met in ourclassrooms or in the neighborhood who, like us, had no money and no jobs. Therewas just no more sparkle. The fantasy was so much more fun than the reality.Were we disappointed because a little while back we were on double dates in“Fantasy Land” with older men – actors and musicians from television, stage andteen magazines? Probably. However, there were still some good laughs with theseneighborhood school boys.  There werebasketball games in the school gym as we giggled, cheered and held hands. Therewere school dances at the local Catholic School gyms, where we danced the nightaway and fantasized, once again, over the band members as they competed in the“Battle of the Bands”. What about those fun Saturday night pizza dates, andendless backyard birthday parties, where spin the bottle was the game ofchoice? Many kisses were stolen from that game. We even snuck in sips of beerand wine when the parents weren’t paying attention. More kisses were stolen asa result.

            Now we have become mature adultwomen laughing over our childhood fantasies and teenage lives... and we did endup marrying regular good ol’ boys from the neighborhood…Maybe not that good,however, because we divorced them somewhere along the road of life…Yes, twochildren for each of us – Two girls for you and two boys for me. They were thesame ages and they grew up together. We always hoped your two girls would marrymy two boys so we would be connected forever. Was that selfish on our part? Idoubt it, because it happened. Those unions we prayed for brought us sixgrandchildren; three girls and three boys. We loved them, spoiled them andguided them - together. Now they are ready to take on the world.

            We are still strongly connected toour ex-husbands through our children and grandchildren. Those good ol’neighborhood boys, still single like us, proved to be great parents andgrandparents. We all got along great too in this unique family dynamic. But youand me – well, we remained friends throughout the years and shared it all,every day. We shared the happy times, the sad times, our family times; andalways looked back with a smile and sometimes a tear.

            What do you say dear friend? Whydon’t we grab two glasses of wine and sit on the sofa, while you make up greatstories about us double dating our two handsome “Monkees”. You were always agreat story teller and I was always a great listener. We established that early on. So I think we need some of“that” again. We deserve to reminisce in “Fantasy Land”. We’ve earned thatright since we’ve been around the block a few times, so to speak…Now that ourkids and grandchildren are doing their own thing, and our single “exes” arehiding behind newspapers while drinking beer and growing old, we can go back tothe days of young love and innocent hearts…So tell me those great storiesagain, my friend. However, you must make these stories very, very, veryinteresting. Adult-interesting, if you know what I mean... Cheers dear friend.“True Love” is back!

https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-P.-Colucci/e/B00VMU8B44

                                                                                 (Pinterest Photo)

Past the mountains and through the trees

Riding upon the wings of a Summer breeze

Way down yonder, where rivers flow

Echoing sweetly, along the winding road

Whispering melodies, in unison, do sing

For it is there you will hear “The Bells” ring

“The Bells” reach the ears of the AudubonFlight

Who respond in formation, and hum in delight

The rabbits run wild; the deer escape to thewoods

They timidly peek through dense shrub and bush

All nature wakes to dulcet sound

Joyful hearts beat all around

The Autumn hue falls silently

The vibrant leaves dance poignantly

The crunch beneath every footstep

Speaks of the bounty nature will bring

Still “The Bells” over yonder faintly ring

Harmonies spring up, fit for a King

It is Heaven’s way of saying “Hello”

This time it will bring the falling snow

Where daylight fades to an early slumber

White frost covers the Autumn umber

“The Bells” over yonder rise and sing

Again, they whisper with a honeyed ring

Springtime awaits ‘round the bend

Soon floral perfumes “Spring” will surely send

More gifts from Heaven and Nature alike

As we welcome the magic in sheer delight

And “The Bells” over yonder rise and sing

They capture our hearts with every ring

We do not know why “The Bells” Toll

They come, they go and they warm our soul

The animals wonder too, with eyes aglow

Some things remain sacred, we may never know

“The Bells” are our constant; over yonder theydwell

They will continue to ring –

A story we will continue to tell!

…and I yearn to see you one more time

Just a meet and greet would work out fine

Do you hope and dream I may meet you there ?

Where we may frolic in the shadows of Summer’sflair ?

Where “The Bells” do toll for lovers too ?

As the ringing calls out to me and you ?

“The Bells” are our constant; over yonder theydwell

They will continue to ring –

A story we will continue to tell!

…and we do not know why “The Bells” Toll

They come, they go and they warm our soul

Each day I listen, I feel my heart glisten

I am tempted to follow the haunting tune

down to the coastline, near “Lovers’ Dune”

Hoping my steps lead me to you

…for I yearn to see you one more time

Just to share a bottle of ruby red wine

“The Bells” are a spectacle we don’t quiteunderstand

They echo through the wind and bless the land

I beg of you to listen to their magic as itcalls

…The ringing, the chiming amongst thewaterfalls

All I have left of you is a photograph

It brings a tear or two, perhaps a laugh

…Again, I am tempted to follow the hauntingtune

Down to the coastline, near “Lovers’ Dune”

Will  Ifind you where “The Bells” Toll ?

Will you hear me call your name into thebreeze ?

Will you know it is me waiting ‘neath thetrees ?

If so, please let your spirit wave

…as I pull up a chair and sit at your grave

“The Bells” are our constant; over yonder theydwell

They will continue to ring –

A story we will continue to tell!

https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-P.-Colucci/e/B00VMU8B44

 (PHOTOS FROM PINTEREST)

MALOCCHIO:  “Malocchio” is an Italian term which means "evil eye" (Mal-Occhio). It comes from a strong gaze orstare from someone envious, wanting to cause someone else bad luck, illness, ormisfortune. Keep in mind the strong gaze or stare may also come from aninnocent admiration; but the results are the same.  It leads to intense headaches and/or nausea for anyone who is a victim of“malocchio” (Adult, child – anyone).  Italians protect themselves by wearing horns (plastic,silver, gold) - pinning small horns to their children’s underclothes; hanginglarge plastic horns from their rear-view mirrors in their cars. They even tryto fight “malocchio” off with horned hand gestures if they sense a maliciousperson around them.

...Removing “malocchio” involves a person whoserves as a healer (who is usually a friend, neighbor or relative who knows howto do this, through prayer, in order to break the curse.) Some healers may haveother rituals they use to help those afflicted by “malocchio”. If the healer was unable to remove the curse, theywould inform the person who contacted them for help that they were not a victimof “malocchio”, and what they had was simply a bad headache or a stomach virus.Many times the person truly afflicted with “malocchio”, would call the “healer”back, after an hour or so, to thank them as they were fully healed and feelingbetter again; however, the healer already knew that... Insanity to some,amazing to others.

          Hereis an Excerpt from my dialogue-driven Novel, “The Hand She Dealt to Me” -  (Malocchio, Psychic, Tarot, Crime, Drugs,Mafia, Family, Friendship, Love, Betrayal, Revenge)   – written by Phyllis P. Colucci (aka“fictiontarot”):

 https://www.amazon.com/Hand-She-Dealt-Me-ebook/dp/B00E151LJO

…You started it Mom.  Look at you… Don’t give me the “evileye”.  

The evil eye!  Oh you mean “malocchio” Julia?  That comes in handy sometimes.   

Whatever you call it Mom.   I remember when Grandma used to do thatthing she did.  She looked weird when shewas doing it.  Why did she give the evileye?

What? She didn’t give the evil eye Julia, she took it away.  Don’t make a mistake now about what yourGrandma did.  She would never give theevil eye to anyone.  She took it awaywith her words and prayers, which she said in Italian.

I remember Mom.  She looked really weird doing that thing.

I know, but it was all part of theprocess.  Do you remember all the phonecalls she got from family and friends asking Grandma to take their headachesaway?  They all thought that they hadgotten the evil eye from someone during the course of the day.  You were so young at the time, but you wouldwatch her in awe, amazed at the way she looked in her little trance.  You were too young though to reallyunderstand what she was doing.  I wouldjust say to you that Grandma prayed in funny ways and that we should let her befor a while, just to distract you from her. You would accept that and go back to playing with your dolls; butGrandma never turned anyone away.  Shewould stop whatever she was doing and take a seat in her big old chair in thecorner of her living room, and begin to pray and chant.  Sometimes heavy tears would roll down hercheeks for minutes upon minutes, and she would yawn endlessly throughout herlittle prayer session.  It was somethingto see.  I was amazed by it.  It was almost like she was possessed for ashort time.  Her face would get beet redand she would exist in her own little world for a while.  Once the tears and yawning stopped, she’dcall up the person she was praying for only to find out that their headache hadgone away.  Grandma would say “Oh, theywere overlooked.  They had it bad”.  

What does that mean, they had it bad?

Well that’s what the evil eye isJulia.  Someone may have looked at theperson in a strange way, or even in a good way. They may have admired their clothing or their shoes or, unfortunately,wished them harm with a nasty look.  That’s why they call it “malocchio”, which means bad eye, evil eye.  Isn’t that something Julia?  It’s a powerful thing.   Grandma said a person can get the evil eyeinnocently.  It could come from someonewho actually likes you and just likes looking at you; likes the way you walk,likes the way you talk.  You can become“overlooked” by that person for a good reason. That’s why Italian mothers, especially those born on the other side, youknow over in Italy; well they get so upset when people hover over their littleinfants when they walk them in the baby carriages.  They feel that the baby can get “overlooked”by people who actually mean well but can innocently put “malocchio” on thebabies by just admiring how cute they are.  Sometimes the babies spontaneously end up crying uncontrollably, orbegin suffering with stomach pains, vomiting, with no medical explanation.  That’s so sad when babies suffer from“malocchio”.  Grandma helped the babiestoo.  But it can go both ways, Julia;people could have bad intentions as well as good intentions.  Either way, “malocchio” can happen.   That’s why some mothers pin those littlegold horns onto their baby’s tee shirts, for protection from “malocchio”.  I prefer a gold cross because that littlegold horn on an infant is a little out there for me.  I’m not even sure if they still do that asmuch today.  I know you might laugh atthis one though, but when your father and I got married back in the ‘70’s, weweren’t sure what gifts to select for the bridal party.  So for the ushers we decided on these one-inchgold horns, which were really classy looking. The guys wore them around their necks, traditionally to keep the evilaway.   That was a popular thing to wearback then, for men.  It was actually agreat gift, a welcomed gift.  Lots ofguys even hung these great big plastic horns in red or beige on their rear-viewmirrors in their cars too.  You’relaughing Julia.  This was a thing backthen, what can I say? 

An Italian thing.  What did you give the bridesmaids as gifts,garlic?

Oh now you’re making fun of me.  We gave the girls very feminine tri-gold,braided bracelets that smelled like garlic.

Are you kidding me Mom?

Yes, Julia I’m kidding you.  We did give them bracelets, no garlicthough.   I’m just humoring you.  Gosh…But listen.  Back to Grandma, I remember her telling methat once she started to cry and yawn, cry and yawn, cry and yawn, she wasactually taking the evil from that person and bringing it on to herself whereshe would stop it in its tracks with her prayers.  If she had no tears and no yawns, she’d callthe person up and tell them it’s just a regular headache, take twoaspirins.  I found that hilarious.  She was like a doctor – take two aspirins andcall me in the morning.  But Julia, it’sreally unique stuff - isn’t it?  I grewup with it, I saw it firsthand.

It’s kind of creepy if you askme.  I think it’s an old wives’ taleMom.  I don’t think “malocchio” exists.

I don’t know Julia.  I’ve seen Grandma in action and she got itright with everyone who called her.  Sheknew right away if someone was suffering from “malocchio” or if it was just aregular headache.  There’s a lot to besaid for the old timers and their old-world ways.   Just because something seems illogical tous, that doesn’t mean it can’t be real. 

You mean their old-worldsuperstitions Mom.  Come on, you don’treally believe in that stuff - do you?

I don’t think many people practicethat today since that generation is dying out, but who’s to say whether or not“malocchio” does or doesn’t exist. Whether I believe it or not, I know what I saw with grandma.   To me, seeing is believing.

Well just in case, please stoplooking at me like that Mom.  I don’tneed the evil eye on me.  Do you know howto do this “malocchio” thing if I come home with the evil eye?

Unfortunately, I don’t Julia.  You’ll have to stick to aspirin and hope forthe best.  Sorry honey.   When Grandma tried to teach it to me, shesaid it had to be learned at midnight on Christmas Eve.  I didn’t have the patience to learn it,especially since I really didn’t speak Italian that well and the entire prayeror chant had to be said in Italian.  Soto this day, I don’t even know what the words are.  I think it had something to do with two headsof an animal, or two eyes of a lamb.  I’mnot sure.  I really don’t rememberit.  It was a little strange, I have toadmit.   I also found it kind of ironicthat Grandma and her friends would do this thing, yet get themselves to masseach morning; and every Sunday.   They’ddo “malocchio” one minute, then run to church and make novenas the next.  Actually it’s comical when you think aboutit.  These old ladies, including grandma,were the cutest, most innocent women you’d ever want to meet.  They were kind and sweet, and always willingto help someone.  They were very proud oftheir traditions and very proud of being Catholic.  To them they were always working for thegood.  No matter what it was; praying therosary or praying “malocchio.”   It wasall good. 

Mom, “malocchio” sounds more likeBlack Magic.

Maybe.  Maybe not. Who’s to say.  I don’t thinkGrandma and the old timers looked at it that way.  If anything, they felt they were helpingpeople through prayer with God’s blessing. They didn’t use this to harm anyone, they were doing the opposite intrying to remove the “malocchio”.   Intheir hearts they felt they were doing a very good thing. 

Well I wish Grandma was here rightnow.  She would “pray” you right off ofme.   Just like that!  If I get a bad headache Mom, it’ll be becauseof the way you’re looking at me right now.  You’re overlooking me – and all I said to you was I’ve seen you and Dadin some passionate moments.  I only saidthat because you said Mike and I couldn’t keep our hands off each other, andthat we’d probably embarrass the dog if he was alive.   Please don’t forget that I am 21 yearsold.  I’m not a child anymore.  I know the story about the birds and the beesMom.

Oh stop blowing things out ofproportion Julia.  You’re sodramatic.  You’re not at scene studyclass honey, you’re home in our kitchen.   For the record, I am not giving you the evil eye, I’m just communicatingmy thoughts to you through my eyes.  Itseems to be working too.  Do you see themagic in eye contact?  It’s powerfulJulia.  Ooooooohhhhh…do you feel thepower?

You’re creeping me out Mom.  Your eyes are bulging out of your head.  Stop playing around like that.  Enough of this voodoo stuff. 

Voodoo stuff?  I don’t know the first thing about voodoo.

Oh you just know a little somethingabout “malocchio”.  You don’t thinkthat’s voodoo?

Julia, all I did was look atyou.  Would you stop making a big dealout of it.  Now I have to laugh becauseyou’re being so silly.  I’m making myeyes bulge on purpose for your benefit dear.  Enjoy the moment and lighten up. Consider it mother/daughter bonding; just having a little fun together.  Stop being so serious.   Come on, I know you want to laugh aboutit.  Grandma must be rolling in her graveright now chuckling over this herself.

But Mom, you just gave me a looklike…

Like what?  Oh come on now Julia.  Stop it.  I’m playing with you.   My God, Ican’t even look at my daughter anymore. Stop this nonsense and let’s get back to normalcy please.

Whatever normalcy is in thishouse…Sorry!  I’m kidding Mom!  There you go again with that look.  Okay, I’ll let it go.  It’s just you Mom, being you.  I feel a bad headache coming on...

Are you serious Julia?

Just kidding.  Now it’s my turn to enjoy a littlemother/daughter bonding; just having a little fun together.  Right Mom?  

Oh wonderful.  You are such a…a real…you’re such a buster.

Go ahead, you can say the wholething.  I’m a real ball buster.  I know. I learned it from you.

You are so bad Julia.  You learned it from me?  Well then, I must be a real inspiration toyou.  That’s a good thing.  I’m flattered.

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A toxic love triangle between three teachers leads Dom down a dangerous path where "Rosa" awaits. He should have walked away, but he couldn't...and it all started with "The Last Christmas Card" by Phyllis P. Colucci. (Ebook, Paperback and Audiobook on Amazon)...

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SOMETIMES IT IS FEAST OR FAMINE FOR BOTH THE WRITER AND THE READER;

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(Contemporary Fiction - Mystery, Suspense, Romance) - and Poetry

*********************************************  

    Come meet the delusional psychic named "Amira", from "The Hand She Dealt to Me", who turns the lives of the "Roma" Family upside down and inside out. Their innocence and family values work against them, until the criminal aspect of that fateful encounter in the park turns their reality into their revenge. 

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    Or perhaps you might enjoy a trip down to the Cellar along with Rosalie, as she is summoned down there by the eerie voices from another dimension. Is the house haunted, or is Rosalie losing her sanity? You must join her and figure this out, because her boyfriend Franco and best friend Maria are losing their patience with her. Only Michael, an old college friend, is willing to save her. Go ahead, open "Voices" and get down to that cellar!

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     Maybe you might enjoy a "Novella"? One that is long enough to take you on a literary journey into the lives of Grace and her family - yet short enough so you may walk away in time to make dinner or go out on the town... "Secrets and Lies" is about a family who is threatened by a Mafia boss, betrayed by a once-perfect husband, protected by a handsome lawyer, and blessed by a family priest. One big family secret and one huge marital lie destroy the family dynamic between Grace, her husband, her children, her adoptive parents and her loving cousin. Are you ready for this one? Go ahead, try it!

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    Now if Poetry is not your thing (or not your thing at the moment), we can go back to another novel, titled "Lives Unbalanced". I think you can almost guess where this is going.  - So check it out and come meet "Ramona". She is the special doll that crosses that fine line between the Supernatural and Reality, in order to assist her dear friend "Susan" in avenging her brother Marty's death and also in protecting her from the deranged "Joe". Suspense and Romance drive the plot, with an added twist of mysticism, mystery and revenge. Go for it, if you dare? I promise you this story is "insanely" sane.

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    Now, I have another novel that will surely interest you, titled "The Last Christmas Card". It is a bittersweet story, sparked by a "Last" Christmas card which raised concerns for Dom. He soon learned a woman he loved more than a friend, was missing. So he set out to find her. You must take this journey alongside Dom, who soon becomes entangled in a toxic love triangle between three teachers - Dom, his dearest friend Rosa, and his new acquaintance Julie, as he searches for his lost love - Rosa. This journey takes Dom down a dark path that nearly destroys him personally and professionally. Dom soon learned that in life the better choice might be to walk away and never look back. His choice to move forward will lead you and Dom to a place where Rosa awaits. Are you ready to make that choice with Dom?

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 “A New York State of…”

The clanging of Citibikes

Docking at relentless bike stations

that seem to welcome their vehicular transportsback home

as if they have just returned from war

Sounds like bombs going off

Casualties of war

Sounds like gunshots being fired

Casualties of the big city

Cannot sleep! Cannot hear ourselves speak!

Cannot enjoy a good movie in our living rooms!

Must endure the jolting sounds

that vibrate inside our hearts

Startling us with no remorse

as we recover from near fatal heartpalpitations

Unfair we say! Screw you, they say!

Weremain in a New York state of Chaos!

Weremain in a New York state of…

No one cares! No one listens!

“Cannot fight City Hall” they say

…so true, because our screams have not beenheard

We tried, but they ignore all of us

It’s been several years now

And those metal structures have won

along with the Powers that Be!

They have taken over parking spaces

They have created danger zones

as drivers pull out of those spaces

while bikers roll right on through

risking getting hit by a car

without a care in the world

The bikers blame careful drivers

cursing them out for getting in their way

while the City protects the bikers,

holding drivers liable

giving bikers “carte blanche” on our streets

Weremain in a New York state of Noise!

Weremain in a New York state of Chaos!

Weremain in a New York state of…

Annoyed cab drivers try hard to smile

Forewarned never to idle in the bike lanes

to pick up their “fares”

What are they to do?

They park on the nearest street corner…OMG!

Heartbreaking to watch the elders walk tocorners

Limping with canes to catch their cabs

Slip-sliding on icy sidewalks in the dead ofwinter

Praying they do not fall and break a bone

These bike stations have teased deliverytrucks

who once had a path to our homes

but now must navigate around these bikestations

to deliver packages, furniture and the like

A real circus act…Really…I have seen it

Oh Yes! The Department of Sanitation grins andbears it too…

They simply dance around the bikes and throughthe bike stations

with bags of garbage in hand, from house to truck,and vice versa,

gyrating in between each bike;

So amusing to watch from our windows

Get the popcorn!

Unfair we say! Screw you, they say!

We remain in a New York state of Noise!

We remain in a New York state of Chaos!

We remain in a New York state of…

The NYPD, FDNY, EMS

have lost immediate access from the streets toour front doors

as these mean old bikes laugh out loud incontentment

while those in need sit helplessly in tears

And these bike stations are filled withgarbage…

Coffee cups, soda bottles, old rags,

raunchy used-up masks, and construction debris

Discarded food items are left for the “rat”brigade

Citibike workers come by on occasion to cleanit all up

They push a lot of it to the middle of thestreet

or to the front or back of the bike station

Typical solution from our once great City!

What are we to do?

Absolutely nothing!

We tried…but no one listens…no one cares

Weremain in a New York state of Noise!

Weremain in a New York state of Chaos!

Weremain in a New York state of…

This is New York City, and people have no say

Some of the people anyway…

If you are NOT a Liberal or a Democrat

If you are not part of the far-left movement

Then shut up! Remain silent!

There will be no compromising on the issue

No representation for you “Conservatives”…

Just Noise! Noise! Noise!  

that only the “victimized” can hear

Just Chaos! Chaos! Chaos!

that only the “victimized” can see

The “Others” are ecstatic

They say it is just like in “Europe”

A Bicycle Eutopia

Unfair we say! Screw you, they say!

We remain in a New York state of Noise!

We remain in a New York state of Chaos!

We remain in a New York state of…

I ask, why don’t you try living with the high-levelof decibels

from the noise pollution at these bikestations every day?

This time in front of your homes,

bouncing off your eardrums,

startling you to the core,

my Dearest Bikers and Politicians!

Then tell me all about your “Utopia”

Your false sense of delight you bask in

…Relocate these belligerent bike stations

to non-residential areas

In front of schools, parks or libraries

In front of stores, nearby subway stations andfactories

That will be “our” Eutopia!

-        As everyone wins!

It’s been a while since our eardrums were atrest

It’s been a while since our hearts were calm

It’s been a while since we slept in peace…

Yes, you cannot fight City Hall

Unfair we say! Screw you, they say!

We remain in a New York state of Noise!

We remain in a New York state of Chaos!

We remain in a New York state of…

We just remain!

“Author”

(May, 2022)

Onewho brings the written word to life

throughthe stroke of a pen

orthe tap of a keyboard

Awriter; a poet; a storyteller

Whowrites by night

Whowrites by day

andfollows that dream

whichleads the way

Evenwhile asleep, the pen does talk

Withbody at rest, an “Author” manages to walk

Forthe little writer in one’s head

tellsenchanting stories beyond the bed

‘tilmorning light tips its hat

The“Author” awakens, just like that!

Yes,the one who adorns the blank page

withcharacters that speak to us;

Characterswho perform literary dances

 before our eyes, with little fuss

Justpromises of unique journeys

tonew lands and wonderful places

Wherelove, loss, smiles and tears

transpireinto images of striking faces

Bothbliss and woe it often brings

attachedto our very own heartstrings

Newromances, new lovers, new families, new friends…

Newlives, new thoughts, as the winding road bends

Newhopes, new dreams

Entwinedwithin a book cover;

Boundby the name of a “Stranger” -

TheLiterary Lover

…Anda title of unknown origin…

Nodirection; just a hunger from within

Untilwe turn each page,

andtaste life’s glory and taste life’s sin

ThatStranger is an “Author” you may want to know

Whoturns words into magic

andoffers you a ticket to the show

Whoseonly desire

isto befriend and to please

toteach and to guide

andput your mind at ease…

The“Author” invites many

totake that ride of a lifetime

Pilotingupwards,

on alofty, cultured climb

An“Author” asks for nothing in return

Perhapsa bit of warmth; a hint of appreciation

…adeep understanding of painstaking efforts,

…dauntingsleepless nights,

withne’er a time for vacation

Whilethey toil away to create phenomenal stories

inworlds of wonder for you

Theirone true hope

isthat you’ll enjoy the exquisite voyage too

“Authors”strive only to connect

andshare a literary love affair with All

Theywish to introduce you

to“their” enchanting characters from faraway places

whomyou may one day call

…Soonto become your newfound friends,

inyour many “homes away from home”

Whereyou may visit any time -

tosimply marvel, stroll or freely roam

Life,through eyes of an “Author”

is amyriad of images;

Ahodgepodge of puzzles, collages

andmultiple scrimmages

Blazingwith melodramatic scenes

fitfor stately Kings and Queens

Collected,studied, interpreted just right

Piecedtogether and created in ultimate delight

Nowa masterpiece fit to be shared with the world

Sothe human spirit may exist

Througheyes of the readers who come back for more –

Clearlywithin their midst

That“Author” hopes to captivate

througheach word to the very end

Brushedwith a kiss, sealed with a hug

  and most certainly lovingly penned

So,if you love “Authors” -

Simplyremember who they are and what they do

thenext time you pick up a book

…Forthat “Stranger” on the book cover

desiresonly to meet you,

andhopes you stop by for a look…