Writing Wings For You

Marie Lukasik Wallace ~ # I LIVE Poetry – I'm passionate about life and writing and all things creative and poetic!

Category Archives: #ilivepoetry


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Soulful Sunday: Why I Marched

“What do you want?” 

“Social Justice!”

“When do you want it?”

“Now!”

These are the cries and chants we yelled yesterday in Boise, Idaho, USA.  I don’t know what others’ agenda was;  but I do know here in Boise, it was for the rights of all, big and small, every gender, every orientation.  It is my responsibility as a citizen, if I am able to have ACTIVE role in democracy so that the voices of the many are heard. We will support our President because it IS a democracy,    Some people thought it was disrespectful to have a rally the day after Trump was inaugurated,  but if AMERICA BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE, then we need to keep what matters to us in the forefront.   And Women’s Rights = Human Rights.  (That’s an EQUAL SIGN!)   Women have worked far to long and hard for anyone to forget the rights gained the past century and have progress rewound.  Never forget.

I had a lump in my throat as I witnessed the sea of people in all directions, and I had that shaky billy  goat sound when I spoke.  I was a PROUD AMERICAN in that moment exercising my rights as a citizen.  It was peaceful; the people were kind and respectful; the air was full of celebration and yes, the air was full of FREEDOM.  These are the rights I fought for…

I MARCHED FOR YOU!

I saw a grandpa with a sign saying he marched for his wife, his daughters and his granddaughters.  There were men and women and children, people of all ages and color and all value systems.  And it was beautiful.  You can say what you want…but I know why I marched.

I MARCHED FOR YOU!

 

I wanted to show you some of the signs we saw while we were out and what OUR PEACEFUL focus was.

 


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Marie’s Gold of 2016

Many people can’t wait to be “rid” of 2016, and while I think there was so much of 2016 that broke my heart and brought me to my knees, especially the loss of so many dear ones, I know that much was learned, even with the loss and the trials and tribulations. Without them, I may not have been in gratitude for the greatness in my life, or I may have missed a valuable lesson. For every thing, there is a season and a reason.

I will especially miss my brother Joey and my brother-in-law John..but these lessons taught me to love my family fiercely and keep on making memories!

When I closed the door on teaching, I was excited, and I was devasted at the loss of an identity…but the release of that, allowed me to open many new doors, including travel! I got to witness the beautiful faces of Indian people who look at you deeply to your soul and started my world sisterhood with 20 year old women who invited me to go to Poland…I got to play the drums with the kids and teach them hand games and bring much needed supplies.

and then I got to travel to Africa with Joe and feel my soul burst open wide! And extended my sisterhood to Africa with women who loved me and enfolded me into their community without a word…we connected heart to heart…and then of course, I got to fall in love with the kids around the world too…telling stories and playing games and yes, playing drums and singing! And of course, nothing is complete without a Safari to witness all of God’s wonders.

I’m still teaching, but in ways I never imagined. I get to bring out the gold in people, especially young people. I love that!

I don’t know what 2017 holds for me, but I am ELATED to see all that it holds and reveals to me and me BEING me and giving my contribution. I am truly blessed.

Thanks for your love, your friendship and your support. It’s been wonderful having you cheer me on.
#MariesGold2016

 

 


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Poets for Peace – The Wonder of It All

We have a Poets for Peace project going, and this poem is from a friend of mine, Gloria Escobedo Delgado.  Enjoy.

The wonder of it all

Upon arrival we walk to our favorite spot
As we have done so many times before
The sun with all its glory soon fades away
In its place black clouds come creeping in.
As if on a mission they’ve blown in overhead quietly and unnoticed
Instantly the sky is covered in night
In the distance shadows and sprinkles of twinkling lights
Stars, above all around then one by itself strong and bright
Some in formation as if at attention
Others – hundreds, the likeness of many loose diamonds
Delicately shimmering so very distant – lifetimes away

Before me is water as far as the eye can see
An ocean so vast so big so proud with its mighty waves
The water seems to go on forever

until into the bottom of the sky it respectfully tucks in its skirts

Choppy waves clap and flap then away they rush again
It is a windy night
The smell of salt water in the air
Out goes the shrimp clinging tightly to the hook
Destined for the perfect catch
Hello Mr. Sand trout
A golden beauty up late!
The seagull flutters by laughing dipping but not finding
He wont give up though
He knows all too well that soon he’ll get his.
Upon a happenstance I look up

What is it moving so quickly barely catching my eye
Oh wow a shooting star!
Look, darling! A shooting star!
O wait- its gone
how quickly it vanished almost as a vapor.
Then I ponder on all this beauty.
And think of the whole world of beautiful places I’ve yet to see
Alas many lifetimes could not suffice!
Looking around busied bodies about their business
Can it be true no one stops to take in the beauty
Then I wonder if per chance a person might say
That all these elements just happened per chance
Burning embers landing somewhere through flight?
In no way could one thus say!
Wait!!! Look up, look around for the very things of this earth
They testify of a Creator.
Alas, alas to no avail
No one cares to seek, to find, to know

So much beauty in life and still the word resounds in my head
The fool has said in his heart there is no God.

Awake to life, get to know the Creator, enjoy His creation

and the wonder of it all.


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Rockabye – Poets for Peace

Rockabye baby

When the wind blows

It brings messages of hate

Don’t listen my baby; don’t listen
Rockabye baby

When the wind blows

it touches with dark shadows

Don’t touch my baby; don’t touch

Rockabye baby
When the wind blows

It brings the taste of innocent blood spilled

Don’t taste my baby; don’t taste

Rockabye baby
When the wind blows

It brings the sight of

Flags waving at half mast

Acknowledge, but don’t linger your gaze my baby; don’t linger.
Please don’t hold on to any of these messages

Because the real world isn’t really all this negativity and darkness.

The real world, my baby, is so much more

Than the feedback from the news or the people enamored with it.
When the bough breaks

It is you my baby who will make

The difference

It is you who can change it.
Bring your sweetness

Bring your joy

Bring your positivity

And radiate your messages
Of love and hope

Out into the world.

Be you my baby

Be you

 

As a mom and a new grandmother, peace is heavy on my mind.  I KNOW words matter, and how we respond to negativity matters.   I choose peace.

Neha at Forgotten Meadows  and Michael at The Poetry Channel  have put together a Poets for Peace project collaborating poets around the world.  Please add you voice!


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The Beauty of India – the Soulful Women

One of the most moving portions of my trip was engaging with the people of India.  When they look into your eyes, they see your soul.  They don’t glance away.  They look deeper.  There is a genuine desire to “know” you and honor the divine in you, thus where the word Namaste comes from.

As part of SHEROES United, I got the privilege to go into the Himalayas and bring Humanitarian relief.  But honestly, visiting them, I got humanitarian relief.  Relief that there are still such genuine, kind, loving people in the world.  These are people who are gracious and grateful for the smallest of blessings.

After we spent time with the children (a beautiful earlier post), we received the beautiful blessing of meeting the moms of the kids, plus other women who had heard of our arrival.

Our wonderful Drum Goddess, Katie Jo, pulled out her drums and then we were  off to an adventure of bringing the beauty of sound to the village women.  One woman would strike the drum with a small stroke, and Katie Jo would encourage them to strike it hard.  The sound then filled the room and soon the dancing broke out, and we saw the women’s hearts soar with the beats.  What a wonderful sight to see these women laughing and dancing with so much joy.  We gave the drum to the grandmother who really encouraged  all to dance.  But the most beautiful sight of all  was when I looked to the back of the room to the faces of the sons and grandsons of the woman who had witnessed their moms and grandmothers dancing in spirit.  What a sight to see!

I will forever be changed getting the honor and privilege of being a part of watching spirits soar.

(p.s.  The last picture is one of our drivers…look at the GRIN! The power of the drums is evident on their faces.)

 


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Re-remember on This Day

My Post is in response to the quote below and the fabulous picture and story  by  Leada Gore below.

“137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America’s most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed – it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.” – – Doc Hastings

 

I LOVE my country.  To this day when I hear the Star Spangled Banner or recite the pledge, as I’ve done hundreds of times before,  my heart is filled with reverence and the deepest gratitude.  It is an honor to stand at attention for the sacrifices so many have made, life and limb and mind. I know I have not earned this freedom I have been given; but I will work every day to cherish and respect it’s blessings. It is what I do with this freedom that matters: creating peace, sharing the wealth, holding all people sacred.  If I can lighten the load of another, I will do it.

PEACE and JOY and RESPECT to all.   Thank you.

Marie

American flags were placed out at Mobile National Cemetery in observance of Memorial Day.Michael Langston with Worrell Contracting, cleans the headstones at Mobile National Cemetery Friday, May 25, 2012 in preparation for Memorial Day Monday, May 28. The Memorial Day service at the cemetery is set for 9:00 am. (Press-Register, Bill Starling)Bill Starling | AL.com Contributor

WEBSITE:  http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2016/05/memorial_day_2016_quotes_remem.html


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Soul Quest -India

india at the schoolsIndia was a spiritual buffet, a great feast for the soul.  There were so many new tastes and smells and sounds and heart tuggings in one space.  One must venture out of their own back yard often.

Where to begin?  Ahhh, that is a most spicy question with so many answers! There is so much to say and only so much time to write.  I’ll start with my favorite and let the words pour from my soul.  There is enough juicy material for a very long time.  Our group started the adventure as a way to work on our books, to experience and support one another.   We ended up writing new chapters in our own life stories…One of our goals was to meet the children in the Himalayas and bring supplies to the homes of the people.

Upon first sight, I fell in love.  There is so much GOLD in the SOULS of the children. Their hearts are so tender an and full of hope.  Their thoughts are on what they have, not what they lack.  The first thing they did was sing a song of “We Shall Overcome.”  The sweet sounds of innocent voices aware of their situations but not letting it hold them down was uplifting and even enlightening.  Their music sounded like an angels choir.  Nothing is sweeter to my ears than the sounds of children gathering to sing.  My heart was full.  Then they sang their national anthem, while a young man full of passion and vigor beat a drum in accompaniment.  When the children heard the drums, their smiles grew wide and they belted the song even more.  After the song, each of the children got to beat the drum.  Sound is a powerful, soul changing tool.  I watched in amazement as each child first did a light tap on the drum, and then a strong beat that bellowed a big sound.  BOOM! I witnessed the empowerment that the drum sound gave to each child.  A shy, timid, young girl sat taller in her chair that day.

Then I was so blessed to teach them a hand game learning patterns and rhythms.  Kids love these games, and I was reminded of my love for “playing” with the children…sometimes forgotten in a public education back in the states because of rigorous curriculum.  The teachers were gracious to give us their time, and the head master said one of the first things he wanted to do was buy a drum for the children.  They were elated!   There was much gratitude as we passed out the stickers and books we had brought.  For them, it was like Christmas.  I was in deep gratitude knowing that the gently used books I brought would be cherished, and we had not only made a small contribution toward their education, but we brought smiles and built a bridge.

  I LOVE PEOPLE!!!  (especially children…yes, I’ll always be a teacher at heart…and I will be forever changed.)    Namaste.  Mariemarie in sari

 

 

 


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Hello My Daddy

Good morning my daddy.   On the anniversary of your death, I write this to you in honor of the poem we got to write together.  I remember how excited I was about finding a way we could talk and share more intimately through a mode you loved best.  I couldn’t wait to write more poems with you.  Later that week, you had your stroke.

I love this picture.  Carole calls it the goodbye picture…but today, it’s the Hello My Daddy picture.  Heard your EMS sirens today…so I know you’re awake.  I love you.daddy and me      20160301_072054_resized

I REMEMBER

I remember when you were just a vault…no affection…little talking…always about you.

I remember the first time I asked you if you could do the Father’s Legacy project.  You were apprehensive, but you said, “I could probably do that.”

I remember asking the first question and held my breath for the answer.  It was a simple question like “What is your favorite color?”  You answered two questions that day.

I remember when you would peak over my shoulder to make sure the questions I asked were in the book.  We were building trust.

I remember the first time you were vulnerable and told me your angel story.  This time you held your breath, until I said, “I believe in angels too Daddy.”   I felt your sigh of relief as your story, held in for about sixty years, was believed for the first time.

I remember coming to visit you in the summers as you told me about all the junk in your junkyard and learning why they were your treasures and realizing you were an artist like me.

I remember our last summer together savoring every detail….getting lost with you and loving every minute.  Our last Father’s day, making it special with a sheet for a table cloth and wild sunflowers from your backyard. It was so special that I will always remember it, but you couldn’t remember it the next day.

I remember writing this “I remember poem with you”

and then it all went black…and there was no more remembering.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Boise SHEROES United-One Billion Rising

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SHEROES United image

Around Valentine’s day, all over the world, people danced for justice, building awareness of the  rise of violence of women.  One in three women will be beaten or raped in her lifetime, equaling ONE BILLION women in the world.

According to the Huffington Post:

 4,774,000 women experience violence from an intimate partner                   every year

   10,000, 000 children are exposed to violence every year (too many)

Dancing is a non-violent protest. It was an honor to be with these women, collaborating groups and dancing together, encouraging each other to speak our truths.

          This day we danced for Joy and for the beauty of life.

          This day we danced for JUSTICE.

           This day we danced to HAVE OUR VOICES HEARD,                                                                 some for the first time.

           This day we danced even for women we didn’t know because we had              WITNESSED  INJUSTICE & WANTED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT  IT.

It was the first time we  came together as part of SHEROES United, originating out of Utah, now staring a chapter here in Boise.  Also, the beautiful  Boise Braveheart Women came to dance with us.  Sisterhood is a blessed thing.

Won’t you join us.  Won’t you rise?

Let’s build a WORLD OF PEACE.

NAMASTE’

 

 


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More cool Textures Winter Wonderland

Some more wicked cool wintry takes.
Sometimes snow is like frosting; it makes everything prettier!

(These were from last week.  This week is much warmer.)

If you have some textures you’d like to share, pop on over to see Narami – De Monte y Mar)

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Tree in my yard – image – copyright of Marie Lukasik-Wallace 2016

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holly bush in the neighborhood I hadn’t seen before it was graced with snow-image – copyright of Marie Lukasik-Wallace 2016

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image – copyright of Marie Lukasik-Wallace 2016

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Our local park – image – copyright of Marie Lukasik-Wallace 2016

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winter grasses – image – copyright of Marie Lukasik-Wallace 2016