Maria Fokas/ Photography


And when I stumble upon a scene which takes my breath away  – I stop, and take it. By that very click, I am not yet sure if I am taking something that does not belong to me, or whether it isn’t the image I am immortalizing, but actually, that very second I am witnessing movement in the realm of time. There truly is a story in everything; may it be in color, or the lack of it – may it be concrete, or abstract – a laugh or a cry; the spark of the story will always be there. … Continue reading Maria Fokas/ Photography

The Black Rose


The Black Rose by Maria Fokas Once upon a time, there was a Rose, who would come to live in the memories of others. It started with a human hand planting a seed. The Rose and the hand were unique. No two entities could have been more diverse, but there was one thing they both shared, and that was their need to exist. So, the hand knowing that time was running out, decided to plant a seed which was predestined to becoming a Black Rose. And as the hand nurtured this seed into being, the Rose came to know life. … Continue reading The Black Rose

The Flame


The Flame by Maria Fokas Like an Empress of Time, the Flame distorts the mind, dancing her seductive dance, as the wood crackles with each breath. But who keeps track of what is lost, as time goes by. The walls kindle in deep maroon, and time stands still again, then disappears into a darkness, and I dream of impossible things; of distant oceans, under the seas, with gentle crests of endless waves. Soft ripples that caress the sand, then retrieve back into the sea with a soft melody – hidden in the stir of the flame: In a world far … Continue reading The Flame

Rain-Drops


Rain-Drops by Maria Fokas I peeked out of my window this morning at 6 am. It had been raining all night. The misty damp air said, “Get back in bed”. But I keep my eyes on the rain, where stories come to life. It fervently thrums on roof-tops, and pavements; drip, drop, babble, drum  – accent on the tempo, before another thrum. I make myself some coffee; my lips tease the blend before I take that sip, then I click on the saxophone. I succumb to those sensual pictures from the late 1940s and 50s before my time. They did … Continue reading Rain-Drops

In The Wake


In the Wake by Maria Fokas Your hand was not mine to hold, nor my lips, yours to kiss – But in that world, I held your hand, and you kissed my lips. Through a dark current; you drew in a path; An epiphany soared within a gush of promises. And before me, a wraithlike image distracts my wake. Unbidden streams of clauses – lacing bare-scented gestures. I render the smile in your eyes, the accent in your voice, And everything you claimed that was mine. That path; deep-seated, between the distance of land and sea; How unfortunate that temporal … Continue reading In The Wake

Forbidden Shells (Plastic Race)


 2. Forbidden Shells (Plastic Race) by Maria Fokas I yearn for memories dressed in pleasure; silky silver wrappings, tied in red ribbons, as the snow settles in the winter nights. And when spring comes, breakfast in a secluded diner; your choice, and I’ll be there for that smile; such beauty is soothing to the heart. I want to sail away with my lover in the summertime, and forget all the plastic in the world; too much of it everywhere we turn. I close my eyes and see you sitting at that old forgotten piano. Your fingers dance on the keys … Continue reading Forbidden Shells (Plastic Race)

Love After Love


Love After Love by Derek Walcott The time will come when, with elation you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror and each will smile at the other’s welcome, and say, sit here. Eat. You will love again the stranger who was your self. Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart to itself, to the stranger who has loved you all your life, whom you ignored for another, who knows you by heart. Take down the love letters from the bookshelf, the photographs, the desperate notes, peel your own image from the mirror. Sit. Feast … Continue reading Love After Love

My Heart’s Whisper


My Heart’s Whisper by Maria Fokas She caresses the strings of her burning thoughts, Humming her secret in the midst of warm nights. A note or two off beat of course – but unique in all its beauty. Like the seasons’ cries,  she recounts her worries, Searching for that one to keep. She chants the letters of her lover’s name – A few drops on autumn leaves.   Then with time, Fragile snowflakes – between the sky and me – Descending – like expectations owed. And with the final season, She reclaims (the right) to love again. And I ask … Continue reading My Heart’s Whisper

The Lonely Rock


The Lonely Rock by Maria Fokas It was the scent of love that kept her near “Don’t ever leave me,” he whispered (in her ear) – She wanted to stay but her heart had shattered Their moments wrapped in petals of jasmine She fought her demons by planting dreams She sang to the lighthouse across the seas She hid her cries in quotes of delight But she never, ever dared – to say good-bye Her soul weary, drained in vacant words “Please forgive me, for all I could not be” – She urged her mind to expose her weakness But … Continue reading The Lonely Rock