The Art of Waiting


The Art of Waiting by Maria Fokas A hush beneath the sea, whispers into each string of night; precisely, and endlessly. Dreams bend back on themselves, like fragile circles hoping to be traced. Where the two ends meet, the dream is nurtured; where the two ends part, the taste of sweet love remains – Each of the two circles is true, but the truths are not the same. And as the night wakes, our sun disappears beneath the earth; once more, no rest in waiting. The sea turns from deep blue to bright red; reaching words from land to land and … Continue reading The Art of Waiting

Raw Moments in Time


There are moments in life you don’t want to edit . . . because time is of the essence . . .you want to capture the moment …embrace it….and hold on to it as tightly as your heart can stand it . . .Sometimes the raw moments of life are also the truth that reminds us that we are alive but any moment it can all change . . . Oh, the inevitable truth that we are so temporary . . . the fear of whether we will be remembered when we are gone . . . and the knowing … Continue reading Raw Moments in Time

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

Beneath the Waves


Beneath the Waves by Maria Fokas The greatest treasures are simple things Few gestures that say; I love you! Take a sip Delight in a kiss Turn the last page with me – Blow out the candles Say good night Never regret the promises Vulnerable to the Waves Loyal to the rock The windmill spins The anchor pulls Under the sea the treasure will be Remember to embrace your dream The waking hour may change your wants But never your deepest needs –   Photo Credits: Brooke Shaden Continue reading Beneath the Waves

Forbidden Shells (Blind Spots)


3. Forbidden Shells (Blind Spots) by Maria Fokas Today Greece is voting for the next Prime Minister . . . [Do not dwell on the days that drift by – Make them stop] – The words carved on an iron plaque, hung on cemetery gates, in a dream. And so I took the bus to the center of town, early this morning as I could not sleep. I sat on the bus observing people going to their destinations. I looked for smiles, or lack of them; speculated about the thoughts they were consumed with; whether they were healing, or sickening … Continue reading Forbidden Shells (Blind Spots)

Forbidden Shells (Reality)


1. Forbidden Shells (Reality) by Maria Fokas I woke up this morning from the inside out; opened my eyes to a broken day – He asked me if I knew anything about reality, but who can claim to know? It would have to be an objective lad, but minds are subjective most of the time. Maybe there’s one percent that knows, but what would they say? : “I know that I cannot possibly be objective when cultured to think a specific way, and regardless of what I choose opposed to what I deny, could it be the inner voice of … Continue reading Forbidden Shells (Reality)

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

House of Pain


 House of Pain by Maria Fokas  In the house of pain the music plays softly. There are books scattered in every corner of each room. The lights are always dimmed but the scented candles never lit. There is writing on the walls: Beware things could be Worse – In the house of pain no one complains about silly things like the taste of food. A stormy day is one when we do not listen, The hour of fun is one when we do not speak. In the house of pain there are no cries in the middle of the night … Continue reading House of Pain