(Mitch Traphagen Photo)
By Allison Sylvia
I was faced with the reality
that my life is not marked
by romantic love
but rather
love of the earth, ritual practice,
artistic community and inspiring words.
The poem that came out of this understanding
is one that includes my daily liturgy (shower ritual)
with quotes – not only from the AWOW members
present&performing – but also from poets George Watsky,
Hafiz, William Carlos Williams and my own past works.
Two sonnets found their way to the middle – they are reworked
from a sonnet crown for unrequited.projected love –
here I turn the light around
and find the love I long to give
is always right inside of me.
i like to think
of every subway car
& late night performance
space as an absolutely
unique collection of beings
in a time&place that has
never been before
&will never be
again so in
honor of
this community
sharing this space
this evening
let’s take a
collective breath
everyone exhale
empty.empty
lungs
fill yourself
from toes
to hips
to fingertips
exhale
let it go
like
the wind
now that
we’re
all together
it’s time i begin
with a little poem
some here
already know
the song of my heART
from which all new
works flow
love
love
love
it’s such a relief
to sing the word
true love
wherever
you might be
listen to me
i got a feeling
we are gonna
win
rejoicing
destined
for this age
our bodies
make it
perfect
first
turn to me
&your eyes
can make me
swim
my warrior
my muse
though i cannot
see how you
move your wings
&from above you
how i sank into
your soul
the space between
then again
everything
seems new
my tongue
&roof
to say the least
i’m into you
what i want
you’ve got
it might be hard
to handle
love is telepathic
&our eyes
tragic the way
i feel
how long
until
(yOu)
drink me up
again
this dream
pays for its
space in my
heART
i can hear
a rhythm start
each embrace
faith/surrender
&yes
i say yes
i am
yes
fool
holding you
never be alone
i never learn
kissing you
tell me i belong
please tell me
i belong
here is my hand
do you trust me
i pledge allegiance
to your heart
come place yours
beside mine
will you let me
write you
poetry?
please
please
please
this time
sAy
yes
.
i take
your applause
to signify consent
in gratitude
i invite you
to join me
in a dance
it goes
Here
(stomp.stomp)
Love
(reach out&touch)
Home
(hand2heart)
My feet
meet the street
to this mantra’s beat
each time
you reach for love
can you touch
a different
friend
what the world
needs now
is all the
good vibrations
we can send
Let’s try again
it goes :
Here.love.home
Here.love.home
Where do I begin
to tell the story
of how great
awow can be?
i know
the ground
from which
i rise
it’s here
with you
before your
eyes
i find my feet
are always home
through rituals
i practice life
in reverence
is power
each shower
i have some
good clean fun
i do my best
to make a prayer
of every single one
thank you
for the water
that always
comes out
of the faucet
thank you that
it is as hot as
i want it
water
is sacred
water is life
may i use
its energy
wisely
as i move
through the
rest of my
night&
day
you are
the one
only you
beneath
the moon
&under
the sUn
whether near
to me or far
it’s no matter
darling where
you are
i dream
of you
don’t fall
asleep yet
contrary to
popular
belief
that’s not
where dreams
get accomplished
a curious force
awakens
it is hope
aroused once
more
lOve
is what
we’re here
for
it’s what
i got
i said
remember
that
i am not
enlightened
yet
i
respect
the human
being
i
am
great
ful
for
the
body
I
call
hOMe
the
mInd
I
fInd
the
hEARt
I
hOLD
I
am
hOno
rEd
by
my
hANDs
that
tOUch
my
tOn
gUe
thAt
tAstes
my
fEEt
bless
me
dAIly
wIth
aMAzIng
grAce
I
am
grOUn
ded
&
sec
Ure
I
cAn
mAke
my
sUn
rIse
heresy
of my soul
love is truth.i want.to sing.mine.out loud
to she(that ME)the star I always see
wish to stand.brave.heart beam.hand.head high.prOUd.**
i lovingly persist.i sing of thee
not allowed to force.let(go)with the flow
i can be taught.promise.i yearn to learn
i’m here.a space.a home.where i can grow
pattern returns.to dance.
through rabbit holes.rainbows.one dream.i chase
i trust my feet.over bridges.i roam
when there’s nothing but time.there’s only pace
i know however far.all roads lead home
beloved.mother.whispers from the rock
[ ‘girl.put fingertips o’er keys&unlOck’ ]
all : one.muse.mirror.divine.love.mi
slow down.baby girl.sit.breathe.take stock
i am always here.what i need.i find
I want everything.now&then.begin
certain.i take part.in the work.outside
be.sing.dance.speak.create.rec
in every one I meet.I see.my pride
yearn.turn.create life.midas touch.sure of
the path i chose.true.always.find(a)way
forever.dance.w/trees&stars above
venus.morning star.sun.heralds.each day
here.now.may i be.the change.i wish to
{see.there is only (eye) dreaming of me}
in the
constant
celestial
gaze
i honor
the friends
who give me
breath
as i cross
the threshold
of every
public park
i sign
thank you
i love you
then bring
hands to my
heART
have
you heard
the secrets
of the earth
green space
soil&rain
is sacred
common
ground
communities
gather
salvation
found
guiding light
of you
first
love&respect
myself
only then
extend
to chosen
family
i find
BELOVED
all around
welcome
to this
dynamic
space
where
great art
flourishes
how do
i love thee
here
we
really
are
let me
count
the ways
as one
shoulder
to
shoulder
create
our future
Faithful friends
who are dear to us
Gather near to us
once more
conscious
dreamer
gotta fight
for the
life
you love
reinvent
self
show them
what you’re
made of
follow
your heart
trust
the buzz
in your
belly
hOpe
to achieve
hold on
let go
believe
lightness
lift
resonance
identify
with creators
around the world
Lately, I’ve been
having the same old
dreams
manifest one
right now&here
the right track
No time
Like the
Present
Elect
Star of Hope
President
Unity of
body.mind.soul
art.love.home
Is the goal
AWOW
I find heaven
in what you
mean to me
a feeling
without words
a bird will sing
Day by day
Step by step
Walk the way
Promise kept
coming
home
again
keep calm
bound for
my kin
create on
that’s the
story of
that’s the
glory of
when i say
ARTISTS
you say
WOW
ARTISTS
WOW
ARTISTS
WOW
when you say
I LOVE
i say
YOU
I LOVE
YOU
I LOVE
YOU
here.love.home
here.love.home
peace.love.respect
thank you
for playing
along
together
we are
strong
that’s the
power
of
song