There’s a cafe called Mama Lucia’s.
It’s on the dangerous side of town
but it has the most delicious food
and the warmest atmosphere around.
It’s full of Mama's wonderful spirit
and it comes through in every meal.
The food will take care of your hunger
but it's Mama's touch that truly heals.
You may not notice the little cafe
if you're walking or driving by
because the neighborhood it's in
is a bit unpleasant to the eye.
Mama's sons are always painting
so it won't look run-down or seedy
but she says, “It just gives the gangs
a fresh, new canvas for their graffiti."
I’ve been going there for years now
so I know Mama Lucia very well.
And I'm always completely enchanted
by all the stories that she tells.
She talks about the Italian village
where she was born so long ago.
She talks about her mother and father
and the friends she used to know.
She talks about her beloved husband
and after all these years, still beams
about how they ran away to America
so they could fulfill their dreams.
"He was so handsome and charming.
He really swept me off my feet.
He always sat there by the fire
where we now keep that empty seat."
I said, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Mama."
She said, "Thank you, dear, but why?
I knew true love for fifty years.
And to me, he will never die."
"Besides, what am I to do?
Cry for the rest of my life
when for over half a century,
I was Prince Charming's wife?"
"In the beginning, it was very hard for us.
We thought our dreams would never be.
But you make trouble ten times harder
by always shouting at God, "Why me?"
I suppose that's why Mama Lucia
has so much compassion in her eyes.
She knows how painful life can be
without a dream, or when it dies.
One day, I saw Mama walk outside
and stop a tired and homeless man.
She brought him in, sat him down,
and told him, "Eat all that you can."
As I watched the old man savoring
red wine, lasagna, bread and rice,
I thought, if we all lived like Mama,
this world would be a paradise.
The lost and lonely, the forgotten,
the disenfranchised and disabled,
always know that they are welcome
to find a seat at Mama's table.
Everyone just calls her Mama,
which is very fitting, by the way,
because she's a second mother
to all who enter her cafe.
Whether you're a man or woman,
young or old, strong or weak,
you can always expect a warm hello
and a big kiss on the cheek.
It makes no difference who you are.
Mama welcomes you with open arms.
And even the most jaded and cynical
are rendered powerless by her charms.
What I love about Mama Lucia most
is how she's always reaching out,
even to those most people say
the world is better off without.
She’s a lot like that old restaurant,
a little tired and broken down.
But if you look a little closer,
she’s the loveliest woman in town.
And that’s why people from everywhere
come to Mama Lucia’s and line the hall -
because compassion, love and kindness
are the best ingredients of them all.
Author notes
Thanks to Cheryl (MagicLady) from whose author page I borrowed (okay, stole) the image for this poem. lol
Thanks for visiting!
Written August 23rd, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- I Want Beauty. by Aspirin Lullaby.
1000 points, ended July 29, 2005, 25 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 77 of 77
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Summers haven!
Awww.. now this is real poetry, you have a good way with words and I could actually feel for this lady's life. You are a fantastic poet, I think I'll print this one out.. it was very sweet, and reminded me of a lovely summers day on the wrong side of town.. a little haven eh? -
Brava!! Two thumbs up!! Refreshing and uniq
Awesome!! Beautifully woven tale the inspiration you have paid tribute to with your amazing talent and gift
Now, you have paid tribute and your tribute becomes the tribute to you as your mastery of woven words truly marks you as a magnificent weaver of words Brava!! Two thumbs up!! Alas, I am out of applause and this piece is so deserving!! Wishing you and yours much success in all of your endeavors and a joyous Holiday Season to you and yours!!
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Hi, a super write, yes it would be wonderful if everyone did the same, and helped others, a lovely write, all the best, hugs Di
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Hi Vickie,
You're right - the world is teeming with Mama Lucia's. I've met many of them during my travels. This world would be a sad, poor place without women, particularly old women who embody love in its purest form. Men can be kind, but they aren't usually as loving as Mama Lucia was. An old Sioux expression comes to mind - "A nation is not defeated until the hearts of its women are on the ground."
Thanks for your thoughts on this one, Vickie. Happy New Year!
Mark
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J-ay Rose,
Mama Lucia's Cafe, and Mama Lucia, were real once. It was a place my parents and I went when I was a kid. It's not there anymore. I like to think Mama Lucia is relaxing by a fire telling her stories to grandchildren.
Thanks,
Mark -
It feels good to hear about the things that are right in the world. I bet there are precious Mama Lucia's tucked away in every city. YOu made us fall in love with her-great, enjoyable write!!! vickie j
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I absolutely love this. Its wonderful, and probably the best thing I have read thus far today. I wouldn't change anything about it. I cannot help but wonder, is this place real? You described it in such a way that it seems like it was actually part of you at one point. Fantastic job.
-
Awesome poem!!! i absolutly loved it!!! i loved the charm that it had in it and lol there should be more Mama Lucia's in the world
anyways Awesome job on this!!!! Keep up the good work!!!
~Cassie~ -
wow this is fantastic, I agree, I wish I had a mama lucia in my neighborhood!!! wonderful!
-
Marvelous poem. I wish I had a Mama Lucia in my neighborhood. A very "feel good" poem. Nice job.
-
Oh, you mean non-fiction if she did exist
He he. I don't know my name either I forgot to edit that oh no... thanks so much Mark
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Hi Adrienne (or is it Rhia? I'm confused now. haha)
I would consider this one fiction because Mama Lucia did exist. This was a restaurant I went to when I was a kid. My mind may have filled in some blanks but my memories of Mama Lucia and the atmosphere of the restaurant are real.
Thanks!
Mark
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Hello! mark, you entered this into a contest for non-fiction writing only. It should most DEFINITELY be HONEST and something that has actually happened to you. NO FICTION ALLOWED.
Am I right to assume that this WONDERFL poem is fictional? Let me know soon please. It's a terrific poem and I love its message no matter what!
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I thought this was an amazing piece of poetry. I wish you hadn't of removed it from my contest, though it was over 60 lines too long i still loved it. Take care and God bless.
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Thanks, Kali! I'm glad you liked it.
Mark
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thanks you so much for your gracious comment !! and lovely poem, by the way....fluffy, nah, but rather very charming a write...good luck in my contest!!
Kali -
I want to be like Mama Lucia when I grow up!
Compassion like this can be hard to come by these days.
You portrayed the setting and the characters here so thoroughly that I almost felt like I had been to the place. Wonderful!
~ Louise ..xx
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A wonderful poem - I used to know places like this - but no more - Cake Shops, hardware stores, and corner shops of all descriptions - but no more - A really great poem but in some ways sad because such places are so badly needed - but they are dying never to be replaced – MacDonald’s, Starbucks . . . . don’t make me laugh – the young don’t know what they have missed - Albert.
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This is such a wonderful poem. I wish there were more Mama Lucia's in this world.... it would certainly be a better place.
You've captured a beautiful soul in this poem, Mark. I'm glad someone sent me this direction This is not a poem I'll soon forget
Dee
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Absolutely marvellous story. Mama is the kind of lady there should be more of. Full of love and compassion, so much character, charm and warmth. I love her already. All this from the picture - incredible work of art here Mark.
Vonnie
I left my home country too so I do relate too. -
I just loved this poem, I also began admiring mama almost from the start she seems quite a lady wise and compassionate its true if we all could be like that the world would be a better place the poem flows so smoothly it is indeed a masterpiece a tale well told and a wonderful character brought to life.
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this was soo cute i love the way that oyu have writen this very creative nice work n good luck cheers
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wow that is inspirational if only such a cafe exited i would go it would be great to get such a welcome and a big kiss on the cheek why cant you open one and act out this part. great imagination and style. i really like the way she is so cheerful over losing her love and says she had fifty years cos thats such a good way to look at death...great message
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Hi Moses,
I know what you mean. There are definitely some gems in this contest. I remember Mama Lucia's Cafe as a very serene place, filled as it was with her peaceful energy. I hope a little of that came through in the poem.
Thanks for the encouraging words. Good luck judging.
Mark -
Hi Pamela,
Thank you for the lovely compliment on this one. I appreciate it.
Mark -
Hey David,
Just wanted to say a belated thank you for your comment on this poem. Since you and I have been going at it lately on the whole Bush issue, your words on this one have special significance. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Mark -
Truly a remarkable poem and story - and it does impart a kind of feeling of serenity. So far, this one wins on emotion, but you're up against some stiff competition when it comes to tranquility & serenity. This is a great poem, and I wish you good luck in the contest.
Best wishes,
Moses -
I found myself with tears & smiles as I read..
One thing you definatly do, is bring out the emotion in the reader..
Beautifully written..a beautiful tale..all from a childhood memory..isn't it a blessing how the little things, are the things we remember the most..make the most impact..give the greatest lessons?
thank you for sharing your memories,giving them life,and blessing our lives..
much love & peace
~Pamela -
Hi gdwendyml,
Mama Lucia exists only in my distant memory of a restaurant I went to as a child. I elaborated a little (okay, a lot - lol) to capture what I think are the most beautiful qualities a person can have. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks,
Mark -
Hey GXP,
Thanks for the advice. I made some changes. I think it reads a little more smoothly now. I have a habit of posting work right away, then editing it later. I appreciate the input. -
Hey OLG,
Thanks for the input. Yeah, "atmosphere" is a bit of a clunker, huh? I thought about using "ambience" but it sounded a little too snooty for Mama's place. Any suggestions?
Mark -
Hi Kerry,
I would give you Mama's address but she exists only in my memory. There was an Italian restaurant called Mama Lucia's in Northridge when I was a kid. My parents and I used to go there a lot. I remember she was very nice and as the story describes, but most of this is based only loosely on my memory of her and the feeling I would get as a child when I walked in to the restaurant, with the red upholstered booths, smoldering candles, the happy, bustling atmosphere, and of course, the wonderful smell of pizza and pasta heavy in the air. My mouth is watering right now just thinking of it. Mmm Mmm! The last I heard, Mama Lucia's closed down about ten years ago. Sorry!
I hope you're doing well. Miss ya!
Mark -
Actually, I would believe you. I think one of mine fit the "crap" category, if I recall correctly. haha Just kidding. I'm glad you liked this one.
I hope you had a good weekend. We're having a three-day weekend here. Labor Day. Woohoo!
Mark -
Aeolian Song,
Thanks for the tip. I'll think about making those changes, as soon as I figure out what a tetrameter is. lol I appreciate the advice.
Mark
-
Hi Purplerose,
Thanks for sharing this. I'm glad your aunt liked it. I hope they were the good kind of tears.
Mark -
fantastic
hi, I'm back, I just read this poem to my aunt, and she loves it so much that she cried, great piece! Good luck in the contest! -
You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you just what crap some people have put on this site recently. Thank goodness for poems like this which uplifts my spirits and restores my faith in mankind. This is great writing.
David -
GenXPsalmist,
Thanks for the tip. I changed that line. I have a habit of posting poems when I first write them and editing later. I appreciate the advice.
Mark -
Beautifully Crafted Story Poem
Mark, please e-mail me Mama's address. I'm hungry AND in need of a person like that in my life! Also, Italian is my very favorite kind of food, and I haven't been eating much lately, so it works out just right! If only... It was a very lovely slice of bread and lasagne heaven. You paint a lovely picture with your words.
Kerry
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Mark,
I was held by the story's images and the sense of warmth conveyed. I did though, from time to time stumble while reading it aloud. (as on atmosphere - the stress just feels wrong to my ear). Overall, most enjoyable. -
Very pleasant to read type poem - with a good story behind it.
I thought it was a little long, but so are some of mine! Great job, and good luck in the conterst!
Moses
-
AWWWWWW!!! I loved it. I loved the whole entire thing form the beginning..
There’s a cafe called Mama Lucia’s.
It’s on the dangerous side of town
but it has the most delicious food
and the warmest atmosphere around.
It’s full of Mama's wonderful spirit
and it comes through in every meal.
The food will take care of your hunger
but it's Mama's touch that truly heals.
You may not notice the little cafe
if you're walking or driving by
because the neighborhood it's in
is a bit unpleasant to the eye.
Mama's sons are always painting
so it won't look run-down or seedy
but she says, “It just gives the gangs
a fresh, new canvas for their graffiti."
I’ve been going there for years now
so I know Mama Lucia very well.
And I'm always completely enchanted
by all the stories that she tells.
She talks about the Italian village
where she was born so long ago.
She talks about her mother and father
and the friends she used to know.
She talks about her beloved husband
and after all these years, still beams
about how they ran away to America
so they could fulfill their dreams.
"He was so handsome and charming.
He really swept me off my feet.
He always sat there by the fire
where we now keep that empty seat."
I said, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Mama."
She said, "Thank you, dear, but why?
I knew true love for fifty years.
And to me, he will never die."
"Besides, what am I to do?
Cry for the rest of my life
when for over half a century,
I was Prince Charming's wife?"
"In the beginning, it was very hard for us.
We thought our dreams would never be.
But you make trouble ten times harder
by always shouting at God, "Why me?"
I suppose that's why Mama Lucia
has so much compassion in her eyes.
She knows how painful life can be
without a dream, or when it dies.
One day, I saw Mama walk outside
and stop a tired and homeless man.
She brought him in, sat him down,
and told him, "Eat all that you can."
As I watched the old man savoring
red wine, lasagna, bread and rice,
I thought, if we all lived like Mama,
this world would be a paradise.
The lost and lonely, the forgotten,
the disenfranchised and disabled,
always know that they are welcome
to find a seat at Mama's table.
Everyone just calls her Mama,
which is very fitting, by the way,
because she's a second mother
to all who enter her cafe.
Whether you're a man or woman,
young or old, strong or weak,
you can always expect a warm hello
and a big kiss on the cheek.
It makes no difference who you are.
Mama welcomes you with open arms.
And even the most jaded and cynical
are rendered powerless by her charms.
What I love about Mama Lucia most
is how she's always reaching out,
even to those whom most people say
the world is better off without.
She’s a lot like that old restaurant,
a little tired and broken down.
But if you look a little closer,
she’s the loveliest woman in town.
And that’s why people from everywhere
come to Mama Lucia’s and line the hall -
because compassion, love and kindness
are the best ingredients of them all.
TO THE END!!!! Keep up the beautiful work. This is dif. one of my favorites! -
That was truly wonderful. I enjoyed reading your poem.
-
Mama Lucia sounds like an inspiring, courageous woman. I'm so hoping she is a woman you actually know, I think that would make the poem so much more profound. Beautifully done, I enjoyed immensely
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this is very nice. i'd tighten up the meter into strict tetrameters to make it flow better, but even without the tightenning, this is very sweet and enjoyable to read.
just as an example of where the tetrameter can be tightened up:
but she says, “It just gives the gangs
a fresh, new canvas for their graffiti."
would be a tighter tetrameter if:
but [then] she says, “() {J}ust gives the gangs
a fresh, new canvas for () graffiti."
anyway, nice, very nice. quite enjoyed. -
Exceptional and lovely
I am glad I chose to visit your page today. This is a wonderful tribute to a lady who deserves every word you say. I do not know her, but I know her kind, they are so rare and so beautiful. It is people like her who make this world still a place worth living.
I applaude you for taking the time to remember her and write her this tribute. I wish you will print and give her this poem along with the comments for her to cherish.
Thank you, young man for being so kind and considerate. Wish more people will notice the beauty in such people like Mama Lucia and appreciate and learn compassion from them.
Love from India - Joel -
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Well done! Enjoyed!
Mama Lucia sounds like a perfect second mother! Who could resist a hug and a kiss from a wonderful woman like this?
Warm and engaging poem..Mama Lucia would be proud!
Maureen
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Wise and wonderful
You have painted a picture of a branch of heaven, and Mama is the resident angel. Would that all of earth were like this place, as you say. I was especially touched by her thoughts about her marriage, and the source of real compassion. This is a wise poem, and it's entertaining too. Very well done!
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I LOVED this! I have been reading all of your poems lately and have noticed you have a rhyming-story thing going with all of them, and so far this story is my favorite. If this is indeed true, I'd love to meet this woman. What a great story. Reminds me of something I'd see published in an uplifting book. Well done!
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This was wonderful to read. I can't normally read this long of a poem because I get bored, but this is extraordinary! I loved that! It was amzing. This woman sounds amazing too. The flow of this poem was very good. I never got lost and had to reread anything. I love it!
But you make trouble ten times harder
by always shouting at God, "Why me?"
I love those lines. It is so true! There is no point in doing that even though we have to sometimes.
"Besides, what am I to do?
Cry for the rest of my life
when for over half a century,
I was Prince Charming's wife?"
Oh, how wonderful that is! Most people are so bitter after a spouse dies. Especially if he was 'Prince Charming.' I miight be like that to, who knows? I hope not. She seem like such a strong, wonderful woman! You are blessed to have her in your life! -
omg, verry nice, wow.. this is increadible. you know how u always get tired while reading long poems, and then it finishes u say, thank God? well, this one i said, ow no, already!! lol.. great great work !!
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Bravo! Encore! MORE WINE, PLEASE...hehehehe
MARK!!! How very wonderful this write is, my Friend!!! VERY touching...very image-laden...I COULD smell the lasgana John mentioned...& where IS the chianti??? hehehehe...This is a GRAND write, my Friend...
Next time you go, kiss Mama for me, will you??? Would love to see it, eat there, soak in the ambience...WAY TO GO, MY FRIEND...you ALWAYS deliver, with a smile!!!
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Wow! This is great! I really loved this one. It is really sweet. I think that every little town has their sweet, little, beautiful shop! Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work!
God bless you,
~~~~~
Crosseyed387 ~~~~~
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AWWWWWWWWWWW. I love love LOVE this poem. It's so wonderful and lovely to think about. I really want to go see Mama Lucia's now!!! The "mama" in that story reminded me so much of my late grandmother. She passed away when I was 5, but even at that young of age I realized what a rarely sweet person she was. So sweet and generous (even though she didn't have much) and just the nicest person you could meet. To this day when I visit my grandpa my grandma's neighbor's still come over and tell me stories of her honesty, generosity, and sweetness. I hope I end up being like Mama Lucia... and my grandmother. Great job on this, it was very well-done.
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AWWWWWWWWWWW. I love love LOVE this poem. It's so wonderful and lovely to think about. I really want to go see Mama Lucia's now!!! The "mama" in that story reminded me so much of my late grandmother. She passed away when I was 5, but even at that young of age I realized what a rarely sweet person she was. So sweet and generous (even though she didn't have much) and just the nicest person you could meet. To this day when I visit my grandpa my grandma's neighbor's still come over and tell me stories of her honesty, generosity, and sweetness. I hope I end up being like Mama Lucia... and my grandmother. Great job on this, it was very well-done.
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Excellent
This was a beautiful story of compassion and love. Maybe there are Mamma Lucia's all over the world, but the one you wrote about will be the only one who will last forever It paints it'self on one's heart and I thank you for that Very well done and good luck in the contest . You created a masterpiece
-
Stunning
This has to be the most incredible poem I've read on this site. The story is incredible, so discriptive with so few words. Brilliant work, my friend! You are amazing!
~Love Kal~ -
Most excellent narrative
I don't usually make a comment when I see that the poet and poem have made sufficient in that area, but felt compelled to do so here as this was a lot of work.
Sometimes in a long piece such as this the writer might lose the thread of the story and compensate. This is not the case here. The poem is fraught with imagery, and pathos as well!
And I don't know about anyone else, but I had this vision of lasagna in the oven, and heard bottles of chianti clinking!
No less than a 5*** restaurant and poem!
Thanks for putting this out there Mark!
Buona fortuna in your contest!
John-Las Vegas, Nevada
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I really enjoyed this, I imaginr mama lucia's restaurant exsists & sounds like it's a truly wonderful place. Lx
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absolutely charming! i don't think i would change anything about it. the rhyme was easy-going and free. the story is sweet and the truths of mama's wisdom is evident in your word.
excellent! -
delicious!
WOW! This is truly a wonderful story. Well told and written. I wish I knew Mama! It's inspiring, heart-warming and I'm so jealous if you really know her!
-
This was such a delight. Thank you for sharing it. Reading your poem makes me feel like a little kid, sitting on my grandpa's lap again, which was always a good place to be. He too could spin stories such as this. What a great memory you have stirred within me. It is always a pleasure to read you.
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ooh ilike this a lot! it's so warm and really sweet and insightful. nifty work ^.^
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Mark, this was a very pleasant and enjoyable read full of those simple and resilient truths that most need telling these days. Very nice. I hope you are giving Mama a copy of this if there is indeed a Mama Lucia. If there isn't there should be. You sure made her believable.
-
how beautiful
I know I like the others am hoping that she exists somewhere there is a Mama Lucia maybe it sounds silly but every place somewhere has a Mama like this. This was soooo beautiful and I really enjoyed sitting in your CAFE and listening to the story.. Awesome Poet just wonderul, Take Care, Be Safe, Catressa -
10/10
Wow that has real charm to it I loved the flow of it and I thought the images in it were beautiful, i can almost see that kindly old woman. May I ask was she real, I think it doesnt matter either way, because if you can see such beauty in the world and commit it to paper, theres something to live for
Excellent Write (push) -
Great
Great message, unbelievable concept, beautiful piece, really serence, just like Mama and her resturant!! This is a really wonderful piece, great job! Good luck in the contest! This was really wonderful!
mia
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Excellent
A very good poem. well expressed like a picture in words. very well done. Shows much wisdom and truth -
beautiful story, very well told lots of really great imagery, very warm and colourful tied together with a natural sounding rhyme.. awesome
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Great story teller, obviously. More than that though. Your words are experience. You talk of life with ease, through the pain that clouds the world around us. But there is light in what most overlook. You brought Mama and the cafe to life. It is a special poem, Thank You for something truly uplifting.
Take Care
Alicia -
Do you realize that reading your poetry is like to actually hear you telling the story to us?
I really enjoy how pleasant you made the rhymes sound, and how colorful are the images in this poem. A very enjoyable visit at Mama lucia's Cafe
Hugs,
Mari
Edited on Aug 24, 12:01 because 'always few mistakes'. -
Thanks for taking me there.
Tecohe -
really good
i like this you are a really good story teller .i think that you are also a really good poet ! i loved the flow of this poem .A great write!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
great poem!! omg i just loved it so much, you really tell a story here, it's so easy to read!, does Mama Lucia really exist? good job, keep that up!
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Hey, this is really good. I like the message and the ryhmes a lot. The meter could use a litte work, for example, the fourth line of the second stanza might sound better if you took out the second "for." The piece is too long for me to point out every little thing like that, but I think if you took the time to reveise it this could be an incredible poem.
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smiles . .warm images . .now i am hungry
and tyhe food ?
well flowed with soft rhythm -
Mark, this is a lovely write. It has a great flow and rhythem to it. I can see the images just dancing in front of as you weave your story for us on the page. Thank you for this poem of "Beauty"
Great photo.
Cheryl
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