whisper softly in my tender ear
as shadows of memories linger near
fire crackles, tender our love forever soft
heat rising, warms up swiftly our bedroom loft
laughter sparks seedlings of love with ageless years
sometimes sorrow invades mixing dialog with liberating tears
reassuring each other of a commitment so long ago, we grow old
finding comforts in small joys, God’s many gifts in nature, and stories told
-JONI CAGGIANO
Joni is an internationally known and published poet, photographer, and author. She is a co-author of the Amazon #1 bestselling poetry anthology “Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women”, and the upcoming poetry anthology, “Hidden in Childhood” to be released late January 2023 by Literary Revelations. She is a regular contributor to MasticadoresIndia and a regular contributor to MasticadoresUSA and Spillwords Press NYC, where she has been twice nominated and won Publication of the Month for, “Love Me Like a Luna”, (November 2022). As a surviving Adult Child of Alcoholics (ACOA), Joni’s blog is Rum and Robots and her complete list of books, anthologies, magazines and contests can be found at Joni Caggiano’s Publications. Joni’s blog is an effort to help other ACOAs through faith and a strong kinship with nature. Joni is also a retired nurse.
You can also read her writing on Instagram @jonicaggiano and Twitter @theinnerchild1.
We would love to read your work. Interested? Please READ our SUBMISSION GUIDELINES.
-MASTICADORESINDIA
Chewers & Masticadores // Editora: Nolcha Fox 
Joni’s beautiful poetry shapes her words into a secure and loving relationship, one that has withstood the tribulations and tests of time. Two individuals can never be the same, and their bond isn’t defined by the similarities but the distinctions that make them unique. Love isn’t just about the joys and laughs, it’s about acceptance, tolerance, and the willingness to be there for each other in good and bad and everything in between.
Congratulations Joni!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you Terveen, for all of your thoughtful words about my poetry. You are always so kind in your description and right about the meaning of my poetry. Thank you so much for all you do. Hope you are having a blessed week, Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such elegance here, and loving respect for the bond a couple shares. Romance and deeply held commitment and acceptance of flaws and mistakes… No relationship is perfect, but this poem offers hope for lasting love and tenderness. Beautifully penned, Joni. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good morning my gracious friend. Thank you Mike for reading and for you kind summation which is right on. I believe God sends us someone when we least expect it. Sending big hugs, Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good morning John, I thank you so much for reading and for your gracious reblog. I hope you are having a blessed morning and that it is not too cold where you are. Sending big hugs, and appreciation – Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are very welcome. It has been good so far, and it has been kind of warm here.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Same here my friend, big hugs and enjoy the warm weather. Big hugs my kind friend. 🌹🦋🌹
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always wonder how two people could survive each other for 30,40,50+ years of marriage. When I got older I realized it ain’t perfect. But that commitment to love and and respect, and figure out a way to make it work… It’s a lost art. Joni, great job as always.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Dear Nigel, you are correct, as many people give up too quickly, but no one is perfect. Thank you for reading my friend, and for your kind comment. There are no such things as perfection with us anyway, as we are human. Yet it makes a difference if we are blessed, especially if you both have faith in common. It is also very easy to get a divorce in most states. I think it helps when both parties help with the daily tasks. Big hugs and blessings Nigel
LikeLiked by 2 people
Welcome and thank you Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
Always my pleasure dear friend. Big hugs 🤗 hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the play up of words and the rhyming in this poem; it sounded so good when i read it out loud.
This poem is a testament that love when true and honest and loyal can last longer. Well done Joni❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh thank you so much, Mich, for your kindness. I like to mix it up and I like reading rhyming poems once in a while too, I am delighted you enjoyed it. Big hugs and appreciation for your kindness Mich, Love Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
Terveen, thank you for bringing us such a powerful and beautiful work by Joni, a blessing of a human being and a most sensitive, gentle and inspiring poet.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dearest Francisco, Thank you so much for all your highly gracious comments. They made my day a brighter one. Your poetry is brilliant. The adjectives you use to describe me are beyond making me speechless. Thank you for always reading me here. I am sending blessings and my love to you and Gül for everything precious in life. Big hugs to you both as well. Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s always a pleasure Joni, you’re very welcome. We both enjoy your poetry so much. Our love to you both.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh thank you both so much. I was so touched by your words. Lots of love ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re very welcome Joni!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh! Mlle Joni
C’est empreint d’une si douce tendresse.
Imprints of tenderness, it is lovely and the warmth
of the stanza is incredible.
We feel the confidence built between them two
We feel much love.
Thank you for bringing your beautiful words to the table.
💌💌💌
Myriam
LikeLiked by 3 people
Merci beaucoup, votre compliment est apprécié et me dit à quel point vous avez compris ce poème. Passez une journée et une semaine bénies, câlins et amour, Joni
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh! Comme c’est gentil! I profoundly felt your nice comment. It is so well written. I thank you for this and i’m deeply touched by your gesture. Take care of you, and protect that little nest of love you have. It is the most beautiful thing in the world. 💌💌
Myriam
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh I am so glad you could read it. I will protect my little nest of love, thank you dear Myriam, sending hugs and love to you and yours as well. 🌹
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Myriam, I tried to translate my response into French, such a beautiful language, but I don’t think the translation (I don’t know your language of love that I would have just botched up the response. Thank you so much for this very intuitive comment. You certainly understood the meaning so clearly. “Imprints of tenderness, it is lovely, and the warmth
of the stanza is incredible.” Thank you from my heart to yours for these gorgeous words. Big hugs and blessings, ❤️🥰 Joni
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hugs and blessing 🌹🌹❣
May your week be peaceful and your time a ray of joy ❣
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much. Many blessings. 🦋🌹🦋
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love this poem of mixing different feelings. And tears are liberating and cathartic. I haven’t cried recently but I would enjoy a good cry…
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh my goodness, my friend, I don’t know if I have ever known a woman who has admitted that. Wow, you are so beautiful and unique. So many things I admire about your heart. You are also such an honest soul, and I admire you tremendously. I know what you mean about “would enjoy a good cry…” I sometimes have all these feelings inside me, and something like reading a sad article about our world will cause me to “open the floodgates” and start a very long emotional cry. Not a sound, just what feels like endless tears. Thank you for reading me here. It is truly appreciated. Love, hugs, and blessings! Joni
LikeLiked by 3 people
Haha, Joni, thank you for your sweet sweet words. You make me feel very good about myself. You are such a beautiful human being that you can always make my day. And many hugs for you and I hope I will shed some tears soon, probably on a book. I am searching for it…
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are welcome; they are all true. You could watch Will Smith in Seven Pounds. The movie Emancipation with Will Smith – is based on a true story. My husband and I both cried through the whole movie, off and on. Also, this movie has some of the best acting I have seen in a long time. Bless you my friend, hugs and love, Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
Truly stunning and elegant! 💫
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so very much, Nancy. It is lovely to run into people married in their late 80s and even in their 90s still showing affection towards one another. Blessings, hugs, and love, Joni 🥰
LikeLiked by 2 people
How beautifully described, these relationships of an entire lifetime. Your tenderness and gentleness in your description is just perfect, Joni.. We feel them mellowing like wine, sages and lovers forever!! I really love the image chosen on your site. Their history of a lifetime of partnership …etched on both their faces.. Many congratulations for this beautiful poem my sweet friend on this wonderful site!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, dearest Karima. Thank you for reading and for your every comment. I thought they were the sweetest-looking couple. I love your statement, “Their history of a lifetime of partnership …etched on both their faces.” It is true and a great line! You have been so busy. You have been incredibly busy on some fantastic projects. It is so lovely to see your busy writing but please don’t overdo it. These are not small projects. Sending you big hugs and lots of love Karima. Have a blessed Thursday. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
and you too my sweet friend 🤗
LikeLiked by 2 people
🦋❤️🌹🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
beautiful imagery and love thread though your amazing piece dear Joni! 💞
LikeLiked by 2 people
You have won my heart many times over. Your poem is a cherishing bloom of commitment that statures high upon love’s boundless spiritual heights. Have you ever thought about writing your own greeting cards? 👏⭐️😍💫
LikeLiked by 1 person