treasures climb into my basket
sun whispers, I capture with dew
two wrens with a picnic for two
a lone red berry from a holly tree
anoles who are looking for heat
pearls, riches found deep in the sea
your heat in any winter’s night
hiccups from a small toy poodle
my words, I am sorry, after a fight
claps, I hold in a bottle, from an oak
giggles, from a baby finding his voice
books, bubbles for a warm tub soak
“Our Father,” the words that I pray
written on mulberry silk leaves
your sweet kiss at the end of each day
-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.
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Chewers & Masticadores // Editora: Nolcha Fox 
Joni’s poetry is a beautiful reminder of gazing at life with observant eyes and a grateful heart. There’s so much to appreciate and if one did begin counting one’s blessings and treasures in life, no day would go by without adding to that number. It’s not about the materialistic wants and needs – they have become never-ending. It’s about finding joy and peace in the simplest sights, the tiniest gestures, the most soothing thoughts and prayers.
Congratulations Joni!
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Good evening to you Terveen. I thank you for all the kindness in your lovely words as always. You explain my poetry perfectly always. I hope that your evening is full of peace and love. Sending you great big hugs and appreciation for all you do with that gracious heart of yours. Joni
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““Our Father,” the words that I pray
written on mulberry silk leaves
your sweet kiss at the end of each day”
That last stanza, got me teared up and gave goosebumps Joni…i felt it in my heart…so full of love and gratitude.
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Dearest Mich, thank you so much for this very kind comment. You are such a romantic Mich, I am flattered that it actually teared you up, what a beautiful compliment. Thank you so much I really appreciate it. Blessing and big hugs, Joni
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It’s so important to see and be grateful for the true treasures all around us. Your beautiful verses remind us of that and give thanks to the Creator of all things. Such beautiful sentiments my friend. You capture in the tiniest details the treasures that abound in Life. Thank you for this one dearest Joni!!!
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Dearest Karima, my sweet and treasured friend, there would also be a place there for you. It is so true about the treasures in life that God has created that often are not even noticed. Who can ignore the laugh of a new baby or those tiny things that are precious about another? I am glad you visited today. You have not been forgotten, my friend. This house situation has taken way more time than I ever anticipated. Leaving your house so it can be shown and open houses and the list goes on and on. We will talk soon my dear friend. Sending you lots of love, hugs and prayers for blessings. Thank you again Karima for reading me here on MasticadoresIndia.
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My pleasure Joni and take your time. I’m not planning on going anywhere. Much love to you ❤️
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A beautiful poem sealed with a golden broach! Terveen, a phenomenal choice! Joni is an incredibly good writer, a soul full of truth, passion, strength and the creative force to carve out images, so powerfully, with the precise word and the perfect rhythm. Lovely!
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Francis, your words are so beautiful and gracious that I have lost my words. Thank you so much Francis, for reading me here always, and know that your words mean so very much. I appreciate every compliment, and I am truly touched. Thank you, I agree Terveen picked a beautiful photograph to accompany this piece. She does an exceptional job describing every poet, which I have been unable to do. Blessings to you both, my friend.
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Always a pleasure Joni. Big hugs to you both. 😊🙏🏻😊
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A spirit of gratitude. Seeing with the eyes of a thankful soul. Acknowledging that the road might be rough and wary but if we stop and count the roses… It’s so much easier to traverse. Joni, this is beautiful. Every verse speaks of a soul tethered to the Almighty. 🙏🙏❤️❤️
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Thank you so much Nigel. I love that last line you wrote beautifully, like a poem, my friend. I appreciate your reading and your very gracious comment. I look forward to reading you here again soon as well. I hope your day was blessed Nigel. Sending big hugs and blessings your way. Joni
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Everyday above ground is a blessed day. Thank you Joni. And yes.. April 15th I should have a story going live. Hope you’re doing well my friend. 🙏
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I can’t wait to read it, dear Nigel. 🦋
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Hi Joni, delightful! I particularly liked this stanza: a lone red berry from a holly tree/ anoles who are looking for heat/ pearls, riches found deep in the sea
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Thank you so much Tonya. I truly appreciate your reading and your lovely comment. It is strange sometimes the things that catch our eyes and I am delighted you enjoyed and found these lines delightful. I think we have the same anole that hangs out by the gutter and he slowly starts to move every morning as the sun starts coming out. He is so predictable and precious to watch. I certainly enjoy reading your beautiful work as well. Have a wonderful rest of your week, hugs Joni
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Just like the beauty of an artist’s paint brush creating a lush new masterpiece, your words are a bounty of treasures to behold. 🤎
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Thank you Nancy. Your words are very kind. Thank you for reading me here. Sending you lots of love and hugs. Big blessings. 🦋🤗🌹
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Such a delightful poem full of sweet memories!
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Such a delightful beautiful poem in imagery and color Joni. There is a sweetness and your word play is outstanding.
Congratulations! ❣️
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You can feel the gratefulness in these lines. Lovely, Joni!
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