A Chocolate Afternoon by Mary Jo Balistreri

Mary Jo Balistreri is the author of two poetry books, Joy in the Morning and Gathering the Harvest, published by Bellowing Ark Press. A chapbook, Best Brothers, was published by Tigers’ Eye Press. Mary Jo feels that losing oneself in the process of writing is healing, and that sharing poems, learning about the experiences of others, and the sensibilities and events that move them widens our circle of community. Learn more about her athttp://maryjobalistreripoet.com/.

gailcomorat:
Yes, Jo! It's all about ignoring those voices, taking off our shoes, and just eating the chocolate, isn't it? Thanks for the reminder!
Posted 02/24/2014 08:23 AM

jtmilford:
After a reread I can see in your poem a call to move away from our lived ordinary lives. A direct connection to Rilke's DUINO ELEGIES. Thanks J T
Posted 02/23/2014 07:42 PM

jtmilford:
A beautiful Florida feeling poem, you said yes to the sun and then everything became a exuberant Chocolate afternoon. Thanks for reminding me how to live in the now.
Posted 02/22/2014 08:13 PM

transitions:
oh why oh why am I in WI in Feb......?! Chocolate and your poem make it more bearable (and chocolate is worth the headache to me as well :) Judy
Posted 02/22/2014 05:26 PM

liz dolan:
I'm wondering why I'm not there with you eating that chocolate.liz
Posted 02/22/2014 06:40 AM

Jo:
Thank you to everyone who posted. I really appreciate it. Jo
Posted 02/21/2014 04:38 PM

plgoodman:
Wow, Jo. So impressed you can still find all this beauty after the blows life has handed you...
Posted 02/21/2014 02:53 PM

erinsnana:
love this poem!
Posted 02/21/2014 11:43 AM

Donna Pflueger:
Oh Jo! I followed the path of your italics - Yes Enjoy Don'ts! And this weekend, I will take you up on that! Wish I could "walk barefoot in the tide" with you. Wonderful poem!
Posted 02/21/2014 10:56 AM

becky evans:
A marvelous, sensuous poem with concrete details that create a vivid scene! Rich with opulence and exuberance -- shining with auric arabesques (what a lovely image with musical sounds!). Oh, that we may risk the danger that lurks to live with joy!
Posted 02/21/2014 10:31 AM

Frank Carl:
Frank Carl Your poem has captured the essence of living well.
Posted 02/21/2014 10:28 AM

Cekastigar:
Oh, Jo, I love chocolate, too. Oh, no one could be as exuberant as you!
Posted 02/21/2014 10:25 AM

Gail Goepfert:
Oh Jo, this is so beautiful! I am there with you. I love the way you have incorporated voice into your poem. Oh for ocean waves!
Posted 02/21/2014 09:47 AM

ajuhlmann:
Your poem makes me want even more to be in Florida with you!! I miss you! -Abby
Posted 02/21/2014 09:23 AM

Wilda Morris:
Jo, you have done it again! What a wonderful reminder with which to start a new day! And so poetically expressed. ~ a chocoholic
Posted 02/21/2014 09:16 AM

Janet Leahy:
I walk inside this poem and see the terns swoop, pelicans glide and ibis on one leg as blustery winds swirl with snow outside my window. Now I'll search for chocolate. Thanks Jo.
Posted 02/21/2014 08:09 AM

mimi:
indeed, that is the way--thanks for the reminder!
Posted 02/21/2014 08:09 AM

jeanie:
Nope, no other way. Thanks, Jo. Jeanie
Posted 02/21/2014 07:54 AM