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The Stars – Christmas, 2004
Christmas: Joy is in the air, floating every where,
Trees decorated shiningly for the Season light up,
Reindeer are coming toward children, lovingly,
Seeking happiness I am like others in the world.
What kind of year is in this Christmas?
People singing ‘Joy to the World!’ and ‘Silent Night!’
Gunshots, bombs in the other corners of the world come to my ears,
Christmas has not yet brought peace everywhere.
Looking up for the Star, Easter Star in Christmas Night,
More unexpected stars shine in my eyes,
Imagine these stars are soldiers, among us last year,
Tonight, showing me their souls in thousands are over there.
We honor those who willingly go to those brutal battles in the desert,
My heart is just like the hearts of their mothers and others,
While saying, “Merry Christmas!” our eyes fill with grieving tears,‘Sacrificed themselves for our Country’ be ever in my Prayer!
12/09/04
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Little Kissing-Fish
A little kissing-fish naughtily jumped out of the water-tank and landed on the floor;
My cat threw its body over it and held it tightly, wanting a kiss!
My Pug rushed to them and started barking fiercely: “Woof, Woof! Wa, Wa!”
I ran over to the scene hysterically shouting: “No, No! Help me, God!”
Slippery as the little fish is, it flipped into my begging hands.
Little fish, be content with the fascinating life that you have in the water-tank.
I feed you with suitable fish food three times a day,
I change fresh water in your water-tank twice a week,
I found you a mate to kiss, and friends, as many as you like.
Whether the weather is cold or hot, the adjusted temperature fits you well.
Don’t think that in the ocean over the beach you have friends you can trust;
If the lazy slow-moving turtles don’t bother you,
The large sharks will be awaiting for you to have an intimate hug.
If the seagulls have not yet dropped you on the top of the tree trunks,
A storm can blow you to the shore and just like that, you have been had.
You cannot be as you were, lying on a beach, baked by the hot sun;
A merciful ‘Sympathetic Water Bag‘ brought you to my little shabby hut,
Though, my place is small, your water-tank is beautifully large,
And peaceful! Violent bombs from the in outside world that you never hear,
Never tricked by temper, you just jumped out of the tank, to kiss my cat and dog!
12/05/04
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Bees - Lovers
Pinkish peach flowers on the trees getting ready to blossom,
Gentle spring rains and winds tenderly touched them.
Honeybees smilingly rush in to kiss their nectars intimately,
Calling the blossoms, “Honey, wake-up! My beauties! ”
Sweet voices of bees flourished in the flowers lovingly.
Summer sunshine, hot tempered, controls and holds the flowers,
Upsetting those flowers that demand their freedom.
Flying high in the universe is their wish! Their dreams? They are
Wound up, mixed with the dirt under the feet of all creatures,
They disappear, silently, with graceful charm.
Cheer up! Flowers left with sunshine cultivate the fruits’ treasury.
This natural transmittal delights people with marvelous imaginations.
Who shall remember that these fruits are from glorious flowers?
Those bees! They somehow have been eternally true lovers.
They called the blossoms, the fruits’ mothers, “Honey! Honey, my beauties!”
November 28, 2004
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Memorable Event – Project FIND 2004
On the evening of October 7, 2004, the Project FIND Coffeehouse held a party to celebrate Project FIND’s 35th Anniversary. The Coffeehouse was decorated in a joyful way with beautiful flowers on the tables and colorful blooms in the air. There were plenty of nutritious foods courteously served and the musical band combined with the lovely melody of singers raised our not yet stiffened feet to dance.
This occasion brought all seniors to the Coffeehouse but involved a lot of work by management, staff and many volunteers. Project FIND’s management has always concentrated on the seniors’ needs and has filled seniors’ hearts with contentment for many years.
Established in 1969, Project FIND has supported many seniors in comfortable residences and helped the homeless have a better quality of life.
A senior is never alone while in a Project FIND Center; it is easy to meet friends who talk with you and make your days brighter.
You can read magazines and newspapers, watch TV, play dominoes and cards or Bingo. Or use the computer to occupy your mind in writing or designing graphic work as taught by a skilled, expert computer instructor.
There also are activities, such as strength training, dance movement, yoga and tai chi that help you regain muscle strength and have more energy.
Three years ago, I joined the Coffeehouse at a time when I was badly injured. My physical movements were limited and my sense of mind decreasing. Luckily, since I have been coming to the Coffeehouse, I have benefited form participating in the exercise programs and writing on the computer and from the nutritious meals. I am now much improved in regard to my health and mentality.
October 14, 2004
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Children of the World – 2004
Pumpkins -- fresh orange color – decorated around the trees planted on 34th Street in NYC,
Contest against the golden and reddish leaves airborne down for the Autumn beauty.
Halloween Night is coming, energizing people preparing for the annual, funny parties.
Varieties, customs, hallowed lanterns and children cheerfully voicing, “Trick or Treat!”
Group after another, children coming to doors for candies, greeted with smiles. This is the USA.
Gunshots, bombs over the city of Baghdad, continued day after another, death, doomed.
To hide but no place to hide, to play but no safe ground, children are born of innocence naturally.
Receiving a piece of candy from kind hands was nothing wrong in children’s loving hearts.
Unknowingly, following the candies were deadly ghosts, little souls had been blown away!
Sorrowful! Pity! Children, you were dead on receiving apiece of candy.
Wondering! Are the suicides, the killers of children, born without mothers or love?
How could they deliberately target the 338 innocent children in Breslan in Russia?
Moments earlier, children’s laughter filled with school’s classes and gym rooms.
Minutes later, those tender little souls were unmercifully in the hands of bombers.
Their mothers cried, devastated. The people of the world were shocked to tears.
Human beings are created for this world, to serve society and pursue a life of happiness.
Under the sunshine forever, you should not be hidden in the darkness of offensive ideology.
A successful, bright future for you depends on pursuing the wishes you plan.
Through this channel, appealing and convincing the suicides, killers and unjustified fighters.
Worry your mother not! Your mother is praying for your safe return to her warming arms.
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Projects FIND - Coffeehouse – 2004
An angel’s spirit came upon me and answered my call in my darkest night of dismay.
Stepping, my feet became accustomed to walking to the Coffeehouse in three years.
It is there that I attended the exercise programs: Yoga, Dance Movement and Tai Chi.
In here, I learned the computer skills and practiced writing; to brighten mentally.
The meals, high quality and nutritiously healthy, delighted every senior in all!
Summer is hot; triggered NYC Security Alarm temperature level next to its highest!
The Coffeehouse is a cool haven, no political debates, all minds in harmony!
An environment of no threatening smoking alarm, peace and joy are its aims!
When I enter the Coffeehouse, I am glad to see all seniors here are smiling,
Before leaving, I hope to see again all these faces here the next day.
The days and months move on, leaving no trace in my eyesight,
In my memory, the old good days of this Center benefited me greatly and are inscribed in my heart.
Applause! The Coffeehouse now has a new director and is moving to new goals in a new era
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Attracting us seniors by adding programs, our new director, Mr. Shelton Holt, demonstrates his caring art.
08/10/04
By: Lydia Di Gioia
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The Island of South Sea
He, my schoolmate and comrade, has since been missing for decades.
This Senior Center is where, hopefully, I would eventually see him.
Forgotten not! An event form my youth, in my savings box, for over 50 years.
Traumatic life sustained that was too heavy for me to carry,
Dark days endured and gave me a stronger sense of brightness.
Memories are now striking, getting into my resting hollow heart.
While the moon was shining, his shadow instantly followed my shadow.
We were refugee students, during a War of 1947, wearing military uniforms,
Frontline propaganda works, we against the enemies,
Obliged as we were to serve patriotically with honor a country.
When the sea breeze chased away the smoke of the battling fires,
A minute of walking on white crystal sands was all the joy we hoped.
Winds swinging trees, seeing coconuts fall, we felt delightfulness,
In an island of the South Sea, flowers below the range of low mountains,
Serenity as in the Garden of Eden, so our awareness turned to a Serpent!
Hurricanes over the Shore of South Sea are often unpredictable,
Just as our lives would never go as planned.
Away, my plans whirling, I washed to a beautiful shore of freedom.
Guided into this wonderful free land was the marvelous rainbow.
Senior Center, Recreation Garden, here you hold my new hopes!
07/15/04
By: Lydia Di Gioia
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The Fourth of July – 2004
July 4th, the great day!
Senior centers are having happy parties.
Independence Day is precious.
The celebration brings us joy.
It gives us seniors renewed strength.
July 4th, the loving day!
Flags of the nation are flying high.
Fireworks brighten my vision.
The singing of “God Bless America” is resounding.
The pledge of allegiance to the flag is still in practice.
July 4th, the glorious day!
We seniors never fought for Independence,
But we never forgot those heroes who died for our nation.
Senior centers are our gathering places.
Our hearts and words focus on our American history.
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My Hope – June, 2004
Statue of Liberty, my adorable lady, is a symbol of friendship in history:
She stands atop a huge and solid pedestal, holding-up a torch of freedom.
Welcoming in her gate all people who are seeking liberty.
Lucky me, allowed to embrace her majestic body and glimpse her mild eyes.
The worst storms and most polluted air cannot affect her historical glory.
WTC, World Trade Center, two luminous lights of NYC:
Tourists looked up, trading flourished, and we proclaimed our praise: Alleluia!
What a devil’s evil torment, thousands of human lives in flames.
Ghostly smoke crashed my heart and shattered my sweet dreams!
Will the rebuilt “Freedom Tower” renew my optimism and hope?
UN, United Nations, its incredible strength offers an undisputed solution:
A Peace Structure, surrounded by worshiping statues and an elegant garden.
Working bees are busy, constantly flying and singing musicals, U-N, Peace! Hurry!
White doves nest on the tree branches, waiting to fly out for missions.
My anxious hope for a resolution to stop war is in the vision of their wings.
Imagine a democratic fruit tree. Nobody has yet seen its good result.
Horrendously! It was delivered to a foreign desert country by “Shock & Awe”!
Sorrowfully! For this has cost thousands of brave soldiers’ bloods and lives!
Remember! The date, a new democratic was made by justice.
Reminder! Without dedicated intention, the fruit tree bearings no fruit.
By Lydia Di Gioia
June 6, 2004
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In Loving Memory of My Pet GiGi
GiGi, GiGi, were you called back by Our Mighty God?
You were born on 07/30/96, and ever since lived with me.
Why on 11/26/03, were you an angel, rising up to depart?
I held you tightly; desperately wanted you to stay,
Your eyes closed, meaning ‘Good Bye’. That tore my heart!
Tears, like a stream running down, do not dry my eyes;
Seeing your little body changed to ashes burned my heart.
I closely held your ash-box, so cold, it made me feel hard;
So silent, the emptiness surrounding me, and you.
No more looking at me, playing with me, and no cheerful bark.
Memory, I see your body with short hair, your little face was cute;
Nose flap, round eyes - large and had sparkled!
Two dark colored ears hanging down, and one tail curved up.
Your four legs were short, but you ran so running swiftly!
You were the color of a faun; just your mouth and cheeks were dark.
GiGi, GiGi - little Pug, you gave me much pleasure;
Joyously entertained neighbors and gained love from friends earn and far.
So many strangers we met on the street,
They liked reaching to you, just to have a pat and hug.
You were happy, they were glad, I was blissful to have you, my playful pug.
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Gi Gi in My Dream
GiGi, my beloved little Pug, came to me in a dream last night:
She looked joyful and gay, jumped on my lap and wanted to stay,
Gone forever last year - amazingly, she suddenly reappeared to me,
She welcomed the gourmet food I prepared, but she really was not interested,
Quickly, she ran over to get a favorite toy bear, she just wanted to play.
Loving Pug, happily returned, I felt as though I found lost millions:
I told everyone in the world about having my Pug back,
The warm atmosphere I missed so much filled the house,
A joyful spirit renewed my strength; life again was so good,
Minutes of true happiness; a life more worthy than having gold.
Smart Pug, she found me, my life with her back to the old track:
Bryant, Madison, or Central Park - places she liked to go the most,
Summer, she stopped near the Empire States building and wanted ice-cream,
Winter, she shivered, her little body in my warm coat, not wanting to walk,
Her meal served late; she would start barking at me hungrily for food.
Cute Pug, time to walk; large eyes staring at me, turning herself around:
As if she was saying: “Let’s go, have some exercise-it’s walking time on the outside!”
At night she helped me sleep; in the morning, her barking woke me up!
When I felt sad, she sat quietly. When I was happy, she joyfully jumped around.
Day or night, while walking with her - I had a protector and felt no fear.
Adorable Pug, she pleased everyone who met her, including her own kind.
What a jubilant time, she lightened the soul in my heart and that was all I expected!
Dawn, unveiled and time told her she must go; strange wings readily stretched.
“Don’t leave me!” I cried out. Although she was barking sweetly, this time
Seemed to say, “Pleasant life; planning forthcoming, past forever past!”
By Lydia Di Gioia
March 5, 2004
(Friday)
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Our New York economy is in crisis. Many New York City programs have to be cut down because of debt in the budget.
I do not wish our Senior Centers to be decreased. The centers are our aging peoples' second home.
The center is a place where I have the chance to meet people around my age and talk over most of the things we face daily. We can have a good, balanced diet of well-prepared meals without worries and the bother of cooking ourselves. Physical exercise programs enhance our bodies' health. Since I injured my right knee and lower spine in the spring of 2001, I could no longer do the normal things I liked and used to do. Not long after my injury, I found the Coffeehouse.
My appreciation to the Director and all of her staff at the Coffeehouse cannot be described by just a simple word - thanks. My deep appreciation is not only for the enjoyable meals and programs, but also for the computer program. My Center Director and Computer Program Instructor are making my life here more interesting, meaningful and enjoyable. No doubt, the Coffeehouse is my favorite place in my old age and I believe it is a favorite place for all the other members.
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Senior – Senior Center, Project FIND
Senior, Senior, a name respectfully bestowed.
You can walk, but to go to War is not required.
Memories are still active if you call them back.
Eyes, glamorous as ever, sharp as usual,
Still seeing everything in the world.
Senior, Senior, a marvelous name,
Meaning free from the burdens of the past.
Life is enjoyable, depending on how you pursue it;
Plan something if you are feeling interested.
Talk to friends on subjects you like.
Time in and out, senior, senior, you need to walk,
A short distance walking, you feel much good.
Exercise regularly, your lifespan may be extended.
Take no more medication than you need.
And vitamins when you need them.
Dress up occasionally; make your spirit feel fantastic.
Making cheerful contact with other people brings lights around.
Following your religion, lifting up your heart,
Prayers purify your soul, countless rewards ahead.
God blesses people on earth whether they believe or not!
The Project FIND Senior Center is where my heart enjoys
The comfortable atmosphere and my mind and body are fed,
We exercise, play games, and learn to use computers,
My Senior Center is like a mother, a warm place we need.
Project FIND was designed this way – so elegant and no mistake.
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