Activity
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months agoWelcome, August
Oswald PerezDear, Unsealers:
The first day of August is heading into the evening hours.
Eight months into 2024?! Time’s picking up speed as the days move along.
As I tend to do at the first or so of every month, I write a poem to welcome in the new month. The dog days of summer are here…
A welcome to the month of August
31 new days in the heart of summerFor the dog days are here
Where it feels like one day morphs into the nextAlthough the calendar is blank
There’s still reason to look forwardFrom the tail end of the Olympics
To the Premier League’s return and the US Open’s first serve
With plenty of room for so much more to be doneWhen August ends
All roads will lead to a long weekend getaway
From concrete buildings in NYC, out to the Newport shores -
Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months agoBienvenue aux XXXIIIe Jeux Olympiques!
OSwald PerezDear Unsealers,
Bonjour from New York City!
As I type this post, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is on my screen. After an already busy summer of sport due to UEFA’s Euro 2024 and the Copa America, the main event of the summer has finally arrived.
Seeing the athletes floating along the River Seine is making me nostalgic for the City of Lights. I can’t wait to see the competition to come and all the shots of the city in the next two weeks.
As I tend to do, I wrote a poem to welcome in this event, one that only comes once every four years. Let the games begin!
As the athletes of the world gather in Paris
To open the games of the XXXIII OlympiadHere’s to the next sixteen days
After the cauldron is dramatically litAll the stories that will be told
The drama the competitions will bring
With the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat coming full circleFrom La Tour Eiffel, crossing the globe to the waves of Tahiti
Visions of France in all it’s splendorCasting the cynicism of the world aside
For the ideals of sportsmanship that Mr. de Coubertin appealedIn the distance, the Olympic Fanfare is here
Pour dire bienvenue à Paris à tous! -
Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 months, 4 weeks agoWelcome, July!
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the 4th of July!
A Happy Independence Day to those who are celebrating today. I hope that all of you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.This poem is three days late, my welcome to July.
I don’t know why I forgot to post this on Monday. But Lauren’s reminder of the latest writing contest ending reminded me to post the poem.I just wanted to let you know that without further adieu…
Welcome, July!
Six months have gone by, six new months are hereAmid summer’s low and slow grind
The days are ripe for possibilityA month of celebration
From the Great White North, sea to shining sea and Allons enfant de la Patrie
Champions crowned in Berlin, Miami, London and Nice
Before the athletes of the world take center stage in ParisWho knows where this month will go
Not even I know how the days will flowI’m sure of one thing, though…
As sure as the summer’s changeable skies
And the flowers blooming all aroundThe next thirty-one days will fly by
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 2 months, 1 weeks agoOn The First Day Of Summer
Oswald PerezDear, Unsealers:
Today is the first day of summer, the longest day of the year.
Though the summer solstice won’t be official until 4:50 PM this afternoon, the season has already made it’s presence felt in the midst of a heatwave.
Though, there’s plenty more to the season than the heat and humidity. This is a time of year to soak up everything that the late sunsets have to offer.
As is my wont to do, I wrote a welcome to the new season coming up.
When the summer solstice dawns
The seasons change againWith it, the longest day of the year
As the sun sets past 8pmHazy days, sultry nights
A time of year where time slows downFrom mid June to mid September
The world’s come to life
From the streets, sands and seasSoaking up the warm rays of light
As one does
When earth is closest to the sunWelcome summer and your mercurial ways
For a stay over the next ninety four days -
Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 2 months, 2 weeks agoHappy Father's Day!
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the third Sunday in June. The month’s going by fast, isn’t it?
With today being Father’s Day, I wrote a poem to mark the occasion. And provided a family portrait from my sister’s college graduation to go with it. I hope everyone’s having a wonderful Sunday.
Without further ado…
On the third Sunday of June
A celebration of fathers
Fathers, fathers to be, grandfathers, uncles and all fatherly figuresWith all the love to those that find this difficult to celebrate
For the father figures no longer with usHere’s to the strength and wisdom
Brought in every conversation and actionTo the love and joy in each moment
May they be honored and cherishedTo my dad and all the dad’s everywhere
I wish all of you…A Happy Father’s Day!
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 months agoWelcome, The Month of June!
OswaldPerezDear Unsealers,
It’s June 1st. It seems crazy to think that six months of 2024 have gone by. Though the summer doesn’t officially begin until later this month, the season feels like it’s in the air today.
As is the case with every month of the year so far, I wrote a welcome note for June.
Welcome to June!
30 new days are here
Closing out the first half of this yearThe month is a bridge between seasons
Starting in spring, and ending in summer
Filled with celebrations of pride and fatherly figuresDays are getting longer, then they start to get shorter
The pace of life begins to slow down
As warmth moves in, we’re all hanging outdoorsWhen you wonder aloud….
How did we get here?! It was winter five minutes ago
And spring moved by in the blink of the eyeThe calendar is blank once again
Ready and waiting for new memories to be made
Sitting and watching the waves roll on by -
Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 months, 3 weeks agoMother's Day
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers:
It’s the second Sunday in May.
I wanted to wish all the mothers in this group and Lauren’s mom too, a Happy Mother’s Day!
I’ve written a poem to mark the occasion:
The second Sunday in May
A day to honor all the motherly figures in our livesMothers, aunts, grandmothers, mothers to be
To cherish them for all they do
To hold their memories in our hearts
More than these words can possibly sayMothers are the backbone of the world
This fact needs to be repeated
Today, tomorrow and every dayWith all the love if this day is too difficult
All the comfort and joy aboundFrom me to you, I wish all of you
A Happy Mother’s Day! -
opwriter submitted a contest entry to
Write A Poem About Where And When You Feel Most At Peace 4 months agoLatte's & Monday's Don't Bring Me Down
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
This is my answer to the question in the challenge…
When and where do I feel most at peace?
As the sun rises over the Canyon of Heroes
It’s the start of the work weekBut before I arrive at the office
There’s something that I need to do
The Monday morning ritualAs I take my seat in the cafe at 4 Liberty Street
I see the heart in my Matcha LatteAt the first sip, the world stands still
Only the daylight can be seenNone of the world’s troubles matter
With each extra sip, I feel warmed blissWhen the bottom of the cup is reached
I can take on the slings and arrows of the dayVoting is closed
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Aw, this is such a cute little poem. I love how you took a seemingly mundane task and filled it with beauty and emotion. I love that you can find peace in something so small 🙂 That takes a special skill that only the most resilient have. Thank you for sharing!
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 4 months agoWelcome, May!
Oswald PerezDear, Unsealers:
It’s the first day of the month of May.
April seemed to go by quickly. As one does when they participated in National Poetry Writing Month.
The calendar resets for the next thirty-one days. Spring is in full bloom.
With the opening day of the month being a Wednesday, I welcome the month by way of haiku, an imperfect one…
As the fifth month begins
Thirty one new days arrive
A welcome, to May! -
opwriter submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter to the world about an experience that changed you or your life for the better 4 months, 3 weeks agoWelcome To Spain! ¡Bienvenido a España!
Oswald PerezDear, Unsealers:
The following poem is a flashback to November 2015…
In the early morning hours
I stepped off the plane in Madrid
After a long, turbulent flight across the AtlanticAs I see the window ahead of me
I’m on the other side, en el Aeropuerto Barajas
With daylight yet to breakIt doesn’t look like I’m in Spain
But indeed I am!All the waiting and anticipation led here
To these eight days, my first trip away from home
Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Sevila & Cordoba awaitTo think, this wouldn’t have happened
If I wasn’t told months earlier, “no”.I didn’t know it then….
I would learn to love traveling solo, joining group tripsThis was a celebration of turning thirty!
Voting is closed
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 5 months agoUnder April Skies
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the first day of April. And that’s no fooling.
I know, I can hardly believe it either as it felt like the year was just starting five minutes ago.
But we’ve arrived at the second quarter of this year. And there’s mostly a blank slate right now. That’s the beauty of each day though, the canvas is there for creation to happen in whatever form we choose.
With that idea in mind, I welcome in the month of April:
Under the April skies
A new month begins30 days, with a blank slate ahead
A breather after New Year’s, Valentine’s and Easter have all goneA month where rain falls
The flowers and leaves will surely grow
Under blissful sunny skiesSo will the creativity
In the midst of NaPoWriMo
The poems will come fast and furiousWith a new quarter of the year on tap
Where will life go from here?Under April skies
I’ll let the days and nights flow
From there, I’ll know where to go-
Oswald Perez, keep embracing the blank slate and let your creativity soar under the April skies. With the rain nurturing growth, immerse yourself in NaPoWriMo and let the poems flow. Trust the journey ahead as you navigate the new quarter of the year and discover where life will take you.
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 5 months, 1 weeks agoCerebral Palsy Awareness Day
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
The 25th of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. And the month of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in the United States.
It hasn’t been easy to say that I have cerebral palsy. As it was so present in the years that I grew up, it almost became the whole story of who I was. But I’ve come around and accepted the fact that CP is a part of my life. Yet, it’s only one part of the larger story that’s still being written to this very day.
I’m more than the challenges present, and the same goes for everyone in the community in their own ways.
I’ve written something in honor of the day:
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
On the 25th of March
An underserved community’s turn in the spotlightI’ve had my fair share of challenges
From my eyes, my speech to my feet
But I’ve risen above all of it
To be me, a writer and travelerCP used to be the entire story
Defined by all the limitations
Now it’s just part of the plot
Of a larger story that’s still being toldOn this day and every day
A reminder to everyone…People with Cerebral Palsy
Live lives of joy and wonder
Unbowed by the impossibleEven if things take more time to do
After all, we bring our full selves to the forefron-
CP used to be the entire story
Defined by all the limitations
Now it’s just part of the plot
Of a larger story that’s still being toldOswald this is a beautiful line and piece. CP does not define your whole identity! There is so much more to you! you are wonderful. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. <3 Lau…read more
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 5 months, 2 weeks agoHappy St. Patrick's Day!
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the 17th day of March.
After years of searching for Irish blessings to post on this day, I began to write my own.
With the luck of the Irish, comes this year’s version:
On this, the 17th day of March
A blessing from me to youMay your days be filled with joy
And all the craic spent in good companyFor the peace to ease weary times
As the rainbows fill the skies
Under bright blue, sunny daylightWith sweet songs sung in tune
Carrying this message far and wideIn this moment of Céad Míle Fáilte
From the Emerald Isle with love, sent across the worldHappy St Patrick’s Day!
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh! -
Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 5 months, 3 weeks agoInternational Women's Day 2024
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
The 8th of March is International Women’s Day.
I wanted to show a measure of gratitude to the women in my life, from my mom, sister and all of my female friends and acquaintances. Today, tomorrow and all of the days that follow.
It’s with that idea in mind, that the following poem comes from…
On International Women’s Day
A shout out to all the womenFrom all walks, ages of life
And all corners of the globeShowing backbone that keeps the world together
Through shows of tenacity, strength, kindness and loveI ought to know this for sure
For their courage and ambition
Coming to the forefront time and againI look up to the women in my life
My mother, my sister and oh so many more
As their encouragement makes me who I amWe celebrate them and admire them
Every day of the year, not just today -
Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 6 months agoWelcome To March
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the first day of March.
A new month has just begun. 31 new days to make them as we wish.
As the new month begins, it’s a season of transitition. From adding more daylight to the days, to the first traces of spring appearing.
With the new month beginning, it’s my custom to welcome it in verse.
A moment to welcome the month of March
31 new days have just arrivedA month that’s full of transitions
From the clocks switching ahead an hour
To winter’s last hurrah, as spring knocks on the doorTo celebrate patron saints, Lá fhéile Pádraig & Dydd Gwyl Dewi
And painting the town green, in honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness MonthAs the UEFA Euros finalize their 24, MLS & the NWSL begin and MLB’s just a first pitch away
The Madness of 68 college basketball teams reignsThe first quarter of 2024, its ending coming near
There is nothing to fear and everything to embrace -
opwriter submitted a contest entry to
Why do you love yourself? 6 months, 3 weeks agoA love letter to me, from Me
Oswald PerezHey, Oz:
I know it’s been a rough start to 2024. The health issues with both parents carried over from 2023. The skies above have been cloudy and gray for so many days. And since the end of the holidays, the days feel the same. Wake up, go to work and go to sleep.
Add to that, Valentine’s Day is coming up. Which tends to add on an extra layer to the sense of doom and gloom already being felt.
But I’m here to remind you, you’re not nothing. You light up in the world in so many ways.
Whether it be your beaming smile in the most candid of moments. The words that you put out that offer hope, even during the most difficult of days. Or, being as relentlessly positive for everyone in your life. The presence you carry each day resonates with other people.
I totally get it. As much as you appreciate everyone’s kind words, it tends not to stick around for very long.
This is your inner voice saying that you matter. You always have and always will.
Now, go forth and be the light that you wish to see in the world!
Voting is closed
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Hey Oswald, I know it’s been tough lately, but remember that you have a light within you that shines brightly. Your presence and positivity inspire others. Don’t forget that you matter and make a difference in the world. Keep being the light you wish to see. You got this!
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Your inner voice is very smart. Of course you matter. And you do light up the world around you! I have been a witness to that! You are wonderful. I am sorry about your parents. I hope they are feeling better. Keep shining. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. <3 Lauren
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opwriter submitted a contest entry to
What are your goals for the new year? 7 months, 2 weeks agoLooking Ahead To 2024
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s the halfway point of January. Though I’ve been taking it a bit slow, I still have plans that I want to achieve in 2024.
I’ll tell you what they are…in verse
As 2024 rolls on
Here’s what I know…I hope to expand on my writing gains
With the fourth attempt to bring the next chapter of the Poetic Journey to life
To complete the Tupelo Press 30/30 challenge
Go the distance through NaPoWriMo once again
And possibly, write my next chapterTo make it past my probationary period in February
Seeing in my first anniversary at work full-time come OctoberCome the fall, my next destination beckons
As I trade the Aegean for the Adriatic
With visions of being by the sea in DubrovnikThis is just a taste of the plans in store
Knowing that the rest of this year is open for so much moreVoting is closed
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Oswald, I always love your poems, as they always have a positive and uplifted tone. And I love hearing about your love for travel. I can’t wait for you to achieve all your goals and uncover what else this year has to offer you. Thank you for being you and sharing your heart and your art with our unsealed family. <3 Lauren
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 8 months agoWelcome to 2024!
OswaldPerezDear Unsealers,
As I begin this letter, it’s Monday January 1st, 2024. The first break of day hasn’t happened yet. But there’s a sense of optimism in the air.
With the start of a new year a launching point for all things that we want to see happen. I wish for you a new year that brings everything that you’ve ever dreamed of coming to fruition.
This is my welcome message to 2024…
As the clock strikes midnight
The calendar turns once again
2023 has gone into the good nightFor the start of a new month and a new year
On the first day of JanuaryA blank calendar is now at our feet
To create portraits with all the hopes and dreams on canvas
Taking shape over three hundred and sixty six new daysMay 2024 be everything that you’ve ever dreamed of
Full of peace of mind and oh so much joy
And a world filled with light peering through darknessFrom me to you…a toast with a raised glass
Here’s to a Happy New Year for us all! -
Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Poetry group 8 months, 1 weeks agoMerry Christmas!
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers,
It’s Christmas Day.
I know, it felt like December went by so fast, yet here we are at the last week of the month and of this year.
I hope that everyone celebrates this day in the company of those who they hold dear. And if this day is difficult to celebrate, all the love and light in the early morning dawn.
This is my annual Christmas message, from the city to the world and my family to yours…
On this, the 25th day of December
The last week of this year beginsA celebration of life in the midst of winter
And goodwill towards all
After a difficult and trying yearA message of love for those that find the season difficult to celebrate
As bright as the north star in the night sky
May it reach all of the souls on earthFor hope lies eternal in better days
Today, tomorrow and in the year aheadFrom the city to the world
From me to you and from my family to yoursSaid many times in many ways:
Merry Christmas!
¡Feliz navidad!
Nollaig Shona!
Feliz Natal!
Joyeux noël!
Buon Natale!
Καλά Χριστούγεννα!
Sretan Božić! -
opwriter submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem about your favorite day of 2023 8 months, 4 weeks agoA Long Day’s Journey Into The Night In Iraklio
Oswald PerezDear Unsealers:
2023 is rapidly coming to a close.
365 days have come and gone.
Yet, one particular day this year stands out from the rest.It was Sunday, October 1st.
After spending a week running around mainland Greece, our group boarded a plane departing from Athens and arrived on the island of Crete. Kalimera to the city of Heraklion.
Island time had kicked in with a later start. But it would be a busy day nonetheless.
Our first stop brought us to the archeological site at Knossos. The open air seat of the Minoan civilization. The Labyrinth was underneath our feet, alas there was no sign of the mythic Minotaur around.
The next stop was to the Titakis Winery.
A tour of the vineyard began amongst the vines. Walking through vines and picking off the grapes to eat. The production process was explained further before we tasted the wine. Two tables under blue skies, sunshine and four different wines. Each one getting its due.
Further around the island we went for lunch. It would be a multi course affair with abundant food and conversation. At this point of the trip, our group had become like family. For good measure, the meal finished with a round of the liquor Ouzo. Don’t be fooled by its clarity, the drink packs quite a punch.
As we arrived back at the hotel, the day wasn’t over yet.
Upon arriving at the hotel the day before, I had seen the logo of the soccer club AEK Athens in the conference room nearby. I didn’t understand the reason why it was there, though.
As I made my way up to the hotel’s lobby, the sound of soccer chants filled the air. A big smile on my face, the star struck look on our guide’s face as AEK is the soccer team her and her sons support and bewilderment from everyone else. AEK Athens was in town for a match against the local side OFI Crete F.C..
The group of thirty two became thirty six as a pair of college students and a pair of professional Greek dancers joined us on the bus heading to dinner. The sun set over Iraklio as day turned to night.
We arrived at a taverna on the other side of the island. Nary a soul around as we walked up the steps to the terrace. Tables laid out below the vine covered roof. And on the horizon, a full moon changing colors in the sky.
The meal began with a pair of musicians providing the soundtrack for the night. Without saying a word, the island’s passion was felt.
After the meal was done and the dancers had shown us their moves, it was time for us to join the celebration and dance. The joy in the room was so strong, the ouzo that had been brought out wasn’t needed.
I went up to the musicians to thank them for the music. I mentioned to them that I was a writer and a poet.
And one of them made a wish for me: that I would return to Crete to spend the summer writing.
As I looked up at the full moon on the way back to the bus, I knew it was an amazing day.
And there was still the visit to Santorini on the near horizon.
Voting is open!
Voting ends December 4, 2024 12:00am
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OMG I love hearing about your travels. They sound so enchanting. I have always wanted to go to Greece, This whole trip sounds like an absolute dream (and I was a soccer player back in my day). Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family! <3 Lauren
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