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Arlene Geller
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Noteworthy

I’m so excited to share this selection of published works and related news!

The Obligation

The Obligation was published in Better Than Starbucks.

The Obligation

Her sister ran away before she grew large enough to wield a rake. Even then she knew that she dared not to dream, her future laid out in the endless rows of corn, peach orchards, and strawberry fields. As time climbed past and around her and she grew into an adult, her future was sealed in the sweat of the family farming business. She toiled and dutifully filled the shoes of the big sister who faded from memory. Her resentment mixed in with the once rich soil, and a new crop grew out of the earth. It swallowed her whole.

 

Requiem

Requiem was published in The Penwood Review.

Requiem

On the death of my closest friend from the pandemic

January 19, 2021

Will I know you?

When we meet again
Free of your body
Your spirit soaring
Free of your voice
Lilting and caressing

When we meet again
In the reunion of spirits
No form, no voice
Pure energy
Forces outside the living
Drawn to one another

When we meet again
As I am sure we will
Destined
To reunite in the afterlife
Friends in any space
Friends for all time

Will I know you?

How could I not
Your irrepressible smile
Your gemstone eyes
Your loving nature
Will exist forever

I will know you.

 

In April, I participated in Poetry in Your Pocket, sponsored by the Hopewell Branch of the
Mercer County Library, NJ, in honor of Poetry Month

 

Also, 30 Days of Inspiration, the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County’s poem-a-day paired
with an artwork-a-day celebrated National Poetry Month in April. My poem, stardust, was paired
mid-month with an amazing artist who created a paper collage.

 

 

Slow Burn

Slow Burn was published by The Jewish Writing Project.

Slow Burn

none of Solomon’s wisdom was imparted
when my father forced religion on me
like a too-tight outfit
after my grandmother died

before this loss, he was unobservant
holidays spent only over food
overnight, he became a Conservative Jew
and a faithful synagogue member

my Jewishness had been a protective cloak
I donned at my discretion
now his sudden threats and punishments
plunged me into the realm of Gehinnom

coerced to go to synagogue
I dressed in my resentment
endured the hard pew
the incomprehensible ancient language

people shuckling and dipping
like wind-up toys in synchronicity
like the flames of candles
and I ignited
glowing
burning slowly

Poetry Takes Flight

Poetry Takes Flight is currently at Princeton Makes, an artist cooperative located in Princeton Shopping Center.

Recently Commissioned Piece

Helen

The steam from your teapot beckoned us

and we gathered,
embraced by your loving nature

You opened your home, your mind, your heart
shared all of yourself, your customs and culture
over English Conversation and strawberry tea parties

Now you are steeped in our memories,
imprinted on our lives, your name on our lips
as we sip our tea, forever grateful

 

White Enso is a gorgeous journal that I am thrilled to be part of with my poem i am of earth.

To commemorate Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), my poem Silenced Voices was
included in the 24 th annual Yom HaShoah issue of Poetry Super Highway.

Collaborations are among my favorite creative endeavors! I wrote the lyrics for Home Is Where I Am, which is performed by Mandy Monreal and Cantor Devorah Avery with music by Mandy Monreal. (More music by composer/singer Mandy can be found at Mandy Monreal Music.)

 

Writer · Editor

In addition to over 30 years of freelance writing, I have editing experience in both print and digital media.

Poet · Lyricist

I am fortunate to be involved with collaborators to pursue a passion — writing poetry.

Tutor

As a tutor I specialize in writing, English, grammar, SAT writing and reading comprehension, and ESL.

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