At the opening of my exhibit of photography and poetry at the Scenic Drive Gallery in September 2013, I read a selection of poems that were either unpublished or appeared in Miriam's Iris (the ones with numbers in titles), or Rose Always.
Amor 6
the more I love
the more dangerous
life becomes
in its graphic beauty
carved with a dagger
stolen from time
the blade cuts
old wounds open
it slides on the skin
of the moment
pierced by knowing
© 2006 by Maja Trochimczyk
Desert Rose
I grow roses in the desert
They wither in merciless sun
Their petals, scorched by the heat,
crumble into dust
from which they came
The magic of water and light
brings them back.
Open blossoms smile at me
shyly
One after one after one
they come to make love
with the air
They shrivel
to stay unchanged
clinging to life that left them
© 2001 by Maja Trochimczyk
Rosa Incognita
it had to be the eleventh,
the time of perfect absence
of all time’s measure,
the number so uncounted
that doubly prime –
the day of fullness
in a second there is
a universe never heard of
in a glimpse – a mystery
fully apprehended
once for all understood
found and lost together
all times swirling
in a glorious wreath of the present
St. Augustine was right –
sometimes God
makes a hole in Heaven,
for us to peek in
© 2000 by Maja Trochimczyk
Ellenai 6
with the noise
of unfurling wings
silence descended
turmoil within
my frightened self
dissolved
into the glass surface
of tranquil seas
at sunset
angels account for
moments such as these
love’s cruel sweetness
my days are numbered
I’m caught again
emptied
of thought and sorrow
poured
into the last vessel
of midnight calm
(c) 2001 by Maja Trochimczyk
Mira Mataric, Susan Dobay, Rick Wilson, Kathabela Wilson at Scenic Drive Gallery
The opening reception of my exhibition "Shadows - Leaves- Roses" featured a poetry reading with the accompaniment of Rick Wilson on fujara (bass flute from Slovakia) and shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute), divided into two parts: "Shadows and Leaves" and "The Geometry of Roses." Jean Sudbury provided an interlude between the two poetry presentations with her violin transcriptions of pieces by Chopin, Dvorak and Elgar. Mira Mataric read her translation of "Memento Vitae" - a poem that is a subject of an international translation project and already appeared in Spanish, French, Polish and Serbian versions. The attendees enjoyed the show and the reception, thanks to the hospitality of Susan and Endre Dobay.
The exhibition;s program features the following explanation:
"The play of light and shadows, reflections on the water, miraculous shapes of rose petals, the veins on a leaf… This exhibit presents a close-up view of California landscapes – limited to the elemental shapes and colors found on a yucca flower, or a petal. These wonders are found in Sunland and Tujunga, distant from the urban core of Los Angeles, yet a vital part of the metropolis. The profusion of gardens and wildlife areas permeated with intense sunlight transform these small towns into places of magic – captured with a digital camera."
For the record, I admit to being influenced by Georgia O'Keefe and her monumental, sensual flowers. Yet, I want my roses to be just right, not too big, not too small, something to enjoy in my home or office. Something simple that's all around us, and taken for granted... yet, incredibly, intensely beautiful.
An interview with Susan Dobay about my artistic interests is on YouTube: http://youtu.be/nY7cp-taPbs
The exhibition is on display, available by appointment only, until September 22, 2013 at the Scenic Drive Gallery, 125 Scenic Drive, Monrovia, CA (off Myrtle, exit from 210 go up towards the mountains, turn left into Scenic when the road starts to turn. scenicdrivegallery.com
Reading love poems for roses, all red.
Jean Sudbury's performance at the opening of the exhibition.
