Paradox

 The soul can soar

as the heart breaks

(one of life's most enigmatic truths).

A heart fully alive

breaks incalculable times,

never once an encumbrance

to the soul's blithe flight.

We place the shards and slivers along the path -

a trail to mark our return

(or so we hope).

But the winged soul scoops them up unseen,

as bread crumbs to a bird,

knowing return is impossible,

knowing we are not lost.

The heart can break

as the soul soars

(one of life's most mystifying pranks).

We're blameless for bewilderment

at this absurd, irrational thing,

that our hearts fall to earth and shatter

as our souls take wing.

  Copyright ©2008 Juli Maltagliati

MEET THE POET:  Juli Maltagliati lives in Florida with her mother & multiple animals. She dreams of mountains. A writer of poetry for many years, she has only recently begun to publish her work. She has pursued her primary career as a life connoisseur since 1951.  Editor's note:  Juli's work appeared in the original NoNiche magazine beginning in February 2008. We are pleased to revisit this work which was published in the March 2008 issue & are equally honored to now be able to share a sampling of the music, in addition to the art, that Ms. Maltagliati has been blending with her prose for a small group of friends until she originally agreed to allow us to print her work. For this presentation, the music, art & layout were chosen by the publisher. Those wishing to connect with Juli may do so here.

Music:  "Kerath's Arch" by Jeff Wise

 Juli's Last Poem: Angry into the Forest  >>>

December 6, 2008  by Network Abundance Publications