Who I am, Volume 3 ACollectionofPoemsbyIleanaCollazo Me+You=1 |Ileana&MiguelCollazo|DigitalPortrait
I paint with words and write with images Atthedawnoftime,thevisualartswereborn,holdingtheirbreath untilwordsjoinedthem.Together,theymovethesenseswitha recklessforceonlymatchedbynature.Isometimesmeldthetwoto createoneexperience,andothertimesletthemforgetheirseparate paths.Music,theelusiveghost,oftenaccompaniesmeinmycreative journey.
The Dawn of Time |IleanaCollazo|DigitalDrawing
Artworks:
Me+You=1 |Ileana&MiguelCollazo|DigitalPortrait
The Dawn of Time |IleanaCollazo|DigitalDrawing
On Her Way to… |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Single Bloom IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
If I had Wings 1|IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Coalescing |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Washed Out Memories |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Alone with Her Thoughts | IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Lola Dressed in Silk |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Lady on the Hill at Night |IleanaCollazo|DigitalDrawing
When all the Years Melt into One |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
My Heart |IleanaCollazo|DigitizedAcryliconPBCBoard
Desolate Soul |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollazo
Rain or Shine |IleanaCollazo|DigitizedAcryliconCanvas
Human Woman |IleanaCollazo,DigitalCollage
Looking at Herself |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollazo
Upside Down Waterfalls and Drowning Souls |IleanaCollazo|Digital Collage
Pausing at Night |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Watercolor Garden |IleanaCollazo|DigitalWatercolor
A Sigh that goes Astray|IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Table of Contents, pg. 3:
Caught in the Matrix |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollageCollaboration
Carrying the World on Her Shoulders |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Smoldering with Grief |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Frozen in Time, Lost in Thought |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Waiting for the Answers |IleanaCollazo|DigitizedMixedMedia
Searching for Myself |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
When We Meet Again for Always | IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Waiting for the Light of Dawn |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Stealing Roses |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollazo
Weightless |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
New Landscapes |IleanaCollazo|DigitalDeconstruction
My Grandmother Garden | IleanaDigitizedAcryliconPaper
The Scrapbook of My Mind |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Lady in Pink |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
If I Had Wings I Would 8 |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Florida 2025 On Her Way to… |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
A Landscape so Entangled by IleanaCollazo
Itisdifficulttoseeourselvesforwhatweare withoutconcoctingvisionsofwhowewanttobe thatdonotquitedepictwhowe’vebecome.
Illusionsofpurposeandreasonconstantlyalterandfalter asourbodiesandmindsgrowanddevelop,peakanddecline, aswefighttotheenduntilwedie.
Inourshortlifetimes,weentangleourselveswiththeworldandwithothers, tryingtofigureoutwhatitallmeanswhileeverydaylifedrownsus aswebattletofloatinanoceanofheartbreakandstruggles.
Forminusculeperiods,wepresumeitallfallsintoplace, andthen,wetakeonemisstepandeverythingcomestumblingdown astearsandfrownstakethestage;pushingoursmilesaside.
Confusionanddisarrayarethemainstaplesoflife asweconstantlystruggletoputthingsbackintheirplace, topiecetogetherapuzzleofalandscapesoentangled.
Theheartacheweoftenfeel,sometimesovercomebyfear, chipsawayatourresolve;batteredbythepassingyears, thatmakeoureffortsfutileandturnourdreamsintodust.
Wednesday,April23,2025 Miami,Florida
A Monolith So High by IleanaCollazo
Itenragesmetothinkthatthosewhogodowninhistory neverlearnthatwhattheydid impactedsomanylives andcarvednewpaths forthosewhowanttofollow inthefootstepsofthegreat applyingthemselvestothetask oflearningfromtheirmistakes andabsorbingalltheknowledge thatpushedthemovertheline thatdividesthosewhojustlive fromthosewhoclimbtothetop
ofamonolithsohigh thattheycansee paradise.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Single Bloom |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
A Place I Cherish by IleanaCollazo
ThereisaplaceIcherish thatnooneelsecanenter; tuckedinacornerofmybrain, itswallsadornedwithcrystaldiamonds. Itneedsnolocksandkeys, fornooneknowsit’sthere. AsIstandatitsaltar; handsbymyside,eyesopenwide, myheartthrobsinsidemychest, breathlessfromrunningfromthethreat oftheghostsIleftbehind whoarewaitingforthechance
toonceagaintauntandhauntme astheyburnthesacredbridge thatIamsupposedtocross tosetmyachingsoulfree.
Iwatchthemandsigh; feelingtheirpainfromafar, hearingtheirhoarsemoaningdrown astheysinkintotheground smolderingintheirowndust.
Tuesday,April8,2025 Miami,Florida
A Space between Humans by IleanaCollazo
There’saspacebetweenhumans thatcanstretchandcontract fromonesinglestep toanabyss.
Thosewegrowcloseto, thenfalloutofstepwith, whousedtoloveus, andnowloathus.
Awarbreaksoutwherefondnessgrew; burningalongtrenchthatsmolders everythinginitsrockypath. Nologic,noreason; justblisteringhatred thatwoundsdeepinside withmercilesscallous thatleavesuglyscars.
Onepondersandsighs; lamentingtheloss ofsomanymoments erasedbytheirwrath.
Tuesday,April8,2025 Miami,Florida
Ageless Beauty by IleanaCollazo
WhenIwokeupthismorning thefirstthingIsawwasanimageofyou twentyyearsago; alldressedup.
AtaMother’sDaylunch atanoutdoorcafe; youlookedradiant.
Yourmustardyellowdress, yourjewelry,yourmake-up fightinghardtocompete withyourdazzlingdemeanor thatagecouldnotdiminish. Youhavebeengonesolong, yetyourfaceissoclear intheimagemymindconjures.
Ifeelapainenvelopedinreverence thatwillstaywithmealways asIwaitfortheday whenIjoinyouagainelsewhere.
Sunday,May11,2025 Miami,Florida
Inmemoryofmymother,FeliciaBertaCanovas,andalltheothermotherswho haveleftusbutareneverforgotten.
If I Had Wings 1 |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Angel Wings by IleanaCollazo
DoesitmatterhowIarrivedatthisjunctureinmylife?
Toosick,tootiredtopointfingersatanyone. Tooshockedtocomplainorblamemyself forthingsIdidordidnotdo.
ReadytoshedthiscloakofgriefthatIhavewornfortoolong anddressmyselfinsilkandvelvetforthetrip thatsoonIwillembarkonbymyself. Nojewels,noshoes,novestigesoflife,
Iwillliemotionlessuntilmysoul; theonlythingthatwillbeleftalive takesflighttothatelusiveplacecalledHeaven thathasbeenwaitingformemywholelife.
RenderingthehappinessandgriefIhaveendured adumbfoundinganduselesswasteoftime thatwillsoonbeforgottenanddisregarded asotherstakemyplacefortheirrotation.
Unlessmyenergygoestorecycling andvestigesofmereturntobe anotherversionofwhoIoncewas withfuzzyhintsofmymanypastlives;
returningtoaworldthatdoesnotwantme, withtheonlyreassurancethattoosoon itwillbetimeformetoleaveagain tobouncebackandforthuntilIfinally
payallmydebts andearnmyangelwings.
Thursday,April24,2025 Miami,Florida
As I Age by IleanaCollazo
AsIage,mytimecompresses; mydaysandnightsseemmuchshorter, themonthsandyearsbecomewarnings thatIamheadedthewrongway.
Thatthegoodtimesarebehindme, wheremyyouth,sofullofpromise, seemedlikeitwouldlastforever.
Now,thesoundofaclockticking fillsmewithdreadandremorse forallthemomentsIwasted, forallthehugsandthekisses Ifailedtogivetothoselovedones whoonebyoneleftmyside.
SometimesImakemyselfthink thattheyarewalkingbesideme, whileothertimesIamsure thattheyarewaitingforme.
Butuncertaintyanddoubt quicklyerasemyresolve tobelieveinallthosethings
ItrustedwhenIwasyoung; whenIbelievedinsmallmiracles thatnowseemssoimpossible.
Wednesday,April23,2025 Miami,Florida
As My Journey Unfolds by IleanaCollazo
Asmyjourneyunfolds,Iwatchitunravel likeaspoolofyarnacathaspulledon; ayardofsilkthatwascutfromtheroll tomakealong,thinscarf
toconcealthemarksleftbytime andallthehandsthatstrangledme asItriedtofleefromalife thatdidnotsuitme.
AsIcarryonwithoutlookingback, Iknowthatmypastisstored inavelvetboxwhereitneedstostay; asmyfutureyearnstojoinit.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Birth Right by IleanaCollazo
Iopenmyarmswideandlookupatthesky toreceivemybirthrighttoaskquestions; withoutfearofpunishmentorretaliation, withoutbeingjudgedbymypeers
whoarethemselvessinners thathidebehindverseswritteninabook thatwasnevermeanttobe atooltodisparageothers.
Toplantfearinsidethehearts ofthosetooweaktounderstand thatfaithismeanttobekind; notatoolcontrolledbyafew thatlieforthesakeofpower, andseethemselvesasthechosen whiletheirmothersrotinhell
iftheydidnotgetthechance tobetaughtthegoldenrule: thatnomatterwhatyouthink, youcanneverspeakyourmind.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Call to Disarm by IleanaCollazo
AsIprepareforthenextstageofmylife, Iwearnoshoesandnopearls. ThebarenecessitiesareallIneed, andthatexcludesgreed.
Myinnerbodywrappedbyskinandbones, protectingthatwhichcannotbewithheld fromelementsthatclaimitastheirown andurgemetoreturnittoitsorigin.
Iyieldtotheirfirmcalltodisarm, andfloatuptoaplacewhereIfeelcold beforeIstarttosensenothingatall asmywillandconsciousnessdissolve.
Sunday,April25,2025 Miami,Florida
Coalescing |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Coalescing by IleanaCollazo
Asmyyouthandmyoldagecoalesce intoamilkypondoverrunbydrybrush Icannolongerseemyfaceonitssurface.
Instead,forcedtodrawmyownconclusions aboutthemeaningsscribbledbytheshadows ofthecloudsandthetreesthathoveroverit.
Standingabitcrookedbecausemygaitfaults asItrytomaintainsomesenseofbalance inaworldthatistwirlingsofastthat thevertigomakesmedance
withapartner,Ican’tsee. Whospinsmearound asmyearsringand myeyestrytofocus
ontheruckus thatso unsettlesme asItryto remain unraveled.
May17,2025 Miami,Florida
Complexity by IleanaCollazo
Complexityistheravenousbeastthatgnawsourtranquility untilitpuncturesourrawnerves; sendingspamsdownourspine.
Makingourheadsspinandourstomachschurn untilwefindourselves embroiledinallthethings
wespenthalfourlivesavoiding,andtheotherhalf submergedinbecausewegrewup tobewhatwearenot.
Andthenot-so-distantpastsuddenlyfeelssofaraway asweswayfromthependulum oftime,whichrefusestostop.
Inabreathlessrush,wescurrydazedandspent, likeanemptyvesselthat onceheldholywater
thatpurifiedoursoulsaswetraveledandsearched throughthoseearlyyears whensimplicityreigned.
Thursday,May1,2025
Miami,Florida
Corporal Punishment by IleanaCollazo
Waitingforanotherround, Ifretexpectantlyformynametobecalled; forthedoortoopenandclosebehindme asavoicewithoutafaceguidesme.
Nochoice,nopreferences, notimetochangemymind, Iunwindandroll intoaball,sotight, thatthepain becomesimpenetrable. Butifitfindsaway tobiteme,
Itrynottofight, forIknowitwillsubdueme andthehurtwillbe allthemoreintenseandsorrowful.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Destiny by IleanaCollazo
ThereisnowhereIbelong inthevastnessofthisspace. Astheyexpand,Icontract, whiletheysqueezemebymyribs.
SolittleroomItake, suchboundlessspacestheydemand. Nothingiseverenough, andnoneofusisoutofreach.
Undoingwhathadbeendone, dismemberingwhatwaswhole, withoutregard,withdisrespect; spittingontheholyground
wheregodsandsaintsusedtotread astheywerecheeredbythecrowds thathavenowbeenknockedout bytheheavyhandofclout.
Tostartmylifeinregret andenditindisbelief isfarfromwhatIhadlearned fromtheholybooksIread.
Friday,April11,2025 Miami,Florida
Different Places by IleanaCollazo
IcannottellyouhowIfeel becausewearefromdifferentplaces; havedifferentmindsets, comefromdifferentuniverses.
Ifeelconflictedanddejected, whileyoufeelangryandinflated fromrageswallowedinbiggulps youneedtospitoutandstumpon.
Overlookingthatyourboots crumpleeverythinginsight; includingthefiddleheads thatsproutfromthesummerferns,
whichIpickearlyeachmorning tomixinwithmushroomsandgreens andmakethemealweeatatnoon sittingbytheprimrosesthatbloom
alongtheedgeoftheporch. Youfrowning,andIsmiling; becauseIrefusetofall intoabogfilledwithmud
whenthebrookthatrunsnearby issingingitsfavoritesong andinvitingmetojoin byhummingahappysong.
Saturday,April26,2025 Miami,Florida
Washed Out Memories |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Don’t Fret by IleanaCollazo
Don’tsaygoodbye, let’spause andsitoutsideourgardenofregrets withourbacksturned.
Oureyesfixedonthegreatexpanseofland thatspreadsbeforeusasweholdhands andmuseaboutthethingsthatwehavedone withoutathoughtaboutwhatistocome.
Wedon’tknow, becauseeachturnwetakeisamirage thatwillbegonealongwithourlastbreath asweblinkandprepareforthenext.
Don’tfret, leteverymomentrolldownthesteephill thattakesittotheplace wheretheyallrest.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Down a Path so Narrow by IleanaCollazo
Itraveldeepintothenightdownapathsonarrow; withanemptychest,becausemyheartwasrippedout.
Myvacanteyesassessingmysurroundings, myfoggybrainre-arrangingmyreality.
Non-sensicalbabblereachesmyears, andIamperplexed,itisIwhoIhear.
Everythinghelddearhasdissolvedintoapuddle ofdeepregretsthathavesunktoitsbottom.
Thesunwillsoonrisewithitsgoldentullecape totryitsbesttohelpmedisguisehowIfeel.
Saturday,May17,2025 Miami,Florida
Dread IleanaCollazo
Itswallowsmeinonegulp; thedreadthatassaultsme likearapistthatattacks inthemiddleofthenight.
Tearingatthefibers thatdressmysoul, stainingmypurethoughts withinsultingideas thatpollutemyears withthewhispers andthemurmurs ofanincoherentfear
thatpushesallcalmaside andshattersmydreamslikeglass; leavingme,tremblingandhelpless, tofaceanotherdarkday.
Saturday,April26,2025 Miami,Florida
Alone with Her Thoughts | IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Each Storm Carries a Memory by IleanaCollazo
Eachstormcarriesamemory ofearlierstormsandbygonetimes. Everyraindropthatfell, everythunderboltthatgrowled
atmygrandmother’sfarm, downaNewEnglandpath, duringhurricaneseason, whenaconflictarose
threateningtoblowawaythehouse. Therearestormsoftheelements, andstormsofthemind whenthewindhowlssoloud
thatourearsbleedout andourheadsspinsofast thatweloseourfooting holdingontothepast
aspaintpeelsandcementcrumbles. Whenthequietreturns, andthesunagainsparkles onthewetbladesofgrass,
shockandawearereplaced byadeepreassurance thatbehindeverystorm thereisthecalmthatsoonfollows.
Tuesday,April8,2025 Miami,Florida
Empty-handed, Broken-hearted, and Defeated by IleanaCollazo
Tofeelincapableofreachingoutandpulling someonewecherishfromthehellthathasengulfedthem; watchinginhorrorastheysinkintodespair andrealizingthedamagecan’tberepaired.
Theyearsofsufferinghavetornaripsodeep thatonecanpeekintoeternityfromthere, andseethehopelessnessofthosewhoneverhealed; theawfuldarknessthatnolightcanpenetrate.
Theironyofalife,givenandtaken, tuckedinbetweensicknessanddespair, turnedabrightsoulintoaspecterthatroamsmad throughallthenarrowcorridorsoflife.
Withbowedhead,mourningthesoulthathasbeenlost, wekickuppebblesaswewalkdownthelongroad aswereturntotheplacewhereitallbegan; empty-handed,broken-hearted,anddefeated.
Wednesday,May21,2025 Miami,Florida
Fear by IleanaCollazo
Fear,whydoyouholdmesodear? Whycan’tyoujustletmego? Youdrinkmytearslikewine thatwassqueezedfrommyheart’svines; wherethegrapesgrewplumpandjuicy tobestumpedonbythefatfeet ofthedevilthatlieswaiting rightoutsidemyscreamingsoul.
Youfeastonmyleftoverlips, wheremysmileusedtosit wearingmyteethasacrown asIprancedbywithabandon.
Likeaprowler, youstayedhidden waitingforthatonewrongstep soyoucouldgrabmemid-air andtakemebacktoyourden whereyouhavekeptmesincethen makingmepace,whine,andfret whileyousitwatchingtheshow.
Friday,April11,202 Miami,Florida
Lola Dressed in Silk |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Flying Like Birds by IleanaCollazo
Don’treadaboutme, readwhatIwrote. Don’tsearchformyphotograph, lookforwhatIcreated.
WhatIwore,ate,ordrank; whereIlive,withwhom,andhow isnotalwaysareflection ofwhatroamsinsidemymind.
FromwhichItearthewords andbleedoutthecolors thatgivelifeandmeaning tomymostamazingdreams.
Ideemmyselfordinarybutneverdull. Neverdaringbutalwayssearching. Tryingtocatchthethoughts thatflyintomybrain
likebirdsthatlosetheirway andaretryingtoescape adwellingthatbecame theirtemporarycage.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Headed Home by
IleanaCollazo
Islidemyfingerdowntheimaginaryline thatrunsalongsidemylife; fromnorthtosouth. Itissofine.
Ashadowinthescopeoftime thatrunsdownstream backintoanocean thatwillclaimme.
Suchsubtletyandgrace infusedwithscents; likepotsthatboilover whenthey’restirred.
Andlight,lettherebelight; asradiantasthesunthatneverdies, andluminousasthemoonthatattimesshines, obscuringallthestarsupinthesky.
AsIarrive,Icrymy saltytearsfromdeepinside; thatIcollectedwhenIwasapart ofthebluebasintowhereInowreturn.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
History’s Shame by IleanaCollazo
Ihearthefootstepsoutside, andIrecognizethesound ofmercilessstumpsontheground.
Icrouch, likeIdidlongago whentheycametotakeaway
ourduerighttostakeourground inthelandthatourancestors oncestolefrominnocentsouls whotrustedthefaiththeybrought; feigningtheyweresavingsouls whiledisarminganddethroningthem.
Norespectforthosewhoopened theirhumblehomestoaclergy whospatontheirancientGods burnedtheirhomes, andtooktheirwomen, withsuchheartlessdisregard.
Asmercilesssoulsabound, Ifindmyselfinthemidstof anothersenselesswar thataddstohistory’sshame.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Lady on the Hill at Night |IleanaCollazo|DigitalDrawing
Homage to My Stillborn Sister by IleanaCollazo
Ineverknewyou,butsometimes, envythequietpathyoutook.
Therosewoodboxyouchose, likeasmallcrabselectsaseashell, andcallsithome.
Insideourmother’swomb,wefloated; Iforninemonths,andyouforeight.
ButwhileIsawthelightofday crawlthroughthewindowatmybirth, yourlimpbodyenteredaworld youhadalreadyleft.
Friday,May23,2025 Miami,Florida
I Believe by IleanaCollazo
Ibelievethatlifeunfolds whilewesitandwait formiracles.
Whilewefoldourhands andpray, holdourbreath, andshedatear.
Wearebornfromtheunknown, walkanuncertainpath, travelthroughelusivetime, endupturningintodust.
Painandjoyareintertwined, embracingusintheirvine, prickinguswiththeirsharpthorns, adorninguswiththeirblooms.
Sunday,April6,2025 Miami,Florida
I did not Leave You by IleanaCollazo
Ididnotleaveyou;Iwalkbesideyou downthesamestreets,tothesameriverbank.
Wegrewapartandcouldnotreconnect, butIdidnotloveyouless. Youwerethestormandthecalm; thebeautythatappeasedmybeasts.
Butthemonstersthathauntedme, andthedistancethatdividedus madeitalltoohardandalltoosad; andthepainjustdrownedme.
Theravinethatclaimedme, forawhile,calledouttome, asIskirtedaroundit allthosesunnydays.
Butthestormoutsidefueledthestorminside, andItookonestep,andthenanother. Don’tfret,thiswasnotaboutyou. Itwasaboutthingsthatcamebeforeyou.
NowIamfreetoguideyou, towitnesseverydreamyoubringtolife withsilentreverence, listentothesongsyouwriteforme,
guideyourhandsasyouplaythepiano, andshooawayeveryfiendthathauntsyou.
Thursday,April10,2025
Miami,Florida
I Still Love You by IleanaCollazo
YoufallasleepasIwakeup fromadream-riddledslumber thatfollowsmeintothedays thatsometimesbringmegrief.
Ihearyoulateintothenight, wrestlingwithghostlyshadows, andwishthatIcouldstayawake tohelpyoufightyourbattles.
ButStardustsprinkledinmyeyes byhandsIcannotsee propelmeintoadarktunnel fromwhichthere’snoescape.
Sometimeswemeetatnoon, othersatmidnight, andthatshorttimeisquiteenough towhisper,Istillloveyou.
Thursday,April10,2025 Miami,Florida
Impermanency by IleanaCollazo
Don’tcrywhenIdie,thiseventwasplanned beforeIwasborn; thedayandtime,asecretthatsometimesincensesme, whileothersIalmostforget.
Ihavefrettedabouttheinjusticeofmyexpirationdate, questionedthereasonandlogic forbeingcookedinsideawombthatspatmeoutwhenIoutgrewit intoaworldthatdoesn’twanttokeepme.
Anadoredchildbestowedwithyouth,discardedsometimeafter byabeingInevermet thatI’mtoldlovesmeenoughtogiftmeeternallifeinaplacenoonehasseen whereblissandkindnessawaitme.
Fragilepawnsinthischessgame,weallsufferthesamefate; movingonavelvetboard untilavoiceshouts,checkmate,andontothefloorwetumble, coldandinert.
Asadandsenselessgamenooneescapes. Moleculecocktailsconcoct birds,flowers,butterflies,andeverything elsethatlivesthat,toosoonafter, spentanddiscarded,decompose,andturntodust asallenergyissuckedout oftheoncevitallifeforms,differentfromarock; whicharesentbackforre-purposing,fornoreasonablecause.
Sunday,April20,2025 Miami,Florida
When all the Years Melt into One |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Incapacitated by
IleanaCollazo
Onebladeofwildgrass growingattheedgeofaravine, istheonlygreenthingaround; clingingtothesoil,swayinginthebreeze.
Thirstyfortherain, whichhasnotcomefordays.
Anearbystreammeandersthroughthetrees carryingfallenleavestothewaterfall thatpoursintothebasinofthewaterhole wheresheoftenswam.
Aloonyodels, asanotheronefliesby.
Asquirrelscurriesthroughthebrush, hurryingupabranch; stoppingforamoment, tomunchonaseed.
Athome,sheopenshereyesandponders walkingupthepathtoherfavoriteplace.
Thensheremembersthatithasbeenyears sinceallthatshecando isturnherhead andmourn.
Saturday,May24,2025 Miami,Florida
Inside My Brain by IleanaCollazo
Insidemybrain,socavernousandtwisted, wheremuffledsoundstumble likerocksdownaravine, novestigesoflightcanshine.
Myeyestakeinthelight, sobrightthatitbringstears, whileIattempttodrink thewinemeanttoabsolveme.
Itisbitter-sweetandpungent, withtracesofaflower IpluckedonSundaymorning fromsomeone’sunkeptgarden.
Monday,April7,2025 Miami,Florida
Let the Sun and Moon Accompany You
by IleanaCollazo
Whileyourunaroundincircles, everyonearoundyousits dressedinblackleatherandsilk, takingsipsfromtheirwineglasses whilevertigomakesyouweep. So,please,stepawayfromthecrowd andobservetheirinteractions. Watchthemignoreyourendeavor
tobecomesomeonetheyvalue enoughtoshareinyourefforts tocreateabondthatfairs inthefaceoftheadversities
thatariseaswewalkthrough allthepassagesoflife that,shared,becomemuchlessbothersome. Iftheydon’trespondtoyou,
donotwasteyourtimegrieving thosewhodonotearnyourgrace. Sitonthenewlymowedgrass, sippingfromyourownwineglass;
eatingstrawberriesandcheese offashinysilverplatter whilethebreezekissesyourcheeks, andthesunandmoonaccompanyyou.
Sunday,May18,2025 Miami,Florida
Mother by Ileana Collazo
You lie so motionless and frail, your lips so thin and pale; your hand so cold as mine rests on it.
Your chest as still as calm lake water when the wind is not blowing.
The quiet hums inside my head in tandem with my tears as the moon streams in through the window
from which you watched the hummingbirds when you no longer strolled the garden where orchids hugged tree branches and the grass tickled your bare feet.
Our lives together, all those memories, filed in the scrapbook of my mind will keep your essence so alive.
For one last time, as my heart aches, together we spend a quiet night.
Tomorrow, when the sun returns, you will become a mirage as I am forced to strip your bed, and shut your bedroom door behind me.
Sunday,April 13, 2025 Miami, Florida
My Truest Self by IleanaCollazo
WhenIwrite,Iammymostauthenticself. SomanystoriesIhavestarted waitpatientlyformetobreathe thelifetheywantmetoimpart
intotheirfrozenembryos. Asagingtakesmeforaride intoaworldIcannotfathom wherethereisnoassurance,
dreamingawakekeepsmeincheck whenIampulledtoplaces thatdullthesensesandprotectme fromasenselessworld.
Istandaloneinthisregard, withmywordsinmypockets, whilemanyofthosethatsurroundme canonlyseetornpaper.
Tuesday,April8,2025 Miami,Florida
My Heart|IleanaCollazo|DigitizedAcrylicofPBCBoard
Nothing is more Precious than Love Shared by IleanaCollazo
BeforeIarrived,youplantedwildflowers oneachsideoftheroundstonepath, anddressedthewindowswiththemuslincurtains weboughtatthesmallshopthathassinceclosed; alongwiththecafewherewebothsat thedaybeforeIleft,sofaraway, thateverythingIknewwasamirage, andalltheplanswemadewentastray.
ButnowthatIamback,itallcameback; thetendernessandpatiencethatyoushowed whenmymindwastooclutteredtorespond, andmyheartbeattoofastformetostop
andrunintoyouremptyopenarms, thatwaitedalltheseyearsformetolearn thatIcouldnotreplacethelifeweshared, andnothingismorepreciousthanloveshared.
Monday,May26,2025 Miami,Florida
Desolate Soul |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollazo
Nothing Left to Fear by IleanaCollazo
Ihavenothinglefttofear, exceptwhere,when,andhow’s, mixedwithafewmoredetails thatmakesitnotasbad,orworse.
AllIhavetodoiswait. Themomentwillannounceitself, unlessitcatchesmeoffguard; whichpaintsthebestpictureofall.
Ishouldnotsitwithmylegscrossed, andmyarmshuggingmychest, becauseeachmomentIwaste willbeamomentI’llmourn
wheninsomestark,desolateplace ImayendupafterIleave I’llhavenooptionbuttogrieve thesecondsthatIthrewaway.
Monday,April26,2025 Miami,Florida
One Leaf by IleanaCollazo
Aleaflooksatthesununtilitcannolongerseeit, biddingitfarewellincaseitdoesnotreturntomorrow. Underafullmoon,itfallstotheground, wheredarknessfindsitandhidesituntilitturnsbrown.
Thetree,unawareofitsdeparture, istoobusymakingmoreofthemtoworry. Butthewormthatcheweditsedgesisaware, becauseitalsotumbledtotheground, andhastotakethelongtripupthetrunk andfindanotherleaftositupon wherebirdsdonotuncoveritsdisguise andmakeamealoutofitsshinybody
beforeitgetsthechancetogotosleep dreamingaboutbreakingthroughthecocoon thatsheltersituntil,forashortstint, itdazzlesastheMonarchButterfly.
Sunday,May18,2025 Miami,Florida
One Misstep by IleanaCollazo
Onemisstep,andIamdead. Lyingonagurneyinsideadrawer isnotwhatIhadplannedtodotoday; buttheregoesfate.
OneminuteIamstandingatthecurb, thenext,Iamflyinginmidair; everythingelsebecameablur infusedwithpain.
Thepullingandthepushing, theproddingandtheshoving wasofnouse; sotheygaveup.
Iheardthemcallthetime, mytimeofdeath, feltalltheblooddraindowntomyfeet andwatchedthemastheywalkedaway.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Rain or Shine |IleanaCollazo|DigitizedAcryliconCanvas
One More Miracle by IleanaCollazo
Theworldhadaquietcrythismorning; itscopioustearsdrenchingeverything. Thesuncameoutashorttimelaterand dranktheteardropsonthegrassandflowers.
Isatwatchingnatureatwork; itsinvisiblefingerspullingthestrings, evenastherainandsunseemedunaware.
Thepuddles,reassuredbytheirdepth, believedthattheywouldbeimmune; thesun,cognizantofitsstrength, knewitwouldsoondrytheirbeds.
BeforeIrealizedit,everythingwasbackinplace; themorningsunsmiling,thebutterfliesfluttering, thebirdsflyingbychirping; andI,keenlyawarethatIhadwitnessedonemoremiracle.
Tuesday,April29,2025 Miami,Florida
One More Spin by IleanaCollazo
WhenIwasachild, Iusedtolovegoingtotheamusementpark andridingthecarrouseluntilmystomachchurned fromgoingaroundincircles; andmyheadspunasthehorseboppedupanddown. Mymotherwatchedmefromthesidelines; patientlywaiting,smiling,waving.
SometimessheaskedifIwasready tosetmyfeetonsolidground; walkaround, givethebumpcarsatry.
ButIwouldalwaysshakemyhead. Thebutterfliesinsidemystomach, theworld,ablurasIswungby, enticedmetotakeonemoreride.
Nothinghaschanged. Thatcravingforthedisarray thatovertakesmeasIbrave anotherroundaroundalife thatspinsuntilIhittheground andbumpercarsrolloverme; bruisingmyribs,bustingmylip, whilenoonewatchesoverme.
Monday,April28,2025 Miami,Florida
Reality by IleanaCollazo
HowcanIdobetterbyyou? WhenIcan’tdobetterformyself? Thethoughtsthatfloatinsidemyhead, drippingwithdreamsandhopes, arealwayssprinkledwithdoubts.
Silentthreatsgrippingmythroat, consistentlyincreasingpressure asinchbyinchIwalkforth intotherealmoftheunknown.
Itturnslight,thenitturnsdark, asIdragthedaysandnights withhandscallousedbytheeffort; sofutileandsoworthless,
becauseatsomepoint,Iknow, Iwilldropdownonmyknees andfallfacedownonthedirt; crawlingwithworms,waiting toeatmyfleshtothebone.
Sunday,April13,2025 Miami,Florida
Human Woman |IleanaCollazo,DigitalCollage
Reprocess by IleanaCollazo
Asthecastlescrumble, andthemenarelaidtorest, thewomensit ontheirthrones,weeping.
Thunderrumbles, tearingopenasky toodrytoshedtears.
Whatisleftiscovered withadustylayer offorgottenmemories wrappedupinregrets.
Whenthere’snoonelefttofret, thesunexpelsitslastbreath, themooncrumbleslikebluecheese, andallthestarscrashandburn.
Witheverythingputtorest, darknessgoestosleep unawarethatitswomb isreadyingtogivebirth.
Sunday,April12,2025 Miami,Florida
Seconds on a Clock by IleanaCollazo
Ifeelconflictedabout havingbroughtyoutothisplace; whereIhavetoleaveyoubehind.
Icanneitherstaynortakeyouwithme; Idon’tknowifIcanwatchoveryou. Thegrief,interlockedwiththejoy, foralltheyearswe’veshared, andallthememorieswe’vemade, floatlikecloudsinmymind
asIchaseafterthematnight indreamssorealthatIamsure thattimeturnedback.
Forthosefewhours Ireliveourpast, thatsometimesfeelslikeamirage, orsomeinventedtaleIwrote toreassuremyselfthatwe aremorethanseconds onaclock.
Sunday,Mayn18,2025 Miami,Florida
Sequestered or Abandoned by IleanaCollazo
Doyouprefertobesequesteredorabandoned? Eachscriptbearsitsdrawbacks astheirsub-plotsspitout dialoguesthatweavetightknots thatintertwineandrip todraftthesenselessbabble thatdribblesfromthemouths ofanuncensoredcast.
Thefeelingofbeingsequestered, bringsthethreatofbeingdevoured byafiendthathauntsyourhours waitingforyournextmisstep.
Thefeelingofbeingabandoned, akintothepainofbeingrippedout ofawarmwombthatexpanded tomakeroomforusuntilbirth.
Monday,April29,2025 Miami,Florida
Shameless by IleanaCollazo
Howlongcanasecrethauntus? Hidingintherecessesofourmind, poppingupwhenleastexpected; catchingusoffguard.
Ifwetellitthewind, willittakeitfaraway? Willtheechosoonreturn andcrawlbackinsideourheads?
Ifyoufindoutbymerechance thatyourherowasacoward, thathecouldnotuserestraint evenwhenitwassovital.
Washisneedsooverwhelming thathecouldnotlookaway? Hadhesolittlewillpower thathedidnotfeelashamed aboutbreakingallthetrust thatyouputinhim,regardless, ofallthereasonswhyyouknew thathewasnotasafebet?
Sunday,April20,2025 Miami,Florida
Simple by Design by IleanaCollazo
Ifyouknowofanotherwayout,Iwillfollow. Thisdoorisnarrow,andthesqueezeistight. Iamsupposedtoseealight, butIonlyseedarkness, hearsounds,butitisdeadquiet. AsIpokemyheadandgropewithmyhands asfarasIcanreach, Ionlyfeelanemptiness thatsipsthroughmyfingers. Coldandsilent; Iguessthismustbeit.
Simplicitywithaservingofdisappointment.
Disappointment,grownfromreaching aluminescentspan unliketheoneinourdreams, thatgoesonforeverandever.
Simplicity,grown fromtheEnlightenment thatwearenotatall whatwepresumetobe.
Monday,April28,2025 Miami,Florida
Slack Tide by IleanaCollazo
Isitpatientlyawaiting thenewsthatwillcomeinduetime, whileeveryoneelsearoundme fretsandfussesindespair.
Idon’tknowwhyIamcalm, Ishouldbethefranticone, butmybrainislikeanocean sittingsostillatslacktide.
Ifthetidechanges,Imight bringupaflurryoffoam thatwillpushmydeepestfears tothefarsideoftheseawall.
But,fornow,Ifeelatpeace withthetranquilspotfromwhich Iwaitforfatetodisclose whatmyfuturewillunfold.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Slowly Drowning by IleanaCollazo
Iamovercomewithdread. Thestrangeworldthatsurroundsme isnottheoneIwasborninto, ortheonewhereIwasyoung.
Ihavenoproof, buteverythingaroundmehaschanged likedreamsturnedintonightmares thatkickmyshinasIsleep
bringingmedowntomyknees, evenasIlaysostill thatmybreathruffleslikethefeathers ofadyingbirdthatflutters
asIstruggletodiscern whyhaveIbeenleftbehind insuchaturbulentsurf toslowlydrownasIgasp.
Saturday,April26,2025 Miami,Florida
Society’s Child by IleanaCollazo
Nolongerfreetospeakforfearofbeingsingledout, Iclickmytongueandbitemylips untilIfindmyselfinasafespace wherenooneelsecanhear
theshoutsthatescapemythroat asIammadetowatchthecarnage ofaworldthathasturnedbitter whileeveryonedecided
civilitynolongermatters. Onelifeisbetterthantheother, colorandcreedmakeupthelist ofwhoiskept,andwhoisdiscarded.
Achildlooksintohermother’seyes andaskswhy. Hermother,solemnfacestainedwithtears, opensherarmsandholdshernear.
Thereisnovalidreasonwhy, exceptthatthoseinpowerrule, whilethefoolsthatgivethemthatright endupcrushedundertheirboots.
Monday,April28,2025 Miami,Florida
Someone Who Still Loves Me by IleanaCollazo
Senselessattacksoutofnowhere makemewinceindespair asfearcreepsdeepintomyheart. Alittledeerintheforest,
Ifeelmyselfgettingsmall, curlingintoatinyball whereIcanhidefrommyassailant andlickthewoundsthatgotinflicted.
WhenIamdone,Iclosemyeyes, diminishedandexhausted; awarethatitwillreturn likeabaddreamthatkeepsrecurring.
ItrytohideasbestIcan, butitwillalwaysfindme becausetheonewhoharmsme issomeonewhostilllovesme.
Tuesday,April8,2025 Miami,Florida
Stamped C by IleanaCollazo
Singledoutfromthecrowd, aCstampedonmyforehead, Iamthrownintoaheapofdiscards
tobecrushedliketreestumps thatareturnedintomuch thatadornsthegardens oftheoneswhoruletheland.
Iwasbornintoaworld thatturnedbitterwithoutwarning, andnomatterwhereIgo thereisnosafeplacetohide.
Thereisnogoodreasonwhy itisItheychoosetotarget. Ihavenothurtanyone, Iamsogentleandquiet.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
Survivor by IleanaCollazo
Floatingonachurningsea onamuchtoonarrowplank; remnantoftheboatthatsankwhenthestormwasatitspeak.
IshriekeachtimeIhearasound, orperceivethatadarkshadow cuttingswiftlythroughthewaterisinchingclosertome.
Allthatliquid,whilemylips crackopenandbleedfromthirst; thesunthatscorchesmyskin,leavingmetofreezeatnight
whilethemooncreateswhitepatches thatmovearoundliketheghosts oftheonesthatdidnotmakeitandcometotaketheirrevenge;
notbecauseIcausedthemharm, butbecausetheyhavegonemad fromthenumbingfearthatgrippedthemastheirlungsfilledupandburst;
pupilspoppingfromtheirsockets, belliesbloatingwiththebrine trappedinsidetheirdyingbodiesuntiltheybecometheprey
ofbottomdwellersthatfeast onamealsounexpected, tearingeachonepiecebypieceuntilthereisnothingleft.
Sunday,April13,2025 Miami,Florida
Looking at Herself|IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollazo
Take One Step, and then Another by IleanaCollazo
Takeonestep,andthenanother; stepdownfromtheMerry-go-round youhavebeenridingforyears
hopingfortheknightinshiningarmor, whoridesthewhitehorsebehindyou, tograbyoubythewaistandflyyou
tohiscastleintheclouds; andlockyouupinthetower whereyouwillstay,spinninggold, untilyourlonghairturnssilver, andyourheartshrivelsanddies.
Tuesday,May20,2025 Miami,Florida
Tangled Thoughts and Rage by IleanaCollazo
Crouchinginacornerofaroom, inanunfamiliarplace; nocrucifix,noprayerbook.
Waitingforthelightthatdoesnotshine asmyearsringandmyheartthumps.
UncertainabouthowIgothere, confusedaboutwhenIarrived, unabletofindawayout.
Mytiredlimbsstingingwithpain, mylipsdryandcrackedfromthethirst.
Fromfaraway,Ihearsounds; echoesofmoaningandgrowls thatfadeaway,scrapingthewalls.
AsIsensethestrugglesofasoulthat’sdrowning; thatIknowisnotmine,
andIfeelthesadnessofamindthat’scaving fromtheweightofcarrying tangledthoughtsandrage.
Friday,April25,2025 Miami,Florida
The Absence of Sanity by IleanaCollazo
Thesilentvoicethatwhispersinyourear, theonethatmakesyouangrierthanmad, repeatsthelitanyithasforyears asitknowsthatyouwillneveryield.
Rejectingislearningtoignore; reactingislearningtodefend. Thedeepestrootsentangledindespair, poisonthetreefromwhichyoupickthefruit,
whileyoupacebackandforthinsidearoom withwindowsthatarebarredandhavenohandles sothatyoucannotfleefromthesmallcage theyputyoubecausetheyascertained
thatyourbrainsickened,evenasyoutried, totellthemthatitisnotyou,butthey, theoneswhoturnedyourworldintoaplace whereyoursoulburnedbeforeitwasabsolved.
Saturday,May24,2025 Miami,Florida
Upside Down Waterfalls and Drowning Souls |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
The Arms of Adversity by IleanaCollazo
Tossedintothearmsofadversity, thathugmesohard thatmyribscrack,
Idismissanynotionofredemption; anyvestigesofcivility.
Insuchanunrulyplace, everythingvainandinsane becomesthesacred, andeverythingsacredgetstossed intoreceptaclesthatfilltothebrim withallthosethings thatshouldbekept, butthataretoosoonforgotten.
Thursday,May1,2025 Miami,Florida
The Easy Chair by IleanaCollazo
Lifecanbehard, sowecameupwiththeconcept ofaneasychair; nottoosoft,nottoohard.
Thatreclineswhenwefeelthatwe areabouttopassoutfromanawfulday thatthreatenedtobreakourbacks andcrushourspirit.
Findingcomfortinitswarmth, wecloseoureyesandsigh, hopingthatwecandissolve intoitsleatherysubstance andforgetthattheworld isrightoutsideourdoor waitingforthechance totakeusonforonemoreround.
Sunday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
The Game can’t be Won by IleanaCollazo
Weareurgedtonurtureourenthusiasm, tothriveinthefaceofadversity, tomarchonwhenitallseemsimpossible, topressontosurmountthenexthurdle.
ButhowdoIforgetthattheroadisshortandnarrow? ThatIamfinite, thatthegalesoflifethatbatterus alwaysblowusawayintheend.
Ofcourse,sometimesmyfocusheadselsewhere, tothelandofdreamswhereallisthere; atmyfingertips,tostrokeandnurture, whilerealitystayedbehindsomewhere.
Untiltheshadowtruththatalwaysstandsnearby appearsbeforemetoremindme thatnomatterhowhardItry thegameweallplaycan’tbewon.
Tuesday,April29,2025 Miami,Florida
Pausing at Night |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
The Last Few Days by IleanaCollazo
Walkingthrougheachday,pausingeachnight, Iarrivedatthisjuncture; wherethelightgrewdim,andthesoundsfaded, becomingfaintwhispers.
Isensemovementallaroundme,asIliestill withnowillleft toonceagainpickupthepaceandkeepgoing; butIhavenotarrived.
Iseeavastexpanse,andahandwithnoarmmotioning, whileabuzzinsidemyheadwarnsme; asIhesitateinthisblankstate,demureandunsure aboutmynextcourseofaction.
Daysandnightspass,andmybodyfeelsfrozen; thoughIamnotcold, asathicksheep’swoolblankethasbeenneatlytucked aroundme.
Foronemoment,Ifluttermylidsandstiracommotion, asifIhavedonesomething everyonearoundmehasbeenbreathlesslywaitingfor; butIcan’tsustaintheeffort.
Onetear,thatwillneverrolldownmycheek,poolsinmyeye, asatotalvoidengulfsme,andIfeelnothing aseveryonearoundmefades andmylastdaydreamdisintegrateslikeawallthatcrumbles buryingmeinitsrubble.
Sunday,April20,2025 Miami,Florida
Watercolor Garden |IleanaCollazo|DigitalWatercolor
The Last Gift by IleanaCollazo
Seatedonthewoodenbench,youcarvedforme asyourlastgiftbeforeyouleft; theplaceyouknewI’dsitandweep, Ilongforspring,whenthegentlerainscome, andthenewbornflowersmelt intoawatercolorgarden reminiscentofthedays whentimestrollsunhurried; asliferollsdownagentlehill thatleadstoledgesovergrownwithmoss andtinycrevicesthatharbor unsuspectingwormsthatfeedthebirds thatperchonthetreeandthewindowsill.
Aloneanddespondent, Icannothelpbutwonder, whatcoaxedyoutodesertme whenyouknewthatitwouldbreakme.
Friday,May23,2025 Miami,Florida .
The Last Good-bye by IleanaCollazo
Wepracticeallourlives,butneverlearn tosaythelastgoodbye thatissofinal.
Whenweknowthatitwillbethelasttime thepersonthatwelove willcrossourpath.
Thepainofthatonemoment stingstheheart; withapoisonthat erodesbutdoesnotkill,causingawound thatfesters untilthedaywe takeourlastbreathwhilepraying that,onceagain, theywillbenear, andthesadnesswecarriedforsolong willmeltawaylike thesnowinthesun asdaffodilbulbs onceagainbloom.
Tuesday,April29,2025 Miami,Florida
The Last Sermon by IleanaCollazo
Thedissolutionoftheselfhappensinstages, aschunksoftimethatrolloffourshoulders andsliptotheground withoutasound.
Themorewewalk,thelesswecry. Asourfocusmustremain ontheroadahead asitmeandersthroughthelandscape.
Nomapandnocompass; justaforcethatprodsus, andanurgethatdrivesus evenasweknowthatthecloserweget
themoreinsignificantwebecome; andthelouderthebells thenearertothechurch wherewewillhearthelastsermon.
Saturday,April27,2025 Miami,Florida
The Proper Place by IleanaCollazo
Iamflawedbecause Ineverreachedmyfullpotential; Iamfree becauseInevertriedto.
Immersedintheworkings ofmymind; tendingtomyinnergarden, lettingallthewildthingsgrow.
Pluckingproprietyandanxiety, refusingtopullbluegrasslilies toreplacethemwithlong-stemroses.
Lettingthegrassgrowpastmyankles toweaveasoftblankettolieon asthequietbornfromsolitude
allowsmetogivemythoughts theproperplacetheydeserve toburstwithfragranceandcolor.
Monday,April28,2925 Miami,Florida
The Show by IleanaCollazo
DoIwanttostay andwatchtheendoftheshow? Thecurtainisalreadyhalf-drawn; IthinkIhaveseenenough.
Thesmoothdancemoves, therosestossedonthestage, endlessapplauseforthecrew oflimberdancersthatdazzle
acrowdofus,whohavegrown, tootiredtomakesmoothmoves onafloorthathasgrowndull fromsomanyyearsofstumping.
Saturday,April26,2025 Miami,Florida
A Sigh that goes Astray |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
The Silence of Youth by IleanaCollazo
Thesilenceofyouththatfollowsthescreamofchildhood isthesoul’sreststopasitpreparesitselfforalifefullof shoutingandfightingandcursing aboutallofthethingsthatdonotgoourway.
Evenwhenwearetheoneswhosetourcourseastray, wepantandragebecausewecannotaccept thatthethingsweplannedflewaway toaplacewecannolongergotofetchthem.
Alarmedandconfused,atfirst, angryanddespondentafterwards, wetrytomendtherippednet throughwhichourlifedreamsfell
tothebottomofabottomlessocean wheretheylieinagreatheap witheveryoneelse’svisions, witheveryoneelse’sambitions.
Intheend,thereisneithersilencenorshouts, justasighthatgoesastray soontobecomeonemoreghost thatroamsthroughlifeunencumbered.
Sunday,May18,2025
Miami,Florida
Caught in the Matrix |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollageCollaboration
The Sleep I Won’t Wake Up from by IleanaCollazo
Unpreparedandinsecure, Iembarkedonamission thathastakenmetotheseaside, mountaintops,andmeadows; whereIkeeplookingup
ataskythatchanges witheachlandscapeIinhabit asI,too,change. Fromdaydreamertoskeptic,
toall-knowing,todoubter; Ihaveletmymindwander asIrejectreality andembraceallthenotions thatprotectmefromfacing that,shovelinhand, thefutureawaitsme. Toerasealltheplans
Ineverexecuted, andblotouteverytrace ofthethingsIaccomplished tomakeroomforthosethings
thatexcludemefromatalethatforgets allthebeautyInurtured. So,Ifoldallmywishes intoasatinpillow
tosupportmyspentbrain forthesleepIwon’twakefrom.
Sunday,May18,2025 Miami,Florida
The Storm by IleanaCollazo
Isithelplesslyandwatch themonsterlickingyourboots; thesootoozingfromyourflesh asyousmolderinyourrage.
Igrieveforyou, butyoucan’tgrieveforme; encasedinsideavessel thattakesyoutoaplace
thatnooneelsecanenter. Myspacecontracting asyoursexpands; myscreamsstrangled byyourmoans. Withnoplacetorun, Iquietlyweepandwait forthestormtorunitscourse.
Thursday,May1,2025 Miami,Florida
Womb by IleanaCollazo
Thewombisnotjustaplaceinsideourbellies. Itoccupiesaportionofourbrain wherefeelingsareimprintedforposterity; andalsorulestheportionofourspirit
wherewehouseallthethings thatwedeemholy,alongwith allthethingsthatwemostcherish.
Thismostintenseprimevaltrait bindsustoouroffspringforeternity; longafterallthedreamsofbeingamother becomethestrugglesweneverexpected.
Tuesday,April29,2025 Miami,Florida
The
Carrying World on Her Shoulders |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
The World by IleanaCollazo
Forsolong, Ihavecarriedtheworldonmyshoulders. Itissoheavy, Idon’tknowhowmuchlongerIcanholdit.
Mykneesbuckle, myarmstremble. Myfeetstrainnottostumble, asIkeepmyeyesfixedonthehorizon.
ButIseenothing, otherthanendlessspacebeforeme; thatwasonceameadow andisnowadessert.
IcryasItreadoverthisdeadlandscape wherenoneofmydreamswillsurvivethedrought. Icannolongerhearthesounds ofbirdschirpingandpeoplelaughing.
LikeIdidwhenIthought thatallwaspossible ifItriedhardenough topressforward.
Saturday,May17,2025 Miami,Florida
RewriteofapoemwritteninitiallyinNewEnglandinthe1990s,whichwas lostintheshuffleofthelastmovethatbroughtmefullcircletotheplaceI onceagaincallhome.
Tumbleweed in the Wind by IleanaCollazo
Likeapuzzlepiecethatdoesn’tfit, atumbleweedinthewind, youstumblearound bumpingandscrapingyourskin.
Youbleed,butyoudon’tstop; Icallout,butyoudon’tanswer. Inaspacewherethereisnoecho, Ifollowmyshadowtoacornerofmymind.
Icurlintoaball,toobumpytoroll, asyourushbyonyourway toonemoreplacewherethereisnosun; asthethreatofanotherstorm
makestheairsothickthatitishardtobreathe, whileIcrywaterlesstears, shedinsideatiredsoul thatrefusestogiveuponyou.
Friday,May30,2025 Miami,Florida
Unaware by IleanaCollazo
Sittingonamoundofmourningstress waitingforyourlifetochange; butitwon’t, andthemoundgrows takingyousohigh thattheairbecomestoothin andyourthoughts becomesofoggy
thatyoucannotgraspthat theEarthhascrackedandswallowedyou asfreshdirtisshoveledoveryou, andsilencesmothersallsound.
Saturday,May3,2025 Miami,Florida
Smoldering with Grief |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Uncertainty by IleanaCollazo
WhatshouldItrust?
Therecountingoftheact, orwhatIfeelinmygut?
Drowningindreadanddespair
Ipacemybrainbackandforth searchingformysoul
sothatitcanhelpmefind thepeaceofmindthatIfelt beforedoubtgrabbedmebythethroat untilmyeyesbegantobulge asmylungsfoughttofindair Iwasunabletosend.
Iftheanswersnevercome, Iwillhavetositwithgrief anddemandthatitvacate
theroomittookinmybrain sothatIcanonceagain invitepeacetotakeitsplace andhelpme cleanupthemess uncertaintyleftbehind.
Sunday,April20,2025 Miami,Florida
Frozen in Time, Lost in Thought |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Under a Full Moon I Wait by IleanaCollazo
Underafullmoon,Iwait, forthestarsthatnevercome, asthefireflieshideinfear sincethedarknesswentaway.
Butmyheartcouldgivethemshelter becauseitturnedintocoal, blackandbrittlefromthegrief thatchokedittothepointofdeath.
Theairiscool,butnotcold. Thegroundismoistfromsummerrain. Therosebushes,fullofblooms sparklinginthemidnightglow.
Whilemythoughts,collectingdust, searchforawaytoescape asmywordsrefusetohelpthem flyfarawaytotheheavens whereangelsshelterthem.
Wednesday,April9,2025 Miami,Florida
Undying Love by IleanaCollazo
Astheyearspassed,Ichanged; fromabloomingflowertoanoldhag. Frombeingbelovedandadmired tobeingdiscardedandforgotten.
Butneverbyyou, whoviewsmethroughthelens ofeternalyouth; unearthedsomanyyearsago.
Inundyingchildhoodlove; thatrootsinside theunmarredheart shelteredbytheinnocence
thatnurtureditwhenitwasborn, ourlovestillthrives.
Asweintertwineourcrookedfingers andslowlywalktoplacesthathavechanged
butinourminds,weretainthepureessence ofallthetimeswetreadwithhurriedsteps inarushtoenjoyallofthemoments wespenttogetherastimetookitstoll.
Sunday,May17,2025
Miami,Florida
Until the Break of Day by IleanaCollazo
Idreadthesoundofyourfootstepsapproaching, andmournthemomentthattheyfade. Youwerenotcomingtomyside,andthatbringssorrow, butyourproximitybringspain.
Drained,Ilieontheemptybed, wherethereistoomuchspace.
Huddledclosetotheedge,tofeignthatIamnotalone, anddreamaboutthatnightinMay
whenyoubroughtmeonelong-stemmedrose. Iprickedmyfingerwithitsthorn, yougrabbedmyhandandwipedtheblood beforeitslithereddownmypalm,
thenplacedtheroseonthenightstand, whereitstayedallnightlong whileIslepttuckedinsideyourarms untilthebreakofday.
Thursday,May29,2025 Miami,Florida
Waiting for the Answers by IleanaCollazo
Sometimes,thereisnosunwhenIfirstopenmyeyes intheearlymorning,devoidofthesounds. Thequietisfollowedbytherustleofthebedsheets, AsIriseandtrytorejointheworldaroundme.
Aday,somehowdifferentfromtheonebefore butnotquiteenoughformetograspit,beckonsmetofollow.
Barefooted,Iwalkouttotheyard; noclouds,norain,justagreyslabofsky
thatmutesthecolorsofeverythinginsight.
Adragonflyhoversnearby,unsureaboutitsnexttask. IsighwhenIseethecocoonshangingfromthebranches wherethecaterpillarswaitfortheirchancetobecomeMonarchbutterflies.
WhatshallIbecome?
Dressedinthisoldshirt,withmyhairamess. DoIchangemyselfintothatotherselfIsharewiththeworld? Orspendthedaylikethedragonfly?
Waitingfortheanswers thatmaynevercome, hidingfromalife thatwillstillunfoldwithoutme.
Wednesday,May28,2025 Miami,Florida
Searching for Myself |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Waiting for the Final Truth by IleanaCollazo
Waitingforthefinaltruth, whenthereseemstobenone, issomethingIhavedone sinceIwasveryyoung.
Thinkingabouttheoptions; obsessingandrejecting everypossibilityforlackofviridity.
Everyexplanation forlackofsolidground, eachfairytale wovenoutoffear.
Eachquestionasked posesanotherquestion; asIrunoutoftime topreparemyself
forafinalexitthatcaneitherbe anend,abeginning, orthecontinuation ofanotherchanceatliving forthesakeofbeingalive; foronemorechance toachievetheperfection thatwillsetmysoulfree
tobecomeanenduring, incorporealbeing thatfeelsbutdoesnotneed, andlovesbutdoesnotfear.
Sunday,May18,2025|Miami,Florida
What Love was by IleanaCollazo
Therewasatime,notlongago, whenpeopledidnotlookforlove, butstumbleduponitastheylivedtheirlives.
Therewasnoeffortputintothesearch foramatewhomatchedourzodiacsign, hadasimilarphilosophyoflife, likedtennis,cruises,anddatenights. Lovewasasparkthatignitedlikethefires thatlightournightsandkeepuswarm.
Lovepromptedustodosuchthingsas walkinginlightning-chargeddownpours whileholdinghandsandjumpingintopuddles.
Saturday,May24,2025 Miami,Florida
When the Rain Came by IleanaCollazo
TheAugustsunscorchedthetipsoftheleaves oftheflowerbushthatbloomedbythefrontdoor; nostorminsight,nooneathometowater thebloomsthatfellandcrumbled.
Thehousehumbled,offeredthemshade,inthelateafternoon, Butitwastoolatetosavethem.
Whentheraincame,followedbythunderandlightning, Thehouseshookwithdreadasitsoldroofcavedin
andthepianosplitinhalf. Thepianobenchsatandwatched, astheplace,oncefulloflife,died fromtheheartacheofabandonment.
Allthosethingsonceheldsodear, nowsuccumbingtotherath oftheelementsthatstole allthebeautytheypossessed.
Wednesday,May28,2025 Miami,Florida
When We Meet Again for Always |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
When We Meet Again, for Always by IleanaCollazo
Oneday,oneofuswillwakeupandrealize thattheotherisnotthere; andthetearswillflow,thepainwillblindus andthemorninglightwillhidebehindourdespair.
Itwilltakeallofourwillandmight, andastintofcrying,andpanting,andraging totametheagonythatchokesus andfacethedaythatawaitsus.
Wewilldoitbecause everymomentthatpasses willbringusclosertotheday whenwemeetagain,foralways.
Sunday,May25,2025 Miami,Florida
Waiting for the Light of Dawn |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Whirlwind by IleanaCollazo
Meanderingthroughthemeadowofmymind, searchingfordaydreams,Iplanted alongsidethewilddaisies thatgrewbythebuttercups.
Asmymindspinswithvertigo thattwirlsmelikeatornado; liftingmesohigh thatItouchthesky
withtremblingfingersthatflutter likemyeyelidsasImutter wordsthatsputterastheydie inathroatthatissosore
fromshoutingagainstthestorm thatfallsfromtheangryclouds thatdrownsmeasIliehelpless waitingforthelightofdawn.
Saturday,April26,2025 Miami,Florida
Stealing Roses |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
Roses by IleanaCollazo
Everythingistemporary;ultimately,inconsequential. Asweinflatethetrivialtomakeourselvesinvaluable andquenchthedreadthattauntsus whilewetreadmuddypassages
andstealthewiltedroses leftonthegravesofsouls whohavelongbeenforgotten bythosewhocriedandmournedthem.
Tuesday,April16,2025 Miami,Florida
Wilted
Weightless |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
With Each Blink, We Fade by IleanaCollazo
Thepassageoftimecreatesavacuum, ablackholethatwefallinto,wherememoriesbecomefireflies thatguideusbacktothepast thatwecanseebutcan'treachoutto.
Thepresent,soimpermanent,fliesby asitbarelybrushesusonitswaytojoinouryesteryears. Eachdayandnight,westrivetomakeourchoicescount, toshineasbrightasstarsinanovercrowdedsky thatrendersussosmallthatwitheachblinkwefade untiltheenergythatdrivesusfizzles, andwebecomeamemory insomeoneelse’smind.
Friday,May30,2025 Miami,Florida
New Landscapes |IleanCollazo|DigitalCollage
Words by IleanaCollazo
Thesewords Ihavebeendraggingbehindme throughseveralcontinents alloftheseyears; smearedbytheelements, transformedbynewlandscapes; butstillasconvincing aswhentheywereborn.
Asthenewwordsjointhem, theydonotrelent, securethattheirmeaning retaintheirfacevalue
likegoldthatiskept invaultsthataresealed tosafeguardtheirworth.
Saturday,April26,2025 Miami,Florida
My Grandmother’s Garden |IleanaCollazo|DigitizedAcryliconPaper
Wrong Turns Abound by IleanaCozo
Onelifelitteredwithremnantsofunfinishedthings thatpavedthepathIhavewalkeddown onmywaytoplacesthatIcannotfathom becausewrongturnsabound.
Smallmoundsoftorn-upIshouldhave, mixedinwithIdidnot, hidetheIshouldnot fromtheeyesofthosewhojudgeme.
Iwalkaloneincrowds, toaquietplacewheremymindcanrest fromtheruckusandthechaos createdbythemasses.
AsIfadeaway, Ilookbackandnotice thattheyhavealready forgottenme.
Monday,May26,2025 Miami,Florida
Dedication:Tomyoldestsister,oneofthemostamazinghumanbeingsIhave evermet.Apint-sizedpowerhousewholearnedtoturnwrongturnsintonew adventures,someonewhodazzlespeoplewithhercharismaandnoblesoul.
About me:
My wild soul drums to the rhythm of beating heart
IlearnedallIneededtoaboutwritingpoetryandcreatingvisualartasa younggirlinmygrandmother'sgarden,whereIsatdoingwhat,asanadult,I callmeditating.Thatquietspotbecamemytemple.Manyyearspassedbefore Ibegantobringthecreationsconceivedinmyearlydaydreamstolife.I startedwritingfictionandpoetry,andthenmymindexplodedintoagalaxyof colors,shapes,andmovementasIbegantopaintonvarioussurfaces,both digitallyandwithtraditionalmedia,andthenaddeddigitalcollagetomy artisticspectrum.Myartisrepresentativeofthetwistsandturnswetakein thecourseofourdailylives,andoftheawe-inspiringbeautythatsurrounds us.IwasborninCubaandhavelivedinSpain,NewYork,Vermont,and Massachusetts.IresideinMiami,Florida,whereIworkandplayatCollazoArt Studiowithmyartisthusband,fourdogs,andcatsintheyard.Istrivetowrite poetrythattouchestheheartandcreatevisualartthatstimulatesthesenses. Likeapatchworkquilt,mywordsandartdocumentmylifeexperiencesfrom communistCubatoahaveninSpain,NewEngland,andFlorida.Iaminspired byplacesandspacesthattransformintolayersofmemories,shapes,and colors.MymostrecentexplorationismyinventionofHICAE(Human IntelligenceCreativeArtisticExpression)DigitalArtGeneratedbyIC,an intricateinterchangebetweentechnologyandthehumanbrain. Myartwork hasbeenfeaturedingroupandsoloexhibitionsworldwide.
ArtistWebsite: https://www.ileanacollazo.art
YouTubeChannel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy8tVr3KhHKHK28_VdoPuww fivemuses@gmail.com 1-305-613-4725
TheScrapbookofMyMind thetreasurechestfromwhich Ipullouteverydreammymusewill
Mydaydreamswereborn inmygrandmother’sgarden Lady in Pink |IleanaCollazo|DigitalCollage
If IHadWingsIWould… spreadthemwideandflysohigh thatIwouldseemypastandfuture
https://issuu.com/fatimacanovas/docs/art_daily_news_international_magazi artailynewsinernational@gmail.com 1-305-425-9269 Copyright©2025IleanaCollazo,CollazoArt AllRightsReserved
