LatinosUSA

Joni is a friend and fellow poet. It is a pleasure to talk to her here in LatinosUSA and bring you a little more about Joni.

But first let me tell you that Joni Karen Caggiano is a published poet. Her debut book of poetry and prose, One Petal At A Time, which features some of my illustrations as well as the cover art, was released in 2024. The poetry collection, which dealt with children of alcoholic parents was endorsed by Dr. Claudia Black, a pioneer in the study of dysfunctional family systems shaped by alcohol and addictive disorders.  Joni’s poetry has been included in anthologies such as Hidden In Childhood and Wounds I Healed. Joni’s website is the-inner-child.com, and I suggest you visit to delight in her poetic works. In conclusion I must mention that Joni is a retired nurse, ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) survivor, and an environmental advocate.

JONI IN HER OWN WORDS

LatinosUSA: Who are your major literary/artistic references?

Joni: Much of the inspiration I receive now is from fellow online writers. I love the various styles and phrases that I see every day online and am continually impressed and inspired by what I read. I’m also inspired by nature and all of God’s creations. I often research the behavior and characteristics of creatures or plants in our world, using that knowledge to include in my writing and to help educate the reader.

Regarding historical literature figures, I’ve been influenced by Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Virginia Wolfe, T.S. Elliot, and William Shakespeare. However, because of the aforementioned inspirations, classic literature generally has taken a backburner.

LatinosUSA: What makes you a writer? What do you like to write about? What is your plan for the next five years?

Joni: What makes me a writer? I had a very active imagination when I was little and was trying to escape the horrors of everyday life in the crazy environment where/when I grew up. One of the ways I did this was to create imaginary creatures and worlds when I fled into the woods of North Carolina. When I reached my teen years, becoming more comfortable with words and studying poetry, I began expressing myself through that medium.

What do I like to write about? I always write from my heart. Generally, when I write, it’s based on a current feeling or emotion, that has been triggered by something external.  Melding a culmination of all of the experiences and emotions I’ve undergone in my lifetime, I compose by blending my words with nature, and my faith in its divine creator.

What is my plan? I have no plans. Seriously, when I try to plan things out, I tend to stress about it and it invariably ends up hindering my creative abilities. When I don’t think about it, expressions and poetry come more naturally and effortlessly.

LatinosUSA: Why do you write? And do you write about yourself?

Joni: Why do I write? I feel called to write to express my innermost feelings. When I write something online, I want it to be something that others can relate to. However, I will always write my style of prose or poetry and be true to my heart.

Do I write about myself? Yes, my entire book, One Petal At a Time, which you illustrated so beautifully, was about my life into early adulthood. However, I also write about war, racism, slavery, and how we are destroying our environment.

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Thank you so much Joni for your candor and for such interesting replies to our three questions. I think we have all learned just a little more about you and if our readers go to your blog site the-inner-child.com I am sure they will truly enjoy what they find. But now let’s close with a sample of Joni’s poetry. This poem, «Forks of Ivy» is from her book One Petal At a Time (2024).

Forks of Ivy

within the choices, the ivy threads enlace through
patterned, worn, and tattered pieces of my youth
its blood a mixture of punctures that weave circles
of skin and bone into forgotten stories
tucked in corners where candy corn and ice cream drips
dried, like ink on memoirs now drawn into dust devils

along a path of smiles without corners
cigarette hanging like a tired aching pig’s tail
apple pie, reaching forward to grab a knife to cut
sober days a treat left cooling in windowsill
stars sailing on the hook of the half-moon
smells traveling to the old willow oak as sap drips
absorbing the smell within her bark

longer fork, like parchment paper, tender
under hand-made buttermilk biscuits
hair falling below her hip-less figure
still developing breast, the color of cream
her bony legs tingle as jasmine mingles with long dark hair
an unbroken reminder of her prison
the seemingly endless maternal threat to prune
jasmine nightly, as slumber regrettably blows
encasement of foreboding

tiny this creature, sequestered, who knows no one
her senses ripe with emotion
hankering for the soothing southern silence
trusting only the green wisdom of wildwood creatures
that tarry, within the brief inhale, of yellow-pine dust

an acrid fork of asphalt jungle follows a creek that bleeds
tears of red dots with names of pharmaceutical drugs
meeting patients, embracing as one would
a precious soul, journey nearly ending, no one left to care
she feels their pain like an animal dying in hunter’s trap
travels away from the vein of life’s reality
she climbs in bed with a dying woman
with no hair who smells of death
petitions silkworms to weave canopies of comfort
praying for nature to send the bees with pollen
from fields of lavender to sprinkle their golden gift

her fork in the ivy visits all who left before her
veins slowly stop their pulsing as greens turn to browns
a trumpet moves with one bold black line, she drowns
amidst heavenly creatures a celebration of angelic sounds

sweet the smell of those waiting where the forks meet
a feast for her soul is beginning, as God calls let’s eat

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We wish your book and all your endeavours all the best and thank you so much for your time and participation.

CHEERS