Editor's Note: For the first time in the history of the San Mateo County Fair, a 300-page anthology has been published that includes more than 100 stories, poems and essays from writers who submitted award-winning work for the fair's literary contest. The idea was the brainchild of Bardi Rosman Koodrin, a San Bruno resident who runs the fair's literary contest, and the anthology, titled "Carry the Light," features work from many Peninsula writers.
This poem, which appears in the "Carry the Light" anthology, talks about one of the most difficult processes for people: writing.
From p. 75, "Pen to Paper"
At first you start off hesitant,
not sure of how to approach the obstacle ahead of you.
You feel the tension of your blood running,
your brain wondering, and your adrenaline rising.
It gets harder and harder until finally within a few shifting
motions, smooth gliding, and gentle touches,
it’s easier.
Emotions flow, things get heated.
You may laugh, cry, smile,
or just glow in the feeling of it all.
As things get easier they get faster,
perhaps they even get deeper.
Finally your brain stops wondering,
your adrenaline high fades, and blood flows gently.
All you’re left with is a smile on your face,
and a warm feeling inside.
Your heart is light
and a feeling of relief and relaxation takes over.
Excerpted from "Carry the Light" with the permission of Sand Hill Review Press, the publisher. The book is available for purchase for $12 on Amazon.com.
Nadine Moreno was raised in South San Francisco and is a third generation Italian American. She is a mother to two boys and married to her middle school sweetheart. Nadine began writing at 10 years old and had not ever considered getting her writings published until the 2012 San Mateo County Fair came out with their anthology. Ever since then she has been even more motivated to get more writings done and to continue her dream job of being an author. Check out her blog at usermanualnotavailable.blogspot.com.
