Performed by Val Cole

POEM:

The sky opens,
raindrops fall,
and sunlight breaks the clouds,
casting its glow
throughout my backyard.

An event, as if tailored for me—
a dance of water and light.
The universe is communicating
through the space between.

I am in tune with the
presence of something greater,
an ephemeral moment,
a timeless memory.

The spectacle is brief,
but its message stays:
there is no separation,
no boundary between struggle and peace,
rain and sun—
only moments of balance
where everything converges.

In this stillness,
I feel the connection—
the universe whispering softly,
and I am here,
grateful for this moment.

Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?
I think the biggest theme is being present in the now. Feeling connected to the universe, understanding that life can be made of opposing forces, and just being grateful, especially in fleeting moments.

2) What motivated you to write this poem?
I went through some personal things last year. In June, I witnessed four sun showers alone. One at my parents' house and three at mine. I made it a point to take photos and just appreciate being able to witness them. It's easy to get caught up in life's daily routines/distractions. I've seen them before but never really stopped to enjoy them. Seeing so many in one month alone felt like a message from the universe. They felt like small breaks from whatever I was going through. Just prior to 2025 coming around, I felt as if my creativity was starting to return. I've written things that deal with heartbreak, grief, etc. but I also wanted to write something positive, something that captures the little things we often take for granted.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?
2010 was the year I finally wrote a poem I was truly satisfied with. I tried my hand at it previously but nothing I wrote ever came out the way I wanted it to. Crazy to think that particular poem took 13 years to find a home.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?
Since I answered with Jorge Luis Borges last time, let's go with Anthony Bourdain this time.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?
I read my poetry out loud during the creative process and after I've finished but it's nice to hear the final product being read from someone else's perspective. I've tried those free to use text-to-speech websites but they're pretty awful. It just made sense to me to have a professional read it. Besides, I think it's a neat idea and it seemed like a good way to gain more exposure.

6) Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?
I've written some short stories and a few one-act plays. I'll continue writing poems but this year I'd like to revisit the plays I already wrote and see how I can polish them up so they can be sent out again. I also want to start working on the ones I've been brainstorming for some time now. In terms of possibilities, I'm excited to see what 2025 has in store.

7) What is your passion in life?
Nowadays? Creating my own happiness, doing things that make me feel fulfilled. Life can beat you down if you're not careful. Self-love and self-care is important!