#publishedpoetry — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #publishedpoetry, aggregated by home.social.
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Poetry Comes Alive!
October 3, 2017, when I performed “All About Eve” at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch
Poetry is such a high form of art, not many get it. But those who do, do.
Before I became a journalist, I relied on writing (and performing) poetry as a creative outlet. I read at events all over New Jersey and New York City. It’s a shame we didn’t record and take photos back then as we do today. We were so in the moment. And it was always a great honor to be reading with other great poets. All of us expressing ourselves and creating a memorable vibe.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, a featured reader at the All About Eve Festival of the Arts, October 2017
I had blogged about this event when it happened back in October of 2017. And oftentimes readers find my old blogs because I’ll see them in the “Top Posts & Pages” section to the right. Thanks to proper tagging, my blogs will live on until I die and stop paying for this account. Laughing out loud!
“All About Eve” was written specifically for this festival. When I write poetry, I’m also thinking about how I will be reading it in front of a live audience. Because it’s the deliverance that makes people listen. I write my poems to be read, to be heard, and even to be shouted! I have something to say, and I’m saying it!
All about Eve?
What about me?
In a superficial society.
Trendy, Fendi,
Keeping up with Beyonce
Spending at your local foods
People are so freakin’ rude
Pushing shop carts into butts
Let their kids do what they want.
Monopolize the conversation
It’s better than a sex sensation
Demean others, even your friends
The main thing is to “win, win, win.”
Do it daily, do it loud
Do it often so you feel proud
Raise your kid the same way
She’s a princess every day
Problems in the world we see
Ignorance, sickness, poverty
Change would be nice, if only …
Yet we still chant, “Me! Me! Me!”
And, you know, it’s nothing new,
Eve was all about “me” too.
Back then it was forbidden fruit,
Now it’s Botox to stay cute.
Charlton Heston, was once the rage, uh-huh
No one cares what Moses claimed; uh-huh
And the ME goes on. And the ME goes on.
On.
On.
On.
On.
Copyright 2017, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
All rights reserved.
“All About Eve” reminds us to take the focus off ourselves, stop being so shallow, and pay attention to others.
Two years later I brought back “All About Eve” to the Neighborhood House Association, where I read it to an audience, which you can see here on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyLorsfQig4&t=1s
(By the way, I’ll be back at the Neighborhood House Association November 15 to be presenting a motivational speech on gratitude.)
If it hadn’t been for poetry, early on, I wouldn’t have become a motivational speaker.
When I started writing professionally and being published in magazines all over the world, I had friends complain that I was no longer doing poetry. Poetry was always in my heart, but sometimes you take a break from certain things to pursue others.
As a journalist I interview actors that are also directors, producers, musicians. Talented people (and we all have talents) usually don’t just stick with one thing. We branch out, to explore other areas of arts, including the stuff that we may not be as good at, but we just put it out there because we love to be creative. This, for me, includes film projects. I can be expressive in front of a camera, but I’m not camera-genic. Photogenic, yes, not film-genic. Film hates me for some reason and I never look good in film.
But that won’t stop me from being in projects. I’ll look at myself and say, “Ew, am I really that gross?” and I’ll continue to participate because it’s fun and you get to create with other people. Whether it’s for a commercial or being on a podcast, that’s yucky me who looks nothing like the video. Then maybe you’ll meet me in person and say that I’m cuter. Ha-ha!
Whenever you see someone in photos or on film, always know they look better in real life. An artist once told me he prefers drawing people because he can capture their likeness better than a camera can. (So next time you see a photo or film of yourself and feel bad, just realize it’s not real — you do look so much better!)
Anyway, my art isn’t great, but it’s endearing. Something else that I love to do and comes straight from the heart. I never went to art school so I have a certain flair that makes a piece unique. (An art teacher once used my work as a sample for how someone can be expressive without perfection). And then there’s singing. I love it, but I’m not good at it. During the pandemic my husband and I made a video for our friends. I sang and it was good. But it wasn’t effortless. We practice so much. Him on guitar and us singing together. He had to sing in a lower register to match my alto. It’s private for our friends on YouTube, but I’d be happy to send anyone the link if they’d like to hear it.
Sometimes I’m hard on myself and view my poetry as mediocre, but it’s the deliverance that makes is strong. I was once told that it seems like I’m singing when I’m reading poetry. And on the flip side I’ve also heard, “You’re too much.” Some people don’t even like me, but they like my poetry. I’m fine with that. I’m not a delusional person who expects everyone to like me, nor am I a pick-me puppy dog who will jump through hoops to get people to like me. It is what it all is.
My poem “thin” in Paterson Literary Review, published in September 2026, written in the 1990s
I recently re-wrote a poem I performed at Aldo’s Hideaway in Lyndhurst, New Jersey back in the early 1990s, called “Mood Ring” but we’ll get to that in a second.
Yes, a nightclub hosted my poetry performance! It was super fun. I was able to keep all the money I had at the door, and the club would keep what was made at the bar. Some people who didn’t know about the performance were confused. “What is this? Where’s the dance music?” But nevertheless it was a successful night!
Me, in the middle reading “666-Talk”
In the early 1990s, there were late-night television advertisements trying to entice men to call a 1-900 number to talk to sexy women. I created a mockery about it called “666-Talk.” Instead of getting a sexy woman, the guy gets Satan.
I had two guys dress up as nerds with broken glasses held together by Band-Aids. They’d call the phone line and say, “Hey Baby, what’s happening?”
Me, and the girls on each side of me, screamed out, “NOT YOU!”
Then I’d go into a diabolical diatribe about sin. The devil came through the telephone and took this dude straight to hell!
That same night, I read “Mood Ring.”
I recently revitalized the poem to read at church in an upcoming community night. (I’ll also be making a dish to share, and I am giving away a free session for relationship coaching — because I just can’t do one thing!)
Mood Ring requires audience participation. When I say, “I’m a _____” the audience shouts: “MOOD RING!”
Audience participation is good. Because we are better together. It’s short. It’s fun. You always leave people wanting more. And more they will get because I’ll be giving away mood rings to children. And a little nod to the adults on the “blue team” as I am proud to go to a progressive church. When I renewed my faith earlier this summer it was important to find a church that aligns with my beliefs — and I did. (If anyone wants to find a church in their area that is progressive, I highly recommend the website gaychurch.org and you can put in your address to see what church is close to you).
So, I leave you with “Mood Ring” which I will be reading/performing in church in a few weeks. Enjoy it and keep creating!
Mood Ring
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
I’m a …
MOOD RING!
M-O-O-D RING!
When I’m red, I’m full of passion.
When I’m orange, hey, I’m in fashion.
I’m a …
MOOD RING!
M-O-O-D RING!
Green is nature, to be seen,
Pink’s a flamingo, so unique.
Indigo, a beautiful hue.
When I’m blue, I’m voting for YOU!
I’m a ….
MOOD RING!
#1990s #aldoSHideaway #artAndPoetry #artInNewJersey #Christianity #creativity #iLoveJesus #inspiration #maryanneChristanoMistretta #moodRing #motivational #neighborhoodHouseAssociationPlainfieldNj #poem #poetry #publishedPoetry #thingsToDoInNewJersey #voteBlue #WestEndArtsCenter #writing -
Poetry Comes Alive!
October 3, 2017, when I performed “All About Eve” at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch
Poetry is such a high form of art, not many get it. But those who do, do.
Before I became a journalist, I relied on writing (and performing) poetry as a creative outlet. I read at events all over New Jersey and New York City. It’s a shame we didn’t record and take photos back then as we do today. We were so in the moment. And it was always a great honor to be reading with other great poets. All of us expressing ourselves and creating a memorable vibe.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, a featured reader at the All About Eve Festival of the Arts, October 2017
I had blogged about this event when it happened back in October of 2017. And oftentimes readers find my old blogs because I’ll see them in the “Top Posts & Pages” section to the right. Thanks to proper tagging, my blogs will live on until I die and stop paying for this account. Laughing out loud!
“All About Eve” was written specifically for this festival. When I write poetry, I’m also thinking about how I will be reading it in front of a live audience. Because it’s the deliverance that makes people listen. I write my poems to be read, to be heard, and even to be shouted! I have something to say, and I’m saying it!
All about Eve?
What about me?
In a superficial society.
Trendy, Fendi,
Keeping up with Beyonce
Spending at your local foods
People are so freakin’ rude
Pushing shop carts into butts
Let their kids do what they want.
Monopolize the conversation
It’s better than a sex sensation
Demean others, even your friends
The main thing is to “win, win, win.”
Do it daily, do it loud
Do it often so you feel proud
Raise your kid the same way
She’s a princess every day
Problems in the world we see
Ignorance, sickness, poverty
Change would be nice, if only …
Yet we still chant, “Me! Me! Me!”
And, you know, it’s nothing new,
Eve was all about “me” too.
Back then it was forbidden fruit,
Now it’s Botox to stay cute.
Charlton Heston, was once the rage, uh-huh
No one cares what Moses claimed; uh-huh
And the ME goes on. And the ME goes on.
On.
On.
On.
On.
Copyright 2017, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
All rights reserved.
“All About Eve” reminds us to take the focus off ourselves, stop being so shallow, and pay attention to others.
Two years later I brought back “All About Eve” to the Neighborhood House Association, where I read it to an audience, which you can see here on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyLorsfQig4&t=1s
(By the way, I’ll be back at the Neighborhood House Association November 15 to be presenting a motivational speech on gratitude.)
If it hadn’t been for poetry, early on, I wouldn’t have become a motivational speaker.
When I started writing professionally and being published in magazines all over the world, I had friends complain that I was no longer doing poetry. Poetry was always in my heart, but sometimes you take a break from certain things to pursue others.
As a journalist I interview actors that are also directors, producers, musicians. Talented people (and we all have talents) usually don’t just stick with one thing. We branch out, to explore other areas of arts, including the stuff that we may not be as good at, but we just put it out there because we love to be creative. This, for me, includes film projects. I can be expressive in front of a camera, but I’m not camera-genic. Photogenic, yes, not film-genic. Film hates me for some reason and I never look good in film.
But that won’t stop me from being in projects. I’ll look at myself and say, “Ew, am I really that gross?” and I’ll continue to participate because it’s fun and you get to create with other people. Whether it’s for a commercial or being on a podcast, that’s yucky me who looks nothing like the video. Then maybe you’ll meet me in person and say that I’m cuter. Ha-ha!
Whenever you see someone in photos or on film, always know they look better in real life. An artist once told me he prefers drawing people because he can capture their likeness better than a camera can. (So next time you see a photo or film of yourself and feel bad, just realize it’s not real — you do look so much better!)
Anyway, my art isn’t great, but it’s endearing. Something else that I love to do and comes straight from the heart. I never went to art school so I have a certain flair that makes a piece unique. (An art teacher once used my work as a sample for how someone can be expressive without perfection). And then there’s singing. I love it, but I’m not good at it. During the pandemic my husband and I made a video for our friends. I sang and it was good. But it wasn’t effortless. We practice so much. Him on guitar and us singing together. He had to sing in a lower register to match my alto. It’s private for our friends on YouTube, but I’d be happy to send anyone the link if they’d like to hear it.
Sometimes I’m hard on myself and view my poetry as mediocre, but it’s the deliverance that makes is strong. I was once told that it seems like I’m singing when I’m reading poetry. And on the flip side I’ve also heard, “You’re too much.” Some people don’t even like me, but they like my poetry. I’m fine with that. I’m not a delusional person who expects everyone to like me, nor am I a pick-me puppy dog who will jump through hoops to get people to like me. It is what it all is.
My poem “thin” in Paterson Literary Review, published in September 2026, written in the 1990s
I recently re-wrote a poem I performed at Aldo’s Hideaway in Lyndhurst, New Jersey back in the early 1990s, called “Mood Ring” but we’ll get to that in a second.
Yes, a nightclub hosted my poetry performance! It was super fun. I was able to keep all the money I had at the door, and the club would keep what was made at the bar. Some people who didn’t know about the performance were confused. “What is this? Where’s the dance music?” But nevertheless it was a successful night!
Me, in the middle reading “666-Talk”
In the early 1990s, there were late-night television advertisements trying to entice men to call a 1-900 number to talk to sexy women. I created a mockery about it called “666-Talk.” Instead of getting a sexy woman, the guy gets Satan.
I had two guys dress up as nerds with broken glasses held together by Band-Aids. They’d call the phone line and say, “Hey Baby, what’s happening?”
Me, and the girls on each side of me, screamed out, “NOT YOU!”
Then I’d go into a diabolical diatribe about sin. The devil came through the telephone and took this dude straight to hell!
That same night, I read “Mood Ring.”
I recently revitalized the poem to read at church in an upcoming community night. (I’ll also be making a dish to share, and I am giving away a free session for relationship coaching — because I just can’t do one thing!)
Mood Ring requires audience participation. When I say, “I’m a _____” the audience shouts: “MOOD RING!”
Audience participation is good. Because we are better together. It’s short. It’s fun. You always leave people wanting more. And more they will get because I’ll be giving away mood rings to children. And a little nod to the adults on the “blue team” as I am proud to go to a progressive church. When I renewed my faith earlier this summer it was important to find a church that aligns with my beliefs — and I did. (If anyone wants to find a church in their area that is progressive, I highly recommend the website gaychurch.org and you can put in your address to see what church is close to you).
So, I leave you with “Mood Ring” which I will be reading/performing in church in a few weeks. Enjoy it and keep creating!
Mood Ring
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
I’m a …
MOOD RING!
M-O-O-D RING!
When I’m red, I’m full of passion.
When I’m orange, hey, I’m in fashion.
I’m a …
MOOD RING!
M-O-O-D RING!
Green is nature, to be seen,
Pink’s a flamingo, so unique.
Indigo, a beautiful hue.
When I’m blue, I’m voting for YOU!
I’m a ….
MOOD RING!
#1990s #aldoSHideaway #artAndPoetry #artInNewJersey #Christianity #creativity #iLoveJesus #inspiration #maryanneChristanoMistretta #moodRing #motivational #neighborhoodHouseAssociationPlainfieldNj #poem #poetry #publishedPoetry #thingsToDoInNewJersey #voteBlue #WestEndArtsCenter #writing -
Poetry Comes Alive!
October 3, 2017, when I performed “All About Eve” at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch
Poetry is such a high form of art, not many get it. But those who do, do.
Before I became a journalist, I relied on writing (and performing) poetry as a creative outlet. I read at events all over New Jersey and New York City. It’s a shame we didn’t record and take photos back then as we do today. We were so in the moment. And it was always a great honor to be reading with other great poets. All of us expressing ourselves and creating a memorable vibe.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, a featured reader at the All About Eve Festival of the Arts, October 2017
I had blogged about this event when it happened back in October of 2017. And oftentimes readers find my old blogs because I’ll see them in the “Top Posts & Pages” section to the right. Thanks to proper tagging, my blogs will live on until I die and stop paying for this account. Laughing out loud!
“All About Eve” was written specifically for this festival. When I write poetry, I’m also thinking about how I will be reading it in front of a live audience. Because it’s the deliverance that makes people listen. I write my poems to be read, to be heard, and even to be shouted! I have something to say, and I’m saying it!
All about Eve?
What about me?
In a superficial society.
Trendy, Fendi,
Keeping up with Beyonce
Spending at your local foods
People are so freakin’ rude
Pushing shop carts into butts
Let their kids do what they want.
Monopolize the conversation
It’s better than a sex sensation
Demean others, even your friends
The main thing is to “win, win, win.”
Do it daily, do it loud
Do it often so you feel proud
Raise your kid the same way
She’s a princess every day
Problems in the world we see
Ignorance, sickness, poverty
Change would be nice, if only …
Yet we still chant, “Me! Me! Me!”
And, you know, it’s nothing new,
Eve was all about “me” too.
Back then it was forbidden fruit,
Now it’s Botox to stay cute.
Charlton Heston, was once the rage, uh-huh
No one cares what Moses claimed; uh-huh
And the ME goes on. And the ME goes on.
On.
On.
On.
On.
Copyright 2017, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
All rights reserved.
“All About Eve” reminds us to take the focus off ourselves, stop being so shallow, and pay attention to others.
Two years later I brought back “All About Eve” to the Neighborhood House Association, where I read it to an audience, which you can see here on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyLorsfQig4&t=1s
(By the way, I’ll be back at the Neighborhood House Association November 15 to be presenting a motivational speech on gratitude.)
If it hadn’t been for poetry, early on, I wouldn’t have become a motivational speaker.
When I started writing professionally and being published in magazines all over the world, I had friends complain that I was no longer doing poetry. Poetry was always in my heart, but sometimes you take a break from certain things to pursue others.
As a journalist I interview actors that are also directors, producers, musicians. Talented people (and we all have talents) usually don’t just stick with one thing. We branch out, to explore other areas of arts, including the stuff that we may not be as good at, but we just put it out there because we love to be creative. This, for me, includes film projects. I can be expressive in front of a camera, but I’m not camera-genic. Photogenic, yes, not film-genic. Film hates me for some reason and I never look good in film.
But that won’t stop me from being in projects. I’ll look at myself and say, “Ew, am I really that gross?” and I’ll continue to participate because it’s fun and you get to create with other people. Whether it’s for a commercial or being on a podcast, that’s yucky me who looks nothing like the video. Then maybe you’ll meet me in person and say that I’m cuter. Ha-ha!
Whenever you see someone in photos or on film, always know they look better in real life. An artist once told me he prefers drawing people because he can capture their likeness better than a camera can. (So next time you see a photo or film of yourself and feel bad, just realize it’s not real — you do look so much better!)
Anyway, my art isn’t great, but it’s endearing. Something else that I love to do and comes straight from the heart. I never went to art school so I have a certain flair that makes a piece unique. (An art teacher once used my work as a sample for how someone can be expressive without perfection). And then there’s singing. I love it, but I’m not good at it. During the pandemic my husband and I made a video for our friends. I sang and it was good. But it wasn’t effortless. We practice so much. Him on guitar and us singing together. He had to sing in a lower register to match my alto. It’s private for our friends on YouTube, but I’d be happy to send anyone the link if they’d like to hear it.
Sometimes I’m hard on myself and view my poetry as mediocre, but it’s the deliverance that makes is strong. I was once told that it seems like I’m singing when I’m reading poetry. And on the flip side I’ve also heard, “You’re too much.” Some people don’t even like me, but they like my poetry. I’m fine with that. I’m not a delusional person who expects everyone to like me, nor am I a pick-me puppy dog who will jump through hoops to get people to like me. It is what it all is.
My poem “thin” in Paterson Literary Review, published in September 2026, written in the 1990s
I recently re-wrote a poem I performed at Aldo’s Hideaway in Lyndhurst, New Jersey back in the early 1990s, called “Mood Ring” but we’ll get to that in a second.
Yes, a nightclub hosted my poetry performance! It was super fun. I was able to keep all the money I had at the door, and the club would keep what was made at the bar. Some people who didn’t know about the performance were confused. “What is this? Where’s the dance music?” But nevertheless it was a successful night!
Me, in the middle reading “666-Talk”
In the early 1990s, there were late-night television advertisements trying to entice men to call a 1-900 number to talk to sexy women. I created a mockery about it called “666-Talk.” Instead of getting a sexy woman, the guy gets Satan.
I had two guys dress up as nerds with broken glasses held together by Band-Aids. They’d call the phone line and say, “Hey Baby, what’s happening?”
Me, and the girls on each side of me, screamed out, “NOT YOU!”
Then I’d go into a diabolical diatribe about sin. The devil came through the telephone and took this dude straight to hell!
That same night, I read “Mood Ring.”
I recently revitalized the poem to read at church in an upcoming community night. (I’ll also be making a dish to share, and I am giving away a free session for relationship coaching — because I just can’t do one thing!)
Mood Ring requires audience participation. When I say, “I’m a _____” the audience shouts: “MOOD RING!”
Audience participation is good. Because we are better together. It’s short. It’s fun. You always leave people wanting more. And more they will get because I’ll be giving away mood rings to children. And a little nod to the adults on the “blue team” as I am proud to go to a progressive church. When I renewed my faith earlier this summer it was important to find a church that aligns with my beliefs — and I did. (If anyone wants to find a church in their area that is progressive, I highly recommend the website gaychurch.org and you can put in your address to see what church is close to you).
So, I leave you with “Mood Ring” which I will be reading/performing in church in a few weeks. Enjoy it and keep creating!
Mood Ring
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
I’m a …
MOOD RING!
M-O-O-D RING!
When I’m red, I’m full of passion.
When I’m orange, hey, I’m in fashion.
I’m a …
MOOD RING!
M-O-O-D RING!
Green is nature, to be seen,
Pink’s a flamingo, so unique.
Indigo, a beautiful hue.
When I’m blue, I’m voting for YOU!
I’m a ….
MOOD RING!
#1990s #aldoSHideaway #artAndPoetry #artInNewJersey #Christianity #creativity #iLoveJesus #inspiration #maryanneChristanoMistretta #moodRing #motivational #neighborhoodHouseAssociationPlainfieldNj #poem #poetry #publishedPoetry #thingsToDoInNewJersey #voteBlue #WestEndArtsCenter #writing -
Poetry Comes Alive!
October 3, 2017, when I performed “All About Eve” at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch
Poetry is such a high form of art, not many get it. But those who do, do.
Before I became a journalist, I relied on writing (and performing) poetry as a creative outlet. I read at events all over New Jersey and New York City. It’s a shame we didn’t record and take photos back then as we do today. We were so in the moment. And it was always a great honor to be reading with other great poets. All of us expressing ourselves and creating a memorable vibe.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, a featured reader at the All About Eve Festival of the Arts, October 2017
I had blogged about this event when it happened back in October of 2017. And oftentimes readers find my old blogs because I’ll see them in the “Top Posts & Pages” section to the right. Thanks to proper tagging, my blogs will live on until I die and stop paying for this account. Laughing out loud!
“All About Eve” was written specifically for this festival. When I write poetry, I’m also thinking about how I will be reading it in front of a live audience. Because it’s the deliverance that makes people listen. I write my poems to be read, to be heard, and even to be shouted! I have something to say, and I’m saying it!
All about Eve?
What about me?
In a superficial society.
Trendy, Fendi,
Keeping up with Beyonce
Spending at your local foods
People are so freakin’ rude
Pushing shop carts into butts
Let their kids do what they want.
Monopolize the conversation
It’s better than a sex sensation
Demean others, even your friends
The main thing is to “win, win, win.”
Do it daily, do it loud
Do it often so you feel proud
Raise your kid the same way
She’s a princess every day
Problems in the world we see
Ignorance, sickness, poverty
Change would be nice, if only …
Yet we still chant, “Me! Me! Me!”
And, you know, it’s nothing new,
Eve was all about “me” too.
Back then it was forbidden fruit,
Now it’s Botox to stay cute.
Charlton Heston, was once the rage, uh-huh
No one cares what Moses claimed; uh-huh
And the ME goes on. And the ME goes on.
On.
On.
On.
On.
Copyright 2017, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
All rights reserved.
“All About Eve” reminds us to take the focus off ourselves, stop being so shallow, and pay attention to others.
Two years later I brought back “All About Eve” to the Neighborhood House Association, where I read it to an audience, which you can see here on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyLorsfQig4&t=1s
(By the way, I’ll be back at the Neighborhood House Association November 15 to be presenting a motivational speech on gratitude.)
If it hadn’t been for poetry, early on, I wouldn’t have become a motivational speaker.
When I started writing professionally and being published in magazines all over the world, I had friends complain that I was no longer doing poetry. Poetry was always in my heart, but sometimes you take a break from certain things to pursue others.
As a journalist I interview actors that are also directors, producers, musicians. Talented people (and we all have talents) usually don’t just stick with one thing. We branch out, to explore other areas of arts, including the stuff that we may not be as good at, but we just put it out there because we love to be creative. This, for me, includes film projects. I can be expressive in front of a camera, but I’m not camera-genic. Photogenic, yes, not film-genic. Film hates me for some reason and I never look good in film.
But that won’t stop me from being in projects. I’ll look at myself and say, “Ew, am I really that gross?” and I’ll continue to participate because it’s fun and you get to create with other people. Whether it’s for a commercial or being on a podcast, that’s yucky me who looks nothing like the video. Then maybe you’ll meet me in person and say that I’m cuter. Ha-ha!
Whenever you see someone in photos or on film, always know they look better in real life. An artist once told me he prefers drawing people because he can capture their likeness better than a camera can. (So next time you see a photo or film of yourself and feel bad, just realize it’s not real — you do look so much better!)
Anyway, my art isn’t great, but it’s endearing. Something else that I love to do and comes straight from the heart. I never went to art school so I have a certain flair that makes a piece unique. (An art teacher once used my work as a sample for how someone can be expressive without perfection). And then there’s singing. I love it, but I’m not good at it. During the pandemic my husband and I made a video for our friends. I sang and it was good. But it wasn’t effortless. We practice so much. Him on guitar and us singing together. He had to sing in a lower register to match my alto. It’s private for our friends on YouTube, but I’d be happy to send anyone the link if they’d like to hear it.
Sometimes I’m hard on myself and view my poetry as mediocre, but it’s the deliverance that makes is strong. I was once told that it seems like I’m singing when I’m reading poetry. And on the flip side I’ve also heard, “You’re too much.” Some people don’t even like me, but they like my poetry. I’m fine with that. I’m not a delusional person who expects everyone to like me, nor am I a pick-me puppy dog who will jump through hoops to get people to like me. It is what it all is.
My poem “thin” in Paterson Literary Review, published in September 2026, written in the 1990s
I recently re-wrote a poem I performed at Aldo’s Hideaway in Lyndhurst, New Jersey back in the early 1990s, called “Mood Ring” but we’ll get to that in a second.
Yes, a nightclub hosted my poetry performance! It was super fun. I was able to keep all the money I had at the door, and the club would keep what was made at the bar. Some people who didn’t know about the performance were confused. “What is this? Where’s the dance music?” But nevertheless it was a successful night!
Me, in the middle reading “666-Talk”
In the early 1990s, there were late-night television advertisements trying to entice men to call a 1-900 number to talk to sexy women. I created a mockery about it called “666-Talk.” Instead of getting a sexy woman, the guy gets Satan.
I had two guys dress up as nerds with broken glasses held together by Band-Aids. They’d call the phone line and say, “Hey Baby, what’s happening?”
Me, and the girls on each side of me, screamed out, “NOT YOU!”
Then I’d go into a diabolical diatribe about sin. The devil came through the telephone and took this dude straight to hell!
That same night, I read “Mood Ring.”
I recently revitalized the poem to read at church in an upcoming community night. (I’ll also be making a dish to share, and I am giving away a free session for relationship coaching — because I just can’t do one thing!)
Mood Ring requires audience participation. When I say, “I’m a _____” the audience shouts: “MOOD RING!”
Audience participation is good. Because we are better together. It’s short. It’s fun. You always leave people wanting more. And more they will get because I’ll be giving away mood rings to children. And a little nod to the adults on the “blue team” as I am proud to go to a progressive church. When I renewed my faith earlier this summer it was important to find a church that aligns with my beliefs — and I did. (If anyone wants to find a church in their area that is progressive, I highly recommend the website gaychurch.org and you can put in your address to see what church is close to you).
So, I leave you with “Mood Ring” which I will be reading/performing in church in a few weeks. Enjoy it and keep creating!
Mood Ring
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
I’m a …
MOOD RING!
M-O-O-D RING!
When I’m red, I’m full of passion.
When I’m orange, hey, I’m in fashion.
I’m a …
MOOD RING!
M-O-O-D RING!
Green is nature, to be seen,
Pink’s a flamingo, so unique.
Indigo, a beautiful hue.
When I’m blue, I’m voting for YOU!
I’m a ….
MOOD RING!
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