Rachel Astarte Piccione

1996 Poet Laureate

Rachel Astarte Piccione is a transformational life coach, author, and educator. She is an author of both fiction and non-fiction books, all of which promote individual healing and wellness. Recent titles include Celebrating Solitude, The Bride of Manhattan, and a contribution to Dr. Bernie S. Siegel's 2011 anthology, A Book of Miracles: Inspiring True Stories of Healing, Gratitude, and Love. She was also a nominee for the Pushcart Prize in Poetry. Rachel is an ordained clergy member, holding the title of Peace Counselor since 2002. As part of her ongoing peace work, Rachel has given numerous readings across the country, and lectured at such venues as New York City's New School on the topic of employing the arts as a means toward conflict resolution.

The Truth

Your children are there
to see you as you’ve
always wanted to be seen.

Pay attention next time
to the beauty
in your sip of wine.
Touch a freshly removed
pair of your trousers:
feel the heat of your body still in them,
your life still in them.
Make a decision over the phone:
listen to your heavy, steady voice.

They will.
They will.
And you will finally
be loved
as you have loved yourself
but never said aloud.