Mark Marano

yearning
and turning
and burning
but not learning

oh what a day
to run astray
far away
not to portray

if only one could choose
not to lose
nor confuse

all one must do
is let go of the glue

not to be sour
but to devour
in this hour

to let it go
so one may flow

staring and daring,
do you choose, or do you lose?

to experience bliss in a kiss,
a feeling i so do miss.

bring back the sun.
forever we do run,
yet are we having fun?

one side is like a tide,
though not quite a bride.

one might be bright
if they stare at the light
but not the the fright

swaying and daying..
maying or laying?

to be clear
is oh so dear
[and it can be near]

to let it all out
without a doubt

to be free
is to be me

flowing and going
without knowing

to make space
but not a place

to let it all go
so one may flow

to be feeling
is to be peeling

layers gone
so one might turn on

a light so bright
it might cause fright

but does one portray
or experience the day?

to rhyme,
or to stand the test of time?

to look for the truth and the proof,
or to sail beyond the roof?

trying to be or choosing to live,
what does one give?

a drink by the lake,
or a fork and a steak?

neither can please,
only a tease.

life flows from within
when one is in

the moment at last,
what a blast.

seek not the past
for it won’t last

nor can the future give
what one might live

in the now,
but how?

it’s simpler than you might think,
look not for a link.

it is always there,
but where?

in the moment,
in the present

can one find,
without looking behind,

a gift
to uplift

and portray
a better day.

it is always here
and oh so dear.

so much not creativity
without proclivity.

let it find you.
but do not be so blue

if it takes longer than you like;
perhaps you must take a hike

to a place so silent and clear,
within and here.

Exploring definition… [after our first group meeting to put together the Creative/Photo Studio, Colleen sent out a few questions to help us brand ourselves and come up with a name]

here are my responses to help us define our personality:

1. If our group were a car, what would it be and why?

it’d be my truck and camper (or something similar) — versatility. it can be an every day driver, though it can be my home, office, and studio, all at the same time. though barely, it can fit in regular parking spaces, yet it can also go off road, on the sand, trails, paths, rocks, etc. it’s low profile so it’s more fuel efficient and doesn’t stand out as much as a regular rv, yet it can pop up [transform in a sense] when necessary. … we are flexible and adapt to various clients’ needs, desires, and are a one-stop / all-in-one solution for all projects creative and technical [and inspirational].

2. If our group was a person who died tomorrow, what would it say on our gravestone?

loved and embraced by many, they did it all. their work inspired everyone who encountered it. their images will live on forever, as the classics of tomorrow.

3. Who are our target audiences (primary & secondary)?

the world of tomorrow through the eyes of today [via our clients: new, upcoming, and thriving businesses who want to push the envelope in their creative looks/appearance].

4. What makes us different?

we stand out, boldly. no detail is left untouched. every single element relates to the whole. we are amongst the best of the best [though friendly, fun, and humble too].

5. Name 3 of your favorite brands and why you love them?

i love no brands. i embrace the anonymous, the unbranded. the simple/minimal/elemental pieces that fit in / flow perfectly with life. the brand is almost forgotten, yet it is there, known at the subconscious level, without need for recognition — it is obvious [and has no need to scream out on its own, for it is already felt in its presence, via what is there].

6. Where will we be in 5/10/20 years?

on top of the world, shooting for the stars we will be the inspiration for those who are in the same shoes we wear today. we will be doing work for the largest worldwide brands, and teaching/mentoring those new in the business. our business will have expanded in multiple directions, with locations nationwide. we will have full production capabilities in all technical aspects, including full independent filmmaking capability [with hollywood quality output]. we will be featured in top magazines/publications [if they still exist], and receive countless communication requesting help and praise/gratitude for our work.

[I added a few questions..]

pondering additional questions:

7. Why you do what you do?

to explore possibilities. to know by direct experience that absolutely anything is possible. to inspire others. and to have fun.

8. What truly motivates and/or inspires you? When not feeling creative, what gives you that kick/excitement/rush to pick up and get going again?

great art. something that touches my heart. realizing a new possibility [and knowing i can make it happen]. stretching the limits. a greater sense of freedom. // knowing i can make it happen and i’m not that far off from doing it. feeling the ideas come to me [and getting excited at being the conduit for these things to flow through me].

9. If you didn’t have to work for a living, what would you do? [and, more of a question for yourself to ponder: What's really stopping you now?]

travel, explore, live, love, dream, play, adventure, inspire.

10. If you could completely wipe the slate clean [say, with a push of a button], who/what/where/why would you be?

not too far from where i am. i am grateful for this experience i have chosen. perhaps i’d have a bit more resources and a greater sense of peace, though i know those are on the way already.

11. Describe your [creative] purpose in three words.

to inspire / to explore / to enjoy

To do what you love, and to rise above…