Helen M. D'Ordine

Helen M. D'Ordine was a retired teacher, adjunct professor at Rhode Island College, a member of The Writers' Circle, a Block Island Poetry Project participant, an Ocean State Poet, and a RI Writing Project Fellow.

In 2011, she published a chapbook, Conclusive Illusions. Her poems have appeared in Mobius, RI Writers' Circle Anthology, The Providence Journal: Poetry Corner, sheShines, Medicine & Health/RI, The Oak, and Celebrate: Poets Speak Out.

August 2022 Update:

We were sad to learn of Helen's passing. A long-time supporter of the Origami Poems Project from the beginning, she was a good friend and will be missed.

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► Helen's micro-chaps & selected poems are available below.

Origami Micro-chap	Selected Poem(s)
Celebrating the Towers in poetry and verse
Click Title to Download Micro "The Towers, 2013" was selected for this commemorative collection. (Also see 'Random Acts of Poetry') Photo by Richard Benjamin - by kind permission - //richardbenjamin.zenfolio.com •	The Towers, 2013 On 4/17 folks went to The Towers to listen to poets for a couple of hours. There was Chandler, Dennigan, Dolphin and Brown who read poem after poem, all winners, hands down! The cupcakes and cookies were really delicious. The wine was delightful, the occasion auspicious. 'Twas Poetry Month, a cause celebre and on this spring day, bon mots filled the air. We sat in the round, overlooking the beach, thoroughly enjoying Origami's outreach. • Helen M. D'Ordine © 2013
Conclusive Illusions
Click Title to Download Micro Cover by Erica Knowles •	In Front Of The Green Beach Umbrella Yielding a small patch of solitude on a crowded beach he executed Tai Chi with slow, deliberate movements, a testament to his mastery; his gray hair braided, his muscles firm. She, in lotus pose, with the incoming tide lapping over her legs that didn't break her yoga trance but added to her oneness with the earth. Later, they shared tofu and organics, never craving a sip of wine. Bedtime He smiles, remembering when passion raged between them. They stand embracing; two bodies pressed together. Holding on, their faces and lips touch. He calls her "Peaches" a nickname from bygone days. Sometimes she responds. In sickness and in health, everything and nothing have changed. She lives among the broken bodies and shut-in minds. He, the faithful visitor loving 'til death do them part. • Gender Offender Villanelle It makes me feel defeminized when people say "You guys". It's clear the world's become desensitized. My self-esteem is minimized. This female detests the idea. It makes me feel defeminized. Womanly traits, some maximized so obvious, it would appear. The world's become desensitized. The genders, blurred and compromised; one lone woman, not of good cheer. It makes me feel defeminized. Cleavage abounds, I realize, but "Guys! Guys! Guys!" is all I hear. The world's become desensitized. So, world, take note and be apprised! Cease and desist! Lend me your ear! It makes me feel defeminized. The world's become desensitized •	Non-fiction The shopping cart with an infant seat attached rested on its front end and hung over the railing of the bridge above the railroad tracks beside the highway with the big green and white sign that said FRANCH AVENUE 1 MILE because the B was broken. • Passive Suicide Suddenly, you left. We were afraid to imagine your last minutes. No cries for help. No one to hold your hand. Just you alone. Calls unanswered, notes ignored, knocks unheeded. We respected your isolation. Burnt out light bulbs yet tomatoes in the refrigerator. Just you alone. We would have stood like sentinels but you wouldn't have it. wringing, no long, anxious - No hand faces, no whispered prayers. Just you alone. Death claimed you but you were prepared: wallet, will and final arrangements on the dining room table. Just you alone. • Helen M. D'Ordine © 2011