Doors will Open

On By Michele LeeIn new beginnings, Verse
Through those doors
a new path
will either be revealed or
never known

Her pulse competing
against the hands on the wall
Her heel tapping
against the cold shiny floor
Her tongue drying
against the roof of her mouth
Her throat closing
against the air pushing through
Her palms sweaty
against her pressed skirt
Her name heard
against the buzz in her head
Her feet planted
against the ground, ready to step

Through those doors
a room of intimidating stares
will either welcome her
or send her away

She met their glares
drawing in and slowing her breath
for this challenge, she became
Confident and Prepared

Reflecting on my many intense panel interview situations, I wrote this poem, titled, “The Doors,” for my Being a Woman – Becoming collection (my empowered collection). While this stressful situation can apply to any gender and any age, I was thinking of women, just beginning their career or starting a second one, when I wrote this poem. Sharing experience and encouragement was my goal in writing this poem. Of course, this poem can apply to other stressful life situations, beyond job interviews.

If an interview is in your future, here are some body language interview tips from the blog, It’s all about Inspiration. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for visiting and reading. I will return Saturday (7/10), with a sequel to “Honeysuckle Heat.” Be well. 💗 Michele

Find my photos on Instagram ~ @mlsefton

Photo 1: by Sasha Kim (Pexels) Illustration: by artist, Sammi Lee

© 2021 Michele Lee Sefton.

76 thoughts on “Doors will Open”

    1. Most often, this is true. There are those individuals who do not experience nervousness/anxiety in these types of situations, including new experiences, but that is not me! 😆 Thank you for your comment. 😊

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  12. Now this right here Michele…oh girl…talk about staring fear, anxiety, and uncertainty in the face. Whether or not they accept you when you walk through that door…hold your head high and walk through it anyway! Amazing piece girlfriend! 👏🏼🥰🙏🏼✨

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    1. Yes and Yes! 😁 Sometimes doors don’t open and that can be disappointing, but if we persevere, there is always another door. Knowing that we did our best and trusting that there will be an open door better suited for our individual journey allows us to move forward in grace and confidence. 🚪 I appreciate the symbolism found in what doors represent. ✨ Thank you, Kym. 🙏🏼💖🦋

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      1. Oh sista, you did an amazing job telling the story. It is a very special one indeed. I think it was Helen Keller who said “We stare at the closed door for so long until we don’t see the one that is open.” Or at least it is something close to that quote! 😉

        But you’re on point and thank you for sharing that message with us Michele. ❤🥰💖

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You are amazing, thank you. 🌟🙏🏼
        That (or something like that 😉) is a great quote. Humans can be conditioned to seeing life/situations from only one perspective, when often there are countless possibilities.
        My pleasure, sister storyteller! 🥰

        Liked by 1 person

    1. That does not sounds like a pleasant experience! 😆 However, I will take that as positive feedback – pulling you into the (stressful) moment. Thanks so much, Jeff. I am happy you enjoyed one of my “empowered” poems. 🥰

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      1. Ah, I would take being in that moment anytime to read one of your poems, dear Michele. It is the thing I love most about poetry, being moved, by another human being. I love that; and, your poems always do that for me. ❤

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      2. Beautifully expressed, Jeff. I am moved by your comment. 😊 I absolutely agree with you – being moved by poetry, whether it be crying, laughing or other emotions in between – poetry can tap into what makes us human. 💗

        Liked by 2 people

  19. Michele, I love the format and yes it was a frantic pace that fit the moment that help us men relate…lol… I have experience this and even have to walk myself through performance (speeches/open mic) anxiety.
    I will say, it keeps one humble and even helps focus. I do not imagine you taking your communication skills for granted. 🙏🏼 I sometime wonder about those that feel like everything is a cake walk.
    Nevertheless, again I the format and style. and I am really happy you pressed on. You have now been a blessing to us all 🌹😘🥰

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  20. Long time no read.😆 Hope all is well in your world.
    Thank you for the visit and descriptive share. I understand about walking through performances – in my experience that would be speaking to small/large groups, teaching, and presentations. Practicing helps calm my nerves, or at least it keeps my brain moving forward when my nerves take over. Improv and spontaneity are also valuable. 😁 Oh yeah, always pressing on – stressful moments, setbacks, life… Thanks again. You are very kind. Happy day to you! 🌞

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    1. Thank you. 🙏🏼Stressful moments! But, we survived and are stronger for them. 💪🏼 My pleasure. Thanks for sharing helpful information for your readers. Best to you. 🌞🌻

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  25. This poem perfectly captured that uncomfortable, tense feeling of entering into a situation like this. True, I’ve never had a job before, but I still sometimes feel like school can be like this occassionaly. Especially when you’re being assesed in meetings to see if you’re good enough to take the subjects you applied for. It’s a bit like a job interview. I liked the repetition of the pattern and structure in this poem along with the descriptive language. 😊 [P.S. just ignore WordPress if it keeps saying that I’m following you again – there is an issue with my followed accounts and I’m currently trying to fix it with a WordPress professional].

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    1. Thank you! 😊 I greatly appreciate your views. I absolutely agree – school situations can have the same, if not greater, stress. With the countless presentations I delivered during grad school, I can relate. 😓 I understand about WP-seems to be an issue for many people, including me. Good luck on getting everything resolved with your account. Enjoy your weekend. 💐

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  26. Yes, Michele, Your wonderful poem shows exactly the emotions that someone feels who is waiting for the doors to open. You have found the perfect and sensitive words for this situation.
    It is not so easy to be relaxed when faced with an unfamiliar situation. Is there anyone who isn’t nervous then? During an interview, I don’t know who will greet me, who will ask me which questions and why.
    I just always try to be myself.
    Michele, I wish you all the best….🌹
    Rosie from Germany

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    1. Thank you, Rosie. I am pleased you found my poem relatable. 😊 Yes, the unknowns add to stressful situations. Being yourself is the best approach. Always! Thanks for the visit from Germany. Enjoy your week. 💐

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