Punk Scene and Desert Serene

On By Michele LeeIn Arizona Adventures, Inspirational People, nature, Verse, Video
This life is full of stressors
that make us want to scream.
I sort most of that out
during my morning meditation
that offers me peace and connection.
But how much freer my mind would be
if I could disturb the peace
and add to my release with an unfiltered scream?
How much more centered we’d all be,
if it were acceptable to step outside
in the morning light,
and let it all out with an unfiltered scream?
Directing our primal instincts at no one in particular,
just the air, before joining the rat race
where we must tuck our tails and instincts away.

Scream loud and bold, I once did
at a large Halloween event
where hundreds were gathered.
A scream contest, they held.
I won. Surprise myself I did.
“That came out of me?” I said.
Multiple octaves – loud, deep, and shrill,
fitting for a terrifying horror flick.
I may have missed my calling.

I keep that scream hidden away.
What might the neighbors say?
I found my outlet; I found my muse:
she is fierce and she is unapologetic,
belting out tunes, she reignited my primordial fuse.

Artist Sammi Lee and her boyfriend’s visit ended with a Saturday Punk show, followed by a peaceful Sunday lake stroll. Saturday screaming, Sunday dreaming. Life is a balance. 🎸🧘🏻‍♀️Thank you for visiting. Be well. 💗 Michele

Musician and venue sidenote: Some of the musicians featured in my video have not played live in over two years – they were grateful to do so, and their enthusiasm was palpable. Phoenix is open for business, with some restrictions and expectations, including showing proof of vaccination at the door.

Find more of my photos, micropoetry, and reels on Instagram~ @mlsefton

Video: my compilation from a fundraiser for Club Placebo, a newly formed nonprofit “dedicated to celebrating and documenting the rich musical artistic history and tradition of Phoenix underground music during the tenure of Placebo Records (1980-1990).” If you are interested in Punk history and learning more about the future goals of Club Placebo, which includes a venue, check out this recent article, published in Phoenix New Times.

Photos: my images, Lake Pleasant, AZ

© 2021 Michele Lee Sefton

85 thoughts on “Punk Scene and Desert Serene”

  2. Poetpas

    How cool. Boy I would’ve loved that. Did you slam dance too? I noticed that during my punk days a lot of stress and flowed out going to gigs. Dancing, screaming, yelling, singing, stage diving, drinking, etc… Those were the days! And I also like your write 😁

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    1. It was cool and fun to see a gathering of old punks. 🖤 haha No, I did not slam dance. Maybe next time I will put down my camera and stir it up. Those were the days. Yes! Releasing stress and being free. Thank you, for liking my write and for sharing some memories, Poetpunk. 🎶

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    1. Thank you, Ingrid. I am glad my poem’s attitude resonated with you. 😄 Thank goodness for creativity, yes! It would also feel good to scream it all out once in a while. I suppose I could do so in the desolate desert and not worry about disturbing the peace. The coyotes might join me. 🐺🌕

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  5. How interesting Michele, I usually do this at shows, until I lose my voice, I come back energized and completely ecstatic, a side that is usually hidden and shows itself with a supreme intensity in these events, I loved your theme, hugs and all the best to you.

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    1. I have been known to yell too and did Saturday night a time or two. The audience was a bit subdued. Maybe because it was mostly an older crowd. 😆 Good for you, letting your voice out and feeling energized by it! Fun!! Thank you so much, Aryon. Hugs to you, music lover!

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  6. A scene to scream and let it out, to start the day, a primal shout. I think that your powerful scream may have sent me through the roof, if heard last evening while viewing the horror movie, The Changling! Yikes. A wonderful read and photography shared, Michele, especially your black & white cactus close-up (favorite). Have a great day, my friend.

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    1. That would be quite an entrance to the day! Hearing my scream during a horror flick would have sent you spinning, yes, or hiding. 😂 Thank you so much for appreciating and commenting on my post. 🙏🏻Best to you too!

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    1. I hope so too. 😆 Everyone within a mile vicinity would disagree! I understand. In the process of letting go of frustrations and other negative stuff, emotions can be too much! Fortunately, there are many healthy (and quiet) ways to let go of what we may have pent up. Thank you for your visit and comment, Brad. Always appreciated. 🙏🏻

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    1. Timothy Price

      BTW when I’m recording vocal tracks, my wife tells that she hears me yelling from the studio, and asks what I’m working on. I tell her I’m not yelling, I’m singing (ack! ack! ack!).

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  11. Directing our primal instincts at no one in particular,
    just the air,

    This. This is so wonderful, and would be good for the heart and soul – otherwise the screams manage to leak out at easy human targets who are good triggers 🙂 A screaming contest – a great idea with a space for permission to scream. I think I loved some loud roller coaster rides just for tat reason, I could let it out!

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    1. Thank you so much, Pragalbha. True, no one wants to be screamed at. Especially little ones! The screaming contest was fun. Would love another go! A rollercoaster does offer a good reason to scream. Fun! 🎢 😱 I appreciate your visit. 🌞

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  13. Oh my goodness Michele, you make me sit in the stillness of my thoughts, and girl how often do I release my buil-up frustrations through silent tears, and an unfiltered scream or two. 😱😖🙀 I see that you got quite a bit of attention and applause by winning the scream contest, although a Halloween event probably combined the elements of our primal instincts coupled with mental scenes from the movie “Scream” that didn’t make the event seem too unusual. 🎃

    Girlfriend, I think we all can use an occasional scream cleansing to release pent-up tensions, frustrations, and anxieties! What a great reflection for today. Of course, knowing you, the scream was followed up by a lot of your creative foundation…. dancing!!! 💃🏼🎵💃🏽🎶🗣 Yeah baby!!! ✨🥰💐

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    1. Your comment, sitting “in stillness of my thoughts” made me think of being a classroom teacher and having moments where I wanted my students to do just that. 😂 Yes, spilling tears, rather than screams is another way we let it out. A good cry is good too. Another form of releasing and cleansing. 😢😭😥 Your comments about the Halloween contest are well said. Just offer me a prize under the late-night spooky skies and I will summon all my primordial beings! 😆 “You made my skin crawl,” is what many said. Surprised myself too. haha Oh yes, one must top off a night like that with dancing. Right you are! 💃🏼🎵💃🏽🎶😁

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      1. Oh my girl, I soooooo love your chutzpah! 🤗🥰😎 I loved the way you summoned your inner “Laurie Strode” character from the movie Halloween! Ever thought about a little acting on the side???

        I wonder what will summon up your primordial aura in the Halloweens to come??? LOL 🎃 Well, we have 9 more months to think about that. 😜 Sending you a truckload of hugs and smooches! 🤗💋😘

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      2. You are so fun. 💃🏽 Takes some chutzpah to know some. 😁 hahaHalloween. 👻 Acting on the side would be fun. Great idea, yes. There is a community theater in our town… they have been fairly quiet with the pandemic, but the show must go on! Thanks for the truckload of smooches. I just heard it pull up. 🚚 🤗💋😘 Serving it back to you!

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  14. asumoftheparts

    Wow! Powerful poetry—I get your point. I do think screaming would give me a sore throat and perhaps the neighbors to call the police about a crazy women. I really do love the poem, though, and the peaceful scenes from the desert. In music, I’m not a punk fan, as I think age does discriminate. I love Rock ’n Roll, but for serenity I’ll take Barry Manilow and Kenny G.

    >

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  16. Wow, next time I’m in the valley I need to visit this club. How awesome. Your poem is amazing, of course, the message is wonderful. The last line is perfect. 💖 When I got to the video I was thinking we were going to get to see/hear the winning scream. 😅 Maybe next time. Hehe. Have a wonderful evening, Michele. 🥰

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    1. You should! Another Phoenix venue I recommend is Valley Bar – a speak easy style with a small concert venue inside and there is a hidden library. Love it! I am pleased you enjoyed my post. Thank you! I did consider recording my scream. Funny! Actually, frightening. haha Enjoy your day. 🌞🌳

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      1. Hahaha! Maybe next time on the scream. Oh, thanks for the venue recommendation. I will keep it in mind. Bad Religion is actually playing in Portland in April. Am considering going. You’re welcome. Always! Happy Sunday evening! 💖

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  17. I love the way you enriched each line with the breaths of your life and meditation, dear Michele! And yes, fierce and unapologetic- -that’s beauty and magnificence of our inner muse. 💕

    I especially resonated with this line “ that came out of me? I said”. How many times we have been surprised by our very own selves…🥳😅 Thank you for the lovely words shared! 🤩

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    1. I cherish your feedback. Thank you very much, Annabel. 🙏🏻💐 Quite a surprise, yes. 😆 A silly but powerful reminder of the power we hold inside, sometimes we hold in too much. Or at least I do. 🙃 Have a wonderful rest of the week, beautiful dancing poetess. 🤗💖

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      1. Yes, sometimes ‘we hold in too much’ ! This resonated very much with me🤪😅! You’ve got a way to ease the troubled water and smooth the hearts with your verses- like a big inhale, then exhale😃💕

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      2. How very thoughtful of you. Thank you, Aaysid. 🙏🏻Of course, I wholeheartedly agree. Your expressive and creative poems are probably therapeutic for you, but try a loud scream when just writing won’t do! 😁 💖

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    2. Thank you for your kindness and support, Thattamma. 💐😊 Sometimes you need to restart the video (click out and back in), I have noticed with mine and others on WP. Sorry for your technical issues. Best wishes to you! 🌞

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    1. Thank you, Cindy! I know you understand. 😊 However we choose to let it out, it helps to free our burdens and lighten our loads. ✨ I am up for belting out a boisterous release whenever possible! 🗣️🔊 Followed by peace and serenity. ✨😁

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  23. Pingback: Punk Scene and Desert Serene – CURIOSIDADES NA INTERNET

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