A Story Set Free (audio poem)

On By Michele LeeIn Audio, nature, new beginnings, Verse, Writing
A Story Set Free – Audio Poem
They whisper and wait,
the stories that exist inside of me.
I write about what once was,
to release them, to set them free.

Elusive details captured on a page.
My blank messenger conspires with me,
coaxing the story out of hiding,
and snaring it for others to see.

No longer is the story mine, I am setting it free.
No longer does the story have power over me.

The words and emotions transferred from
me to you and from you to them.
My story becomes your story,
because you understand where I’ve been.

My story released; my mind can now expand.
Cloudy perspectives and timeworn pathways,
no longer weigh me down or slow my pace.
An open mind now ready to explore new lands.

No longer is the story mine, I am setting it free.
No longer does the story have power over me.

There once was a time when I told myself,
that silencing our stories gives us strength.
Not sharing our stories highlights courage
and defines how we conquer moving on.

I now know that lie was just a trapped story,
convincing me that it should stay hidden,
in the dark and under the bed.
“Sweep around me,” it said, “but don’t ever bend.”

A believer, I was, that a shared story
might spend too long dwelling on the past.
“Don’t look too closely,” it whispered,
“For I might provoke pain, sadness, or regret.”

I now know the truth about the stories,
hiding in the crevices of my mind:
walking with the shadows is uncomfortable,
but it is there where freedom is found.

No longer is the story mine, I am setting it free.
No longer does the story have power over me.

I resisted the urge to stay with the tone of humor and whimsy, that marked the beginning of my celebratory week. I decided to revisit the first poem I published in this creative space. I am glad I did, because after writing and sharing for three years, this poem has more significance now than it did when I began my blog, in August of 2019. ✨ Thank you for being here. I am excited about beginning my fourth year of creating, connecting, growing, and learning in this space. Be well. 💗 Michele

Photo 1: my image from Northern Arizona Photo 2: my image from the Oregon Coast

© 2022 Michele Lee Sefton

86 thoughts on “A Story Set Free (audio poem)”

    2. “No longer is the story mine, I am setting it free.”
      Wow, this felt quite liberating and inspiring at the same time! As always, I absolutely love your word choice and the rhythmic flow that accompanies them. Even more special to know that this was your first poem here – you continue to let your stories soar!
      Hope you have a lovely weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Releasing makes us lighter; I do believe. Things and thoughts held back. Thank you, Deepthy. I am grateful for your visits and comments. 😊 Lovely word choice from you too! May our words soar! 🦅 Wishing you a wonderful weekend. 🌞

        Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, Michele. I remember the feeling when I made my first blog post in January, 2016. It felt so daring, to have a voice out in what, at the time, seemed like a big world. I’m glad that you dared, and continue to share.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Michele my Belle, this poem is so explosively powerful! 💖💚💜🧡💛 Love this part:

    I now know the truth about the stories,
    hiding in the crevices of my mind:
    walking with the shadows is uncomfortable,
    but it is there where freedom is found.

    No longer is the story mine, I am setting it free.
    No longer does the story have power over me.

    Honey, if ever there was a short story about emancipation of the spirit, this did it for me! 🦅🙌🏻🦋 Thank you girlfriend for revisiting a message that certainly resonated with me! Whew! 🤩🌺😘

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Explosively powerful and emancipation of the spirit. Love those thoughts! 🧨❤️‍🔥 I felt a bit of that energy reading this poem this morning. A poem that took on new meaning from almost three years ago. Thank you, Kymbelina, I am happy my poem offered some more spirit for your day. I say “more” because you have plenty to share. 😁💖

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Michele girlfriend, you are incredibly encouraging. Sometimes there are some things I read that I wrote years ago and think “Wow, did I really write that” and it indeed takes on a new meaning. AND then there are those times where I wrote something long ago and when I reread it now, I cringe, wondering the same thing, “Did I really write that?” 😲😱😜 Thanks so much for your inspiration and just being you! You rock my dancing queen. Have a FANtabulously relaxing weekend! Smooches! 🥰💋😘

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Funny! Things do take on new meaning, even the same sentence. 😂 You are welcome. Thank you too. We have a special symbiotic sisterhood. 💞 Enjoy! Hopefully your yard took care of itself. Stay cool! 😎

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Girl, we had showers off and on today, so I decided to take off! LOL 🤣😝😂 Yet, no matter what, we continue to soar together, a unique bond that few could comprehend. 🐱‍🏍🦅🐱‍🏍 Enjoy the rest of your weekend my sweet and dear friend. Cheers! 🍹🥂🍸

        Liked by 1 person

  11. The listen was great, touchingly lyrical…like the poem…but both toned in a surprising surgical way. I don’t want to say antiseptic angst, that would surely and justifiably produce catcalls from your rightly appreciative crew here;

    But them ain’t just dust bunnies hiding under the bed. It’s often the caustic clutter of plot points now long bitter and big boxes of hearts broken and souls shattered.

    That said, too honestly maybe, my intent is to be as genuine as I perceive you to be. So I wonder if “story” is the right metaphor for takes and tales still unfolding. Maybe…a digital dénouement. But that’s pretty broad for any size creative space. Besides…and more truly…

    Narrative pursues. Poetry makes the arrest.

    Thanks.
    r.douglas

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Writing what you “don’t want to say” is in fact saying it. 😆 I haven’t heard a single catcall. I would value hearing this poem read in a tone that is suited for the subject. In a non-surgical way, to quote your description. Are you up for the challenge?

      I am not going to explain my tone or what is or isn’t hiding under my bed, but I will say this: I am not one to harbor angst, so your tone assessment holds validity.

      Although the WP forum does not lend itself to critiques, I do appreciate your honest feedback and suggestions. It is from such feedback that individuals can grow, whatever the pursuit is. Typically, that involves an understanding of guidelines agreed upon by all parties, however I don’t mind as long your intentions are to foster growth. I do consider myself to be a genuine person and welcome genuine exchanges. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. So, we are now sharing thoughts about a poem concerned with the validity of personally sharing those back stories, in a creative way, subject of course, to one’s level of comfortably in doing so. Wasn’t this one of the reasons for the post?

        My opening non sequitur was purposeful in suggesting that I knew I was going against the grain of the comments thread..but would still share my thoughts and feelings in spite of that awareness. Again, isn’t your poem a call for that kind of independence.

        My critique here is not with your poem or verbal rendition. Both are fine. More so, really. It’s just that the subject matter is too personal to be made so universal, and hints at one size fits all. Which brings cheers, but doesn’t really convey the personal fears that are inherent even in a collective creative space.

        Thanks. And for your gracious reply.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I suspect that we could carry on with this verbal ping-pong well into tomorrow. Presently I am not up for that. If this were a poetry class, this would make for engaging dialogue. A poetry class not late in the evening at the end of a long week. 😆 So this is where I say I appreciate the questions posed and thank you for giving my poem such extensive consideration. You are welcome.

        Like

    1. Isn’t that the truth! The getting older part. 😁 Best to unburden ourselves instead of trying to bury and carry too much. That can make for a heavy load! Life has enough challenges. Thank you, Anne. I appreciate you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. “I now know the truth about the stories,
    hiding in the crevices of my mind:
    walking with the shadows is uncomfortable,
    but it is there where freedom is found.”

    Such truth in these words for those of us who ‘look’…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. The poem holds so much truth. But listening to your voice is more powerful. I got goosebumps as soon as I heard your sweet voice! This is so beautiful, Michele! Congratulations again on your three years. 👏🏻🥰😘

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. This was such a powerful heartfelt piece- very rewarding to look back & see how far you’ve grown ❤
    'No longer is the story mine, I am setting it free.
    No longer does the story have power over me.' – very true message here for both budding writers and longstanding poets – happy anniversary, Michele 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It is indeed rewarding, and reflection teaches us many things. About ourselves and the world around us. Reflecting is a worthwhile activity from time to time. I appreciate your thoughts about budding writers and longstanding poets. Thank you, Tom. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. I appreciate you being here now. 😊 It is impossible to keep up with everything/everyone in this space, and in life! Your support and comments are greatly appreciated. I look forward to the next three years… telling more tales, penning more poems, and sharing more photos.

        Like

  28. I agree with you. When we disrupt our own thinking, and really dive into the stories we hold, and get clear on how they’ve inhibited us, and or caused us harm, we create space for new possibilities. I love this poem, Michele. 💖

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Absolutely, and I believe that the act of writing helps us connect with details that would otherwise remain hidden. I also believe that when we write things out, especially the heavier stories, we feel lighter, in all ways. Thank you, Jeff. 💖

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Oh yes, I completely agree with you about writing it all out. I remember vividly the first time I did write out my feelings, I remember thinking, I feel this way? It was profound. You’re welcome, Michele. Always. 💖

        Liked by 1 person

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