Now and Then

On By Michele LeeIn love, Verse
She now stands taller than me
with legs as strong as a Viking woman;
descendants are we.
Wrapped in my arms,
I guarded her with the intensity
of a thousand Viking women.
To protect my babe
I would have fought a thousand men.
With my bare hands,
I would have silenced their breath.
Without a doubt, now.
Most certainly, then.

A ripple across my rounding center,
she became one with my rhythms.
A ripple sprung from tiny legs
released thru tiny toes.
A flutter across
my expanding heart.
A butterfly whose wings
continue to grow.
A love that showed
me the depths of delicate;
I would give my life to protect it.
Without a doubt, now.
Most certainly, then.

Artist Sammi Lee is in town for a few days. Sammi showed up in this world with a restless independent spirit. I sensed that before she took a single breath in it. Her energetic kicks. Her tiny legs were always “riding a bicycle” during every ultra-sound visit. Her desire to arrive early confined me to bed for seven weeks. Her dramatic entrance one hour after my doctor said “she would arrive seven hours later”; I knew better. Her glass-cracking colicky screams, that began at three weeks and continued for another thirteen more, gave me many angry looks and sent shoppers sprinting to the nearest door. I could go on about her restless independent spirit, but I choose to end this list with the acknowledgement of how quietly she now steps. Her stepping, although quiet, brings a memorable connection with every visit.💞

For those new to this space – Sammi is a talented artist who creates in many mediums, including poetry illustrations as the designer of my Being a Woman poetry collections. A scholarship recipient and graduate of the University of Oregon, her art has been displayed at various galleries, venues, platforms, festivals, and on bodies and in homes across the states. Enjoy more of her art at, Mintaka Collection. 🦋 Thank for visiting! Be well. 💗 Michele

Poem note: My mom, another independent spirit, has devoted a great deal of time to genealogy research over the last several years. Through her research we have learned of our connection to Sir Henry Rippy from Ireland. His lineage can be traced to Vikings. Edward Rippy, a descendent of Henry, emigrated to America in 1730, landing in Baltimore, MD. More than you wanted or needed to know, but fascinating, nonetheless. 😆 I don’t have time for the digging but enjoy reading my mom’s historical research. I first mentioned my lineage in a poem titled, “Blood Builds a Bond.”

Featured image: Digital art by Sammi Lee, titled, “Like a Light” Photo of she and I taken many moons ago by Sammi’s father

© 2022 Michele Lee Sefton

95 thoughts on “Now and Then”

  4. Glorious art to showcase as the opening of an equally lovely poem. Adored it.
    May all good things continue.
    And your remarks at the end. Wow. That’s some heritage. Wonderful is what you are. Blessings. Happy weekend.

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    1. It is a treasured treat for me to showcase Sam’s art. That began when she was a toddler, and it hasn’t stopped. 😊 I am grateful for your sincere and loving words and wish you endless blessings in return. 💗 Learning about family history is fascinating. I love shows that explore that subject. Thank you, Selma, and happy weekend to you.

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  5. Such a beautiful and warm post, Michele. Only a mother can express such love for her child. No matter what, no matter how, it’s a bond of a lifetime. And I’m in awe of that Viking lineage. Wonderful video! Beautiful picture! Wow in all. 🙂

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    1. Spending time with her brings out my warm side. 😊 I was inspired after a sweet trip to the market yesterday. It is the simple things that add beautiful meaning to life. A lifetime bond, yes. Beautiful sentiment. 💗 I am captivated by that video and song. Thank you for the wows, Terveen.

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    1. A most cherished and honored gift, being a mom. One that can bring out the greatest love and our powerful natures. I am pleased that you found yourself in my lines. Thank you, devoted mom, kind Cindy. 💗

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  9. Beautiful poem Michelle, very evocative imagery!👏👌😁 She couldn’t wait to get out into the world! 😛😂 That instinct to do anything for your kids is strong, I can relate! 👍 Intrigued with your Irish connection, that’s class! 😎😁

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    1. Thank you, Ken. I appreciate your comment. 🙏🏻True about my daughter’s eager spirit! Move mountains, we would! I am intrigued too and would love to visit the soil of my forefathers and mothers.

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    1. Thank you, Timothy. It is an honor to highlight my daughter’s art and spirit. ✨ They are fantastic! 🎶 I love that entire album. I read a little about the band’s background. They would be amazing to see live.

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    1. Beautiful words, Thattamma. I am beyond grateful for our strong bond, me and my daughter. I know that is not always the case in parent/child relationships. Thank you kindly for the graceful wishes, lovely lady. Best to you and your family. 💖💐

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  15. Beautiful poem Michele. I can identify the truth in those emotions as I have a daughter and know them well .My daughter is a Warrior Woman who has had some tough times in her life but has risen victorious above them. I also liked the music video .It made me think of some Celtic songs.

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    1. Thank you, Anne, for appreciating and connecting to my poem. A shared bond between mother and child and between mothers. 💞 No doubt you have set a solid example of what a Warrior Woman looks like. Pleased to read that she has been victorious and has risen beyond her challenges. Thank you for sharing. There is strength gained through your share. 🙏🏻 I am glad you like the music. Thank you for listening. I made a similar connection when I first heard their music. Their sound is beautiful and powerful.

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  18. Oh my gosh Michele my Belle, I simply don’t know where to start. I am taken by your amazing and transformative poem. Let’s give her a round of applause!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Then I pan down and see that adorable photo of the two of you when Sammi was a baby. Oh, how tender and innocent. 🥰💖😍 That is absolutely awesome about your ancestral roots. Now, you can see where the DNA of your strength and resilience lies. ⚔🗡🏹

    Loved the video by the way. Girlfriend, you rock with your awesomeness today. Thank you for gracing us with your warrior presence my dancing queen! Hmmm…I wonder if there were dancing queen Vikings? 🤷🏼‍♀️⚓💃🏻 Love your mom/daughter caped crusaders! 🐱‍🏍

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    1. Seems you did a fine job starting and continuing. 😊 Transformative – love that! That word symbolizes empowerment. Thank you, very much motivational coach! I feel like I’ve been showered with a thousand flowers! 💐💐🦋 I am glad you loved the video. Talk about awesomeness! Yes! If you are able, check out their album, Viking Chant. Fantastic! I choose to believe there were DQV. Thanks again, Kymbelina! 🧚🏽‍♀️💖🤗

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      1. Girl, I’m SMILING or shall I say GRINNING again. You are simply amazing my Belle and thanks for making me keep my thinking cap on more often than not! LOL 🤣😜😂

        Thanks for traveling with me on our fantastic voyage! For the rest of your weekend, you gotta make it FANtabulous my queen! 🥳👸🏻👑🙆🏻‍♀️🥰

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    1. Thank you, Natalie, for reading and acknowledging a special and sacred bond. Not just mine and Sam’s, but that of all mothers. 💞 You are very kind – creating and sharing adds greater meaning to life. 🙏🏻

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  33. This post brings me so much joy and loving vibes, Michele!💗 An endearing poem that echoes the timeless mother-daughter bond and a grand tribute to a strong women linage.

    I celebrate your kind sharing, your bright talents, and the positivities you transmit to the world!🥳😘

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    1. A gift to read your post earlier today, now two comments. My day is brighter with Annabel smiles. Thank you for being here, wherever you are. 😆 Your description of my protective nature and links to the past is beautiful. Much gratitude and love to you! 💝

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    1. Hello Juan, welcome back from vacation. I hope it was relaxing and enjoyable for you and yours. Thank you for sharing my poem! I look forward to future connections. Best to you, Michele

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