Sweet and Fierce is She

On By Michele LeeIn love, Poetic Prose, Video

Hers is a heart of extremes; rare it seems. Two atriums pumping independently: sweetly and fiercely, blood merges into one life force. Buried under skin and bone is the source. Never trapped, never contained; her heart extends to the edge of the universe. In its chambers, lives two: a gentle child safeguarded from corruption and distortion, who delights at the sight of meandering Monarchs and who weeps over golden horizons and a bold woman smoldering with intense passion, who need not ask permission to blaze like a thousand suns. The child and protector, within her, beat as one.

I (almost) stumbled on this visitor a few nights ago…

Making this video reminded me of my post, “Shedding Skin,” my poem about snakes, paired with Sammi Lee’s incredible art. Check it out (art, poem, and music video)! 🐍

Thank you for visiting and reading! Be well. 💗 Michele

Photo of me taken by Casey Olson along the The Salt River, AZ

© 2022 Michele Lee Sefton

93 thoughts on “Sweet and Fierce is She”

    1. You and I think so – not sure others will agree. 😄 They are actually a threat to rattlesnakes, so they are cute and helpful. I have come across rattlesnakes too, but I keep a safer distance with those. That’s the goal, anyway. Thank you, Rebecca. I am glad you enjoyed my poem. 💗

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  7. Now Professor, talk about the heart extending to the ends of the universe. I love this:
    “”In its chambers, lives two: a gentle child safeguarded from corruption and distortion, who delights at the sight of meandering Monarchs and who weeps over golden horizons and a bold woman smoldering with intense passion, who need not ask for permission to blaze like a thousand suns.”

    Thank you for reminding us that we don’t need permission to be who we are! I love this my dancing queen! 🙆🏼‍♀️🦋🥳🦅🙆🏽‍♀️ Continue to be Fierce! 🤜🏼🤛🏼

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    1. I profess to know nothing! 😆 OK, maybe I’ve learned a few things. 🤓 I have taught through the community college, but a Ph.D. I am not. I decided too much homework for me. 😅 I appreciate you highlighting part of my poem. It was an inspired write. When those thoughts arise, write them down! Who are we to judge? 😁 Thank you very much, Kymbelina! 💖

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      1. There you go oh wise one! And honey, give yourself credit, because you have made more strides than you realize. And I concur, when those thoughts arise, write them down…which I probably tend to write too much down! 😜 LOL But that’s how we roll huh Michele my Belle? 🙆🏼‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️😍🏃🏼‍♀️🙆🏽‍♀️ Enjoy the rest of your week and make the rest of your day a FANtabulous one! 🌞💖🥳

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  10. Timothy Price

    That looked like a beautiful King Snake. Non-venomous. I found a garter snake in the house yesterday. I took it outside and let it go. The cats brought it inside from the catio but they didn’t hurt it.

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    1. Call me crafty. 😁 Actually, other than sewing, I am not crafty. I do happily arrange words. 😊 Thank you, kind Cindy. 💖 Yes, incredible how snakes move through their environment. I suppose that could be nightmarish for some! Tis the season! 🐍👻

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    1. Thank you for the thoughtful acknowledgment, Brad. 🙏🏻 Poetry is a beautiful and accessible art form that offers many gifts, for the writer and the reader. Through the pouring out, as you described, I have learned a great deal about myself and life in general. A healing and entertaining activity. I do my best to listen to the words/ideas and bring them into a readable existence. ✨

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  15. So fascinating poem and the lines so inspiring dear friend 🌷🙏👍🏻 It’s life that you can’t take back ,so
    enjoy nicely the beautiful moments 👌😍video so scary the big snake 🐍 but it’s awesome to see 😯
    So beautiful photo of you dear and grace wishes always 💝💕

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    1. Thank you, Jeff. It was an empowering and delightful write, yes! 💖 Perfection felt a perfect place to end. 😆 Kidding! Perfection rarely feels attainable with writing, but we keep writing and trying. 😁 Have a wonderful day! 🌞 🌳

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    1. What a beautiful comment to read at the start of my day. Thank you, Conny. I suppose I have done some work – the most impactful has been writing and dancing, neither of which feels like work. Always more to discover and learn. Best wishes on your journey. 💖

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  31. Beautiful photo of you, Michele, so happy and free, and lovely words as well. And I’m glad you didn’t stumble on that snake. I haven’t been up close and personal to snakes, except for garter snakes that are small and harmless. Although, unexpectedly swimming next to one was a bit unsettling. Lovely post! ❤️

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    1. You are a sweetheart. Thank you! It was a beautiful sunset at the lake. 🌅 True about the snake! The King Snake was a fun surprise, but I am glad I did not step/stumble on it. Would have been bad for me and the snake. I’d rather not swim next to a snake either, even a garter snake. Thanks for your visits today. I appreciate you! 💗

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    1. Thank you so much for honoring my work in the way that you do. I am grateful. 🙏🏻Natural pest control is best! 😁 I was actually looking for termites that night when I came across that King. He/she was a pleasant surprise – no termites… bonus!

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  33. What a lovely piece of writing that so encapsulates what the image does not show; I love the presence of feeling and being as felt in your words and especially these ending lines: “The child and protector, within her, beat as one.”

    What a lovely merging of being! ❤

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    1. Thank you, Jaya, for connecting with my poem and giving me a reason to revisit this one. This was a power write – meaning it showed up in an instant and rushed out of me. Thank goodness I was able to write it down in the moment. Your words enhance my experience. I am grateful for you. Thank you! 💗

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  35. A rare and wonderful combination, indeed. Splendid writing, Michele. Only the addition of a lovely, free-spirited woman dancing with joy in her heart can amplify the natural beauty of such an already magnificent location, and you do so with great presence and grace.

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