A Delayed Birthright

On By Michele LeeIn nature, Verse
Not baptized, not protected
from that which chaos and anger inflicted

some of us
        were not granted an anointed birth right
        were not given sparkly crib mobiles that captured
                our fascination and created an illusion of a star-filled night
        were not lulled to dreams with sweet tunes
                that let in only purity and light
        were born into a world that chewed up sparkle,
                spit out across the floor in a million shards
        were offered a rude awakening when breathing in
                our surroundings and its joy-taking
        were left to survive in situations not of our choosing
                (or maybe we did… sign up for this)

Whatever the origins of one’s beginnings
        whether nurtured, neglected, respected, ridiculed, celebrated, or censored
there comes a point when in a crib one is no longer confined
there comes a point when how one chooses to live becomes
        the individual’s responsibility

        a powerful birthright

Thank you for visiting, reading, and listening. Be well. 💗 Michele

Photos: my images from Oregon

© 2022 Michele Lee Sefton

79 thoughts on “A Delayed Birthright”

  1. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

    We are not responsible for how we were treated when young, but we are responsible as adults for our own healing!

    I have found that the unlikeliest place yields the greatest source of healing and of growth, which is teaching ourselves to like ourself, to practice speaking kindly instead of harshly to ourselves, and to practice suspending judgment, of others and of ourselves.

    I know it sounds so innocuous, but it is truly the source!

    Liked by 6 people

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    1. I believe so, yes. Sadly, some people never reach this place of knowing. All of those personal practices are helpful, yes. 😌 Maybe innocuous, but powerful, nonetheless. Thank you, Tamara, for extending my morning’s musings. 🙏🏻

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      1. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

        I get it, it’s a very difficult lesson to learn and to accept when the emotional pain of what happened in the past is still creating trauma. We are the best person to love us, and the greatest love we can discover is loving and caring for ourselves.

        Keep sharing your musings, for they are powerful and inspiring!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Well said, Tamara. I would never judge another for their inability to move beyond early trauma; there may be many contributing factors, but I do sincerely wish for others to live their best life and not be limited or defined by childhood challenges. 💞 Thank you for sharing your insightful and respectful thoughts here and for your supporting my writing. 🙏🏻

        Liked by 3 people

  4. OMG Michele my Belle, I love this part –

    Whatever the origins of one’s beginnings
    whether nurtured, neglected, respected, ridiculed, celebrated, or censored
    there comes a point when in a crib one is no longer confined
    there comes a point when how one chooses to live becomes
    the individual’s responsibility

    Girlfriend, I simply close my eyes and absorb your words like warm hot chocolate. What a beautiful message my dancing queen. You are a jewel, no doubt about it. Enjoy the rest of your evening my friend. Hugs and smooches.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. You read with your eyes closed? That is amazing! 😂 You are amazing and most kind. Thank you. 💗 Would be wonderful to share a hot chocolate with you while discussing your book, which I was just reading. 👏🏻 We shall share our support and a cocoa, long-distance. Cheers, Kymbelina! 🤗😘

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      1. There you go my Dancing Queen of Hearts…hot cocoa across the miles my sweet friend. You have no idea how appreciative I am that you are still reading my book. I have hope! LOL 😜 Sending you honey bunches of hugs and smooches my dear Michele my Belle. 🤗💖😘☕🥰💋🤩

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Fairy forest describes that location perfectly! 🧚🏻🌳 It is so peaceful there. 🥰 Walking toward the light could be a caption for my first photo. Thank you very much, Rebecca. I read your poetry challenge and plan on participating. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. “Sensitively remembers” – insightful feedback for me. Lack of a silver spoon and other challenges, yes, but like others have mentioned in this comment thread, that can make us stronger, and I will add, more resourceful. Thank you very much, Ingrid. 💖

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  15. Lovely picture and really powerful poem. I’ve had a really tough upbringing and there was so much chaos in my life. I could really relate to the poem because I didn’t choose that but it’s something I have to work through.

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Your poem contains such an important message… personal responsibility. So many people are living and creating out of victimhood. I know that I have done this too. The healing path is a long one and full of detours. If we connect and help each other out, encourage each other, the path suddenly becomes a beautiful walk in a garden. But we have to recommit to the journey each and every day.

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  21. Powerful, powerful… a keg of dynamite for us that use our upbringing as an excuse not to make wise decisions or choose to live differently and certainly those that have the positive have no excuse at all… but in the end when we come of age, every choice we must take responsibility for. If anyone can blame me, then they can overcome and choose something different just like I had too.

    You are a heavy weight and this is a classic that will age gracefully and always be right on time!
    You know I can get carried away when something grabs me…lol

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    1. A powerful post and comment, all in one week! Tony is back on the poetic scene! 😁 Happy to read you again. You do deliver inspiration and insight. 🙏🏻 Thank you for acknowledging my efforts. I would flock with the flyweights, but I sincerely appreciate your comment. 😆

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  22. It is so true that choice is powerful, and while we don’t control much, we can choose a path that infuses us with love, light, and empowerment, regardless, or maybe because of where we’ve come from. Much to reflect upon here. Wonderful piece, Michele. Happy Saturday! 💖🌳

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Sometimes we have to wade through the muck and mud to get there, but the positive things you mentioned are worth it. I choose to live there! Thank you, Jeff. I appreciate your contributions here. 🙏🏻 It has been a happy Saturday. Thank you! Same to you! Happy harvesting! 🌳💖

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Indeed, and agreed! I choose to live there too. You’re welcome, Michele. It’s always my pleasure to be here. Oh good, it’s been a wonderful Saturday here too. Harvesting away always; thank you!💖🌳

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Fantastic and heartfelt poetry. The lines “were born into a world that chewed up sparkle, spit out across the floor in a million shards” hit hard as both beautiful and painfully sad. Gorgeous work.

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  25. Powerful and timely message about the dangers of retreating behind our childhoods and acting the victim, in order not to grow and take personal responsibility of our choices into adulthood.
    Every day is a fresh reminder not to fall back into that aimless rut and actively choose to live better and be better through our own choices. Beautifully penned, Michele! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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