from the Trail

On By Michele LeeIn nature, Poetic Prose
morning tug of war
a primordial mind pulling me down
where it is safe, and the space is warm
the seeking mind ultimately wins
pulling me toward a path that pushes air through my lungs,
blood into my legs, and thoughts into my waking brain
……………………
How many times I’ve passed him
I’ve lost track
my mind registers the passing of time
by his body disappearing
into a hole, deepening
What is he doing? What is he digging for?
Something below the surface needs fixing, I reckon.
I wonder about him…
Does he feel like he’s digging his own grave?
Alone in a trench, day after day.
or,
Is he enriched by the scent of earth, fresh?
No boss breathing down his neck.
These questions, I will never ask.
We just nod at each other and ponder. As people do.
Someday soon, I will pass the spot where he once was
the hole will be filled
the broken will be mended
fresh blades will burst from the dirt, once disturbed
beyond the trenches of my mind
there will be no trace of him
……………………
my tug of war will continue
all too familiar, I am
for years it pulled me toward others, laced up
who sizzled with adrenaline
who charged at the rising sun
with short sprints, long runs, lunges, burpees, and pushups
my pace is slower now
I notice more now

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

The Academy of American Poets is hosting a virtual reading, by several acclaimed poets, tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 17th) at 7:00 PM EST. Click link if you are interested: “Gather in Poems” Enjoy!

Photos 1 & 3: my images, from one of the trails I walk (not the one with the trench-digging man) Photo 2: image of me taken near the Salt River by Casey Olson

© 2022 Michele Lee Sefton

66 thoughts on “from the Trail”

      1. Hello! Long time no read. I am doing well, thank you. Wishing the same for you. Thank you for reading and appreciating my words! 🙏🏻 Emotional and sparkling… love it! ✨

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      2. Hmm, yeah, you know my site was out of hosting for 2 months. I just logged in 2 days ago and I missed you aso much. You know you’re one of my best friend on blogs. I am glad to be back once again…

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Starting with a wonderful photo to help go down that path, ponder existence of trench man, smell the fresh turned soil (bliss) and continue with thoughts anew, a fire inside, to the reward of a setting sun with change on the horizon.
    Love it Michele ❤

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  6. The trench digging man…how mysterious, yet mesmerizing. 🤔 Oh how we walk down that winding road of curiosity through your tug of war of emotions. Awesome reflections my dancing queen. 💃🏼🌟💃🏽 Love this mystery! 🥰💖😘💋😍

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  9. You words are so reflective with query with you gorgeous song and movement on the path Michele.
    So relatable:
    💗
    “who charged at the rising sun
    with short sprints, long runs, lunges, burpees, and pushups
    my pace is slower now
    I notice more now”

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    1. I remember that movie! Now I want to watch it again with new insight. 💖 Thank you for sharing the connection you made to my poem. I love learning these things! 🙏🏻One idea leads to another… Hope your vendor booth is going well! If I were closer, I would stop by. 😊 Best wishes!

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      1. Hi. Ohhhh, I hope you get to watch it again. I love that movie. The ‘self trust, even when broken hearted’ part is inspiring. “You bought a house? In Tuscany?” ❤️ I haven’t been able to watch it since I lost my momma. It was one of the movies she adored. My heart cracks when I think of her favorites… when it aligns, maybe I’ll do it. 💕 You are the sweetest thing- if you were closer and stopped by, my cup would overflow.

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  14. What an incredible poem. Yes, it’s wonderful to slow and notice things in a different way. My kids get so annoyed at me for having “so many questions” and “always wanting to know.” But I love my curious mind and I love wondering what others are thinking as I pass them in this world, each of us doing our own things.

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    1. How very kind you are. Thank you, Bridgette! I am glad you enjoyed my walking reflection. You never know what might show up, along the path, when our mind is open. ✨ An exciting and sometimes surprising journey! It’s our job to annoy our kids. 😁 Stay curious! 👍🏻

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    1. That will be a funny connection, but one I am honored to be connected to. Just as my poem predicted… the ditch digger was gone this morning and the hole was buried. Guess I timed that write perfectly right. ✨

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    1. Thank you very much, Zeenat. I love that closing too. Reminds me of the “Tortoise and the Hare” fable. The hare may have a slower go, but he wins the race, at his pace. 💖 I am glad you enjoyed my photos. 😊🙏🏻

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  21. People who notice more and say less are the ones keeping this world afloat. All of us can use a little more acknowledgement of our existence and a lot less meddling in it. 😁 I love this poem. It is absolutely beautiful, Michele, and you look really elegant in that photo, as always.😊

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    1. What an insightful and well-articulated response. Thank you very much, Aaysid. I enjoy reading your posts and your comments. 😊 I am so glad my poem touched you and thanks for the “elegant” acknowledgement. You arrived here bearing many gifts. 💝

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