
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
Marvelous poem that leaves me wondering about the details left out..
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Thank you, Pat. I appreciate your comment. 😊 One of the joys of reading is the imagination it stirs. I am glad my poem made you think beyond my words. 🤔✨
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It really did.
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Love that! I really do. 😁
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Nice poem, and lovely images. I like your dress
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Very kind of you to mention. Thank you. 😊 Flowy is fun!
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Gorgeous, loved your writing and the emotions you put in your sparkling words. Hope you are doing well Michelle
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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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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…
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Welcome back! 😊
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Thanks
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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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This is a sensational summary of my post. Wonderful! Thank you very much. 😊
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Most welcome Michele 🙂 🙂
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beautiful words and images
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Writing poetry is such a healing, reflective, and transcendent experience. ✨ Photography is the icing on the cake. Thank you for appreciating. 🙏🏻
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I so agree with what you’ve said! Thank goodness we have a myriad of ways to express ourselves. I appreciated your note about the poetry challenge, very kind of you to let me know.
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Amen! You are welcome. I will have to watch/listen to the replay – I will be in a writer workshop at that time. Sounds good, either live or later. Enjoy!
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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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Abundant symbolism there in that trench! Thank you for joining me on that winding road, Kymbelina. 😊 Plenty to think about on that path. Good to stop and dance too! 💃🏼💞💃🏽 Happy Thursday to you! 🌞
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Oh Michele my Belle, I love to trek down those trails of explosive inspiration! Thanks for letting us tag along. And a HAPPY Thursday to you too my dancing queen! 💃🏼👑😎🎶💃🏽
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The trench digger…digging his own grave? Digging to get to China?? Digging to dig? My mind went for quite a tour thinking about this digger. Good writing Michele!
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I dig this! I remember wondering if I could dig to China as a kid. Funny sandbox thoughts. 😆 I am pleased to read your mind went on a tour. Wonderful! Thank you, Anne. 😊
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A lovely unfolding – I notice more now too
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A beautiful connection. Thank you very much. 😊
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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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Thank you, Cindy, for mentioning the music. It is a gorgeous song – enchanting! Thanks too for writing what stood out to you. 😊 🌸
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You’re so welcome. It was a perfect mesmerizing song to pick with your beautiful writing Michele!! 💗
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Beautiful poem and photos! 💖
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Thank you very much, VG! 🙏 Walks can deliver inspiration, beauty, and motivation. ✨
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Such a beautiful write, and an interesting angle! I enjoyed this 😊
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It is interesting what shows up. 🤔 💭 Walking in nature with an open mind never disappoints. I know you connect with this truth. 😊 I am glad you enjoyed! 🙏
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I certainly did! Thank you Michele 😊
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Beautiful poem and photographs. It is a blessing to reach a stage in our lives at which we’re content with noticing more . 😊
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A blessing, indeed! Thank you so much for enjoying. 😊 Thank you for noticing your surroundings and observations and sharing your art!
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Thank you for sharing, as well!
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This reminds me of the movie Tuscan Sun with Diane Lane. Daily a man walks by on a path under her window and puts flowers in a stone wall vase. She wonders what he’s doing and why. ❤️
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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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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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🤗
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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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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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Next time I see a guy digging a trench, I’ll think of you! And all those questions will be in my mind!
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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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I know the feeling of pushing the body to get going in the morning when the mind wants to stay in a nice warm bed!
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A challenge for most during the colder months. Although AZ doesn’t have cold like some places!🥶
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Definitely take an Arizona fall/winter over many other places 🏜
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👍🏻 Yes, that is why the population increases dramatically this time of year.
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Dear Angel, I lost in the picture n nature along with the natural flow of your beautiful n brilliant words in the poem. Hugs n Loves 😇❣
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Hello sweet Suma! I cherish your kind words and charming presence. Thank you. 💖🤗
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Beautiful poem Michelle. I especially love that you mentioned slowing down and noticing more. Its the BEST way to live! Pictures on the post are gorgeous ❤ ❤ ❤
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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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This is all so lovely, Michele. Thank You!!! 💖
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I am glad you found a connection here. 😊 Thank you! 💗
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I love watching people and wondering what they are doing or going. I sure hope he isn’t digging his own grave, my mind would go there for sure.
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Curious minds need to know! 🤔🤯 Thank you for engaging with my poem, Belladonna. 😊
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We definitely need to know!!! 😂
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Right! 😁
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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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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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The pleasure is all mine, Michele. You are a lovely person.😊❤🌸
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Powerful verses with plenty of underlying mystery, Michele! Beautifully penned ❤
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Thanks a million for reading, Tom, and for sharing your reaction to my trail tale. Wonderful! 😊
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Beautifully written, Michele!
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Thanks so much, Dwight. I am grateful. 🙏🏻
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You are welcome!
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