If I Could

On By Michele LeeIn Poetic Prose, Prose, Social Justice
If I could
I would transform
my body into a sailboat
large enough to transport
enslaved humans to a place
where they can be free

If I could
I would transform
            my limbs into a sturdy mast
            my hair into wind-worthy sails
            my back into a protective keel
            my hands into a reliable helm
            my muscles into strong oars
            my intellect into the surest captain
            my heart into a guiding rudder
            my soul into a trusted map

To offer safe passage
for those who need it most

After reaching safe harbor
in this land of make-believe
use the parts of me to build shelter
burn whatever is left of me
to warm your bodies
and celebrate your freedom
then love and look after each other

My poetic contribution to International Women’s Day. A day to recognize the ongoing fight for women’s rights (gender equality, reproductive rights, and an abolition of violence against women). The international day of honoring women has origins that can be traced to February 28, 1909, in New York. A day that began as “National Women’s Day” was celebrated internationally for the first time on March 19, 1911.

Initially I had intended to share a dance post, celebrating the accomplishments of women, but these lines interceded. Guess I am using my body figuratively instead of literally. These lines came quickly to me before my eyes greeted the rising sun, but after spending some time this morning researching human trafficking, I felt compelled to modify my initial word women to humans. Thank you for visiting and reading. Be well. 💗 Michele

I have published several posts honoring inspiring women over the last three years. Here are a few highlights:

“Notorious RBG” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg)

“A Note to Nina and Betty” (two musical powerhouses)

“Let Us Honor the Women” (19th Amendment)

Featured photo: by iurii

© 2023 MyInspiredLife

115 thoughts on “If I Could”

      1. Beautiful piece of writing. The generosity and magnanimity of your heart comes through in your writing , Lee. What wonderful thoughts .. how beautifully expressed. I like the elegant eloquence of this magnificent tribute to the human .

        And I want to wish one of the nicest and most talented lady on WordPress that I have had the good fortune of meeting , a very happy everyday to you. A very happy woman’s day to you. You are the ultimate celebration of what it means to be a woman.

        Hugs and blessings ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

      2. What a kind and loving gift you have delivered in the form of affirming and generous words. ✨ I am grateful to receive them. 💖 You were one of my early readers. Thank you for supporting my creative efforts and sharing your poetic gifts with the world. Hugs and blessings back, beautiful writer. 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I guess you bring out the best in people. Goodness begets goodness, if I may put it that way. Your work and creative energy is inspiring so I am very very glad I know you and I have the good fortune of partaking of your unique talent of making the best creation of poetry and photography ❤️🤗

        Always welcome 🤗, Lee .

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Creating and sharing has given me many blessings over the last three years, beyond measure. Your heartfelt sentiment elevates this treasured experience. 💖 Thank you very much, Yassy. 🤗💐

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Creating is beautiful and becomes more beautiful when it is shared generously like you do. Thank you for taking the time to give us your treasured experience, Lee.

        And indeed you are welcome very much ❤️😘

        Goodnight to you and sweetest of dreams.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Wow Doll, that wish is sooo eccentric n universally beautiful. How lovely, each word touched to feel you as me such a deep n thoughtful one. And thr origin of this day awesome. Thanks for sharing this inspiration. Loves n respects ❣🙏🙏

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    1. It is my good fortune to be able to express freely. Thanks so much, sweet Suma, for acknowledging my words about a heartbreaking situation that does seem universal. 💔 I applaud and appreciate the many people fighting for change. Best to you!

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      1. I soo feel you dear Michelle, wish you the best joy. You deserve it always. Yes the change we wish must start with us. Best is on your way while you are busy handling yourself to hold and behold in a new way. Hugs n loves ❣❣ plz take care.

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  11. asumoftheparts

    This poem really moves me, Michele. The metaphors work so beautifully, but it’s more than that. The message is subtle, but yet invasive. Just read (in today’s newspaper)and was so moved by the Cuban man who was turned away at our border again because he doesn’t already know someone in America. What happened to “Send me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses (waiting at our border) yearning to breathe”? My mind understands the reality, the politics, but my heart would allow them in and then work hard to find them a place to belong in our land of the free. Your poem speaks loudly to me. Vicki

    >

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    1. A welcoming sentiment has turned into another empty slogan and a heartbreaking situation for many. I am grateful to you. Thank you, Vicki, for contributing your sincere and informed thoughts and for expanding this important discussion. Kind regards.

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    1. I just wanted to share a little dance moment, honoring women, but my early morning thoughts had other plans. That is fine by me. Best to listen to the words and save dance for another day! 😁 Thank you for the kind feedback, Brad. 😊

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  17. Deeply powerful message that resonates so strongly in these troubled times ❤ A worthy universal goal to strive for so many unfortunates barred from their freedom and safe refuge. Beautifully imagined, Michele!

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  18. Oh wow Michele my Belle. This post is powerful…HUGE…and so inspiring. Your big heart permeates through this piece. I love it my Dancing Queen. This was a great choice, even if it wasn’t your first. But impeccably done! Happy International Women’s Day to you too my sweet friend. 🥰🙆🏽‍♀️🤗💖😘

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    1. You are so motivating and kind. Thank you very much, from my big heart. 💗 I am glad it all came together and that you found my post inspiring. 🙏🏻It has been a pleasant day that ended with an energizing dance class. Yay! Alls well that ends well! Hope your day was enjoyable, Kymmy. Thanks for making a visit here. 😊💐

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  21. A heart setting sail, to a safe harbor. A soul knowing the warmth, within the best parts of a heart. Where love is kindled, by the breadth of being, within a place celebrated, love’s freedom! A lovely tribute!

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    1. Wouldn’t it be a most amazing world, if everyone experienced that, if oppression did not exist, only freedom and unconditional love. What a wonderful world it would be. 💖 Thank you, Warren, for your beautiful connection to and interpretation of this post.

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    2. Powerful stuff Michelle & kindly aspirational! Love your willingness to literally use your body to provide escape & shelter for those needing to flee danger both women; men & children, it makes one think of what they would do in the same situation. 🤔😁👍

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      1. I can’t imagine the horrible plight that some people have on this planet. A heartbreaking thought that becomes unbearable when we consider what some children endure. So yes, the nurturing mother/humanitarian in me longs to help free people from this brutal reality. If I could. I think most of us decent folk share similar thoughts. 😢 Thank you, Ken. I am grateful for your visit and consideration of this topic and poem. 🙏🏻

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      2. It’s heartbreaking Michelle! 😭😢💔 The reality of a person having to flee their own lives & homeland due to hunger or because they’re no longer safe is beyond what most of us could ever imagine!

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    1. Thank you for connecting with my words. Shared wishes and empathy, yes. If only we all could turn those wishes into reality. 😔 Cheers to women! 🥂 Keep enjoying life and the abundance of beauty surrounding you!

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  31. Happy women’s Day poem the beautiful lines are so beautiful 😍 In life , selfless desires are
    So well imprinted with gorgeous photo and enjoying the wishes that shines from inner touch
    Of a great writer 🌹🙏👍🏻🌹so true inspiration 👏😍 grace wishes my dear friend 💕💃🏿

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  32. What a perfect poem for International Women’s Day. We still have so much work to do and I’d happily sacrifice myself to end all the suffering in the world. Thank you for your beautiful words and that stunning image.

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    1. Thank you, Lauren, simple words and a straightforward message that speaks to the frustration that many of us feel about not being able to help those dealing with extreme suffering and oppression. Most heartbreaking when it involves children. Much gratitude to you for your graciousness and your compassionate heart – that is evident in your book. 💗

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    1. Much gratitude to you, Aaysid. 😊 Wish we could blanket the world with a soft kindness. I believe many people feel that level of wanting to help, but feel powerless as to what they can do, to end violence and oppression. 💔

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    1. Miss Annabel! I’ve missed you! 🌻 Thank you for your gracious comments. A pleasure to read your recent post and a hearty congratulations on getting your research funded. Bravo! 👏🏻 Please keep us posted.

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      1. Thank you so much, Michele! 💖Reading you has put a positive note at the end of my day. I will try to keep writing my blog whenever I am free.

        Big hugs and best wishes to you!!! 😘

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      2. I am so glad. 😊 I am excited to learn of your research progress. I am confident that you will continue to accomplish meaningful things in the thoughtful, articulate, and poetic way that you do. 🌼Hugs and kisses!

        Liked by 1 person

  37. A lovely poem that speaks to the power of transformation and a longing to live in, help create, and protect a world that promotes understanding, (com)passion, and equality. I enjoy the rising imagery throughout and the powerful ending that comes to a resonating close! ❤

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    1. I am grateful for your visits, Layla. I know how precious your time is. I am also incredibly appreciative of your astute ability to understand and summarize my writing intentions. It is an ongoing delight and honor for me. 💗 Have a beautiful spring season! May it be abundant in health, renewal, and good cheer! 🌻

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    1. Thank you for being here, Dawn. It is impossible to honor International Women’s Day without considering the many women in oppressive situations. This poem was my emotional response at feeling helpless to it all and wanting desperately to help them. Something most of us long for. Take care. 🌻

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