To Concede

Becoming Elation

0402.2025

(a four-part meditation on love and transcendence)

I

My last love ripened,

then withered on an unrequited vine,

and it was the fruit of that vine—

filling the cup of love’s want—

that left me drunk on its final flame.

I carry its want—still alive with its need—

pressing hard on fragile conviction,

threaded with memory and history,

leaving my longing loud and alive,

buried beneath the ache of this heart.

⸻

II

Who knows what love is?

Perhaps to know

is to feel it, first—

unimagined and strong—

the one pull toward a life worth living.

Perhaps it’s to touch the sun

and die by its fire-beam and heat—

to fall to the wound of its golden arrow.

Or maybe it’s the long, exhausted sigh

while held in the arms of night,

then letting the moon’s kiss

set you free from yourself.

Perhaps it is death’s own moment,

when your soul is mirrored—

or losing time, entangled in atoms,

suspended among the stars.

⸻

III

Never knowing love,

I’ll become a honeybee—

carrying life from flower to flower,

especially the dying and loveless

beneath dry soil and fading fields.

The ones reaching, barely breathing,

pressed beneath the weight of stone—

oh, cruel journey of life!

to let their lives begin in shadow

while being beautiful,

but unseen and ignored.

⸻

IV

Let me be the bee

that finds the beauty in flowers

during their time of dying—

so my elation survives

in another form of love—

a kind worth carrying

in the grace of surrender

and purpose.

m.c.f.

❦

No Ego

The Transcendent Triptych

A Poem in Three Movements

0320.2025

⸻

I. The Whisper of Control

Control loves me in whispers,

in quiet omissions,

and in-between silences—

where a question is an answer.

I am the painting it leaves unhung—

a feeling it folds.

⸻

II. Refusal

Art can’t stand in for honesty,

as if I won’t notice

how far control’s warmth wanders.

I am not a figure

haunting the edge of another’s life.

Not an echo

where there’s no room for my voice.

I’m done with nothing

held at arm’s length

and calling itself care.

I’m done

being the

controlled.

⸻

III. To Release Without Breaking

Like petals falling

from a bloom past its season,

I carry no bitterness in my mouth—

only the lightness

of something I’ve set free.

Let all walk in peace.

Let all days be warm,

and all houses full of laughter

I no longer need to hear.

Love was never mine,

not truly—

only a mirror

I mistook for a doorway.

Now, I give it back

to the world—

with the stillness of trees,

the hush of evening fields,

the quiet dignity of flowers

that open,then release

their beauty to the wind.

Without need,

without shame,

without fear—

I move out of myself

with a quiet heart,

and a love that no longer begs—

only blesses,

then lets go.

m.c.f.

On Self Soothing

Between Love & Fallout

0317.2025

“There will be sex after death, we just won’t be able to feel it.”

— Lily Tomlin

In love and horny,

I know, it’s corny

But:

the leaves and the trees,

the birds and the bees,

the flora and the fauna,

the heat in a sauna,

(Somewhere in this world!)

The hormones are raging,

and the world keeps aging,

so, which is louder

and makes us prouder—

The nursing home closet,

where Harold misplaces it—

or the schoolyard dugout,

where they all make out?

Ah,

the wind and the rain,

the pleasure and the pain.

If there is a loss,

there’s more gain!

The oil and water

only work when it’s hotter.

The kiss and the care,

the undressing stare—

(Trying to put it together in a poem

I don’t even own.)

It’s too fucking funny and utterly depressing,

the sheer fact someone’s not undressing,

Doesn’t keep me from laughing, making it a joke,

but I’ll tell you what, man—

I think we’re soon beyond the stroke.

So, let’s turn our gaze to Mother Nature

and all the wild things she will conjugature—

And let us laugh and skip and dance for fun,

and think of love and lust, while galloping under the sun.

After all, the world is in flames, torn apart,

and doomsday is creeping up, like an ill-timed fart.

So let’s be gay and merry, and maddeningly free—

and revel in Mother Nature’s lunacy!

m.c.f.

Independence

Amusing Bitch (For All Bitches)

0317.2025

The first time they called you bitch,

you shrank, stunned—

then slipped into it like it was stitched for your skin.

You wore it down, wore it in,

licked the hand, nibbled the degrade,

bowed deeper, longer.

Sank into the sound,

drank its defiance

just so you could own it.

Then you exaggerated the bitchiness,

felt empowered—

but somehow, it didn’t,

and don’t.

Oh, you brilliant, innovative, tenacious,

captivating, and heroic woman—

Now, you turn the bitch on when you need it.

When you walk into a room,

and they quiet—

not for fear,

but because you are truth.

When you smile, knowing it bends the world

just a little more in your favor.

When you hold up the mirror so elegantly,

they mistake the reflection for a gift.

When you say no—

and don’t apologize.

When you don’t fold for comfort.

When you wear it proud.

Oh you—

B – Bold

I – Inspiring

T – Tenacious

C – Confident

H – Humane

Some of us have diamonds in our thighs,

yes—

but I?

I have bitchiness in my eyes.

And I carry the moon in my mouth.

m.c.f.

Letter To Barry (And Anyone)

(An Epistolary Manifesto)

My paintings are colors, my poetry is rhythm, and sometimes my thoughts take the form of letters. This one is for anyone who needs it.

Letter For A Friend:

Experiencing a near-death situation can profoundly shift one’s perspective, much like the joy of bringing new life into the world - highlights what truly matters and helps distinguish between the important things and the trivial.

When facing the challenges of assumption, toxicity, violence, and the complexities of human nature, realize that some wear masks which hide their true selves. Always approach others with humility, compassion, and curiosity, always be willing to engage in meaningful conversations, but also protect your heart, though never be too suspicious.

A simple act of kindness, like offering a smile or a kind word, can have a significant impact on someone’s day, and you may never know how much it can uplift your own spirit as well. It’s wise to distance yourself from negativity and dishonesty, as these can cloud your judgment and complicate your interactions. If you find yourself being dishonest, consider the burden of keeping track of those lies.

When encountering individuals who presume to understand your thoughts or feelings without seeking to know you, it’s best to disengage. Instead, seek out those who value your voice and allow you to express yourself freely, which can bring peace to your heart.

Surround yourself with the beauty and comfort that resonate within you. Whether it’s the tranquility of solitude, the warmth of companionship, or the serenity of nature, embrace what brings you joy. If something in your life feels unhealthy, strive to find a healthier alternative.

Avoid making judgments based on appearances, such as race, culture, clothing, or expressions. Everyone has a story worth hearing, and being open to others is essential for gaining knowledge, compassion, and love — these are the most important ingredients for personal growth and a fulfilling life.

Extend your compassion to those who are homeless, impoverished, or struggling, especially those with gentle spirits. You may not know the hardships they’ve endured, just as others may not have inquired about your own struggles.

To enhance your well-being, listen to your body’s language. Don’t rely solely on the advice of friends, family, or even doctors without questioning and understanding your own needs. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Research. Eat well, live well. Partake of red wine each day if your body agrees. Sleep well. Dance everyday, at least a little, it’s good for the heart and soul. And if you should desire to sing, sing anywhere.

Believe in yourself. You have earned that right through your unique experiences, both the ups and downs. Try to recall it’s important to handle your struggles privately when you can, remember that everyone has their own burdens to carry. Don’t isolate yourself out of bitterness; being self-centered can only harden your heart. Instead of directing anger towards others during times of frustration and loneliness, focus on finding your balance and creating opportunities for personal growth and kindness, both for yourself and those around you. Holding onto hatred will only consume you.

When it comes to worldly issues, trust your own judgment rather than simply following the crowd. Take the time to learn and think critically; this is how you protect yourself and those you care about. Embrace solitude to reflect on what you consume in terms of media and information. Recognize that many people are driven by fear, and strive to rise above it, setting a positive example to inspire others to do the same and live in peace, too.

Above all, prioritize self-love and kindness. Understand and nurture yourself, as these are essential to being able to extend the same to others. A whole is not made up of fragmented pieces; it thrives when it is complete and harmonious.

If you've experienced the loss of a loved one or someone dear to you, it's important to recognize that you were already aware of the depth of that connection. This situation is often more of a bruise to the ego rather than a true loss. Often, our ego is something we can choose to hold onto. Take a moment to reflect on whether it's necessary to cling to it in this instance.

When all wisdom fails, hold your arms out and imagine an invisible circle, from that point in, is in your control or influence. So why not make it positive?

Lastly, remember that nothing is permanent. Everything is in a state of change, even if it’s subtle. Embrace this fluidity, as it is part of your growth and learning journey. This is the essence of love and living fully.

Marni Fraser

0214.2025