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We Are One

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We Are One Dear Ancient Sister I hear your distant calls finding me on a gentle breeze You have lived in my dreams for many seasons My voice Your voice My soul Your soul And our Coming of Age I have always known you... I have heard your Quiet whispers echoing in The night coming close to me I call to you ... Let me be a part of your breath I have always known your wounds and sorrow I see the light and magic in your eyes... The pain you carry so eloquently I see your reflection in the clouds above Carrying your soul wound on your sleeve I see the deep crevasses and lines In your grandmother’s hands I hear the secrets beneath the earth of Your grandfather’s footsteps I see your reflection in the twilight Of the evening... against pink watermelon hills Your voice beckoning me onward closer to you I see you in the moon and stars Your buckskin dress adorned with Ceremonial beads Abalone shell against your forehead The dirt beneath your moccasins Grateful for the kiss of your dancing feet I hear the echo in the distance of songs The Elders sang... During their passage here You are born into a woman Before my eyes and heart Before your tribe Before nature A wise new feline A mystical power with endless allure A force that lifts and unites us all As one Your rays blessing us and leaving A welcome imprint on our hearts My Ancient sister I drink in your wisdom and grace I fly on your wings You have shown me your world Watching you dance Becoming you for moments in time Your silhouette etched by The wild flames behind you A glow radiating into The night sky The stories of your Ancestors Filling the air with Words and lessons and song Notes sung into clenched fists With bloodstained hands The children and animals Sensing all that was And all that will ever be... The call of a distant bird The thumping of your cane on The hungry earth Keeping time with The movements of your body You will look back on this Day as you walk with the Same cane down the path of Old Age... Your wisdom Cupping your heart gently Ancient Sister of mine I am in gratitude for Your strength and courage The kiss of your words and The teardrops of your loss Susan Lawrence Copyright 2020 Original Artwork Susan Lawrence

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Harsha Singh

Date: 12/24/2023 9:09:00 PM

Wonderful dear Susan....:)!!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 1/4/2024 3:56:00 PM

Dear Harsha , thank you !! Thrilled to have you visit . Susan :)

Susan Ashley

Date: 1/15/2023 5:21:00 PM

Dearest Susan, my poetry/soul sister, your deeply felt, exquisite poem portraying the intimacy of spirits entwined through time and pain and rites of passage, past and present, captures my heart's imagination. Such gratitude, love and empathy exudes from your poignant and precious pen. I feel this emotional piece reflects the wounds of the Apache trail of Tears but also captures the "light and magic" in the admired eyes of your Ancient Sister. I rejoice in the universe of your poetic gift, as it encompasses "all that was /And all that will ever be. I celebrate the triumph of the ceremony and feel the beat of the dancing feet; "The dirt beneath your moccasins/Grateful for the kiss of your dancing feet' - such breathtaking visions your mighty pen creates. My feelings of gratitude for both your transcendent poetry and endearing friendship only grow in depth and breadth within. Your radiant soul shines! Warmest wishes and hugs sent on white wings of inspiration and appreciation.. ~Susan

Susan Lawrence
Date: 1/21/2023 9:04:00 AM

Susan, Once again, I am humbled by your words. I am so happy that my painting moved you. There is no way to describe these moments in time. The Sunrise Ceremony and its magical elements as well as the intention and emotion of the young girl as she becomes a woman. A magical gift for sure. Sending love and gratitude and big hugs to you my cherished friend. Susan :) xx

Susan Lawrence
Date: 1/21/2023 9:01:00 AM

Dear Susan...my poetry/soul sister. Please forgive my tardy response to your all encompassing response to my poem. Your arms and heart embrace me with your introspection and depth of vision. You are there with me as I experience this amazing passage and journey. Even though I have witnessed it many times, my appreciation and heart expand each time I am there to be a part of it. I am in immense gratitude for your friendship and company on this journey through poetry and life. You are so dear to me. thank you for always inspiring me with your amazing abilities to travel through space and time. My heart sends blessings and light on the white wings of our bird tribes. xxoo Susan :)

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/16/2023 7:13:00 AM

P.S.. Susan, my dearest time-travel companion and gifted artist, your original artwork gracing this page is as emotive, elegant and exquisite as your poem. The power of your paints and brushes captures the essence of your Apache subjects with a unique, haunting beauty.. a memorable image that easily sits in the mind's eye. Your talents are immense as is your gratitude.. I am greatly honored to call you friend and sister..

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/1/2022 1:41:00 PM

Everywhere I look are comments I have already left. Here too. Anyway, my hubbie got laid off while he is on workmans comp, but I knew it would probably happen. they restructured the company and don't need more drivers. He is healing so slowly from his concussion but the broken ribs and back bones seem ok now.

Paul Callus

Date: 8/13/2022 2:06:00 AM

While awaiting a new poetic offering from you, I have been surfing your earlier posts, Susan, and I can confirm each comment I passed then. Your poems will always appeal to my inner self. ~ Hope you are keeping well and active, my friend. Warm regards & hugs // paul

Susan Lawrence
Date: 8/14/2022 7:09:00 AM

Thank you for your visit dear Paul. I have been working in CA and have had a busy month . So happy for your visit . Sending big hugs to you my friend . I hope you are smiling . Susan :)

James Marshall Goff

Date: 8/7/2022 1:10:00 PM

Oh my....best poem I have read in quite some time Susan, such stunning talent, "Grateful for the kiss of your dancing feet" so many memorable lines, am in awe...to mine faves

Susan Lawrence
Date: 8/7/2022 2:10:00 PM

James, What honor to have your visit . I am humbled by your comments and fav! Thank you so very much. I have spent time over many years witnessing and documenting the coming of Age Ceremonies of young apache women. It has been such an honor to be able to spend time with this wonderful culture. They have not ever had an easy ride here and we have have so much to thank them for. I appreciate your visit and comments. Blessings to you, Susan :)

James Marshall Goff
Date: 8/7/2022 1:14:00 PM

here in Minneapolis, back in the 60's Pop said, on our way to church, while our family witnessed cops picking up a passed out Native American by legs & arms & swinging him into their trunk, "the Indians have it hard here jamesy, help them whenever you can"

Robert Lindley

Date: 7/8/2022 3:45:00 AM

Exceptional art and exceptional poetry my friend. I write but I cannot paint at all. I have tried and found it was an awful, rendering of the thing being painted. Iam of Native American blood by way of my mother's bloodline. Her father being full blood Native American. Always, I have bought and read books on Native Americans. Such an intersting subject. Your poem is a gem and a new fav.. God bless..

Susan Lawrence
Date: 7/9/2022 12:19:00 PM

Dear Robert, So happy for your visit and your lovely comments. Honored by your fav ! I became interested in Native American culture as a young girl . I read books and dreamed of spending time with them . I have been honored to spend time with the White mountain Apace tribe documenting their Coming of Age Ceremony of young women over many years . It has been so life enriching. Hugs and blessings to you . Susan :)

Rico Leffanta

Date: 6/20/2022 11:19:00 AM

Last night I saw an Audie Murphy film about the cavalry attacking the Navajo and wondered where were the Navajo until it dawned on me that no one had clue what a Navajo - or hogan - looks like! Rest assured your gifts will be recognised and understood by future generations! Aloha 'oe!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 6/21/2022 7:34:00 AM

Thank you dear Rico, it’s always a pleasure to be on the native land and I have you to thank for that. I’m very inspired to create some more new work after just having seen another ceremony. Hugs to you my friend, love Susan

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 6/7/2022 2:21:00 PM

I just recalled THIS is where I saw that pretty picture, right here at Soup!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 6/7/2022 2:26:00 PM

Thank you Andrea for your soup mail response ! I will be in touch soon ! Cheers, Susan :)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/27/2022 9:08:00 AM

Beautiful tribute to sisterhood, Susan. and wow, original artwork as well. You are so talented. Which tribe do you descend from? You write with such wisdom on the ancients and their ways.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 6/7/2022 2:26:00 PM

Andrea, Thank you ! Now you have the answer to this question! Hugs . Talk soon, Susan :)

Rico Leffanta

Date: 5/26/2022 10:57:00 AM

Safe journey, Susan! Aloha 'oe!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 6/3/2022 6:33:00 AM

Thank you dear Rico !!

John Watt

Date: 5/18/2022 4:21:00 PM

This painting is an amazing one, my friend... combining your exceptional portraiture talent with your expressive abstract nuances as backdrop. Your poem displays your heart so vividly and your connection with the Native people you have described so affectionately in your comments. I can feel the real bond of love and admiration you have for these young women coming of age, and the truths we can learn from them if we keep our hearts and eyes open to their wisdom. Thank you for sharing. Hugs ~ John

John Watt
Date: 5/24/2022 10:25:00 AM

I'm thrilled to hear that you and your son are going to be able to participate in this ceremony again. May it fill you both with new experiences of insight and bonding. Light and peace ~ John

Susan Lawrence
Date: 5/21/2022 10:03:00 AM

Thank you dear John . I have been honored to be a part of this Native American culture for many years . Every time I witness one of the Coming of Age Ceremonies I feel like I am experiencing it for the first time . It’s a gift of mind, body, spirit and soul. In gratitude for your visit, comments and support . Hugs, Susan :)

Harry Horsman

Date: 5/10/2022 6:36:00 AM

Amazing poetry, one that blends two worlds together as one, there is so much one can learn from other points of views, lets hope the veil of subversion is permanently lifted. If that is you art work, yes indeed i'm honour to comment on a lady of such talent..

Susan Lawrence
Date: 5/14/2022 6:33:00 AM

Dear Harry, Honored by your visit and humbled by your comments. This wonderful Native American culture has accepted me and allowed me to be a witness to many beautiful ceremonies of their young women. I have learned so much . Big hugs to you , Susan :)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/8/2022 4:52:00 PM

wow, "Susan, do you have native american ancestry? It sure seems so. Wonderful free verse this is.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 2/9/2022 10:19:00 AM

Andrea . My heart and soul are entwined with Native American culture . I am sure I must have been related in a past life ! Susan :)

Paul Callus

Date: 2/8/2022 7:30:00 AM

I am glad that finally I came across this beautifully illuminating and touching poem, Susan. You write from deep within, showing a love for others and the traditions/languages which are in peril of extinction. ~ I have visited your 'gallery' and enjoyed your talents. The portraits are excellent (including the Native American ones), and I love the abstracts, too. ~ Regards & Hugs // paul

Susan Lawrence
Date: 2/9/2022 10:17:00 AM

Hi dear Paul , So very happy for your visit and thrilled you could see my paintings as well . This Native American culture is very near and dear to my heart . I have had the honor of witnessing many Coming of Age Ceremonies of young Apache women . I have documented them in painting and photographs to share with the families . A blessing for sure . Hugs to you my friend, Susan :)

Ann Peck

Date: 1/8/2022 3:50:00 PM

Dear Susan, This is so powerful ~ all of your poetry is powerful. "let me be a part of your breath" I love that, so intimate. Have you published any books? I love your painting, too. You're so accomplished! I hope your new year is a wonderful one, dear friend :)

Susan Lawrence
Date: 1/10/2022 3:51:00 PM

Dearest Ann, So honored by your visit and comments. I appreciate you. Thank you. I am in process of compiling the beginnings of a small book with my paintings and poems. Sending blessings and all good wishes to you and yours for a healthy happy new year. xx Susan :)

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 1/6/2022 10:35:00 AM

This is more than enough to have won most poetry contests "You are born into a woman Before my eyes and heart Before your tribe Before nature A wise new feline A mystical power with endless allure A force that lifts and unites us all As one Your rays blessing us and leaving " The rest is icing on this cake!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 1/7/2022 7:30:00 AM

Caren, So very happy for your visit and response to my poem. I have spent many years with this tribe and am blessed to have witnessed the coming of Age Ceremony many times. The power of spirit and soul and community is something that always amazes me and brings tears to my eyes. Sending blessings to you, Susan :)

Ann Peck

Date: 12/4/2021 8:47:00 AM

Susan, Your poem is a lovely, poignant tribute to a culture from which we could learn much. Interestingly, I'm also an artist and borrowed mostly Native American women and children as my subjects. They are a proud people, surviving again and again, and now in your words.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 12/6/2021 10:52:00 PM

So happy to hear about you and your artistic endeavors Ann . Thank you for your visit . So happy to share with you. Thank you for your comments. I have spent years documenting the Coming of age Ceremony of young Apache women . The tribe has been so welcoming and I am always in gratitude. Susan :)

Weston Gregory

Date: 11/20/2021 8:35:00 PM

Poignant as it's done with a sense of familiarity felt inside yet just as a fleeting chill, like a name on the tip of the tongue. Well done Susan.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 11/22/2021 7:26:00 AM

A culture that has welcomed me and I feel the heartbeat of their journey and sorrow. Thank you Gregory. Susan :)

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 11/9/2021 6:47:00 AM

Hello Susan Lawrence, this poem is beautifully done. I lie it. Hugs.

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 11/11/2021 11:53:00 AM

Hello Susan, this poem is beautifully done. I like this poem. Your welcome my friend. Darlene.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 11/11/2021 10:27:00 AM

Darlene, Thank you for your visit and comment. All my best to you. Susan :)

Peter Rees

Date: 11/5/2021 2:51:00 AM

I feel your words deeply in a way that surprises me. So much emotion, empathy, sadness and love all expressed so beautifully and your painting adds another dimension. So glad to have found this poem today, and you.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 11/6/2021 10:19:00 AM

Peter, So grateful for your visit and generous comments. I am so very happy my poem moved you . I have spent many years documenting the Coming of Age Ceremony of young Apache women . It has been such a blessing to witness them and have them welcome me into their culture . Looking forward to reading your poetry . Best wishes to you, Susan :)

Vijay Pandit

Date: 8/21/2021 9:20:00 AM

WOW, Susan! You are a gifted painter as well--didn't know about your artistic talents. Much humility and humanity in this heartfelt poem you wrote. This ode to natives resonates words of kindness from your blissful creation. Kudos to you the painter and you the poet!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 8/21/2021 1:52:00 PM

Vijay, So happy to have you visit and see my painting and poem! In gratitude for you. Thank you my friend. I am working on a new series of paintings now as an Ode to Mother Earth with hopes of creating more consciousness. Blessings to you and yours, Susan :)

Paghunda Zahid

Date: 5/4/2021 8:46:00 AM

Lovely!

Susan Lawrence
Date: 5/4/2021 8:45:00 PM

Thank you Paghunda !

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 3/4/2021 6:37:00 PM

Wow Susan! This poem and your artwork about your identification with the ancient tribes are fascinating. Glad I discovered you today while reading a poem of Ani’s. Your new poetry friend, Jennifer Fenn

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/5/2021 11:43:00 AM

Jennifer, Thank you my new poetry friend! I have been honored to be included in witnessing the Coming of Age Ceremony of young Apache women over many years with a tribe in E AZ. These paintings are depictions of these moments in time. Looking forward to reading your poetry! Susan :)

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/4/2021 3:05:00 PM

I collect soapstone carvings and Native pottery. I have met many beautiful souls. I am saddened by how poorly many of them have been treated.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/5/2021 11:40:00 AM

Many amazing souls. It is very sad on many levels the way they have been treated. I am thankful to be a part of giving and receiving love.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/4/2021 3:01:00 PM

I believe those we admire take up residence in our hearts. They help protect us from the darker spirits which also reside there.

Susan Lawrence
Date: 3/5/2021 11:23:00 AM

Yes ...we all have both aspects of heart. I have been honored to witness the Coming of Age ceremony of young Apache women for many years with a tribe in E AZ. I have documented through photos and paintings the experience which I have gifted to them. It is a true honor.