The Consequence of Me

Susan Mayer Brumel

Free Verse

The Consequence of Me

I am small, as the acorn
lost in the shade of a craggy oak

Weightless, as the wren’s feather
floating up up up from her nest,
disappearing on grey skies

Shy, as the fair fragrance of lavender,
submitting to the bold scent of pine

Time changes all things…

Soon the acorn grows tall,
giving shade to her own

Chime of wrens take flight,
leaving fledglings to grow
and multiply

Lavender blooms,
till all the forest floor is painted
and warmed by her purpleness,
—where tiny pines will stir

I stand among them all,
aware now of their potent femineity,
and wonder:

What is the consequence of me?

About this poem

Sometimes it takes a lifetime to realize one’s worth in a world of many others. We may feel small and inconsequential, until something or someone opens us up to the possibilities of all we can be. Some may consider this an awakening of sorts. Personally, a few people have come into my life who continue to inspire my growth and creativity. And the beauty and femineity of the natural world has influenced me as well. I am grateful.

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Written on June 12, 2024

Submitted by susan.brumel on February 14, 2025

: 39 sec read
: 252 Views

Quick analysis:

Scheme	A XX BCD BX X EX XXX XXDB ECB A
Closest metre	Iambic trimeter
Characters	633
Words	131
Stanzas	10
Stanza Lengths	1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 1

Full analysis for The Consequence of Me »

Susan Mayer Brumel

· 1955 · Newark, New Jersey

A few years ago, I retired from a thirty-five year career in hospice counseling, at which time I began writing poetry. My poems are influenced by my patients’ journeys, the compelling beauty of nature, and the human condition. A lover of all animals and most people, I enjoy spending time in nature, long walks, and reading Pablo Neruda, Blake, William Carlos Williams, James Joyce, Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, Leonard Cohen, and more. Baudelaire tells us to ‘be drunk’ on something every day; I am drunk on poetry and intend never to be sober! more…

All Susan Mayer Brumel poems | Susan Mayer Brumel Books

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18 Comments

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mark.e.s
As soon as I open your poems, my index finger gets a life of it's own and must click the fifth star.
LikeReply 121 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say, Mark.
  LikeReply 121 days ago
karlcfolkes
Oh Sue, thank you. I’m sure you and Florence are kindred spirits, always reaching out to elevate others, inspiring them to attain their highest potentials. There’s nothing small or inconsequential about such a gift. more »
LikeReply 227 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you so much, Karl. That’s very kind of you to say.
  LikeReply27 days ago
Kama77
Very impressive
LikeReply 227 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you very much.
  LikeReply27 days ago
jn.selvadurai
Realisation and understanding comes with maturity as go through life. Valuable thought Susan. I was have experienced it and can fully relate to the message.
LikeReply 227 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you so much. I’m glad you could relate to it too.
  LikeReply27 days ago
StylesRobin
This is where I am in life, too! It really spoke to me. I feel exactly how about is within the way you describe beneath. Perfectly directed orchestral of the meaning for those ways to smell change and transformation of spirit. Well done! more »
LikeReply 128 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you for your kind feedback, Robin. I’m very happy it resonated with you in such a moving way.
  I appreciate your support of my poetry.
  LikeReply27 days ago
donka_k
A thought-inviting, inspiring and beautifully written poem. Images and colors in detail makes this poem magical.
LikeReply 228 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you for your very kind words. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. :-)
  LikeReply28 days ago
Farukahmedroni
Well presented its inner beauty. Very impressive
LikeReply 228 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you so much for your kind words, Faruk. :-)
  LikeReply27 days ago
philmaund
There you go showing off again with your amazing ability to transform nature methods into powerful poems! Reminds me of Zechariah 4:10 -- Who dares despise the day of small things?
LikeReply 228 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you for the sweet compliment, Phil. I read the passage you quoted, and see the similarities! I’m happy you enjoyed it. :-)
  LikeReply 128 days ago
@Lbfisher
I hope the consequence of me is progress. So, women in the future know we fought for us.
LikeReply 228 days ago
- susan.brumel
  I’m happy you appreciate my references to the strength of women. I am sure progress will be one of many positive consequences of you. :-)
  LikeReply28 days ago
yelskwah
"The Consequence of Me" is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking poem. You've used evocative imagery and a sense of quiet wonder to explore profound questions about our place in the world and our impact on the environment. The poem is both introspective and hopeful, leaving the reader with a sense of awe and a renewed appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. I would expect nothing less from you; it's beautiful. more »
LikeReply 229 days ago
- susan.brumel
  You are too kind and generous! I’m happy to see that I was able to convey the important relationship we have with our natural environment.
  Personally, I am nurtured and inspired by it, as well as by special people who have blessed my life. Thank you so much for taking the time to write your thoughtful review, and for your encouragement. more »
  LikeReply28 days ago
BellaTheMilkCarton
nice
LikeReply 129 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you, Bella.
  LikeReply29 days ago
karlcfolkes
She stands under five feet in height.
LikeReply29 days ago
karlcfolkes
Susan, this is a truly insightful and inspiring poem. Don’t knock things that may be diminutive. They can often pack a cultural, social, ethical, spiritual psychological, intellectual wallop, as is the case with my charming wife who stands under feet in height, but whose character and achievements have surpassed many who crow about their own accomplishments, while she, in typical Asian reticence simply demurs. more »
LikeReply 129 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Karl, I am touched by your words of praise for your wife. She sounds like a very special person, and I imagine you complement each other beautifully.
  I also appreciate your recognizing the grandeur in small things, whether they be people, or saplings, fledglings, or seeds of lavender. I too am of short stature, barely five feet, one inch, and so, I am glad to be in good company. Please give your wife my regards. Thank you for always reading and supporting my work. more »
  LikeReply29 days ago
rameshs.88917
Wow what a touching lines Ma'am,it is your simplicity and benevolent nature to gain the heart of others and endeavour to grow bigger.The search for life and existentialism with thine humble appeal gains everyone's heart.In the very beginning stanza,the simile Wren's feathers flying to touch the zenith point symbolizes Poetess'high ambition and optimistic perspectives of life.In due time the shyness nature and submissive steps brings greater achievement in life is also beautifully reflected in thine lucid lines.Thou are highly blessed and benefited by the colourful objects of nature and they create scope for thine maturity and stability in the world. As you sowed so you have reaped.Today you are able to obtain a big place amongst the popular poetess and a pious human beings.I hope all these are the fruitful result of your personal care and a great inspiration from thine well-wishers.Mam I try to connect with your lines a little,I hope I'm not able enough.Heartfelt congratulations & waiting eagerly for thine next masterpiece. more »
LikeReply 129 days ago
- susan.brumel
  My goodness, Ramesh. Thank you for taking the time to write your generous, thoughtful and kind review of my poem.
  I appreciate your feedback very much. Your support of my work means a great deal to me. :-) more »
  LikeReply 129 days ago
- rameshs.88917
  Oo I already mentioned thine prompt response & warm - hearted attitudes My highness I can't express in words.
  LikeReply 129 days ago
gary_dean
Yours is in your written word that leads the searching to a place beyond brutish oppression and pointless competition. Yours is the quiet song that whispers of the beauty of Lavender. Yours is strength through kindness. more »
LikeReply 129 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you for your beautiful review, Gary. Made me smile.
  LikeReply 129 days ago
Symmetry60
The closing line appears to be answered within the poem. A meek young lady, wondering her place in the world, then blossoms into a Mother who sprouts her own little twigs to be cared for and loved by said young Miss. She later comes to understand how those she's touched are the those who have helped her realize her place in the world as she continues her journey of spirituality and growth. From what I know of the inquiry, "What is the consequence of me?" it would appear to bring light and love into the lives of those blessed enough to have encountered her. more »
LikeReply 129 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Or, she is but a reflection of the love and light of those she has been blessed to encounter…Thank you for your sweet thoughtful words about this piece, my dear and talented friend.
  LikeReply29 days ago
sharona.reeves81
always such profound insight within your poems. wisdom. thank you
LikeReply 129 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you for your kind words, Sharona. Your support of my poetry means a lot to me. :-)
  LikeReply29 days ago
ThembieAngieeMt
Your poem feels like a gentle journey of self-discovery, and I love how you use nature to mirror that transformation. In the beginning, the imagery of smallness like the acorn, the wren’s feather, and the lavender really sets the tone of feeling delicate or overshadowed. But as the poem unfolds, there’s this quiet but powerful shift, showing growth, resilience, and influence. The way you describe the lavender’s presence expanding across the forest floor really stuck with me. It’s such a subtle yet strong way to show how something that once felt small can have a lasting impact. And that last question, what is the consequence of me? is one that lingers. It makes me reflect on how we shape the world around us, even in ways we might not immediately see. This poem carries so much grace, appreciation, and quiet strength. It’s a beautiful reminder that we all grow into our own space and purpose, even if it takes time. Thanks for sharing this, it really made me pause and reflect. more »
LikeReply 129 days ago
- susan.brumel
  Your review of this piece is so beautiful! You captured exactly what I hoped the poem would convey. I appreciate your reading it and for taking the time to write such a kind and thoughtful commentary. :-) more »
  LikeReply29 days ago

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"The Consequence of Me" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 16 Mar. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/213482/the-consequence-of-me>.

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