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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Collection

Written on June 12, 2024

Submitted by susan.brumel on February 14, 2025

: 39 sec read
: 45 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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3 Comments

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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 13 hours 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.
  LikeReply2 hours ago
sharona.reeves81
always such profound insight within your poems. wisdom. thank you
LikeReply 18 hours ago
- susan.brumel
  Thank you for your kind words, Sharona. Your support of my poetry means a lot to me. :-)
  LikeReply6 hours 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 19 hours 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 »
  LikeReply7 hours ago

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"The Consequence of Me" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 15 Feb. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/213482/the-consequence-of-me>.

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