OpenLinkNight 12 ~dVersePoets~A Woman's Way

I don't know about you poets...but you've inspired me to do things I've never dreamed...like posting a recording of my poem! The nerves are evident, this is a first, afterall.  The song that inspired this piece, (yes...soundbites included!) is amazing! You can find it in my blog play list if you'd like to see how it really should be sung. ;) So...not wanting to taint the OpenLinkNight festivities when another is hosting, I'm biting the bullet and going for it, knowing it will all fall on me if it sucks more than I think it does!

Welcome to the pub Poets! Hope you enjoy!



A woman's way by Natasha Head

A Woman's Way

When I was young I thought me free
burdened only by opportunity.
But all too soon it slipped by me,
now through my choices I'm forced to be

a woman blessed with health and home,
a family to call my own
a piece of land that I may roam
a community where I am known.

But still those open spaces sing
of freedom and other such silly things
I must be careful, for my wishes may bring
answered prayers, that only sting.

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Comments

Pat Hatt said…
The old adage be careful what you wish for rings true
In this piece by you
Or suffer that awful sting
For some little bit of bling
Another wonderful piece
And enjoyed your new poet release
Letting your voice ring true
That was great through and through
Post up early too
What's gotten into you?..hahaha
October 4, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Brian Miller said…
woohoo! you got a standing ovation at Starbucks...haha...like the song intro and extro...yeah i hear you on the answered prayers stinging...been there...wanderlust runs my veins at times...like how you wrap the first and third stanzas around the reality of the middle...
October 4, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Sheila said…
Ok, first of all your beautiful voice literally gave me goosebumps as I listened to you sing. Your poem rocks - as always. You have grown so much as a writer and poet these last few months. I am so happy for you!

Second of all, now I am crying because of the last lines of that song "I rely upon the moon and St. Christopher." Just magical, Tash, truly inspirational and breathtaking. Thank you, thank you for sharing yet another one of your God-given talents with us. You are a beautiful soul and I am blessed to be a part of this ......well, whatever we have going on here in cyberspace (smiles)
October 4, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Tashtoo said…
You guys are all amazing! I was scared to death to do this...and probably would have deleted by now if not for you. Thank YOU for giving me the courage (yes, I was going to use another word!) to do this. It's been a LONG while!
October 4, 2011 at 12:40 PM
The Silver Fox said…
It takes a lot of guts -- yes, I was going to use "another word," too -- for most people to sing in front of others. And even though you weren't literally standing in front of a crowd when you sang this, it must have been somewhat daunting to post it knowing that theoretically, at least, anyone with internet access could come along and hear this.

Having said that, you had no reason to be hesitant, judging from the finished product. There's a reason most singers have back-up bands, full orchestras, or at least an acoustic guitar for accompanyment: Instruments can smooth out the rough edges. Your a capella gift to us showed bravery as well as talent.

I don't need to search for this song in your playlist "to see how it really should be sung." I've already heard that. thanks to you.
October 4, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Maude Lynn said…
Gorgeous, Natasha! And, what a voice you have!
October 4, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Unknown said…
Tash, that was amazing. Truly Amazing. The poem is very nice, sentimental and personal. The last line was a great way to end, as Be Careful What You Wish for, not only speaks the truth, but was a nice twist there. As to your recording- Best I've heard done. Who needs instruments when you have your voice- it's really good and really glad you continue to share your talents with all of us:)
October 4, 2011 at 2:56 PM
Claudia said…
somehow the player isn't working - will come back to listen...would've loved to hear your voice... great poem natasha - i so get what you mean...beautifully penned
October 4, 2011 at 3:36 PM
Unknown said…
The player wont work for me :( still, a very beautiful piece, Natasha!
October 4, 2011 at 3:54 PM
Beachanny said…
Wonderful work, the piece really does sing. Player didn't work for me either - they often don't. Might take an exception to the work "other" - never considered "freedom" silly, but that's a philosophical thing and one I've had to consider throughout my life in depth and indeed. But I like your voice here.
October 4, 2011 at 4:16 PM
Jannie Funster said…
Ahhh, Natasha you express this very well. This desire to roam past our own home. See what adventures we can find.

And hey, you know what's cool -- things really do get better as we age, new opportunities come into view. And lovely moments every moment, if we let them through, so the wise ones say. :)

AWESOME write, I really liked this!
October 4, 2011 at 4:24 PM
Daydreamertoo said…
Ahhh... that feeling that there is always something more... something missing... Hmm
A lovely piece from you once more!
October 4, 2011 at 4:24 PM
Anonymous said…
A lovely rhyme, wistful melody, and to echo others, I can't wait 'til the player works so I can hear it from you, too.
Gene
October 4, 2011 at 4:26 PM
The Silver Fox said…
Wow, I really feel sorry for everyone who can't get the player to work!
October 4, 2011 at 4:31 PM
Joanne Young Elliott said…
My experience is definitely be careful what you wish for. I'm happy with how it turned out...more than happy really, but it was painful getting here. And sometimes we always wonder.

Nicely done.

I hope the player will work soon for me, too. Wonder what's up.
October 4, 2011 at 5:02 PM
ayala said…
The player is not working...so I shall return but I love the poem!
October 4, 2011 at 5:03 PM
The Linnet said…
Hiya,

Beautiful poem! For some very annoying reason my laptop won't play your recording :(
But having posted my own voice recordings online and read in public in Starbucks recently (funnily enough, Brian) you are incredibly brave to not only read BUT SING! Bravo! :)

Abi :)
October 4, 2011 at 5:18 PM
Unknown said…
Beautiful words, and I can't wait to hear them sung! Maybe you could post the soundcloud link from your soundcloud site? I don't know if that would work. Hopefully, it works itself out. For some reason, it seems like your page is not fully loading for me. So frustrating. Grrr. Wish I was a techie :)
October 4, 2011 at 5:49 PM
Tashtoo said…
Sorry guys...but I can't even get on the Soundcloud site to check the player. I'd fix it if I could...consider yourselves spared...for now! ;)
October 4, 2011 at 5:50 PM
Unknown said…
no song to be heard but beautiful and meaningful words we can all identify with ...thanks for being the hostess who gives the mostest x
October 4, 2011 at 5:58 PM
Uneven Stephen said…
This is beautiful, Natasha! Wish I could hear your voice, but I'm sure the player will be back up eventually. :) I really love the ending, "prayers that sting." Wonderful message. I'm totally mortified to do spoken word/sing, btw.
October 4, 2011 at 6:20 PM
Adura Ojo said…
But still those open spaces sing
of freedom and other such silly things
I must be careful, for my wishes may bring
answered prayers, that only sting.

This really speaks to me right now. Thanks for sharing. It's all about the sacrifices we make in the places that we find ourselves, isn't it?
October 4, 2011 at 6:33 PM
henry clemmons said…
Well, I'm not playin' this week until I hear you sing. I hope it's up and running before I get back tonight if it's a decent hour. :) The poem is great, can't wait to hear it.
October 4, 2011 at 7:08 PM
Anonymous said…
Sometimes when I long for more freedom, I think twice. Everything was so much easier when we were younger, when graduating meant the whole world was at our command and suddenly... well, you know. You said it much more beautifully and succinctly than I ever could. Truly enjoyed.

Beth
October 4, 2011 at 8:06 PM
Anonymous said…
melodically piece... a little different from you
October 4, 2011 at 8:19 PM
Chasing Tao said…
So lovely Natasha...I sense it comes right from your very essence...

"But still those open spaces sing
of freedom and other such silly things
I must be careful, for my wishes may bring
answered prayers, that only sting."

I love the referral to 'wishes'...and oh, how this can be so very true!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts...

Roger ☺
October 4, 2011 at 8:30 PM
Anonymous said…
Good for you for putting a recording here. But, I didn't hear anything. But, the poem was awesome
October 4, 2011 at 8:52 PM
hedgewitch said…
I love your quatrains, Natasha--so sorry not to hear the sound. Maybe next time. But this sings in its own way loudly enough, and those last lines are all too true--I often catch myself holding back those wishes lest the old saying happen "be careful what you wish for..."
October 4, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Big Sur Blogisphere said…
Don't Need Much

I walk the wilderness when it suits me
But I don't own it or want to
What good is wilderness with a mortgage on it.
Nor do I own anything on "this side"
No new car to impress people
My wife doesn't have a diamond ring
No season tickets to anything
But taking walks into Nature
Don't own a home
Don't have a pension
No flat screen TV
Don't have no tension
I have a garden
But the seasons
Put an end to that
In the freezer
Some green beans and pesto
No I don't have much
But I sure as hell
Don't need to own it
Neither
I am happy
With just what my eyes see
My ears hear
My nose smells
I'll take what I got
If I need a break
I'll walk the wilderness when it suits me

Love-Tiger Windwalker
October 4, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Unknown said…
If this is not an anthem for the modern western woman, I don't know what is! Well done!
October 4, 2011 at 11:04 PM
Charles Elliott/Beautyseer said…
You have captured well the dilemma of having made choices that make a comfortable life for yourself and yet always wondering if some other choice, even now, might bring greater freedom. I would as: Freedom from what? Freedom to what?

It's true that sometimes we craft for ourselves masks that seem to grow too restrictive. I still wince when I remember the interview I did for Valentine’s Day one year with Marilyn Chambers, the porn star ("Behind the Green Door") while I was a featured daily newspaper columnist. My editor refused to publish it and declared: "Chuck Elliott wouldn't DO this!" Sigh...
Charles Elliott
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1RmQ1HVhw
October 4, 2011 at 11:06 PM
Anonymous said…
So lovely..... time slips by and finds us living in a happy home life, with a loving family and surrounded by caring people...... It may not be what our hopes and dreams started out to be, but sometimes we need to be careful what we wish for.. It sounds like you are counting the blessings Natasha, and it's wonderful.. Audio link isn't working for me... I upgraded Acrobat but still nothing... I so wanted to hear your voice....
October 4, 2011 at 11:30 PM
Reflections said…
So unfortunate not to hear the sound on this one! But your words still sing a beautiful melody of this sweet life transformed beyond all that those wishes could have been. Yet still, we must always consider what we wish for, though it could be a greater cost to go for those wishes.
October 5, 2011 at 12:04 AM
Anonymous said…
Lovely, I thoroughly enjoyed your gorgeous voice, but then I knew it would be - sending lots of admiration your way and appreciation for your 'investment' in my company. Keep being brave!
October 5, 2011 at 12:16 AM
Unknown said…
This is gorgeous. Every single thing about it. Gorgeous absolute melancholy. Very poignant piece. Really, there are no words to accurately describe this. It's just...perfect. The imagery. The tone. The voice....

I can't wait to see another piece from you. <3

- Nick
October 5, 2011 at 12:31 AM
Divya said…
Wow!!!! You have an amazingly sweet voice :) And you sing so well.. And about the poem .. its lovely catches so much that I too feel at times.. Loved it ... Its superb !!!
October 5, 2011 at 12:50 AM
henry clemmons said…
i've never been more impressed. never. and u would have had to have visited my life to know i've heard a lot. my soul hasn't been touched like this in a long time. i need a visit home. i've never been more impressed.
October 5, 2011 at 1:18 AM
waysidewordgarden said…
Yay- the sound is working for me, and wow-- that was terrific! Love your singing voice! It sounds wonderful. Really nice poem, I like how you sandwiched it between the song. Well done!!
October 5, 2011 at 1:24 AM
Louise said…
Wow! Beautiful, Natasha! I feel touched, just loved it :)
October 5, 2011 at 6:33 AM
James Rainsford said…
A new and brave departure for you Natasha. Loved it!
James.
October 5, 2011 at 7:21 AM
Unknown said…
Will have to return once SoundCloud has its stuff together. As for the poem really enjoyed the flow and message, we receive what we ask for and sometimes not always in the way we think it will arrive, beautifully put this in words. My best ~ Rose
October 5, 2011 at 9:19 AM
Fireblossom said…
Crud...the sound thingie won't play for me. It just sits there. Phooey.

This poem is the truth, ain't it? Some things look better, baby, just passing through. (as the philosopher Elton John once sang).
October 5, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Unknown said…
I have nominated you for the Versatile Bloggers Award. Your blog site is wonderful and I believe that you deserve this award. Please claim your award and follow the three requirements for this award. It is my honor to nominate you for this award. Thank you.

http://lifeindegrees.blogspot.com/2011/10/versatile-blogger-award.html
October 5, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Ann LeFlore said…
Let us hope this is not true that your wished only bring answered prayers that only sting so well done
http://gatelesspassage.com/2011/10/04/memories/#comment-1442
October 5, 2011 at 2:33 PM
Unknown said…
Yay!!! I heard you, and I am doing a happy dance! Woo-hoo!!! This is awesome, Natasha :) You have a lovely, soulful voice, and I'm so glad I got to hear it finally. The only problem is that now I want more, so get busy, chica. Congratulations on conquering your fears!
October 5, 2011 at 5:16 PM
Ed Pilolla said…
what a fabulous creative experience. the bookending of music around the piece made it juicy and full, unexpectedly multi-layered and rich.
October 5, 2011 at 6:50 PM
The Orange Tree said…
an ideal for modern women,
well penned.
October 5, 2011 at 7:27 PM
Anonymous said…
So glad I returned.... the audio worked this time! It was so good to hear your voice read that poem, and you are right, that soft song is certainly beautiful.... Though I don't know how to find it on your blog, it certainly is wonderful here in a Capella..
October 5, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Unknown said…
loved it...I freak out just reading to sing it was bold and its beauty shows! Glad I got to hear the audio tonight.

And~
I have nominated you for the Versatile Bloggers Award. Your site always inspires me in poetry and I believe you deserve this recognition. Please claim your award and follow the three requirements for this award. It is my honor to nominate you for this award. Thank you.

http://wp.me/p1lGBx-qO
October 5, 2011 at 11:07 PM
The Poet said…
Hello.
WoW! Impressive singing!

As humans, we are never quite satisfied with what we have in life...like the saying goes...be careful what you wish for.

Awesome!

Thanks for sharing & visiting.

The Last Kiss
October 6, 2011 at 8:26 AM
Steve King said…
Natasha,

I finally got the sound file to work. Great reading and singing (and very fine material). Not a surprise that it works so well together. Someone once said that great poetry should never be far from song...Your reading of "A Woman's Way" makes this clear. This was a great enjoyment.
October 6, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Laura said…
oh the lure of other...sneaks in every once in a while for all of us.
October 6, 2011 at 5:16 PM
Glynn said…
That tension between freedom and responsibility. Both have benefits; both have costs. And choosing one can lead to yearning for the other. Good poem (and recording).
October 6, 2011 at 10:51 PM
joanna said…
You have such a beautiful voice! The song bits bookending the reading really take it to another whole level. Brava!
October 7, 2011 at 2:28 PM
RMP said…
congrats on stepping to the mic...I think you should get bonus points for adding your voice in song.

I like the poem...the idea of being forced to blessed and wanting more. your words about "open spaces" reminded me of a song that often pops into my head...

"is there life out there/ so much she hasn't done?/ is there life beyond her family and her home?/ she's done what she should/ should she do what she dares?..." -Is There Life Out There by Reba McEntire


lovely job!
October 8, 2011 at 12:36 AM
Randy Behavior said…
Bravo and well done!!! It was this group (at the old site) that inspired me to record my voice too. My first attempts were much more shaky than this lovely piece though, lol.
October 11, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Joanne Young Elliott said…
I got to hear you now! And I'm glad. What a nice singing voice you have. Thanks for sharing it with us!
October 11, 2011 at 4:31 PM
Hot Rod Pics said…
I'm just now finding this, but much better late than never! I'm so glad you re-posted the link today, I very much enjoyed this. The poem (framed by the wonderful song, btw) reminds me of covered bridges, somehow, maybe in Madison County? Awesome, job, Tashtoo, please give us more! »^.,.^«
February 13, 2012 at 4:13 PM
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