Spirit Animals and Poetry

5/30/2023

Hello dear blog friends,

It's #TankaTuesday and poet Colleen Chesebro has a very different prompt for us today. She invites us to find our spirit animal by taking this quiz. After doing so, we're instructed to craft a syllabic poem with some of the identified traits.

It turns out that my spirit animal, according to this quiz, is a bear. At first I was surprised but upon reflection, it fit. I was a single mom with four kids for many years. And I spent my career in higher education, overseeing all things related to student behavior. I was the "mom" who sat bedside to sick or hurt kids, until the real mom arrived. And the "mom" who interfaced with the police, town officials, FBI, and more. Looking back, I have no idea how I managed as I did. But, I think bear fits me. 😊

Maybe you'd like to share your spirit animal? If you're like me, the quiz will open an unexpected door - to an animal friend you've known all along.

Have a wonderful week!

46 Comments

Vera Day link

5/31/2023 05:28:03

A mama bear to all, eh? That's awesome, Gwen. Great poem!

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 05:43:13

Those 30 years were very busy ones for sure. Thank you, Vera. 😊

Daniel A Antion link

5/31/2023 05:28:27

Bear does seem to fit you, Gwen. You have cared for others like a momma bear. I took the test (The Owl) and Willow wrote two poems for me at her place yesterday.

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 05:48:11

Thank you, Dan. The Owl is a powerful image -- wise and connected to the mysterious. I'll be sure to visit Willow today. 😊

Karen Ingalls

5/31/2023 05:29:33

Knowing you as I do, I am not surprised that your totem animal is a bear. Love your poem. Now, I must take the quiz to see if the owl is still my totem

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 05:50:04

Thank you so much, Karen. The Owl is a powerful spirit animal, and whenever I spot one, I think it a blessing. 😊

Joan Hall link

5/31/2023 06:37:15

i can see that, Gwen. You are very protective of others.

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 06:56:16

It was a surprise for me, but it fit. Thank you, Joan. 😊

Jan Sikes

5/31/2023 07:12:46

This is most interesting, Gwen. I am a big believer in spirit animals and feel that while some come at different times throughout our lives as we need them, there is always one major one that stays. I met my spirit animal in a meditation many years ago and it was the mountain lion. When I took the quiz, it gave me owl, which I also identify with strongly. I love your poem and how the bear fit you, especially during the years as a single parent protecting your children. Thanks for sharing!

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 07:48:10

Thank you, Jan. The quiz provided an interesting adventure, replete with memories. And your share about your spirit animals is amazing. 😊

Liz Gauffreau link

5/31/2023 07:50:04

I love your poem! It fits with your spirit animal very well. It takes a very strong person to deal with college kids' behavior the way you did. When I took the quiz, I got a deer, which fits, I think. At the first sign of conflict or discord, my instinct is to hightail it for the woods.

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 08:38:48

Thank you, Liz. I love your spirit animal. Deer are so beautiful - inside and outside. 😊

Staci Troilo link

5/31/2023 08:08:25

Took the quiz twice. Got snake twice. Hated my result twice.

I love your take on "bear" and really loved your poem. Brava, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 08:36:18

You make me laugh, Staci. 🤗 I read the description of a snake spirit animal: "The snake is a powerful symbol of transformation and regeneration. It has been revered worldwide as an emblem of life force, representing the potential to heal from within and emerge stronger than before." Incredible! I saw a beautiful kingsnake a couple of days ago, and a fellow hiker explained it eats baby rattlesnakes. So - this kingsnake has become my forever friend. ❤️

Staci Troilo link

5/31/2023 13:54:34

I am TERRIFIED of snakes. We were landscaping and unearthed a nest of copperheads. I never ran so fast in my life, and I'm sure I screamed like a banshee.

I'd like to think I can heal and come back stronger, but I guess I'll have to wait and see on that one.

I'm glad to hear the kingsnake is your new friend. I'd keep my distance, but I have a lot of friends I'm never near. 🥰

Thanks, Gwen.

JILL A WEATHERHOLT link

5/31/2023 08:12:47

Your poem is so you, Gwen! I love it. I took the quiz. I'm a turtle and read "may be encouraged to take a break" so true! xo

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 08:50:13

Thank you so much, Jill. I've always associated turtles with quiet strength - something I associate with you as well. ❤️

John Howell link

5/31/2023 09:32:10

I took the quiz and half expected a duck billed platypus but came up a humming bird. I do see you as a bear protecting what is important to you. Enjoyed your poem.

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 11:28:56

Thank you, John. With a hummingbird as your spirit animal, I can see why it's so easy for you to move from one creative story to another. Beautiful image! 😊

D.L. Finn

5/31/2023 09:53:58

So beauitful, Gwen and it does fit you! My husband got the bear too. I thought I would but found the owl did fit me better.

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 11:31:36

Thanks so much, Denise. The owl is an incredible spirit animal -- wise and magical, just like you. ❤️

Balroop Singh link

5/31/2023 10:37:03

Bear is a beautiful animal Gwen, gentle, tolerant, sensitive and caring! I am glad to meet your spirit animal. You poem describes it so well. 🥰

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 11:32:13

Thank you so much, Balroop. That's kind of you to say. 🤗

Colleen link

5/31/2023 13:04:27

Oh, Gwen... I loved this poem and your commentary. The bear is a noble creature! I'm still laughing at Staci. I came out as the snake too! I almost fell over, but once I read it, I identified with quite a bit of the meaning. This was some end of the month fun! 🧸

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 13:36:34

Too funny, Colleen. I'm sure Staci will feel affirmed when she knows your spirit animal is a snake. I was surprised by mine, but it fits. Who knows?! 😊

Staci Troilo link

5/31/2023 13:55:31

At least I'm in good company, Colleen! Thanks for making me feel better. Hugs. 💕

willowdot21 link

5/31/2023 13:04:42

This is beautiful 💜

Gwen M. Plano

5/31/2023 13:48:31

Thank you so much, Willow. 🤗

Marcia Meara link

6/1/2023 06:18:56

Nothing more fiercely protective than a Mama Bear, Gwen, no matter how calm and collected they are much of the time. I can totally see you in that role. And the poem is lovely! First thing I read today, and it started my morning off with a smile! 🤗❤️🤗

Gwen M. Plano

6/1/2023 06:28:57

Thank you so much, Marcia. I'm so glad you enjoyed the poem and backstory. ❤️🤗❤️

Selma Martin link

6/1/2023 06:54:57

This is so very cool. Bear. I love it. And the poem is lovely as is the photo. Thanks for sharing. I will post mine tomorrow. Bless you and thanks for being so sweet. I bless you, mama Bear. xoxo

Gwen M. Plano

6/1/2023 13:47:18

So sweet of you to say, Selma. Thank you. 🤗

Marje link

6/1/2023 08:53:16

I really like the spirit animal prompt and how it makes us look into our on character and life! Enjoyed your take on bear, Gwen. 😉

Gwen M. Plano

6/1/2023 13:48:16

Thanks so much, Marje. It was a fun assignment, and I learned a lot in the process. 😊

Roberta Eaton Cheadle

6/1/2023 09:18:00

Hi Gwen, an excellent poem. I didn’t know a female bear was called a sow.

Gwen M. Plano

6/1/2023 13:49:14

I didn't know that either, Robbie, until I looked it up. 😊 Thank you for the kind words.

Yvette M Calleiro link

6/1/2023 11:30:56

I can see the bear in you. I love your poem, Gwen!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

6/1/2023 13:49:47

Thank you, Yvi. I'm so pleased you liked it. 🤗

Diana Peach link

6/1/2023 17:19:01

I can see you as a mama bear, Gwen. (I'm a bear too based on the quiz). You poem is lovely - so much quietness, care, and incredible strength. <3 <3

Gwen M. Plano

6/1/2023 19:16:47

What fun, Diana! I'm not surprised that your spirit animal is also a bear. I love that! ❤️

Jade Li link

6/2/2023 11:08:36

Gwen I love your Mama Bear! I started watching a show last night on netflix, called, "Alone," and the survivalist contestants are dropped in a remote part of Canada where there is a very healthy bear population. It's funny how they keep bumping into the bears and bear sign.

Gwen M. Plano

6/2/2023 11:36:03

Thank you, Jade. Alone sounds like a fascinating show. 😊

Melissa Lemay link

6/5/2023 23:36:39

Such a beautiful poem.❤️

Gwen M. Plano

6/6/2023 09:56:59

Thank you so much, Melissa. Very kind of you to say. 😊

Brenda Marie Fluharty link

6/6/2023 11:33:29

You were an angel to all you looked over. Mama bear fits you well, Thank-you for your service.

Gwen M. Plano

6/6/2023 19:04:10

My goodness, thank you so much, Brenda, for your kind words. ❤️

Spirit Animals and Poetry

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