Fiction and life . . . from the desk of Gwen M. Plano
  • Home
  • Blog Reflections
  • REDEMPTION THRILLER
  • THE CONTRACT Series
  • My Memoir
  • Poetry
  • About

Spirit Animals and Poetry

5/30/2023

46 Comments

 
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. 
Picture
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!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
5/31/2023 05:43:13

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

Reply
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.

Reply
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. 😊

Reply
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

Reply
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. 😊

Reply
Joan Hall link
5/31/2023 06:37:15

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

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
5/31/2023 06:56:16

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

Reply
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!

Reply
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. 😊

Reply
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.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
5/31/2023 08:38:48

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

Reply
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.

Reply
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. ❤️

Reply
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

Reply
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. ❤️

Reply
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.

Reply
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! 😊

Reply
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.

Reply
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. ❤️

Reply
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. 🥰

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
5/31/2023 11:32:13

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

Reply
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! 🧸

Reply
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?! 😊

Reply
Staci Troilo link
5/31/2023 13:55:31

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

Reply
willowdot21 link
5/31/2023 13:04:42

This is beautiful 💜

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
5/31/2023 13:48:31

Thank you so much, Willow. 🤗

Reply
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! 🤗❤️🤗

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
6/1/2023 06:28:57

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

Reply
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

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
6/1/2023 13:47:18

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

Reply
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. 😉

Reply
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. 😊

Reply
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.

Reply
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.

Reply
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

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
6/1/2023 13:49:47

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

Reply
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

Reply
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! ❤️

Reply
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.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
6/2/2023 11:36:03

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

Reply
Melissa Lemay link
6/5/2023 23:36:39

Such a beautiful poem.❤️

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
6/6/2023 09:56:59

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

Reply
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.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
6/6/2023 19:04:10

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

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    For blog updates, please subscribe below. 
    * indicates required

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    June 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


Plano Enterprises, LLC
Photos from Kevin M. Gill, Joel Bedford, qthomasbower, crosescribe, Juho Holmi, diana_robinson, W Presley & B Kunce Photography......WI. USA, U.S. Geological Survey, Ian Sane, florianric, NikoMC, van Van Es, Yen Chao 趙彥, MissMessie, Yuriy Kuzin, Ben Zvan, Bichuas (E. Carton), Nina Matthews Photography, hehaden, alexdecarvalho, Tim RT, Kurdistan Photo كوردستان, Candida.Performa, peddhapati (Thanks for 1M Views!!!), Jhong Dizon | Photography, Waheed Akhtar Photography, lawmurray, USFWS Pacific, JalilArfaoui, SurFeRGiRL30, Lauren Finkel Photography, maf04, SantaRosa OLD SKOOL, Dakiny, vauvau, Zanastardust, Monica's Dad, timpeartrice, marumeganechan, Rafael Acorsi, seyed mostafa zamani, Jorge Franganillo, Irene Grassi (sun sand & sea), The National Guard, D.Fletcher, nada abdalla, Ted LaBar, alison.mckellar, Infomastern, Elvert Barnes, m01229, theglobalpanorama, Sumarie Slabber, denisbin, Go-tea 郭天