The Free Spirit

And I have loved them all.

There is far more to all of us than what one might think. Someone or some choice may seem like the right answer but come to find out, it actually wasn’t. This poem explores the contrast between desire and necessity. It implies that while someone can fulfill all the desires and fantasies another person might have, they may not be what that person truly needs in a deeper, more meaningful sense. It touches on themes of superficiality versus substance, and the difference between wants and essential needs in relationships or life choices.

Join me in accepting what’s real, from my heart and soul these words saved my life and these chapbooks were born.

I got published again with this picture of the Longhorns! Snap’d Magazine Issue #47 Animal Theme. I’m over the moon again! Check out my website and contact me if your interested in purchasing any of my photography, this one included! www.mikelmaureeart.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CqmIfmatUbq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Happy Birthday to me! My website is live and ready for viewing!! Mind you there is still some tweaking to be done. I’m working on more images to be added to my gallery and more art to post for sale but I’m so excited to be able to bring this dream of mine to you. Check it out by going to www.mikelmaureeart.com (at Woodward, Oklahoma) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYEs4cLW8b/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

We are just a few days away from my scheduled website launch so I wanted to highlight my new business logo. I designed this myself. If you’ve seen my doodles this makes so much sense, anyhow I’ll be providing some artistic services and selling my art. Continue to stay tuned for the official launch. As the great Andy Warhol once said “Art is anything you can get away with.” And I plan to get away with a lot 😁🤩😎 https://www.instagram.com/p/CqNxv7DuS2A/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

🖤🤍 This picture is a story. A story without any words. 🤍🖤 https://www.instagram.com/p/CptHKi1LIst/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This picture is getting all the firsts in the history of my art. Now featured in a magazine!! Snap’d Magazine issue #45, Green Theme. I’ve dreamed of this day over and over again!! Dreams really can come true! Best part, this picture, I not only took, I grew, mushrooms and all! A whole new meaning to Green Theme. 💚📸 www.snapdmagazine.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CphARcRNP6N/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Then the events that have transpired the last couple of days changed that thought process all around. A young man who’s brother I hung around with in college got married several years back and I bartended it. He passed away leaving behind his wife and a very young son 2 days before Christmas Eve. A close high school/college friends home burnt to the ground leaving her and her husband and three children homeless the day before Christmas Eve. All of their possessions and Christmas presents went up in smoke although they are all fine the devastation they are experiencing makes my sadness seem silly. How can I be so sad and feel so sorry for myself when I have a loving and supportive husband who makes me a better artist and human, two homes even though they are complete shit right now but they are full of love and family heirlooms and treasures of past lives. They have an energy that’s bursting with positivity even in their dilapidated states. I have more than I need and I’m hung up on my wants. I want to blame it on society on this culture we have bred. Consumerism is at every corner, at the end of every bed. It’s in the pages of books and prevalent on every TV screen and every show you watch before bed. It’s on your phones and it’s now found it’s place in all of our heads. I’m not sad for me anymore. I’m sad for this world and how it’s ripping itself to shreds.

Does anyone else cry when they hear awaken my soul by Mumford & Sons? Or is that just me?

Boundaries first, love later.

-Mikel Mauree’