I have been a different woman every decade,
growing from terrified child to lost teen,
from oppressed wife to liberated free spirit,
from single mother to voyageur -
that one leap midlife the beginning
of a whole other journey.
I forgive the many missteps
that got me here. It takes a tree
a long time to grow strong and wise,
with flexible boughs to bend with every wind.
with flexible boughs to bend with every wind.
I make peace with having done
the best I could. Given my beginnings,
there is no way it could have been
otherwise.
I built my scaffold with hammer and tong,
making do with whatever lay at hand,
making do with whatever lay at hand,
wove my spirit's home out of driftwood
and sea spray, set my sights forever
on blue sky. The call of the wolf
has always been
my reason why.

Beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a tree a long time to grow strong and wise. Your journey is what has made you loving and wise.
ReplyDeleteThe last verse really is the heart of who you are. beautiful write
My goodness Sherry ! Is that you? A poem filled with wisdom and resignation coming to terms with your personal reality. I think you should give yourself a big pat on the back. You've done well.:)
ReplyDeleteWhat rallentanda said! I like the steely vibe.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Sherry. And that last line says it all!!! What a journey it has been and how lovingly you share all you've learnt.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful, Sherry! I love the way you reminisce so philosophically about your life. Such wisdom, such openness, such acceptance! Such poetry!!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for writing it :)
ReplyDelete