Sun Kissed Days

Sun Kissed Days

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Woman




I discovered the crows feet
nestled by my eyes.
I forgave them and accepted
them to be mine.
I love that they exhibit
a piece of my struggle.
Days I squinted in delight,
dark nights when weeping
left me drained and numb.
I questioned the veins in my hands,
pronounced and deep,
then I accepted them
for all the hard labor they had done.
Hands weathered by love given,
days from dawn to dusk,
babies they had washed,
foreheads caressed.
I watched my white strands 
residing in my dark hair. 
I accepted them for their resilience
and beauty.
I challenged my mind to battle the known
and seek the wonder of the unknown.
I challenged my soul to rise up
and embrace the woman
I have become
and love the life I have been given.

56 comments:

  1. Ah, I like this look at 'aging.' I do think there are parts which are not easy to like....but in the end it is best to 'embrace the woman' one has become!

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  2. I absolutely love this poem as it is a prayer of a woman aging with love and beauty....the end is a mantra for us to take to heart and feel in our souls.

    'I challenged my soul to rise up
    and embrace the woman
    I have become
    and love the life I have been given.'

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  3. What a gorgeous poem of self-acceptance - that comes with years of living, loving and giving. Lovely, Ayala.

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  4. A lovely piece - strong - impactful - liberating. I love it!

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  5. A marvelous declaration. This poem reads like a flower in bloom.

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  6. There's much richness and bliss in acceptance. Beautifully captivated Ayala.

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  7. A wonderful celebration of womanhood

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  8. This is both a grateful and graceful acceptance of the aging process. Beautifully written,

    Elizabeth

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  9. Aging sure comes to us all, must embrace it, even if we don't like some parts, and keep on keeping on indeed.

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  10. A beautiful write....you have caputred it perfectly, the aging of the woman.

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  11. Your four opening lines speak a lot to me, as do the rest. There is validity in the aging process.

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  12. ...and I hope you rose to the challenge, loving yourself, seasoned by the chapters of life.

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  13. Perhaps the most beautiful thing I have read today

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  14. I love how these thing society have taught us to scorn become talismans for a live happily and fully lived.

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  15. It is a wonderful meditation to marvel at all the tasks a pair of good hands accomplishes.

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  16. A beautiful and loving write Ayala, full of compassion for your ageing self. Lines, silver hair and wisdom make for wonderful friends on our journey ��

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  17. Perhaps it is the "life you have created?" Life does seem to be the "sum" of all of our choices? I liked your poem.

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    1. Thank you, Annell. I thought of that as well but I am humbled by the grace of the universe.

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  18. Nice ending affirmation and acceptance of the changes in one's body.

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  19. This is so blessed, Ayala. I believe my wrinkles and scars speak of who I am, what I have gone through--as you so wonderfully write. I would never go for plastic surgery--I have had too many non-elective surgeries and feel like it would be tempting God, so to speak. Just grateful to be how I am--alive and enjoying life.

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    1. Thank you, Victoria. I am filled with gratitude as well.

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  20. What a beautiful tribute to womanhood. I love the metaphor of graying strands and resilience. So true. xo

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  21. Beautiful and wise. Love this. :-)

    ~Imelda

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  22. Amen to this sister.It is WHO you are.

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  23. Life does require a strong dose of philosophic understanding. This is well conceived and well executed.
    Steve K.

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  24. Gayle Walters RoseJuly 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM

    I love the tender sweetness of acceptance in this, Ayala.

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  25. This is awesome. It should be published!

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  26. A beautifully rendered piece - imbued with love and wisdom.

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