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.