Thanks to our friend Melinda Schmidt for sharing this beautiful poem by Jayne Relaford Brown with us.

I am becoming the woman I’ve wanted,

grey at the temples,

soft body, delighted,

cracked up by life

with a laugh that’s known bitter,

but, past it, got better,

knows she’s a survivor—

that whatever comes,

she can outlast it.

I am becoming a deep

         weathered basket.

I am becoming the woman I’ve longed for,

the motherly lover

with arms strong and tender,

the growing-up daughter

who blushes surprises.

I am becoming full moons

        and sunrises.

I find her becoming,

this woman I’ve wanted,

who knows she’ll encompass,

who knows she’s sufficient,

knows where she’s going

and travels with passion.

Who remembers she’s precious,

yet not at all scarce—

who knows she is plenty,

        plenty to share.