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An Older Woman’s Skin

What does perfection look like?

Rain

relaxed

slightly baggy

comfortable

long and soft

pliable

flexible

a little frayed around the edges

a tiny bit burnt

just on the tips of hair and nose

scented in oils

silver and candelight

coffee in bed in the morning

tea in bed at night

with the door open

a soft breeze

and crickets

lush green plant profusion that I actually remember to water and tend

wise dog’s heads

soft brown eyes

collapsing of furry bodies

deep contented sighs

long walks

runs

a strong body

health

just enough wealth

books to the ceiling

and then some more

soft rugs

timber floors

empty surfaces

finally free of “more”

(except books – always room for more books)

linen sheets

fresh off the line

a touch of red

a slither of silk

the slightest shrug of cashmere

just one piece of exquisite cloud-like texture

to treasure

a deep bath

a big motorbike

the ability to laugh and laugh

and laugh

more things second-hand

patched leather

favourite things

precious things

I won’t cling

but I hope they last as long as I do

Boots beaten and comfortable

several cool hats

old jeans

colourful jangly jewellery

dangly earrings

for when I’m feeling girly

Bright kimonos, long skirts

that make me feel like a parrot with feathers

dashing around my house

clean floors

good beats

dancing in the kitchen

delicious food

scrabble games severe

long phone calls to my sister

lunch dates that last all day with my best mate

giving back to the community

feeling them give to me

wide smiles

my husband’s wiry chest hairs

The crinkly wrinkles just at the side of his eyes form starbursts when he smiles

when he smiles at me

hugs from my sons grown taller broader, wider stronger than me

making me feel small

but loved

so loved

ocean swims

red dirt roads

walking and whistling

shoulders free of loads

bare feet on cool, wet lawn

sprinklers

the passing of days well spent

mornings

evenings

the long, quiet expanse of a hot midday

finding first greys

rather liking them

grateful to have lived this long

leaving them be

loving me

just the way I am

forgiven for all my sins

flaws

omissions

finally

grateful for where I’ve been

what I’ve seen

Who I am

Perfection is…

Nothing like I imagined

in a younger woman’s skin.

Taken from “The Steps We Take Within”, no longer available in book form. Artwork generated using Artiphoria. Have a beautiful day and find the perfection, whatever that means to you.

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