You’re so old
they say
and I laugh
with a deep roar
rising up from my very soul
because how could that phrase
ever be anything
but magnificent?

She let herself go
they cry
and I smile
with every tooth in my head
because Mother Nature and I know
what a miraculous act
letting go
truly is.

You’ve changed
they say
and I am at once
completely fulfilled
and at peace
with my life’s purpose
because if I did not come here
to grow
then what was it all for?

By Donna Ashworth

Photo of Helena Norowicz #helenanorowicz