courtesy Deborah Koff-Chapin
Age becomes her, its many stages
circling like a softly worn robe
love, hunger, wisdom
coloring its many folds as she
passes the fire blossom
to she-who-is-still-becoming
emerging from darkness
seal-sleek and strong
to receive with care-filled arms
the lesson from her crone –
innocence and experience
at the threshold of knowing
a lifetime’s presence.
swb
sarahscapes 
Crone is such a positive and affirming word.
The more so as we get closer ourselves! I even take ‘old crone’ as a compliment these days, much as I occasionally dole out ‘old soul’ to a young woman with the greatest of reverent appreciation.