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