Let Me Age

 

Let me age
For I have earned
the pleasure of home
in skin too loose.

Let me age
For I have much toiled
to absorb the peace
which follows the noose.

Let me age and let me be
the way I am
at last
for that did not come easy my friend

and I am grateful
for the years behind me
and the precious days ahead.

Let me age
and don’t wish me to be younger
don’t wish me to be smoother
don't wish me to be faster
don’t wish me to be perfect.

Many moons waned
and many suns rose
before I learned
that perfect is not found
in unspoiled skin
or the racing limb
it is found in the love
and nowhere else.

So let me age
I do not fear
the spoiling of the flesh
for it signifies
the rising of the soul.

Let me age,
let me change,
let me ascend.

by Donna Ashworth
Art by Crystal Charlotte Easton