Poetic Inspiration

This post continues my look back on my cancer story that began with this post.

Somewhere along the cancer struggle, I saw an ad in a magazine for a poster with the following poem. I couldn't afford the poster, but I clipped the ad, using it as a bookmark, since it spoke so powerfully to me.

Please note that I want to promote the author's work and you can purchase a book that contains this poem, among others here.

From the book:MY FIRST REAL TREE

FINDING HER HERE

by Jayne Relaford Brown

I am becoming

the woman I’ve wanted,

grey at the temples,

soft body, delighted,

cracked up by life

with a laugh that’s known bitter,

but, past it, got better,

knows she’s a survivor—

that whatever comes,

she can outlast it.

I am becoming a deep

weathered basket.

I am becoming

the woman I’ve longed for,

the motherly lover

with arms strong and tender,

the growing-up daughter

who blushes surprises.

I am becoming full moons

and sunrises.

I find her becoming,

this woman I’ve wanted,

who knows she’ll encompass,

who knows she’s sufficient,

knows where she’s going

and travels with passion.

Who remembers she’s precious,

yet not at all scarce—

who knows she is plenty,

plenty to share.