As the grace of age settles into all the parts of me

I begin to see life differently

 

Now, with the album almost full

Looking back is easy

My fingers trace the outlines of memories

While my mind fills the gaps that once lived in between

 

I watch the young girl in the frame

 -A frozen fragment of history-

Gazing out at me

Her eyes have changed

But her heart is still the same

 

The years have added a warm patina

As I catch a glimpse of the girl I once was

I smile in the knowledge we made it

Life is good, we didn’t just survive

We thrived

 

My life, although not over 

Is complete

Time has taught me to stand on my own 

Two feet

The lessons were tough, the rewards greater 

 

I wear age well

And so does she. 

Clare Kinnaird, 2024.