I am in that time of life when looking into the mirror reveals a face that looks back at me–
and I no longer see myself
as I see my-
Self.

I am in that time of life when new music and shows and scenes are too loud and too much and too many and the sound of silence and childhood nostalgia
are soft
and calm
and exact.

I am in that time of life when the more really should be the less–and while so much is thought-
so much less is said
because when you know…you know to do better.
And, better is in what is left
unspoken.

Yes,
I am in that time of life when the thought of menopause is no longer a mystery, but an expectation and dreams are plans and goals made and promises broken or kept
or both-and-
what’s left has now grown into
a woman.

A woman in that time of life who has seen or sees her mother in herself-
as a mother-
and if not-
sees herself as the mother who has learned how to be her
Self
As
An-
Other.

That time of life, I am in
as a woman- now
And keep growing into myself even
further.