~SHARP EDGES~

I used to be quite thin,

with sharp angles,

elbows, hip bones

and knees;

a jagged flat rock

skipped across

Life's seas.

In the process of my

becoming,

I've been tumbled in

the rock polisher of life ~

rolled until I'm

rounder, softer, smoother.

In the rocky field of life

I've been a daughter,

a mother, and twice a wife.

I like the softer me.

I am not so quick to anger

I am more patient

I am more understanding...

I write more letters

and send more cards -

Now that I am rounded

I find I can roll with the punches

a little better than I could before....

Nearing 60,

(once a hideous thought ~)

I've lived through

a 10 year  war

and other,

smaller ones, in which

my son took part;

survived 2 divorces with

my humor and my heart

intact;

I can state the following

as fact:

I've raised a child on my own,

lived together

and alone,

lost loved ones

and made new friends

and I am rounded now

I have far fewer

sharp or jagged edges

not as many ragged ends

Not as many barbs

with which to hurt someone

The younger me could fling

an insult or an angry word

quite loudly in order

to be heard ~

No more.

I don't worry about the little

things anymore....

I like the rounder, softer me.

Although some jagged edges

still remain

lurking underneath the skin

I look forward to the

rest of life

I like the skin I'm in.

© Christina 7-1-04