The woman in the mirror is flawed
age spots where freckles once sprouted,
streaks of white, peppering former auburn,
inner scars marking discontent.
How then is she expected
to know wholeness?
In days when mind was sharp
self-confidence wobbled;
when spirituality was planted,
self-judgment undermined.
The path to wholeness
pitted with potholes.
How often emotion overrode
common sense, and choices
led her astray, how thick
the mud of guilt she mired in.
Repulsed at her own reflection
she was anything but whole.
Less self-defacing these days
she examines the worn bits
with wry acceptance –
acknowledges the toil.
If wholeness is perfection,
she’s ready to let go.
****
This week, I challenged us to consider the concept of being whole. I know it turned out to be a workout for me, so I thank all who took the time to participate.
Proscenium
Reena Saxena
Poetry Pallette
Stuff and what if…
AWISEWOMANSJOURNEY
CURATING THOUGHTS
one letter UP
Sgeoil
See you tomorrow for a new challenge!
(Watercolour from personal collection)
And yet the passage of time weathers hard, and the experiences wound, but, the fire of time refines the true inner you who is ageless and wiser grounded and whole.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, poetic response!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you VJ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome, Paul
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfection – ha! If we were all perfect, we would be boring. Flaws build character and make us unique. I love the watercolor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha – you make a good point. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLike
Silly me, I just looked at your tags and answered my own question. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think if one looks for perfection, wholeness is unachievable. As you mentioned, acceptance of the toil and being a witness to one’s past and not engulfed in it, is the beginning of forgiving oneself and one’s fallibility. Powerful story in your poetry and journey, V J. ❤ Love your tree also. 🙂 Is that watercolour?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Olga. The painting is watercolour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
awesome poem VJ……..my favorite line “acknowledges the toil” ………… so relateable. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Wendi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
my pleasure!
LikeLike
Love this poem …. thank you for giving voice to a challenge we cannot hope to fulfill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jazz. We really cannot. I think that is where we trip ourselves up. How is the Valley?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Valley is warm & sunny & FULL of birds!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Give them my love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful poem, V.J. The path pitted with potholes…definitely a workout.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. “workout” is a good term.
LikeLike