To recognize the beauty of the
crone
and regard the hag as goddess-
seems ludicrous
revolutionary at the least
- a wild leaping
from current trends,
so-called sensibilities.
For today, it is youth that is celebrated
the smooth face,
a model's slimness,
gleaming teeth
and abundant hair-
these are the only ideals
coveted and emulated
revered.
Age is equated with decline,
undesirable
- more so in the woman...
But,
ancient foremothers
indigenous people everywhere
you,
know
the value and wisdom
of the grandmothers
healers and comforters
storytellers and teachers
nurturers deeply knowing...
Women much- loved
vital players in life's
perpetual spin
aged women-
central in nature's dance
partaking
in the cycles and rhythms
of birth and blossoming
growth and maturation
ripening,
magical women
we must remember
and celebrate
the matriarchs
and matrons
yesterday's maidens
now menopausal,
but always magnificent.