She studied her reflection
Starting at her feet,
Strong, a little crusty from not wearing shoes
She thanked them for keeping her grounded
To Mother Earth
Her legs, once muscley and firm
Now the veins showed and the thighs wobbled
She thanked them for carrying her for so many years
For the many steps they had supported her through
As she rocked her babies to sleep
Her soft and rounded belly
Painted with stretch marks
She ran her hands over it and admired it now
For the way her body had been able to stretch
To keep her growing babies safe
Her breasts, once firm and ripe
Now sat soft and feminine on her chest
No longer a shout out to the world
Of her ripeness or sexiness
Rather they were now sensual
She was reminded of their amazing ability
To nourish and sustain her children
Another of her bodies many miracles
She smiled at her face as it looked back at her
Each line that framed her eyes
A reminder of the many times she had laughed
At times uncontrollably, at times inappropriately
The wrinkles etched into her cheeks
From the many smiles she had shared with others
The spots on her skin cast her mind back
To days spent in the sun
Sand, surf and walks in nature
Of fun and laughter, love and joy
She smiled again
The smile of one who has lived
Experienced
Loved, cried, sang, danced and grieved
She saw herself as the Wise Woman
One who now held her grandchildren
Cradled as she once cradled her own children
Having time to just sit with the little ones
And listen to their imaginations create tales
Of wonder and magic
Again she smiled
In the knowledge that she was at peace
With herself, with her body, with her heart
She was Maga, the wise one
And she was filled with joy