Enlightened

I'm not so young anymore
no longer pretty
staring at my reflection
I am amazed.
who is this woman?

once I was carefree
innocent and trusting
experience changes things
knowledge gained
at a cost

decisions made in haste
worth it?
sometimes it was
other times not
but I learned

wisdom replaces youth
intolerance becomes understanding
judgement, reconsidered
instead, a hand offered
or a thought

the girl is still inside
entwined with the woman
I am both
reckless and sure
wise, yet teachable

so I caution you
do not misinterpret
my gentle demeanor
for weakness
but as strength

life has been hard
as for many
the little lines earned
tears along the way
laughter too

sharing knowledge with
those who ask
gentle kisses and
comforting hugs
for a friend

an image in the mirror
reflection of my life
memories...and lessons
seeking my path and
finding it

a painfully shy girl
and a confident woman
insecure? sometimes
brazen? occasionally
underestimated often

looking back with regret
remembering with a smile
anticipating new things
embracing all things
enlightened