The Woman I am Becoming: A Poem by Jayne Relaford Brown

I haven’t been much into poems but in the past few months, I find I get them. This one, I found online a while back and wanted to share it here today. It is a beautiful one about becoming the woman you are meant to be, and it struck a chord.

I am a survivor who has known great pain but doesn’t allow it to make me bitter. I can outlast and survive anything anyone wants to throw at me, as I have done it. I am here today, all because I had the courage to keep going, even when others around me tried so hard to take me out. I will keep doing it, will keep striving for better, not bitter, as it is who I am, and who I want to be.

I am becoming the woman I’ve wanted,
grey at the temples,
soft body, delighted,
cracked up by life
with a laugh that’s known bitter
but, past it, got better,
knows she’s a survivor–
that whatever comes,
she can outlast it.
I am becoming a deep
weathered basket.

I am becoming the woman I’ve longed for,
the motherly lover
with arms strong and tender,
the growing up daughter
who blushes surprises.
I am becoming full moons
and sunrises.

I find her becoming,
this woman I’ve wanted,
who knows she’ll encompass,
who knows she’s sufficient,
knows where she’s going
and travels with passion.
Who remembers she’s precious,
but knows she’s not scarce–
who knows she is plenty,
plenty to share.
– Jayne Relaford Brown, author