Woman

As I gazed naked into the mirror

I felt

the betrayal of my best friend

who had divulged my deepest secrets

and cynically snickered before my eyes,

the eye that the crows have come to rest on

leaving reminders with the imprints of their feet

Reminders,  that I am no longer and young beautiful girl

I have become an attractive middle aged woman.

It is not that I did not anticipate the transistion

but it all seemed so sudden.

As I gazed into the mirroe

I came to the realization that

the woman possessed more knowledge, kindness and deeper sense of herself

 than the girl.

At that moment, I smiled

affectionately kissing

the girl good-bye.

While passionately embracing the woman.

Lynne 1997