Soft All Over

I'm obsessed with disappointment lately,

disturbed and angry at the way

time just happened to paint my face. 

I don't like it! "Who are you, damn it?"

I keep asking myself every time I pass a mirror.

My vanity's wearing thin and I can't find that

promise I made, to keep my skin from slipping

down the drain.

Let go! Let go! My bones keep crying!

This is what's supposed to happen,

maybe not today, maybe not this year,

but one day when you'll come around that sneaky bend

you're going to take a deep breath and exhale!

Even if your pants don't fall around your ankles

you'll finally feel a little lighter, less inclined to fret.

Smooth skin, bright eyes, lush lips . . .

there was a time they cost you nothing.

Firm breasts, tight buttocks . . . these were tokens

easily won when the race was just beginning.

Now you're soft all over.  Learn to love it!

After all, the young will never seek their comfort

from a stiff old crone.  Smile more, sing more,

dance your dance of softness and let yourself be Love.

Joanne Cucinello  2012