I catch her reflection in the looking glass
and see an inner glow, true beauty
that stems from all she stands for
Each strand of hair on her crown
is strength, an heirloom
from a long lineage of gentle warriors
Her mind is open hands
welcoming and extending,
a community to anyone in need
I’ve heard people ask, “Who is she?”
It’s the confidence and grace
in every step she takes
An African queen —
she needs no introduction,
for every interaction is a lasting impression
She’s never been a firecracker
the dynasty thrives on her soft and strong,
that’s her timeless charm
When I gaze upon her regal face
I see a mischievous glint, defiance,
challenging whoever said youth is a memory
Remember her beauty lies in what she comes to be,
self-awareness standing face to face
with challenges and victories.
PS. If you read my newsletter, you know the story of how I ended up at the ER and hospitalized two weeks ago. This poem is a response to my suggestion of writing a love letter to yourself. And of course, you know all women are queens. 🙂
If you’re not a subscriber I ask, when was the last time you treated yourself with compassion? Go write yourself a love letter! ♥
Enjoy your Sunday and Happy May Day, in advance.
PPS. Feature Photo by Tuva Mathilde Løland on Unsplash
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You kept a regal, stately feel throughout the piece, which I love. I love the whole concept of writing a love-letter to oneself and yours turned out so well, letting us see the strength and gentleness inside.
LOL, trying to post again because I think my comment was eaten. But I love how regal it turned out, and how you balanced strength and gentleness.
Thank you, Rommy. I’m so glad to hear that this piece turned out well. It was very difficult to write. But I guess the assumed voice is the beauty of a persona poem. It gives us leeway to distance ourselves from self, and write about at the same time. 🙂
Lol! I dug it out… 🙂
That was a great poem. Sorry to hear that you got hurt recently, and I hope you have a speedy recovery!
I’m so sorry to read that you were ill, Khaya. I hope you’re feeling better. Your love letter to yourself is beautiful and your photo is stunning. I love that we are each queens in our own lives. A wonderful post, full of lovely validation and strength. <3 <3
Ukumkanikazi Khaya, you’re a gem.
Beautiful poem!
Lovvvvveeee the picture and the idea of self-love and self-awareness. Hope you are feeling better now and fully recovered.
Hey Curtis, lovely to hear you around. Thank you for reading and well wishes. Much appreciated!
Thank you, Diana. I appreciate your comment so much. I’m also glad you love the idea that we are each queens in our own lives. <3 <3
Laura!!! The fact that you took time to look up the word “queen” in my mother tongue goes straight to my heart. I’m truly honoured, thank you. <3 <3 <3
Many thanks, Dawn!
Thanks Rajani. I can feel your love across the oceans. 🙂 <3 Yes, I'm slightly feeling better though not yet fully recovered...
Very kind of you to say – but I’m afraid I haven’t a clue as to how to actually speak it!
It’s enough that you can write it. 🙂
Indeed. Off to read the newsletter 😉
Sure thing, Khaya! You’re welcome and I’m glad you’re still posting on your blog. I haven’t been as active with how busy I’ve been.
Reminding ourselves just how wondrous we are, how much we can accomplish, how high we can rise… is the best of medicines. I hope all is well now. And always.
Bravo, Khaya! Fantastic!
“the dynasty thrives on her soft and strong,
that’s her timeless charm” ✨
Sorry to read you were in the hospital. Hope you’re doing well. 🌻
Love the woman you have portrayed… such a beautiful poem ♥
Many thanks, Kathy!
We have to keep reminding ourselves, Maga. <3
Thank you, Michele. Appreciate you reading!
How lovely to see you here, Mona! Thank you. <3
My pleasure, Khaya ♥
You are welcome, Khaya!
Gorgeous photo and stirring and affirming poem. Hope your health has returned!
Thank you Rebecca for your visit and reading. Much appreciated!
What a great exercise. And a great reflection to see. I have always been at odds with this mirror. But I love this post. And I am so glad you are OK!
Khaya, that is quite a challenge – writing a love letter to oneself! Yours is elegant, open, full of self-awareness and wisdom! The combination of soft and strong is a powerful contrast and yeah, wonderful the mischeivious glint from youth remains! The accompanying photo is perfect! Btw. I’ve just signed up for your news letter and got the introductory pack – thank you. Hope you are all okay and well now. xx ❤️
I’m so glad Christina you like this post. I can relate to being at odds with mirror. But we must embrace our beautiful selves, warts and all.
I completely agree. Writing a love letter to oneself can be challenging, because it requires a lot of self-compassion. But we have to pause once in a while, and appreciate the reflection in the mirror. Thank you so much for journeying with me in search for beauty. I hope you’ll find the newsletter useful. Yes, thank you, I’m doing OK today. <3
I am catching up her Khaya, and have just signed up for your newsletter. I am hoping you are well now.
It’s always lovely to see you here. And yes, I’m feel much better now. Thank you for taking time to read, and subscribing for the newsletter. I hope you find it useful or at least it provokes some thoughts. 🙂