Reflections in the Looking Glass

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.

Author Photo by Irina Kolomijets

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

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

37 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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. 🙂

  4. That was a great poem. Sorry to hear that you got hurt recently, and I hope you have a speedy recovery!

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Thanks Rajani. I can feel your love across the oceans. 🙂 <3 Yes, I'm slightly feeling better though not yet fully recovered...

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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. 🌻

  12. 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!

  13. 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 ❤️

  14. 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.

  15. 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

  16. 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. 🙂

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