This Momentary Skin

It's not about music, but the weekend before last I turned 32. So here's a little something about getting older. 💜

...

I started noticing them a few years ago -The beginning of age spots.

At first I thought I must be mistaken.

But indeed time is in my hands. 

It's a product of the years and sunlight - what little passed through the zinc

Those older than me will say just wait that's nothing 

Those younger will say not to me and grab the retinol 

Is it a blessing or a curse?

Having time written across you

The lines only deepen with every passing day

It's got weight - the reality 

Holding it can cause your back to bend 

But I've never been able to fear it, never been able to scoff at it

You might say that's because you're still somewhat young

Maybe

But they are my marks, my timeline 

I know aging is painful, too

I'm reminded how it's something my grandfather and mother didn't fully do

So I don't begrudge these early signs 

We're all just getting in line 

To go, to leave, to be unraveled by the clock

It's never been ours to stay

Gray sprouts poke out unruly over my mud-colored hair

I settle them gently over my head with respect 

They are a silver lining

Advertisers and American society (maybe they are just one in the same?) all the sudden know my name

They clamor over to me with their bleak narrative of getting older

As if I could buy my way out

As if I needed to

They love to shout in our direction 

Make this correction!

Messages on messages 

None of which I internalize

I take notes from the Creator 

Have you forgotten you are fashioned particularly - with Devine thought and intention? 

Artfully 

Beauty has so many definitions -

One of them is most assuredly is the definition across your face - pressed into lines by laughter, tears, and anger.

Dearest, how could you be anything else?

The young have elasticity, flexibility and parties 

I'm so glad they do

So I can see generations before me and after me

What a gift to witness life

What a blessing to be given time to grow in to this momentary skin