Wrinkles and Greys

Abstract

I wrote this poem as an ode to my spectacular girlfriend about how I know her to be. She struggles with deep-rooted ideals of what “beauty” is, and what it isn't. This poem hopes to challenge the narrative that has been pushed so heavily on people, especially women, that aging is something to be afraid of. That somehow their worth will diminish as more natural processes occur. However, I don't see it that way. My girlfriend is the most beautiful person I know, truly. Not just in her completely stunning visual appearance, but who she is. I don't see the lines on her face as blemishes, to me they are simply a part of what makes her, and she is beautiful. When I see her grey hairs, I see the strength that she has inside herself. In sharing this poem, I hope to show other people the beauty that they carry, and tell people that aging is something to feel accomplished about. My girlfriend is who she is because of the life she's lived, and I happen to be madly in love with the person she is.