End of Oblivion
Trenta-Sei poem for menopausal women
A woman's hallmark: her flow is her flame
Vital, essential, the bearer of life
When her menses ends, why must she feel shame
She's a daughter, a mother, someone's wife
Oblivion takes her when the fireworks cease
Taboo and tired, no honor, no peace
~
Vital, essential, the bearer of life
Maiden's cycle to a mother's rich womb
The female warrior of labor's strife
Fertility is where the daisies bloom
Blood of blood, only a woman's magick
Why must people deem cessation tragic
~
When her menses ends, why must she feel shame
Midlife transition is always normal
An absence of flow does not change her name
One naive doctor will jilt her formal
Practitioners need fresh education
Menopause warrants more dedication
~
She's a daughter, a mother, someone's wife
Loving and lively, active with a voice
An era's end should not equal her strife
As if a bodily change were her choice
Many chapters to write and stories to tell
Aging is a privilege, don't make it her hell
~
Oblivion takes her when the fireworks cease
Feeling forgotten, useless, and misjudged
It's physical, emotional, support her, please
Praise her level-up era, think not begrudged
Society makes her feel out of sight and mind
A walk it back prompt: to always be kind
~
Taboo and tired, no honor, no peace
When the monthly flow no longer exists
Think of the future: daughter, sister, or niece
How might we correct what society resists
Mayhap rewrite the title: Maiden, Mother, Crone
Matriarch ousts Crone as leader, woman, backbone
~
Author's Note: For this entry, I used the Trenta-Sei poem created by poet John Ciardi. This 36-line poem has a specific rhyme pattern and refrains.
Recently, I turned 54 and celebrated the mark of menopause. Although discussed more in our modern day, greater headway is necessary, as taboos still hurt our middle-aged women
I altered "Crone" in the Triple Goddess Symbol to honor women with a more uplifting word.
About the Creator
Marilyn Glover
Poet, writer, & editor, writing to uplift humanity. A Spiritual person who practices Reiki and finds inspiration in nature.
Mother of four, grandmother of two, British American dual citizen living in the States
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By LUCCIAN LAYTH5 days ago in Critique
Comments (3)
I am not there yet but I can imagine the horror. Aging, other life problems, to that this problem. It must be very very overwhelming.
You nailed this form of poetry so brilliantly! Also, loved your unique take on this challenge!
This was such a beautiful and important poem to read. I really liked how you spoke up for women going through this change and reminded us that aging is a privilege, not something to be ashamed of. Changing the word "Crone" to "Matriarch" is a wonderful idea. It sounds so much more respectful and stronger!