Menopause
(Inspired by an essay by Ursula K Le Guin,
“The Space Crone”, 1976).
Ursula urges me to
become a Crone
to not bemoan
my declining hormones
to wear grey hair
catch a space ship
somewhere out there
so I can share
my wit, my wisdom
my years of fertility
raising children
(ensuring my humility)
so the fourth planet Altair
can learn about the human race
from a woman (once a virgin)
and now a Crone (on loan)
But I’m all for my inner space
and I won’t go grey
well, not yet, not today
there’s plenty of time
because I still want to play
to flaunt in the twilight
my age now my highlight
on the cusp of something
almost a Crone – not quite
ready for Ursula’s throne
but not afraid either
thumb out – hitching a ride
not looking back, nor
particularly forward
pausing as they say – oh,
but not for men
for me!
Maggie Rainey-Smith