Written By: Hannah Tayla
Last year I wrote a poem called "Woman: What is it that makes her special?". It was inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman”. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at one of my previous high- school teacher's retirement ceremony. This revised version is dedicated to her.
What is it that makes Her special?
Is it the galaxies within her eyes? Or simply her gracious presence beneath azure skies?
Her ardent breasts adorn her undaunted chest, indicating her growing capacity to love and be loved. Within the mightiness of her bosom, her enduring love resides. Her back bends heavy with the weight of a lifetime over unseen labours. Her nimble fingers weave textures and tapestries of paint with purpose.
You delight in the details of the aesthetic.
It is your beautiful mind that imagines
It is your spirit that compels
It is your heart that pulses in every stroke of paint:
Your soul expressed on canvas.
Your sighs betray your silent struggles.
With each dab, dip and drawing, you go through the tides of emotion and excitement that comes with each work.
What is it that makes her great?
Is it the swing in her hips or the resilience in her stride?
Or the fire from her lips and her refusal to hide?
Her hips swing to the music of her spirit. Her stride beats the rhythms of the everyday.
It is a stride that speaks of hope.
A stride that pushes through adversity.
A stride that doesn’t falter.
Maps are engraved in the palms of her hands, revealing the many unmerciful journeys she has taken, each crease a story of hope and heartbreak – where art and war are reconciled.
What is it that makes her endearing?
Her sweet laughter emanates from the bottomless well of her fearless passion for life and love. The waves in her hair indicate her many invisible crowns. For she is royalty. She is magnificent.
You are
Beautiful at every age
Strong from the seasons
Enduring from the journey
Generous in every circumstance
Hardworking even in the suffering
I hope you know that you are wonderful, you are lovely, you are sublime.
I hope you know that your journey was not in vain, the seeds of your labour have not gone unnoticed, especially those you sowed in seasons of pain.
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