Beauty

You smile and your eyes have a twinkle and shine
You laugh and the sound has deepened in joy over time

The years you have lived  only add to your grace
The prayer and tears for loved ones show in lovely lines etched on your face

Your graciousness glows from a source deep within
The world can't understand and cannot possibly dim

Kind words and action pour forth from your living
You feel joy the most when you are serving and giving

The Jesus you serve has worn away edges of self
till you give without thinking of self cost and amounts

And because when you've walked through life's shadowy valleys
and to continue to  trust God in spite of faith challenges

your sweetness and strength have only grown more
You influence generations standing watch at the door

So here's to you lovely lady with a crown of grey hair
you personify beauty, love, grace and care.

_________________________________________________________________________________

The backstory...

I started this poem just before my little family and I moved to New Plymouth.  It is a gift and tribute to many women several generations older than myself who inspired and blessed me greatly in their kindness, wisdom and generosity while I was living in Tauranga.

To Sharon Van Am, Karen Glover, Jackie Burne, Maria Ekons and Fran Lorenz particularly this is for you with a big metaphorical hug attached!!

Lots of love

Rach

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