image from Nichole at pinterest.com
poem submitted to "1480" poetry contest, Brian Strand, sponsor 6/12/2026
Within the painting, an elderly woman sits~ the years have finally loosened their grip, leaving only the calm that comes after life’s long journey. Her face holds the hush of lavender dawn~ lines like soft arroyos each one a testament to the life she carried with grace. Around her, butterflies drift~ not bright, frantic things, but slow-winged keepers of wisdom, their bodies lit with a pale, almost holy shimmer. They hover near her temples as if listening to the quiet stories she no longer needs to speak. They settle on her shoulders like blessings, like memories that have finally learned how to rest. One lands on her shoulder, folding and unfolding its wings in a rhythm flowing with this truth~ nothing learned is ever lost. She smiles, acknowlodging the peace she has become~ a peace earned slowly, tenderly, the way morning light learns to warm a room. Within the canvas' stillness you can almost hear the hush of wisdom taking flight.
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