Becoming Sheela

My days of makeup

and the doing of my hair

may be coming to an end.

If it weren’t for my transparent lashes

and disappearing brow,

I might ask myself:

“Why bother?

What good does it do?

I’m invisible already.”

My once full and curling tresses

have lost their luster

and their changing texture would rather frizz than curl.

Untamed like an old woman.

Gravity and cortisol winning the war

over my once trim and toned body

as from the mirror I look away.

The war against aging is one we cannot win.

So why bother trying?

As aging has its way with me

I’ll become the Sheela na Gig

I was always meant to be.

copyright Lauri Ann Lumby


Returning – a woman’s midlife journey to herself, lays bare the complexity and beauty of the midlife pursuit of authenticity. Through poetry and prose, Lauri Ann Lumby reveals how creative expression leads to understanding, wisdom and fulfillment. With writing, drawing and reflection exercises, Returning becomes more than a confession, inviting you to plumb the depths of your soul for the magnificent treasures held within.

A Knock at the Door

Walking through the dark wood.
My home.
A fire burning in the hearth.
The forest mystic.

A knock at the door.
An ancient woman.
The Magdalene.
The Horned God.

Chaos and crisis in the outside world.
But here there is shelter, protection, stillness, and peace.
All find comfort here.

The Magdalene and I on a walking journey.
Finding buried bones.
Crawling into the grave atop of those bones,
absorbing them into myself.
Taking back my life.

A raven.
An owl.
My own wolf-dog.
All becoming a part of me.
Calling back my magic.

Returning home to my beloved.
Another knock at the door.
Ancient woman with a golden book
magically written in light.
Words uniquely mine.
They enter into me
and I speak.