Wechseljahre

I was talking to a friend this afternoon about matters of growing up (my daughter) and growing old (me). We were discussing whether my daughter’s yearning to experience something new is stronger than those of mine for something different in my life.

So many of the women I know, who are my age, are asking themselves, “What next?” or “Is this it?” In German, the word for menopause in “Wechseljahre”. This is interesting because the word’s literal translation is then years to shift, alternate, replace, modify.

In my imagination I see menopause as a pause or a suspension: perhaps from being young. Whereas, once again in my imagination, I see “Wechseljahre” as years of transition or modification. Somehow it seems much more loving.

I know my German friends, particularly Tine and Susanne, are probably shaking their heads at this linguistically wild interpretation. For, undoubtedly, menopause is menopause whatever the language, and not weighted with any positive or loving connotations. Still, it nice to live under the illusion.

Too Close & Far Apart

My teenage daughter
Slips & slides around
Her emotional
Obstacle course
Of prickly hindrances:
Exasperation, Aggravation, Irritation.
Emotions rising up
So unexpectedly
Before her, us… me
She finds it hard
To circumnavigate
Their prevailing influences.

They prick & sting.
She leaves behind
Bleeding droplets
Of lost innocence.
Bruised heart,
Wounded ego.
Too close &
So far apart.