Poem and Artwork by Mandy Lee Berger
Finding my first white hair was the most exciting time for me
It meant I had survived and was getting older
Each new grey or white hair is a victory for me
Not ever something I feel ashamed of, but a triumph
A two fingered salute to all the depression
and people who tried to snuff me out.
People have become obsessed;
getting rid of every wrinkle, every grey hair.
They nip and tuck and lift and dye and bleach;
a desperate attempt to cling to youth.
For me, every wrinkle, every grey hair I wear
is a Badge of Honour
It means I am winning.
It means that one day all my hair may be as white as snow
and I will look like the crone who lives in me.
Some mythical magic that is only born as we age.
It cannot be seen unless you grow old gracefully,
loving every single wrinkle, grey hair and line.
They are your lineage and your legacy.
The wisdom you hold and the challenges overcome.
Never be ashamed of your history,
for it is your treasure map to your future.
It is written in all the blood, sweat and tears
earning you your place amongst the wise sages
and that… is something to be revered.
Mandy Lee Berger
Mandy Lee Berger is an actress, writer, spoken word poet and artist. She has done many paintings , as well as written many spoken word poems about her battle with depression, anxiety and CPTSD. She uses her art to help communicate her experiences with the illness. She is very excited to be part of Fearless Femme and share her art with you all.
