What I love about midlife

We’re finally acknowledging the crisis.
Things have mostly fallen apart and now
they can only come together in new ways
or maybe not – and that too is fine because
you’re beyond caring (your hormones take
care of that). Your body becomes an ally, a
friend you’ve travelled rich journeys with.
You see her differently and often drape an arm
around her waist or shoulder and walk with her.
You see her wrinkles and grey hair as badges
as a certificate towards your overall growth.
Your hips become wider so you sit better
and there is more room in the body for what
is inside to do its thing. You love solitude.
People ignore you and the pressure eases
a great deal. What I love about midlife is how
it unfurls a parachute for you, breaking what
could have been a crash and turning it into
a free-fall in which you get to enjoy the scenery
and the sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach.