i hope my words are strange and wondrous,

like kisses that quiet all things superfluous,

so that we can all stop and

listen

it is an aspiration of mine,

beauty.

what exactly does it mean though?

to aspire to beauty?

well...

i aspire to be beauty,

in my physical health and appearance,

in my spiritual, godly development,

in my character as a woman, and a person

in my traces, my journey, my story i leave behind.

i aspire to see beauty

in the poor and needy,

in the seeking and confused,

in the proud and self-absorbed,

in the humble and meek

i aspire to give beauty

to as many people who cross my path every day,

whether it be through a smile, a laugh, some time, or a relationship.

to the world that gave so much beauty to me,

through hands that pen words, make food, hold others, and create.

so i may be collecting years,

but really,

i'm not getting very old.